10 Best Colored Pencils For Drawing (2024 Update)

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When it comes to creating artwork, colored pencils are a versatile medium that can be used for a variety of techniques and styles. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start when looking for colored pencils for drawing. Here are five key points to consider when searching for the perfect set:

1. Quality: Look for high-quality colored pencils that have a good reputation among artists. Cheaper options may not have the same pigment intensity or blendability as more expensive brands.

2. Pigment: The pigment quality is essential when it comes to colored pencils. Higher quality pencils will have more pigment, which means the colors will be more vibrant and blend better.

3. Color range: Consider the color range of the pencils. Some sets may have a limited range of colors, while others may offer a more extensive selection. Choose a set that suits your needs and the types of artwork you want to create.

4. Hardness: Colored pencils come in different hardness levels, which affect how they perform on paper. Softer pencils are better for blending and layering, while harder pencils are ideal for fine details and crisp lines.

5. Brand reputation: Lastly, consider the reputation of the brand you are buying from. Research reviews and feedback from other artists to ensure you are purchasing a reliable brand with products that meet your needs.

By keeping these key points in mind, you can narrow down your search and find the perfect set of colored pencils for your drawing needs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, the right set of pencils can make all the difference in the quality of your artwork.

10 Best Colored Pencils For Drawing

1. Zenacolor 72 Count Colored Pencil Set With Case – Premium Soft Artist Pencils For Adult Coloring And Crafts.

The Zenacolor 72 Count Color Pencil Set with Case is a must-have for anyone who loves to express their creativity through art. With its multipurpose design, this set of colored pencils is perfect for coloring books, sketching, drawing, shading, scrapbooking, mandalas, art therapy and adult coloring, writing, mixed media art projects, patterns, highlighting, stippling, blending, and burnishing.

This set of colored pencils has a wide range of color choices, including black, white, pastels, and vibrant shades, allowing you to create masterpieces with ease. The Zenacolor 72 Count Color Pencil Set with Case is perfect for both amateurs and professional artists alike, thanks to the extra strong 3.3mm lead core in each pencil.

The practical design of this colored pencil set ensures that your art supplies are always organized. With three handy folding pouches for easy storage, each colored pencil has a separate slot, so you never lose your favorite color, or any color, for that matter! Rubber bands keep your colored pencils in place, ensuring that they are always ready for use.

This set of colored pencils is also perfect for artists on the go. The flexible pencil cases fit easily into any bag, so you can take your Zenacolor sketch pencils with you anywhere you go. As long as you have a sketch pad, you'll never miss another drawing opportunity!

The Zenacolor 72 Count Color Pencil Set with Case is perfect for anyone who wants to express their creativity through art. Whether you are an amateur or a professional artist, this set of colored pencils is sure to inspire you to create your best work yet. With its practical design, wide range of colors, and extra strong lead core, this set of colored pencils is a must-have for anyone who loves to draw, sketch, or color.

2. 73-Piece Art Kit With Zippered Case For Drawing And Sketching, Including Pencils, Sketch Book, Coloring Book, And Metallic Charcoal Pencils For Adults, Teens, Kids, And Beginners.

The Soucolor 73 Art Supplies for Adults Teens Kids Beginners is a complete 73-piece art supplies drawing kit and sketch set for artists of all skill levels. This all-in-one drawing supplies kit includes every tool, sketch pad, and even a coloring book, making it an essential art supply kit for creating dynamic art works with coloring, drawing, sketching, shading, and blending.

The superior quality drawing set includes 12 graphite pencils, 12 colored pencils, 12 watercolor pencils, 12 charcoal pencils, 12 metallic coloring pencils, 1 sandpaper block, 1 pencil extender, 1 paint brush, 1 sharpener, 1 art knife, 1 eraser pencil, 3 blending paper stumps, and 1 water brush pen. Additionally, the kit comes with a premium sketch book and a coloring book, allowing artists to start drawing, sketching, and coloring as soon as they receive the kit.

The travel-size case keeps the artist supplies drawing stuff organized and protected, making it an ideal gift for kids, teens, adults, boys, girls, students, beginners, hobbyists, and artists. The high-end drawing sketch kit is packed in a beautifully gift zipper case, which does not take up space and can be put in a backpack.

The artist qualities drawing sketch supplies are safe for use, eco-friendly, and made of non-toxic odorless materials. The high quality art pencils for shading and blending allow artists to develop technical skills and easily create beautiful works. The bright and vibrant colors provide smooth coloring, without breaking or cracking, making it easy to shade and blend, draw, sketch, doodle, and color.

Soucolor stands by their superior quality and customer service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If customers are not happy with the product at any time, Soucolor offers a full replacement or refund, and customers can keep the art kit. They are confident that customers will enjoy this art set and create beautiful art projects with ease and fun.

3. Derwent Chromaflow Colored Pencils Set Of 72, 4mm Wide Core, Multicolor, Professional Quality Art Supplies For Drawing, Blending, Sketching.

The Derwent Chromaflow Colored Pencils Tin is a set of 72 high-quality colored pencils that offer a wide spectrum of rich and highly-pigmented colors, making it an ideal gift for the holiday season for anyone who loves to create art.

Each pencil has a 4mm wide core that is strong and can handle pressure when sharpening and in use, ensuring that the pencils last longer and provide consistent results. The smooth and creamy texture of these pencils allows for easy blending and layering, making them perfect for drawing, blending, and sketching.

Derwent has a long-standing heritage in creating art supplies that meet the highest standards, and the Chromaflow pencils are no exception. Each pencil is inspected to ensure that it meets the brand's quality standards, making them a reliable and trustworthy choice for professional artists and beginners alike.

The set of 72 colors includes a bold palette that covers a wide range of hues, from vibrant reds and blues to subtle pastels and earth tones. The pencils are perfect for creating a variety of artworks, from detailed illustrations to abstract compositions.

The Derwent Chromaflow Colored Pencils Tin is an excellent choice for anyone who loves to create art and wants to experiment with a variety of colors and techniques. The tin provides a convenient and organized way to store and transport the pencils, making it easy for artists to take their creativity on the go.

Overall, the Derwent Chromaflow Colored Pencils Tin is a high-quality set of colored pencils that offers an excellent value for the price. With its smooth texture, bold palette, and durable core, it is an excellent choice for artists of all levels who are looking for a reliable and versatile set of colored pencils.

4. Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, 60 Pack

Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, 60 Pack is an excellent choice for beginner artists and crafters who are looking for high-quality, vibrant colored pencils. These pencils are designed to provide a smooth, soft lead for superior blending and shading, making it easy to create beautiful, professional-looking artwork.

One of the key features of Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils is their hardened cores, which resist breakage and ensure that the pencils will last for a long time. The leads are also designed to be durable and long-lasting, which is important for artists who want to create intricate details and shading in their artwork.

The 60-pack of Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils includes a wide range of brilliant colors, allowing artists to create a wide range of color combinations and effects. The colors are also highly pigmented, which means that they will provide a rich, vibrant look that really pops.

In addition to their high-quality lead and vibrant colors, Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils are also very easy to use. The pencils are well-balanced and comfortable to hold, which makes it easy to control the pencil and create the desired effect. This is especially important for beginner artists who are just starting to develop their skills.

Overall, Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, 60 Pack is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for high-quality art pencils that are easy to use and produce stunning results. With their durable lead, vibrant colors, and comfortable design, these pencils are sure to become a favorite among artists of all skill levels.

5. Crayola Colored Pencil Set, School Supplies, Assorted Colors, 36 Count, Long

The Crayola Colored Pencil Set is a top-quality product that is perfect for school supplies. This set includes 36 vibrant and creamy pencil colors that are sure to inspire creativity and imagination.

One of the standout features of this colored pencil set is its durability. The soft cores are designed to be strong and resistant to breaking, so kids can use them without worrying about them breaking easily. Additionally, the tips are presharpened and ready for use right out of the box, making it easy for kids to get started on their art projects.

As for the colors themselves, the Crayola Colored Pencil Set includes a wide range of hues that are perfect for a variety of art projects. Whether kids are working on a school assignment or just drawing for fun, they'll have plenty of options to choose from. The colors are also creamy and vibrant, which means they'll stand out on paper and create beautiful artwork.

This colored pencil set is also safe and non-toxic, making it ideal for kids ages 5 and up. Parents and teachers can feel confident that their children are using a high-quality product that won't harm their health.

Overall, the Crayola Colored Pencil Set is an excellent choice for anyone looking for school supplies or art materials. With its vibrant colors, durable design, and safe materials, it's sure to inspire creativity in kids of all ages.

6. Arteza Kids Erasable Colored Pencils – Set Of 48, Triangular, Pre-Sharpened Art Supplies For School, Home, Doodling, And Drawing.

The Arteza Kids Erasable Colored Pencils set is a fantastic art supply for children who are looking to express their creativity. With a set of 48 brightly colored pencils, this set is perfect for school, home, doodling, and drawing. Each pencil is pre-sharpened and comes with its own eraser, making it easy for young artists to correct their mistakes and start again.

One of the key features of this set is the durability of the pencils. The break-resistant core ensures that the pencils won't easily crack or crumble, even when used frequently. This makes them an excellent choice for children who tend to be heavy-handed while drawing or coloring.

Another unique feature of the Arteza Kids Erasable Colored Pencils is their triangular barrel design. The pencils are ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in children's hands, reducing fatigue and making them easier to use for extended periods. This design also helps prevent the pencils from rolling off tables or desks, making them an ideal choice for classroom use.

The Arteza Kids Erasable Colored Pencils were created by artists who are passionate about inspiring creativity in people of all ages. The company's goal is to make high-quality art supplies accessible to everyone, regardless of their skill level or background. This commitment to inclusivity is evident in the range of art supplies offered by Arteza, which includes a wide variety of painting, drawing, and crafting materials.

Overall, the Arteza Kids Erasable Colored Pencils set is an excellent choice for children who love to draw and color. With their bright colors, durability, and comfortable design, these pencils are sure to inspire creativity and provide hours of artistic fun. Whether used at home or in the classroom, these pencils are a versatile and valuable addition to any young artist's toolkit.

Best Colored Pencils For Drawing FAQs

Can I use colored pencils for professional artwork or just for hobby drawing?

Yes, colored pencils can be used for professional artwork. In fact, many professional artists and illustrators use colored pencils as a medium of choice for their artwork. Colored pencils offer a wide range of vibrant colors, fine lines, and shading capabilities that can produce stunning results. The quality of colored pencils has improved over the years, with many brands offering high-quality pigments and durable leads that can withstand the demands of professional use. Some artists also combine colored pencils with other mediums such as watercolor or ink to create unique effects in their artwork. Ultimately, the use of colored pencils for professional artwork depends on the artist's skill and preference. With proper technique and practice, colored pencils can be used to create professional-grade artwork that can be displayed and sold in galleries or exhibitions.

How do I choose the right colored pencils for my drawings?

Choosing the right colored pencils for your drawings largely depends on your personal preferences, the desired outcome, and the type of paper you plan to use. The first step is to consider the quality of the colored pencils, which is often reflected in price. High-quality pencils are made with superior pigments and offer a broader range of colors, allowing for greater precision and blending. The second factor to consider is the color range of the pencils. Some sets include pastels, vibrant hues, earth tones, and metallics, among others. The third factor is the type of paper you plan to use. Some colored pencils work better on textured paper, while others work best on smooth surfaces. It's also important to test the pencils on the paper you plan to use to ensure that they produce the desired effect. In conclusion, choosing the right colored pencils for your drawings requires a balance of quality, color range, and compatibility with your chosen paper.

What are some techniques for using colored pencils in drawing?

Colored pencils are a versatile medium that can be used to create a wide range of effects in drawings. Some techniques to make the most of colored pencils include layering, blending, burnishing, and mixing colors.

Layering involves building up layers of color to create depth and dimension in the drawing. Blending can be achieved by using a blending tool or by layering colors over each other to create a smooth transition between them. Burnishing involves applying heavy pressure to the pencil to create a polished, smooth surface.

Mixing colors can be done by layering different colors over each other or by using a colorless blender to create a new color. Other techniques include cross-hatching, stippling, and scumbling, which can be used to create different textures and shading effects.

By experimenting with these techniques and combining them in different ways, artists can create beautiful and unique drawings with colored pencils.

What are the best colored pencils for drawing?

When it comes to choosing the best colored pencils for drawing, there are several factors to consider. The quality of the pigment, the texture of the lead, and the overall durability of the pencil are all important considerations. Some of the top brands for colored pencils include Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, and Derwent. These brands offer a range of options, from beginner sets to professional-grade pencils.

One of the key features of high-quality colored pencils is the intensity of the color. Pigments that are highly concentrated tend to produce more vibrant colors, which is especially important for artists who want to create bold and striking images. The texture of the lead is also important, as it can affect the ease of blending and layering colors.

Ultimately, the best colored pencils for drawing will depend on the individual artist's preferences and needs. It is important to consider factors such as the type of paper being used, the intended style of the artwork, and the overall budget when choosing colored pencils. By taking the time to research and compare different options, artists can find the perfect set of colored pencils to bring their vision to life.

What brands of colored pencils are preferred by professional artists for drawing?

Professional artists prefer colored pencils from brands that offer a wide range of colors, high-quality pigments, and excellent blending capabilities. Some of the preferred brands of colored pencils among professional artists include Faber-Castell Polychromos, Prismacolor Premier, Caran d'Ache Luminance, and Derwent Coloursoft.

Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils are renowned for their oil-based pigments, which provide a smooth and even color laydown. Prismacolor Premier pencils offer a wide range of vibrant colors, excellent blending capabilities, and a soft wax core that allows for easy layering. Caran d'Ache Luminance colored pencils offer rich, lightfast pigments that produce intense colors and are designed to resist fading over time.

Lastly, Derwent Coloursoft pencils are known for their soft, velvety texture, which makes them ideal for blending and shading. Ultimately, the choice of colored pencils depends on personal preference, but these are some of the most popular brands among professional artists.

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