10 Best Colored Pencils For Artists

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 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.

Caran d'Ache Luminance colored pencils are designed with professional artists in mind, offering 76 vibrant colors with a high pigment concentration that delivers bright, intense results. The leads are soft and smooth, making blending, shading, and layering easy, which is great for creating rich color gradations. These pencils are also lightfast and water-resistant, meaning your artwork will stay vivid and protected from fading over time.

The core hardness is medium (around HB), striking a balance that allows for both detailed work and smooth coverage. They’re made from high-quality cedar wood, which holds up well and is durable, though the soft lead means they require careful sharpening with a sharp pencil sharpener to avoid breakage. The round shape with end-sealed barrels helps prevent wood warping and makes them comfortable to hold. While they come in a broad color range perfect for detailed and professional work, beginners might find the softness a bit challenging at first, as it can wear down quickly if pressed too hard.

The included blenders add extra flexibility for mixing colors. The cardboard box is practical for storage but not as protective as a metal or wooden case. These pencils are a solid choice if you want artist-grade quality with excellent color richness and durability, especially suited for serious hobbyists, designers, and professional artists who value lightfast, permanent colors.