The Best Colored Pencils

March 06, 2024
Updated:
March 07, 2024
The Best Colored Pencils
(Illustration by The Epoch Times, Amazon)
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No matter your skill level, whether you’re a professional artist, a beginner, or just seeking relaxation through drawing or painting, a set of colored pencils is essential. They often become a valued tool in your artistic journey.

Checking the market, you will probably face various options available! You may be looking for something simple and basic, or want the ultimate professional colored pencil. 
No matter what you prefer for your artistic adventures, the ideal colored pencils are waiting for you. In this article, we explore 10 of the most popular colored pencils. By the end of this guide, you will have all the information you need to make a final decision. 
This is an old American company in the industry. They have been manufacturing high-quality pencils since the mid-19th century. 
They offer a wide range of colors suitable for various artistic projects. Their colored pencils have a good reputation for their quality and performance. They are suitable for artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
You can use the Prismacolor pencils for multiple purposes such as painting, mixing, sketching, and drawing. Their sets provide a vibrant color selection. This includes a diverse range of hues, shades, and tones. So you can achieve precise color matching and create intricate color blends. 
The high pigmentation provides you with live and vivid colors. The cores are smooth enough so you can blend the colors. At the same time, the thickness of the core makes it resistible. 
Pros
  • They provide you with a wide range of colors to pick from (150 vibrant colors). 
  • The soft cores make them a perfect choice for shading and shadows.
  • The pigments are richly saturated. So they result in rich and intense colors. 
  • The colors blend smoothly and effortlessly. This enables you to create seamless transitions between colors.
  • They are lightfast. So they can resist exposure to light over time. 
Cons
  • Prismacolor pencils are considered expensive. So they may not be a suitable choice if you are a beginner or have a limited budget. 
  • Although they are lightfast, they may still need additional care for preservation. 
  • The color names are placed in the middle of the barrel. So it may be difficult to read them. 
 $149.97 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Arteza Colored Pencils

Arteza Colored Pencils Arteza Colored Pencils
Arteza is an American company known for providing high-quality art supplies at affordable prices. Although the company was founded in 2015, its products have quickly gained popularity among artists of all levels. 
Their 72-piece pack of colored pencils provides intense colors. It provides you with a wide spectrum of colors. It can be a perfect choice for various artworks, including adult coloring books, sketches, and mixed media designs for both beginners and professionals. 
The packaging includes a sturdy metal tin, which is convenient for storage and transportation. Each pencil has an individual slot. This helps you with better organization. 
The cores are smooth and easy to blend, layer, and mix. This gives you a seamless transition between colors. Although the soft texture of the cores, they are durable. They can be sharpened without breakage. 
Pros
  • Arteza colored pencils offer high quality at an affordable price. These factors make them a suitable choice for artists with limited budgets.
  • They are easy to use and produce satisfactory results, even for less experienced artists. This makes the Arteza colored pencils an excellent choice for beginners. 
  • The pencils are durable and easy to sharpen, with no breakage. This makes them suitable for more detailed artwork. 
  • The metal tin packaging adds to the durability. You can store and carry them with confidence. 
Cons
  • The colors may be limited, compared to larger sets. This may limit the range of artwork that can be created. 
  • Although the Arteza colored pencils offer high quality, they can not be compared to some high-end brands. 
  • The color of the barrel and the inside may not exactly match. So you may need to do some trial and error to find the exact color you are looking for. 
 $48.30 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Faber-Castell Colored Pencils

Faber-Castell Colored Pencils Faber-Castell Colored Pencils
One of the most famous German manufacturers of colored pencils, Faber-Castell, has been manufacturing high-quality pencils since 1761 and has been one of the most popular brands since then. 
Although Faber-Castell produces a wide range of art supplies, it is particularly well-known for its Polychromos line. These oil-based colored pencils are favored by artists, illustrators, and professionals worldwide. 
The pencils have high quality, vibrant acid-free pigments, excellent lightfastness, and the ability to blend smoothly. They are also durable and resist breakage. They maintain a sharp point even with heavy use. The pencil set comes in a metal tin. This eases organization, storage, and transportation. 
Pros
  • The colors are water-resistant, smudge-proof, and lightfast. These features make the artwork resistant to fading over time. 
  • The colors blend perfectly. This results in a seamless transition between colors. 
  • The leads are break-resistant. So you can sharpen them with confidence and create detailed artwork.
  • The pigments are acid-free. This prevents paper deterioration and yellowing over time and preserves the artwork. 
  • The Polychromos colored pencils have an oil-based technology. This leads to smooth blending, without being worried about waxy bloom.
  • It is available in packs ranging from 12 to 120 counts. So you can pick according to your needs and budget.
Cons
  • The most significant drawback of Faber-Castell colored pencils is their price. They are considered premium and come with a higher price tag compared to some other brands.
  • Although the higher quality justifies the price, it may not be a suitable choice for beginners or artists on a tight budget.
  • The round barrels can be another disadvantage. Many artists prefer hexagonal-shaped pencils for their better grip and control.
 $161.25 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Black Widow Colored Pencils 

Black Widow Colored Pencils   Black Widow Colored Pencils
‌The Black Widow brand specializes in manufacturing quality colored pencils at an affordable price. Their pencils have a good reputation for their vibrant colors, smooth laydown, and blending ability. 
The set offers 24 vibrant colors, shades, and hues. This includes some unique colors with clever namings like Venom, Purple Haze, and Blood Diamond. The pencils are labeled with their name and number code on the barrel.
The pencils have a wax core for easier blending, shade, and layer without smudging or strain. The soft cores are also resistant to breakage. So you can sharpen or apply more pressure while painting with no worries. 
The set comes in a metal tin for easy storage and transportation. Moreover, a color chart is included inside the lid of the tin for a more convenient arrangement. 
Pros
  • Compared to some other premium brands, Black Widow pencils are more affordable and can be a wise choice for artists with limited budgets. 
  • The rich pigmentation allows for bold and expressive artwork. 
  • The cores are soft and creamy. They provide a smooth application and blend seamlessly.
  • The pencils are durable and break-resistant. 
Cons
  • Although the set offers a decent variety of colors, still the range can be limited. Especially for detailed work. 
  • The pencils may not be as lightfast as some other brands. So the colors may fade over time when exposed to light. 
  • The wax used in the cores can result in wax buildup on the paper. This can affect layering and blending techniques. 
 $19.57 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Derwent Colored Pencils  

Derwent Colored Pencils   Derwent Colored Pencils
This company has been manufacturing art supplies since 1832! Derwent started its job by producing high-quality graphite pencils. Since then, Derwent has expanded its products to colored pencils and watercolor pencils, along with other art supplies.
In fact, watercolor pencils were first invented by the Derwent in the early 1980s. And this invention managed to revolutionize the way artists approached their work. Since watercolor pencils allow for unique blending and layering techniques similar to watercolor painting. 
Moreover, the pencils’ soft lead cores are an excellent choice for bold and expressive drawings. And the highly pigmented cores result in a vibrant finish.
The water solubility provides you with a bright, yet translucent ink-like effect. Moreover, the pigments dry quickly. And once dried, you do not need to worry about fading of colors. Besides, you can put colors next to each other or layered when the previous color is dried. 
Derwent pencils are not exclusively made for paper! You can apply the washed-out pencils on a variety of surfaces, including fabrics such as silk or cotton. 
Although Derwent offers a decent spectrum of colors, your options are not limited to the colors provided. Thanks to the water solubility. You can mix the colors and create your own unique colors. You can add some water for a lighter shade. 
Pros
  • The Derwent Inktense pencils are water-soluble. You can use them dry or add some water for an effect similar to watercolors.
  • When applied with water, you can use the pencils on canvas, alongside paper.
  • The colors are permanent after drying. So you do not need to worry about fading or smudging. 
  • Highly pigmented cores make the pencils suitable for expressive artwork. 
  • The pencils are soft and easy to apply. This makes them suitable for both beginners and professionals. 
  • The pencils are durable and resistant to breakage. 
Cons
  • The Derwent pencils have a relatively higher price. Especially, buying a full set may require a significant investment. This can be a drawback for artists with limited budgets. 
  • When used with water, it may require some practice and experimentation. 
  • Although the colors are permanent after drying on most surfaces, they may leave some smearing on certain surfaces. 
 $81.39 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Staedtler Ergosoft Colored Pencils

Staedtler Ergosoft Colored Pencils Staedtler Ergosoft Colored Pencils
Staedtler has a long history and is well-known throughout Europe and the US. The company started its work in 1835 by manufacturing pencils. Ergosoft is one of their popular colored pencils, which is known for its ergonomic design, vibrant colors, and smooth laydown.
The triangular barrels ensure comfortable and fatigue-free drawing sessions. The slim design makes them suitable for all age groups. The surface is non-slip and has a soft feeling. The stand-up box keeps the pencils organized and eases the usage.
The high-quality pigments produce rich, vibrant colors. The pigments are also lightfast and fade-resistant. So your artwork will remain vivid and vibrant over time.
The lead is soft and smooth. Allowing for effortless application and blending. You can layer easily and achieve a wide range of tones and effects. The variety of colors allows a wide range of artistic effects.
Moreover, the pencils are durable and break-resistant. So you can work confidently without worrying about lead breakage. 
Finally, the manufacturing processes are environmentally friendly. The pencils are made from sustainably sourced wood and international environmental standards are applied.
Pros
  • High-quality pigments produce rich colors suitable for vivid and expressive artwork. 
  • The soft lead allows for smooth color application and easy blending and layering.
  • The pencils are break-resistant, ensuring durability.
  • The sets offer a wide range of colors suitable for detailed artwork. 
  • The pencils are environmentally friendly and aligned with international environmental standards. 
Cons
  • Although it offers a variety of colors, the range may still be limited. Especially compared to some other brands.
  • Staedtler Ergosoft pencils have a higher price compared to some other brands. This can cause restrictions for artists with limited budgets. 
  • The texture may be slightly waxy. This can affect blending and layering for some techniques. 
 $34.37 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Caran d'Ache Colored Pencils

Caran d'Ache Colored Pencils Caran d'Ache Colored Pencils
Caran d’Ache is a Swiss manufacturer. It is renowned for its high-quality artistic tools such as colored pencils. The company was founded in 1915. Since then, it has established a reputation for manufacturing premium and innovative art materials. 
Caran d’Ache Luminance colored pencils are one of the company’s flagship products. They are one of the artists’ favorites due to their high quality and performance.
The pigments are rich and creamy, enabling a smooth application and even coverage. The excellent color saturation and opacity, allow you to achieve vibrant hues and subtle gradients with ease.
With this set of pencils, you have access to a wide range of colors. Including a variety of vibrant shades, subtle tints, and natural tones. The colors blend effortlessly and allow for the creation of seamless transitions. You can achieve lifelike textures and dimensions in your artwork.
Moreover, the pencils are made with high-quality materials and superior construction. This results in durable and breakage-resistant pencils. The colors are also lightfast and resistant to UV. This saves the colors from fading over time.
Pros
  • Luminance pencils are especially known for their outstanding lightfastness. This quality ensures that your artwork will keep its vibrancy and color intensity over time.
  • The pigments are rich, creamy, and easy to apply. They provide smooth, even coverage with exceptional saturation and opacity. 
  • The colors blend effortlessly, this allows you to achieve smooth transitions and intricate color effects with ease. 
  • The Caran d’Ache Luminance pencils are well-made and durable. You can sharpen or apply with pressure confidently. 
  • The set provides you with a wide range of colors to choose from.
Cons
  • Caran d’Ache pencils are considered expensive. Although the high quality justifies the price, it still can be an obstacle for artists with limited budgets. 
  • Their lead is considered harder, compared to some other brands. This can affect the ease of application and blending.
  • The harder lead can make the sharpening process a bit challenging. A good quality sharpener designed for harder pencils is recommended. 
  • An occasional wax bloom may occur with Luminance pencils. This can especially form over time. But using fixatives can solve this problem. 
 $57 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils

Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils
The Castle Art supplies a wide range of art materials, including colored pencils. The company aims for artists with limited budgets.  It offers good quality at an affordable price.
The colored pencil set offers you a generous color palette, including vibrant hues, subtle tones, and neutral shades suitable for various techniques. 
The pencils blend well and layer smoothly. This makes the set suitable for various coloring techniques such as shading, blending, and creating gradients. 
The 3 layer tin box packaging is both functional and visually appealing. Enables easy access to the wide range of colors available.  The cores are soft with buttery laydown, but still durable and break-resistant. This makes them suitable for both beginners and experienced artists. 
Pros
  • The Castle Art Supplies offers high-quality colored pencils at an affordable price. This makes the pencils accessible to beginners and artists with limited budgets. 
  • The colors have a smooth laydown. So the pencils are easy to work with, especially for blending and layering.
  • The pigmentation is rich. These qualities allow artists to create vivid and eye-catching artwork.
  • The pencils are sturdy and durable. This leads to resistance against breakage during sharpening or use.
  • The versatile palette offers a wide range of options to choose from. This is especially useful in creating detailed artwork. 
Cons
  • The pencils can feel a little waxy. This can adversely affect the smoothness of application and blending.
  • The colors may not be as light-fast as some premium brands. This can lead to the colors fading over time with exposure to light. 
  • The color on the barrel may not accurately match the core color. This can result in confusion. You may need a bit of trial and error to find the perfect color you are looking for.
  • The tin packaging may not be as sturdy as desired. This can raise concerns with storage and organization. 
 $64.99 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Raffine Colored Pencils

Raffine Colored Pencils Raffine Colored Pencils
Marco Raffine provides fine quality at an affordable price. Being budget-friendly makes the pencils accessible to a wide range of artists.
The colors lay down smoothly, making them easy to work with for coloring, shading, and blending. Although not like premium colored pencils, the colors still have an acceptable blending when layering. The cores are considered durable and less prone to breakage.
The set offers a decent range of colors and provides you with a variety of options. All these qualities, alongside being budget-friendly, make the Marco Raffine colored pencils a suitable choice for beginners. 
Pros
  • The Raffine colored pencils are more budget-friendly, compared to premium brands. 
  • The set offers a decent range of colors to pick from. 
  • The smooth laydown allows for easier coloring, shading, and blending on paper. 
  • The pencils are durable. This can be an advantage, especially for beginners. 
  • The decent quality, ease of use, and affordability make them a suitable choice for beginners or casual users. 
Cons
  • The color options may be limited compared to premium brands. 
  • Although the pencils have decent quality, they may not offer the same performance as higher-end brands. 
  • Although the colors blend reasonably well, they may still not blend as smoothly as premium brands.
  • The colors may not be as light-fast as more expensive brands. This can result in fading of colors over time.
 $17.69 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Koh-i-Noor Colored Pencils

Koh-i-Noor Colored Pencils Koh-i-Noor Colored Pencils
Koh-i-Noor Hardtmuth is one of the oldest on the market, founded in 1790. The company is famous for its high-quality colored pencils.
The high-quality pigments provide vibrant and long-lasting colors. Moreover, the application is smooth and it blends easily. These qualities make the pencils favorable by artists and illustrators. The set also offers a wide range of colors to suit different artistic needs. 
Pros
  • It offers a wide range of hues to choose from. This allows for greater versatility and creativity in your artwork.
  • The rich pigmentation ensures that the colors lay down smoothly and evenly on the paper. 
  • The colors blend easily, enabling you to create smooth transitions and gradients in your drawings and illustrations. 
  • The leads are strong and resistant to breakage during use and sharpening. 
  • The pigments are light-fast. So the colors will not fade over time. 
Cons
  • Koh-i-Noor colored pencils are relatively expensive. Although the high quality justifies the price, it can still be an obstacle for artists with limited budgets. 
  • Although the set offers a generous range of colors, they may not be sufficient for certain detailed projects.
  • The cores are relatively resistant to breakage. Yet the soft texture may make them prone to breakage when sharpened to a fine point. 
 $69.67 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Colored Pencil Reviews

Prismacolor Colored Pencils

Users praise Prismacolor Premier colored pencils for their vibrant colors and seamless blending capabilities. This allows for a wide range of shades and effects.
The texture is soft and creamy, enabling smooth application. So, users can easily achieve gradients and bold strokes without much effort. 
The pencils are durable and have a high-quality construction in general. The set also offers a wide range of colors, providing ample options for both beginners and experienced artists. 
Price seems to be the most prominent concern. While many users believe that the quality and results justify the investment, some users find the pencils on the higher end price-wise. 

Arteza Colored Pencils 

Users love the Arteza colored pencils for their vibrant colors. They can be layered effectively. This enables the creation of depth and dimension in the artwork. 
The colors blend smoothly and easily. This enables seamless transitions between colors and creates a more professional-looking finish. 
Arteza pencils also have a good response to various solvents like Meltz and baby oil. This enhances their versatility for different artistic techniques such as solvent blending. 
Despite the soft lead, it sharpens easily without breakage. So they can be a convenient choice for detailed work.
This pack of colored pencils has a reasonable price and can be suitable for both beginners and professional artists. The colors are also relatively vibrant. They can be a good alternative for artists seeking high quality without the high cost of premium brands.
However, there is some dissatisfaction regarding Arteza colored pencils. For instance, some users find the plastic tray inside the tin packaging to be flimsy. This can cause inconvenience for storage and organization. 
Some users also complain about the inconsistent match between the paint on the barrel and the color inside. This can be misleading and requires a bit of trial and error for selecting specific colors. The white pencil is also reported to not be of satisfactory quality. 
Moreover, certain shades, especially reds, and oranges, may lack depth or intensity compared to other colors in the set. 
Finally, likewise some other brands, Arteza does not provide individual pencils. This can be inconvenient for users who only need to replace specific colors. 

Faber-Castell Colored Pencils

The Faber-Castell colored pencils are praised for their durability, and craftsmanship of the pencils. They offer vibrant colors and rich color pigments. This provides excellent coverage and smooth application. 
The colors blend perfectly, allowing for seamless transitions between colors and the creation of intricate artwork. The colors have a good lightfastness. This ensures that artwork retains its vibrancy over time.
However, some users find the round barrels of the pencils inconvenient. They tend to roll around on surfaces easily. Also, some users are not satisfied with the initial arrangement of colors in the box. Some users prefer to rearrange the colors for more convenience. 
The main drawback seems to be the high price of Faber-Castell pencils. Although many users find them worth the investment, it may still be out of budget for some users. 

Black Widow Colored Pencils

Users consistently praise the vibrant and unique colors of the Black Widow colored pencils, with their rich pigments and bright colors. The cores are smooth, enabling even application. The colors blend smoothly and allow for seamless transition and depth in artwork. 
The hexagonal shape of the pencils provides a comfortable grip. This is especially appreciated during extended coloring sessions. The tin package is another advantage, making storage and transition easier.
However, there are concerns about the quality. Some users report frequent breakage of the lead when sharpening or applying pressure during coloring. This can affect the longevity of the pencils.
There are also a few reports of the pencil barrels cracking. This can impact the structural integrity of the pencils and lead to further breakage.
Sharpening or heavy coloring can result in minor dusting. But it is generally expected for colored pencils. Moreover, some users feel the spectrum of colors is not wide enough, particularly in terms of blues and purples.
 

Derwent Colored Pencils

Users like the high quality of Derwent colored pencils. They praise the intense and vivid colors of the pencils. This makes the result appealing and enjoyable. 
Moreover, the pencils are water-soluble; they can be activated with water. This allows for unique blending and layering techniques similar to watercolor paints. After the colors dry, they become permanent. So you can layer without smudging or muddying. 
According to the users, the pencils are versatile. They can be used on various surfaces such as watercolor paper, silk, and scratchboard. 
Some users mention the high cost of the pencils as a drawback. Also, there are complaints about the packaging. Some users report the lids do not stay securely. This can impact the storage and portability of the pencils. 
The pencils are claimed to be permanent after drying. However, some users report experiencing smearing or lack of permanence when using the pencils on watercolor paper.
The limited color range can be another cause of dissatisfaction. This can be especially the case when creating detailed artwork. 

Staedtler Ergosoft Colored Pencils

Users love the comfortability of Staedtler pencils when held in hand. The color laydown of the pencils is so smooth and creamy. So, users can achieve vibrant results with minimum pressure. The colors also blend well and allow a seamless color transition. 
The pencils are break-resistant and have high durability. And finally, all these qualities are available at an affordable price. Making the pencils accessible to artists of various skill levels. 
However, some users say the colors may be limited for certain projects. They desire larger sets with more color options. 
Moreover, a few users report dissatisfaction with the intensity of the pigments. They say the pigmentation is lighter than what they expected. Especially compared to other brands like Prismacolor. 

Caran d'Ache Colored Pencils

Users praise the smooth and soft application of Caran d’Ache colored pencils. It eases coloring and blending. The colors are rich, bright, and vibrant. 
The ergonomic triangular shape of the barrel is also appreciated by the users. It makes the pencils easy to hold and reduces hand fatigue during use. The pencils are also reported to be durable. Users say they are break-resistant and hold up well during sharpening and use. 
However, some users are dissatisfied with the limited color range available. They feel the need for a more versatile palette for some specific art projects. A few users also mention that the texture can be slightly waxy. This can negatively affect blending and layering. 
The price is also considered as a drawback. Some users believe the Caran d’Ache pencils have relatively higher prices compared to some other brands. So they may not be a suitable choice for artists with limited budgets. 

Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils  

The vibrant and saturated colors of the Castle Art Supplies pencils are appreciated by the users. This eases the application and provides excellent coverage. The colors also blend easily. This allows for a smooth transition between colors. 
The set offers a wide range of colors. Providing options for various artistic projects and preferences. Also, the pencils are made of high-quality materials and, hence, are durable. And all these qualities are available at a budget-friendly price.
However, some users express some dissatisfaction. Pencils of different colors may vary in quality, such as color intensity or texture. For example, certain colors, particularly greens, can be waxy. This can affect the smooth application and lead to uneven results. 

Raffine Colored Pencils

The Raffine colored pencils are praised by users for their vibrant colors. This makes them suitable for various artistic projects. The smooth application is another positive point users mention frequently. They glide easily on the paper without feeling scratchy. 
The medium hardness allows for smooth coloring, while the sturdy core does not break easily. It also holds a sharp point well. This is especially important for detailing and intricate work. 
There is an initial coating to protect the pencils during shipping. However, it may result in difficulty laying down colors at first. A few users are also concerned about the quality control procedure. They mention receiving pencils with loose tips. 

 

Koh-I-Noor Colored Pencils 

Although more affordable, users find the Koh-I-Noor colored pencils comparable with other high-end brands like Faber-Castell Polychromos. 
The pencils lay down color smoothly without scratching or unevenness, even with medium pressure. The rich pigmentation provides decent color saturation. Also, the colors blend smoothly, both dray and with various blending tools like solvents. 
The construction is sturdy and durable. The pencils are easy to sharpen and, when sharpened, maintain a sharp tip for detailed work. Moreover, the colors are oil-based. So the users won’t suffer from wax blooming. 
Although the set provides a generous variety of colors, it may still not be enough for certain detailed artwork. Users also express concerns about the lightfastness of colors. They may be prone to fading over time. 
While the pencils are oil-based, a few users found them to be hard and waxy. This can have an adverse effect while blending or layering, especially with too much pressure. 
 

FAQ

What Are Colored Pencils Made of?

The outer casing of colored pencils is usually made of wood. But the core contains pigments and a binding agent. The pigments are in the form of finely ground powders. They can be derived from a variety of sources. For example, minerals, synthetic compounds, and organic materials. 
The binding agent may include waxes, oils, and clays. They hold the pigments together and adhere them to the wood. They help create a smooth, consistent texture and allow the pigment to transfer smoothly onto paper. 
Some manufacturers may use additional additives. These additives can adjust the hardness or softness of the core. They may also improve lightfastness, water resistance, or erasability. 

What Kind of Pencils Do Professional Artists Use?

Depending on their specific needs, artists may use different types of pencils. For example graphite, colored, charcoal, pastel, or watercolor pencils.
Some popular brands of colored pencils favored by professional artists include Faber-Castell Polychromos, Prismacolor Premier, Caran d'Ache Luminance, Derwent Coloursoft, and Staedtler Ergosoft.

When Were Colored Pencils Invented?

The use of colored pigment sticks for drawing and writing goes back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. These coloring materials were often made from natural substances like charcoal, chalk, and clay. 
But pencils as we know them began to emerge in the 16th century. This was the introduction of wood-cased pencils containing colored pigment cores. These early pencils were produced using a combination of powdered pigments, binders, and additives encased in wooden barrels.
During the 18th century, colored pencils became more widespread, with the availability of new pigments. At this time, colored pencils were used by artists, illustrators, and craftsmen. Colored pencils became more widespread and affordable during the 19th and the 20th centuries. 

What Paper is Best for Colored Pencils?

Papers are different in qualities like texture, weight, and more. Choosing the right paper depends on your special needs. But consider these factors:
  • Go for a paper with a medium to fine texture.
  • Heavier-weight papers are more durable and less likely to buckle or wrap. Aim for at least 140 grams per square meter.
  • Opt for acid-free papers. 
While selecting the right paper for you may need some trial and error, some popular papers for colored pencil drawing include smooth bristol boards, drawing papers, and mixed media papers. Some manufacturers also produce colored pencil papers, designed for colored pencil work.

What is the Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Colored Pencils?

Factors like the quality of materials, pigments, and manufacturing processes have an impact on the price. 
Expensive colored pencils typically feature higher-quality pigments, binders, and cores. These qualities result in more vibrant colors, smoother application, and better blendability. Additionally, expensive colored pencils are often more durable and less prone to breakage.
While cheap colored pencils may be suitable for casual or beginner artists, investing in more expensive, artist-grade pencils can lead to significantly better results. 

Do Color Pencils Have an Expiry Date?

Colored pencils themselves do not have a specific expiration date like some other art supplies. 
When stored and cared for properly, colored pencils can last for many years without significant degradation in quality. However, lower-quality pigments may be more prone to fading over time when exposed to light. 

Does the Quality of Colored Pencils Matter?

Yes, the quality of colored pencils matters significantly, especially for artists who prioritize achieving optimal results in their artwork. Here are some reasons why the quality of pencils is important:
  • Higher-quality colored pencils typically contain richer pigments. So they result in a more vibrant and intense color. 
  • Higher-quality colored pencils have smoother cores. This quality enables a seamless transition between colors. As a result, it allows you to achieve smooth gradients, subtle shading, and intricate details.
  • higher-quality colored pencils have a better resistance to fading over time when exposed to light. 
  • Higher-quality colored pencils are more durable. They have stronger cores and thicker casings. As a result, they refuse to break easily. 

How Many Colored Pencils Do You Really Need?

It depends on factors such as your artistic style, the complexity of your artwork, and your personal preferences. 
Consider the range of colors you typically use and the level of detail you aim for.  If you want to draw highly detailed pieces or like you use a wide range of colors, go for a larger set of colored pencils.
However, if you prefer simplified or stylized artwork, or have budget constraints, a smaller set can be beneficial initially. You can always expand your collection over time as needed. 

Conclusion

Several options for the best colored pencils are available on the market. Deciding on the right one depends on several factors. The level of professionalism, the surface you want to work on, and the techniques you want to apply can determine your choice.
If you are a beginner, a casual user, or have a limited budget, you may prefer to go for more budget-friendly colored pencils. The Castle Art Supplies can be a suitable choice since it offers high-quality material at an affordable price.
But if you are a professional, willing to create delicate artwork, you may need to invest more. In this case, you may want to consider premium brands such as Faber-Castell or Derwent, which offer the highest quality, but come at a considerable cost.
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