Best Colored Pencils for Artists – A Complete Buying Guide
Colored pencils may look simple, but don’t let their humble appearance fool you. In the hands of an artist, they become powerful tools capable of producing breathtaking realism, expressive sketches, and vibrant illustrations. From fine art galleries to casual sketchbooks, colored pencils have earned their place as a versatile and beloved medium.
Artists love colored pencils because they offer control, portability, and precision that few other mediums can match. Whether you’re a beginner just learning how to layer colors or a professional illustrator working on commissioned pieces, choosing the best colored pencils for artists can dramatically elevate your work.
Why Colored Pencils Are a Favorite Medium
Colored pencils give artists unmatched control over their strokes. Unlike paint, which can sometimes feel unpredictable, colored pencils respond exactly to pressure and movement. This makes them ideal for fine details, smooth gradients, and realistic textures.
Another big reason artists gravitate toward colored pencils is convenience. No drying time, no messy cleanup, and no complicated setup. You can open your sketchbook anywhere—at home, in a café, or while traveling—and start creating instantly.
Who Should Use Professional Colored Pencils
Professional colored pencils aren’t just for seasoned artists. Beginners who want to learn proper techniques can also benefit from higher-quality materials. These pencils provide smoother application, richer colors, and better blending, making the learning process far less frustrating.
If you plan to sell your artwork or create pieces meant to last, professional-grade colored pencils are essential. They offer superior lightfastness, meaning your art won’t fade over time, preserving your hard work for years.
Understanding Types of Colored Pencils
Not all colored pencils are created equal. Understanding the different types helps you pick the best option for your artistic style and goals.
Wax-Based Colored Pencils
Wax-based colored pencils are known for their soft, creamy cores. They glide effortlessly across paper, making blending and layering feel smooth and satisfying. Prismacolor Premier is one of the most popular examples in this category.
However, wax-based pencils can suffer from wax bloom, a cloudy film that appears over heavy layers. While it’s manageable, artists who prefer crisp finishes may find it slightly annoying.
Oil-Based Colored Pencils
Oil-based colored pencils have firmer cores, allowing for sharper details and cleaner lines. They’re less prone to wax bloom and hold their points longer, making them ideal for intricate work.
Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils are a standout choice here. They’re favored by illustrators and fine artists who value precision, durability, and consistent color output.
Watercolor Colored Pencils
Watercolor colored pencils combine drawing and painting in one medium. You can use them dry like regular colored pencils, then activate them with water to create painterly effects.
These pencils are perfect for artists who enjoy mixed media or want to experiment with expressive backgrounds and washes while still maintaining fine details.
Choosing the Right Type for Your Art Style
If you love soft shading and bold colors, wax-based pencils might be your best bet. For technical drawings and crisp realism, oil-based pencils shine. If versatility excites you, watercolor pencils open up endless creative possibilities.
The best approach is often mixing types. Many artists use oil-based pencils for details and wax-based pencils for blending, creating the best of both worlds.
What Makes a Colored Pencil High Quality
High-quality colored pencils stand out in three main areas: pigment strength, core performance, and durability.
Pigment Strength and Color Vibrancy
The heart of any colored pencil is its pigment. Premium pencils contain higher pigment concentrations, resulting in rich, vibrant colors that don’t require excessive pressure.
Stronger pigments also mean better color mixing and layering. You can achieve complex hues without muddying your artwork, which is essential for professional results.
Core Softness and Blendability
A well-balanced core should be soft enough to blend easily but firm enough to maintain control. Cheap pencils often feel scratchy or break easily, disrupting the creative flow.
High-end pencils allow smooth transitions between colors, making gradients and shadows look natural rather than forced.
Lightfastness and Longevity
Lightfastness measures how well colors resist fading when exposed to light. Artist-grade pencils often include lightfast ratings, helping you choose colors that will stand the test of time.
For archival artwork, this feature is non-negotiable. It ensures your art remains as vibrant years from now as it was the day you finished it.
Best Colored Pencils for Professional Artists
Professional artists demand consistency, durability, and exceptional color performance. These brands consistently rank among the best.
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
Prismacolor Premier pencils are famous for their ultra-soft cores and intense pigmentation. They’re a favorite among portrait artists and illustrators who rely on smooth blending.
While they require gentle handling due to softer cores, the payoff is unmatched richness and effortless layering that brings artwork to life.
Faber-Castell Polychromos
Polychromos pencils are oil-based and incredibly reliable. They sharpen beautifully, resist breakage, and excel at detailed work.
Artists who prefer precision and clean lines often swear by Polychromos, especially for realism and fine art illustrations.
Caran d’Ache Luminance
Caran d’Ache Luminance pencils are considered luxury tools in the art world. They offer exceptional lightfastness and buttery-smooth application.
Though expensive, they’re an investment for artists who prioritize archival quality and flawless color performance.
Best Colored Pencils for Beginners
Beginners don’t need to break the bank to get quality results. Several brands offer excellent performance at accessible prices.
Affordable Yet High-Quality Options
Brands like Prismacolor Scholar and Faber-Castell Goldfaber provide smooth application and vibrant colors without overwhelming new artists.
These sets help beginners practice techniques like layering and blending without the frustration caused by low-quality pencils.
Student vs Professional Sets
Student-grade pencils are designed for learning, while professional sets deliver maximum performance. Starting with student-grade and upgrading later is a smart, budget-friendly approach.
As skills improve, transitioning to professional pencils feels natural and rewarding.
Best Colored Pencils for Detailed Work
Detail-oriented artists need pencils that hold sharp points and deliver consistent strokes.
Fine Lines and Precision Drawing
Oil-based pencils excel at precision. Their firmer cores allow for crisp edges, tiny details, and controlled hatching.
This makes them ideal for architectural sketches, botanical illustrations, and hyper-realistic art.
Layering and Shading Control
High-quality pencils allow multiple layers without damaging the paper. This gives artists control over depth, contrast, and texture.
The result is artwork that feels dimensional and refined rather than flat.
Conclusion
Choosing the best colored pencils for artists isn’t about finding one perfect brand—it’s about finding the right tool for your unique style and goals. Whether you prefer soft, blendable wax-based pencils or precise oil-based options, investing in quality materials can transform your creative experience.
Think of colored pencils as extensions of your hands. When they respond smoothly and consistently, your ideas flow freely onto paper. Choose wisely, experiment often, and let your creativity take the lead.
FAQs About Best Colored Pencils for Artists
Are expensive colored pencils worth it?
Yes, professional colored pencils offer better pigmentation, blendability, and lightfastness, making them ideal for serious artists.
Which colored pencils are best for realism?
Prismacolor Premier and Faber-Castell Polychromos are top choices for realistic artwork.
Can beginners use professional colored pencils?
Absolutely. High-quality pencils can make learning easier and more enjoyable.
Do colored pencils expire?
They don’t expire, but poor storage can cause cores to dry or crack over time.
What paper works best with colored pencils?
Thick, textured paper designed for colored pencils provides better layering and blending results.
