5 Best Colored Pencils Every Artist Must Have!

Discover the top 5 colored pencils essential for every artist's toolkit! From Prismacolor's unparalleled blendability to Holbein's rich pigmentation, elevate your art with these must-have selections.

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Colored pencils transform simple drawings into vibrant expressions of art, breathing life into every stroke with their rich, luminous colors. ๐ŸŽจ They bridge the gap between the artist's vision and the canvas, allowing for a multitude of techniques from subtle blending to dynamic layering.

But not all colored pencils are created equal; the key to unlocking your full artistic potential lies in quality. โœ๏ธ That's where our top picks come in. With Raquel's Reviews, we meticulously select the best colored pencils, ensuring that artists of all levels have access to tools that boost creativity and enhance precision.

Whether youโ€™re a seasoned artist or just starting, our top selections are designed to make every color pop off the page, making your artistic journey even more awesome. ๐ŸŒˆ Whether it's boosting creativity, enhancing precision, or elevating artwork, our guide ensures you have the tools to make your vision come to life.

1. Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils - 24 Pack

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Why We Love It

The Prismacolor's Premier Colored Pencils are the superheroes of the coloring world! With their soft, thick cores, they glide on paper like butter, making shading and creating shadows as easy as pie. Every color pops with rich saturation, bringing your artwork to life with vibrancy. Plus, Prismacolor colored pencils are tough โ€“ no worries about cracking or chipping here, making them a perfect match for those detailed adult coloring books. They're like the reliable, high-performing friend you always want at your art table!

2. Holbein Colored Pencil 50 Colors set

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Why We Love It

Holbein's set of 50 Coloured Pencils is like having a world-class artist's palette in pencil form. Crafted for the pros but perfect for hobbyists too, these oil-based pencils lay down color so smoothly it feels like painting. What sets them apart is their unbeatable lightfastness and the ability to cover and blend like a dream. This quality pencils set is your go-to for creating masterpieces that stand the test of time. It's like having a secret weapon for your artwork!

3. ARTISTIK Colored Pencil Set - 47 Pieces

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Why We Love It

The ARTISTIK Colored Pencil Set isn't just a art supplies set; it's a gateway to creating art that speaks. With 36 artist grade colored pencils, this kit encourages you to blend, shade, and bring your wildest ideas to life. The included sketching artist grade pencils and water blending capabilities push the boundaries of traditional colored pencil use, making it perfect for artists who love to explore and experiment. Imagine the possibilities where each pencil stroke can turn into a masterpiece!

4. Staedtler Ergosoft Colored Pencils - Set of 12

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Why We Love It

Staedtler's Ergosoft Colored Pencils bring comfort and precision to the table like no other. Their unique, triangular barrel design and ultra-soft grip ensure that your creative sessions are nothing short of comfortable. The brilliant colors per pencil are matched with unparalleled durability, thanks to the break-resistant lead. Designed and manufactured in Germany, these pencils are a testament to quality and innovation. Theyโ€™re perfect for artists who value comfort, quality, and sustainability in their creative tools.

5. Crayola Colored Pencils Set - 120ct

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Why We Love It

The Crayola Colored Pencils Set is a treasure trove of color, featuring an astounding 120 different shades! All the pencils in this set promises to deliver smooth, vibrant lines that make blending and layering a breeze. Pre-sharpened and ready to go, they're perfect for everyone from budding artists to seasoned pros looking for variety. Plus, their durability means you can keep creating without interruption. Ideal for both school projects and professional artwork, these pencils promise to add that much-needed splash of color to your creative endeavors.

Got Questions? I've Got Answers!

Have questions about our colorful collection? Find quick answers to your burning questions below!

1. What makes Prismacolor Premier colored pencils ideal for detailed coloring work?

Prismacolor pencils boast soft, thick cores that effortlessly glide across paper, enabling artists to achieve smooth shading and layering of colors with ease. Thanks to their rich pigment saturation, these pencils bring a vibrant vitality to any art piece, making colors pop with an intensity that can transform a drawing from ordinary to extraordinary. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned artists, Prismacolor pencils are a staple for anyone looking to add depth and life to their artwork through seamless color blending and high-quality performance.

2. Can I use Holbein artists colored pencils for professional artwork?

Indeed, Holbein's oil-based colored pencils stand out in the market due to their exceptional lightfastness and blendability. These characteristics make them incredibly suitable for artists looking to create professional artworks that will stand the test of time. Their unique formulation allows for smooth application and easy blending, enabling artists to achieve a wide range of tones and textures in their work.

3. Are Crayola colored pencils suitable for adult coloring books?

Absolutely! Crayola colored pencils are designed to deliver smooth, vibrant lines that are perfect for the intricate designs found in adult coloring books. Their wide range of colors allows for limitless creativity, making them a top choice for artists looking for high-quality materials for their detailed artwork. Whether you're filling in a complex mandala or bringing a detailed landscape to life, Crayola colored pencils provide the precision and color depth you need to make your creations pop.

4. How do Artistik colored pencils enhance the creative process?

The Artistik set not only offers a rich palette of colors but also encourages artists to blend and shade beyond traditional colored pencil techniques, thanks to its innovative water blending capabilities. This feature makes it an ideal choice for experimental artists who are looking to push the boundaries of their creative expression by merging the precision of colored pencils with the fluidity of watercolors.

5. What's unique about Staedtler's Ergosoft colored pencils?

Staedtler pencils are distinguished by their unique triangular barrel design and ultra-soft grip, which not only offer unparalleled comfort during long writing sessions but also ensure precision in every stroke. Additionally, these pencils are equipped with break-resistant leads, enhancing their durability and making them a reliable choice for both students and professionals. This thoughtful combination of features ensures an efficient and comfortable writing experience.

6. How can I ensure my art lasts a long time when using colored pencils?

Opting for pencils that boast high lightfastness, such as those offered by Holbein, ensures that your artwork retains its vibrant colors and does not fade over time. This makes Holbein pencils an excellent choice for artists who want their creations to stand the test of time and remain as vivid years later as they were on the day they were made.

7. Are the colored pencils pre-sharpened?

Yes, numerous sets on the market, such as those offered by Crayola and Artistik, feature pencils that come pre-sharpened. This convenient aspect allows artists and enthusiasts alike to dive straight into their creative projects without any delay, fostering an immediate connection between inspiration and creation.

8. What are watercolor pencils and how do they differ from regular colored pencils?

Watercolor pencils offer a unique dual-use capability; they can be used dry for traditional coloring or combined with water to achieve a watercolor paint effect. This versatility allows artists to blend and layer colors in ways that are not possible with regular colored pencils, which are typically used dry and do not react to water. This makes watercolor pencils a valuable tool for artists who wish to explore different textures and techniques in their work.

9. What is the benefit of having a set of colored pencils with a wide color range?

Having access to a broad color range opens up an array of possibilities for artists, allowing for more nuanced blending and layering techniques. This expansive palette enables artists to achieve greater depth and realism in their creations, facilitating a more detailed and vibrant portrayal of their subjects. The ability to meticulously mix and layer colors can transform a simple piece into a lifelike masterpiece, highlighting the importance of a diverse color selection in art.

10. Can I use soft colored pencils on any kind of paper?

Soft colored pencils are incredibly versatile tools for artists, offering a wide range of possibilities for creating vibrant and detailed artwork. However, to truly maximize their potential, it's advisable to use them on smoother, thicker paper. This specific type of paper not only minimizes the risk of pencil breakage but also enhances the blending capabilities of the soft colored pencils. As a result, artists can achieve smoother transitions between colors and more nuanced shading, leading to more polished and professional-looking pieces.

11. How do oil-based colored pencils compare to wax-based?

Oil-based pencils, such as those produced by Holbein, glide on the paper with exceptional smoothness and are notably resistant to wax bloom, a common issue where a white film forms on the surface, detracting from the artwork's appearance. On the other hand, wax-based pencils, with Prismacolor Premier being a prime example, are celebrated for their creamy texture and the ability to produce vibrant, eye-catching colors. This makes them a favorite among artists who prioritize color intensity and blendability in their work.

12. What materials are included in the Artistik colored pencil sketch kit?

The kit comes fully equipped with 36 vibrant colored pencils, perfect for adding life to any artwork. Additionally, it includes 8 sketching pencils of various grades, allowing for a diverse range of shading and detailing in your sketches. To ensure your tools are always ready, a sharpener is provided, along with a convenient wrap to keep everything organized. This comprehensive set is specifically designed to cater to all your sketching and coloring needs, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced artists looking to expand their creative toolkit.

13. Why is ergonomics important in selecting colored pencils?

Pencils that feature ergonomic designs, such as Staedtler's Ergosoft, are specifically engineered to reduce hand fatigue. This makes them exceptionally ideal for individuals who engage in lengthy creative sessions, allowing for extended periods of drawing or writing without discomfort. The thoughtful design of these pencils ensures a more comfortable and productive experience for artists, writers, and anyone else who uses them regularly.

14. How do pastel pencils fit into the spectrum of colored pencils?

Pastel pencils combine the gentle, soft finish and easy blendability of traditional pastels with the precise control and fine detailing achievable with a pencil. This makes them perfect for artists looking to add subtle soft hues and intricate details to their artwork, allowing for a range of artistic expressions from broad, sweeping strokes to fine, delicate lines. They are an ideal choice for those seeking the best of both mediums in their creative endeavors.

15. Are there colored pencils that behave like watercolors when blended with water?

Yes, watercolor pencils can be blended with water to achieve effects similar to traditional watercolor paints, offering artists a unique versatility in creating art. This method allows for precise control over the application of color, while still providing the opportunity to experiment with watercolor techniques such as gradients and washes. This blend of control and creativity makes watercolor pencils an appealing choice for artists looking to explore the boundaries between drawing and painting.

Wrapping Things Up

In conclusion, selecting the right colored pencil set is pivotal for any artist, whether you're a beginner, hobbyist, or professional. From the rich, buttery application of Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils to the durable, vibrant strokes of the Crayola Colored Pencils Set, there's something for everyone. The ARTISTIK Colored Pencil Set offers a blend of quality and creativity, perfect for those looking to push the boundaries of traditional art. Staedtler's Ergosoft Colored Pencils stand out for their comfort and precision, making long art sessions a breeze. Each set has its unique features catering to different needs and preferences, ensuring that your artistic vision can thrive and come to life in vivid color.

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