Best Colour Pencils For Artists

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Colour Pencils for Artists

Choosing the right colour pencils can significantly impact your artwork. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, selecting the best pencils for your needs and artistic style is crucial for achieving vibrant, expressive results. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of coloured pencils, helping you navigate the vast array of brands and types available to find the perfect set for your artistic journey. We'll cover everything from pigment quality and lightfastness to price points and specific uses, ensuring you make an informed decision that enhances your creative process.

Understanding Colour Pencil Pigments and Binders

Before we delve into specific brands, let's understand the core components that define a colour pencil's quality: the pigment and the binder.

• Pigment: This is the coloured powder that gives the pencil its hue. High-quality colour pencils use a high concentration of pure pigments, resulting in intense, vibrant colours with excellent coverage. Cheaper pencils often use less pigment, leading to paler, less saturated colours that require more layering to achieve depth. The type of pigment also affects the lightfastness – the ability of the colour to resist fading over time.

• Binder: This is the substance that holds the pigment together and allows it to adhere to the paper. Different binders result in varying levels of smoothness, blending capabilities, and overall texture. Common binders include wax, oil, and resin. Wax-based pencils are generally smoother and easier to blend, while oil-based pencils offer richer colours and better layering capabilities. Resin-based pencils often provide a harder, more durable lead.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Colour Pencils

Several critical factors determine the suitability of colour pencils for your artistic needs.

• Lightfastness: This refers to a pencil's resistance to fading when exposed to light. Lightfastness ratings are usually indicated on the pencil packaging (e.g., I, II, III, with I being the most lightfast). If you're creating artwork intended for long-term display, lightfastness is a crucial consideration.

• Pigment Concentration: As mentioned earlier, a higher pigment concentration translates to richer, more vibrant colours and better coverage. Look for pencils that boast high pigment loads for superior results.

• Layering and Blending: The ability to layer and blend colours is vital for achieving depth and complexity in your artwork. Some pencils blend effortlessly, while others require more work. Consider your preferred artistic style – if you enjoy smooth gradients and subtle transitions, choose pencils known for their blending capabilities.

• Pencil Hardness/Softness: Pencils are often graded based on their hardness, usually ranging from hard (H) to soft (B). Hard pencils are ideal for detailed work and sharp lines, while soft pencils provide rich, intense colours and are better suited for blending and layering. Some pencils are marked as HB, representing a medium hardness.

• Price: Colour pencils range in price significantly, from affordable student-grade sets to high-end professional pencils. While price doesn't always directly correlate with quality, higher-priced pencils generally use higher-quality pigments and binders.

Top Colour Pencil Brands: A Detailed Comparison

Now, let's explore some of the leading colour pencil brands, examining their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed choice.

1. Prismacolor Premier: These are arguably the most popular colour pencils among artists, renowned for their smooth, buttery texture and exceptional blending capabilities. Their high pigment concentration results in vibrant, rich colours. Prismacolor Premier pencils are wax-based, making them relatively easy to layer and blend, creating beautiful colour transitions. However, they can be somewhat soft, leading to potential breakage if not handled carefully. They offer a wide range of colours, including metallics and neons. Lightfastness varies across the colour range.

2. Faber-Castell Polychromos: Known for their superior lightfastness and exceptional pigment concentration, Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils are a favorite among professional artists. Their oil-based formula provides excellent layering and blending capabilities, while the harder lead makes them more durable and resistant to breakage. While slightly more expensive than Prismacolor Premier, the superior quality and lightfastness justify the cost for many artists. They also boast a vast colour selection.

3. Caran d'Ache Luminance: These pencils are often cited as the top-of-the-line option, with incredibly vibrant, highly pigmented colours and exceptional lightfastness. Their creamy texture allows for easy blending and layering, creating stunning results. Caran d'Ache Luminance pencils are considered a professional-grade tool, perfect for artists who demand the highest quality and are willing to pay a premium price. Their colour selection is extensive and includes unique hues.

4. Derwent Coloursoft: Derwent Coloursoft pencils offer a softer lead than many other brands, making them ideal for artists who prioritize vibrant, intense colours and effortless blending. They are wax-based and are well-suited for techniques like colour layering and blending. However, their softer lead might be prone to breakage if not handled carefully. They offer a good range of colours at a more moderate price point compared to professional brands.

5. Staedtler Karisma: Staedtler Karisma pencils provide a good balance between quality and affordability. They are suitable for students and hobbyists who want a reliable, high-quality set without breaking the bank. The pencils have a smooth texture and provide good colour saturation. While their lightfastness might not match professional-grade pencils, they are a great entry-level option.

Choosing the Right Pencils Based on Your Artistic Style

The best colour pencils for you will also depend on your artistic style and techniques.

• For Realistic Drawings: Faber-Castell Polychromos and Caran d'Ache Luminance pencils are excellent choices due to their high pigment concentration, exceptional lightfastness, and ability to create subtle colour gradations.

• For Vibrant, Expressive Artwork: Prismacolor Premier and Derwent Coloursoft pencils offer vibrant colours and smooth blending capabilities, suitable for creating bold and expressive pieces.

• For Detailed Work and Fine Lines: Pencils with a harder lead, such as Faber-Castell Polychromos, are better suited for intricate details and sharp lines.

• For Beginners: Staedtler Karisma pencils provide a good quality at an affordable price point, making them an excellent starting point for aspiring artists.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I care for my colour pencils?

A: Store your pencils in a cool, dry place to prevent breakage and maintain the quality of the leads. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Sharpen them regularly using a quality sharpener designed for coloured pencils.

Q: What type of paper should I use with colour pencils?

A: Using high-quality paper specifically designed for coloured pencils is recommended. This type of paper has a smooth surface that prevents the paper from breaking down as you layer colors. Heavier weight paper is also better to prevent the paper from buckling when you use water-based mediums for blending, etc.

Q: Can I blend colour pencils with other mediums?

A: Yes! Many artists blend coloured pencils with odourless mineral spirits, blending solution, or even water-based mediums to achieve unique effects. Experiment to discover what works best for your technique.

Q: How do I achieve smooth colour transitions?

A: Layering is key. Start with lighter colours as a base, then gradually add darker shades to build depth and dimension. Use a lighter touch for smoother transitions. Blending techniques such as burnishing and layering thin strokes will help you create smooth gradations between colors.

Q: What is burnishing?

A: Burnishing is a technique where a colorless blender pencil or a similar tool is used to smooth out and blend the coloured pencil layers. This creates a satiny finish and intensifies the colors.

Conclusion: Unlock Your Artistic Potential

Choosing the right colour pencils is a personal journey. There's no single "best" brand for everyone. The ideal choice depends on your individual preferences, artistic style, budget, and intended use. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can confidently select the colour pencils that will empower your creativity and elevate your artwork to new heights. Experiment with different brands and types to find your perfect match. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and let your creativity flow! Remember that practice and experimentation are key to mastering any art medium, and colored pencils are no exception. So grab your pencils, find your inspiration, and begin creating beautiful works of art!