10 Best Colored Pencils For Artists

The PRISMACOLOR Premier Colored Pencils set is a popular choice among artists, primarily due to its extensive color range of 150 vibrant hues, allowing for a wide spectrum of artistic expression. The pigment quality is generally praised, delivering rich and intense colors that can enhance any artwork. With a thick point type, these pencils are designed to cover larger areas with ease, making them suitable for both detailed and broad sketches.

These pencils are notable for their excellent blendability, allowing artists to effortlessly create smooth gradients and transitions between colors. The core hardness is on the softer side, which aids in achieving an even, creamy application but may lead to quicker wear and the need for frequent sharpening. The durability of the leads is generally good, but their softness can sometimes result in breakage if too much pressure is applied.

Ease of sharpening is an important feature, and Prismacolor Premier pencils are known for sharpening well without much breakage, although the soft lead may still pose a challenge if not handled carefully. The pencils are also washable, making them suitable for various artistic techniques, including those that might involve some level of water application. Weighing in at 1.33 kg and designed for easy storage, the set is hefty yet manageable, catering well to adult artists who need a comprehensive palette at their fingertips.

The Derwent Lightfast Pencils Set is a solid choice for professional artists looking for high-quality colored pencils. One of its key strengths is the exceptional pigment quality, ensuring vibrant and rich color application. The pencils are 100% lightfast, meaning they resist fading from UV exposure for up to 100 years, making them ideal for artwork intended for display. The set includes 100 colors, providing a broad spectrum to choose from, which is beneficial for detailed and varied artwork.

The oil-based core contributes to its smooth and creamy texture, making color blending seamless. This is particularly useful for artists who require subtle transitions and shading effects. However, the 4mm thick core, while great for rich color laydown, might not suit those who prefer extremely fine details. Durability is another asset, thanks to its strong core, minimizing breakage during use. They are also easy to sharpen and fit standard sharpeners, which adds convenience.

On the downside, the set's premium quality comes at a higher price point, which could be a barrier for amateurs or those on a budget. Additionally, while the pencils are erasable, they might not erase cleanly on all paper types, which could be a concern for precision work. The tin packaging is a practical feature for storage and portability, keeping the pencils organized and protected. This set is particularly suited for artists who exhibit their work or those who require long-lasting vibrant colors, such as in fine art drawing and coloring.

The Sanford Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils set of 72 is a popular choice for artists looking for quality and versatility. These pencils feature rich, high-quality pigments that deliver vibrant colours, making them ideal for detailed and colourful artwork. Their cores are known for being soft and broad, which helps with smooth blending and layering of colours, a big plus for creating gradients and shaded effects. The pigment’s lightfastness—how well colours resist fading over time—is generally good, though some brighter colours might fade faster if exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. The cores are breakage-resistant, so the pencils hold up well during use and sharpening, which means less frustration and waste.

Speaking of sharpening, these pencils are made from quality wood that sharpens easily without splintering, allowing for fine points or softer edges depending on your technique. The wide colour range of 72 shades gives artists plenty of options, from basic colours to more specialised tones, supporting creativity in different art styles. On the downside, because the cores are quite soft, very sharp points might wear down quickly with heavy pressure, and the broad point style may not suit artists needing very fine detail work. The pencils are also a bit heavier compared to some other brands, which might feel less comfortable during long drawing sessions.

This set is best suited for adult artists or serious hobbyists who want vibrant colours and excellent blending ability with durable, easy-to-use pencils. It represents a solid pick for those seeking a comprehensive range to explore different artistic techniques, though those needing extremely fine precision might look elsewhere.