Colored pencils are an essential tool for any artist, especially those who enjoy sketching. They come in a wide range of colors, and their soft lead makes them perfect for blending and shading. However, not all colored pencils are created equal, and finding the best ones for sketching can be a challenge.
When it comes to choosing the best colored pencils for sketching, there are a few critical things to consider. First, you’ll want to look for pencils with a soft lead that allows for easy blending and shading. You’ll also want to consider the color selection and the quality of the pigments used in the pencils.
Another important factor to consider is the durability of the pencils. Sketching can be a rough process, and you’ll want to make sure that your pencils can withstand the pressure of frequent use without breaking or wearing down too quickly.
After researching and testing various colored pencils, we’ve identified the top options for artists who enjoy sketching. These pencils offer a combination of soft lead, high-quality pigments, and durability, making them perfect for all of your sketching needs.
Top 3 Best Colored Pencils for Sketching
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils
PRINA Art Supplies 120-Color Colored Pencils
Prismacolor Col-Erase Erasable Colored Pencils
As artists, we know that colored pencils are a versatile medium that can be used for a variety of purposes. They are perfect for sketching, drawing, and coloring. With so many brands and options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right colored pencils for your needs. That’s why we have created a list of the best colored pencils for sketching. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed numerous products to bring you the top picks. Whether you are a beginner or a professional artist, we have got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list.
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Coloring Books, Soft Core, Artist Sketching Drawing Pencils Art Craft Supplies, Coloring Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
If you’re looking for an affordable set of colored pencils with a wide range of colors, the Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils set might be a great option for you.
Pros
- Comes with a convenient eco-friendly tube for easy storage
- Soft leads that are easy to sharpen without breaking or crumbling
- Rich colors provide smooth coloring, easy blending and shading
Cons
- Not suitable for children under 3 years of age due to small parts
- Quality is decent but not as good as professional grade pencils
- Colors may not be as bright as oil-based pencils
We were impressed with the variety of colors in this set and found that they were easy to work with. The soft leads make it easy to color without breaking or crumbling, and the colors blend together well. The eco-friendly tube is a nice touch and makes it easy to keep the pencils organized.
One downside is that these pencils may not be suitable for young children due to small parts, so it’s important to keep them out of reach. Additionally, while the quality is decent, they may not compare to professional grade pencils. Finally, the colors may not be as bright as oil-based pencils, but they still provide a good range of colors for a great price.
Overall, we think the Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils set is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable set of colored pencils with a wide range of colors. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone looking to try out different colors without breaking the bank.
PRINA Art Supplies 120-Color Colored Pencils Set
If you’re looking for a high-quality colored pencil set for sketching, the PRINA Art Supplies 120-Color Colored Pencils Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes 120 vibrant and assorted colors, making it perfect for creating lifelike portraits, landscapes, and abstract art that seem to pop off the page.
- The artist-quality softcore allows for rich pigment and ultra-smooth application, making blending and shading a breeze.
- The set comes with a sketchbook containing 3-color sketch paper, white, toned tan, and black, allowing you to create brilliant color shades, tints, and mixtures.
Cons
- The thick core won’t break easily, but some users have reported issues with the lead breaking during sharpening.
- The included portable zipper-case is handy for keeping the pencils organized and protected, but it may not be large enough to accommodate additional art supplies.
- While the set is non-toxic and eco-friendly, it may not be suitable for younger children due to small parts.
We’ve been using the PRINA Art Supplies 120-Color Colored Pencils Set for a while now and have been impressed with the quality and versatility of the pencils. The colors are bright, vivid, and bold, and the softcore allows for easy layering and blending. The included sketchbook is a nice touch, and the portable zipper-case makes it easy to take the set on-the-go.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality colored pencil set for sketching, the PRINA Art Supplies 120-Color Colored Pencils Set is definitely worth considering.
Prismacolor Col-Erase Erasable Colored Pencils, 24 Pack
If you’re looking for a set of colored pencils that allow you to make changes on the fly, the Prismacolor Col-Erase Erasable Colored Pencils are a great option.
Pros
- The vivid, erasable colors help you effortlessly make changes on the fly.
- The intensely rich pigments go down smoothly and erase easily.
- The strong medium point resists cracking and breakage.
Cons
- The colors may not be as pigmented as other colored pencils.
- The erasers may not completely erase the pencil marks.
- The set only includes 24 colors.
These erasable colored pencils are perfect for illustrating, animating, and all your other unfinished business. The pack includes 24 assorted coloring pencils, including Vermillion, Brown, Terra Cotta, Tuscan Red, Blue, Carmine Red, Green, Yellow, Black, Purple, Light Blue, Light Green, White, Light Peach, Pink, Violet, Light Grey, Indigo Blue, Grass Green, Lavender, Canary Yellow, Orange, Rose, and Red.
We found that the Prismacolor Col-Erase Erasable Colored Pencils are easy to use and the colors are vibrant. The built-in erasers allow you to make changes while doodling, and the medium point resists cracking and breakage. However, the colors may not be as pigmented as other colored pencils, and the erasers may not completely erase the pencil marks.
Overall, if you’re looking for a set of colored pencils that allow you to make changes on the fly, the Prismacolor Col-Erase Erasable Colored Pencils are a great option.
Yagol Colored Pencils
If you’re looking for a versatile set of colored pencils for sketching, shading, and coloring, the Yagol Colored Pencils set is an excellent choice. With 72 unique colors, these pencils are perfect for artists of all levels and preferences.
Pros
- The velvety soft core produces vibrant colors and is perfect for blending and layering multiple colors.
- The storage and protective tube makes it easy to store and transport your pencils, making them a great gift for children and adults alike.
- The fold-out tutorial helps sharpen your skills and create eye-catching illustrations.
Cons
- The pencils are not suitable for children under 3 years of age due to choking hazards.
- The pencils may not be as durable as some other professional-grade colored pencils.
- The color names and numbers may be difficult to read for some users.
We were impressed with the Yagol Colored Pencils set’s versatility and quality. The velvety soft core produces vibrant colors and is perfect for blending and layering multiple colors. The storage and protective tube offers a convenient solution for storing and transporting your pencils, making them a great gift for children and adults alike. The fold-out tutorial helps sharpen your skills and create eye-catching illustrations.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile set of colored pencils for sketching, shading, and coloring, we highly recommend the Yagol Colored Pencils set.
finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils
We highly recommend the finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils for anyone looking for high-quality colored pencils for sketching, coloring, and drawing.
Pros
- The finenolo colored pencils come with a convenient eco-friendly pencil tube and a sharpener, making them easy to store and use.
- The soft, thick cores of these colored pencils make it easy to layer colors flawlessly, and they are light and sun resistant, ensuring that your artwork won’t fade over time.
- The innovative oil-based core of these pencils makes them sturdier and more pigmented than other colored pencils, and they are easy to sharpen and break-resistant, allowing them to hold a finer point, and never finish with a waxy film.
Cons
- The package is made of cardboard, which doesn’t prevent the pencils from sliding up and down. There is a thin bit of padding at the top, but above that padding is a bit of plastic supposedly holding the pencil sharpener in place.
- The pencil color is not noted on the pencil, which can be frustrating if you are trying to find a specific color quickly.
- The hexangular design of the barrel can be uncomfortable for some users, especially if you are used to round barrels.
Overall, we believe that the finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils are an excellent choice for artists, beginners, and anyone looking to add some color to their sketches and drawings. With their high-quality cores, lightfastness, and innovative oil-based core, these pencils are sure to provide you with hours of artistic enjoyment.
COOL BANK 72 Professional Colored Pencils
We highly recommend the COOL BANK 72 Professional Colored Pencils for anyone looking for a high-quality set of colored pencils for sketching.
Pros
- The set comes with 72 artist quality and vibrant colored pencils with 2 x 50 page drawing pad (8.3″x11.7″) that are labeled and numbered for easy color identification.
- The pencils have soft, break-resistant cores made from lightfast pigment that won’t fade over time, allowing for limitless creative freedom.
- The oil-based, pre-sharpened art pencils allow for great blending, layering, and shading with each other and other premiere brands.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the pencils are not as durable as other brands, with some breaking or chipping easily.
- The included drawing pad may not be of the highest quality, with some users preferring to use their own paper.
- The tin box may not be as sturdy as other cases, with some users reporting that it can dent or scratch easily.
Overall, we have found the COOL BANK 72 Professional Colored Pencils to be a fantastic choice for artists of all skill levels. The luxurious ‘soft series’ allows for ultimate blending, shading, and layering, and the gorgeous colors and design tools are neatly organized and arranged in a tin box for easy transport. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, this set is sure to impress.
KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils
If you’re looking for a complete color pencil set with a wide range of colors for your sketching needs, the KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils is an excellent option.
Pros
- The set comes with 120 vibrant color pencils, 1 blender pencil, 1 white marker, 1 sharpener, and 1 pencil eco-friendly tube, making it a complete package for all your sketching needs.
- Each pencil body has a unique number and color name for easy color identification, and the color pencil is made of high-quality basswood, which is very easy to sharpen.
- The colored pencils have a soft core, which produces silky smooth, velvety soft pencil leads that lay down lots of vivid color. The colored core is highly pigmented, perfect for coloring, drawing, and shading. The break-resistant cores produce incredible tone, perfect for blending and layering multiple colors. Conforms to ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3, non-toxic safe.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that one of the pencils came broken, and on one of the pencils, the name and number were not highlighted.
- A few customers have reported that one color was missing, and instead, they received a duplicate of another color.
- The white Gel pen ink stands out on dark and colored paper and makes highlights stand out in illustrations and comics.
The KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils set is an excellent choice for artists, adults, and beginners, perfect for drawing, sketching, adult coloring books, and more. The colorless blend pencil can blend two or more colors together, perfect for blending and softening edges of colored pencil artwork. The portable tube gift makes it easy to store your pencils, and it’s a perfect gift for kids and adults. Overall, we highly recommend the KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils set for anyone looking for a complete and high-quality set of colored pencils for sketching.
Artownlar Premium120 Colored Pencils, Coloring Book and Sketchbook | Vibrant Color Artists Soft Core | Drawing Sketching Shading for Adults Beginners Kids | Art Supplies Set Gift Case
If you’re searching for a comprehensive colored pencil set that’s perfect for sketching, coloring, and drawing, then the Artownlar Premium120 Colored Pencils, Coloring Book and Sketchbook is an excellent option.
Pros
- The 120-count color pencils have silky smooth velvety soft core thick leads with bright, vivid and bold assorted colors, which makes them ideal for sketching.
- The professional art drawing kit contains 120 unique color pencils for adults coloring books, 1 sketchpad, and 1 coloring book.
- The art pencil kit is made of high-quality basswood, which is very easy to sharpen.
Cons
- The coloring book is small and may not be suitable for those who prefer larger coloring books.
- Some users may find the price to be a bit higher than other colored pencil sets.
- The case may not be as durable as other cases on the market.
The Artownlar Premium120 Colored Pencils, Coloring Book and Sketchbook is an excellent choice for those who want a high-quality colored pencil set that is perfect for sketching, coloring, and drawing. The 120-count color pencils have silky smooth velvety soft core thick leads with bright, vivid and bold assorted colors, which makes them ideal for sketching. The professional art drawing kit contains 120 unique color pencils for adults coloring books, 1 sketchpad, and 1 coloring book. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a comprehensive set that has everything they need to get started.
The art pencil kit is made of high-quality basswood, which is very easy to sharpen. Each pre-sharpened pencil body has a unique number and color name for instant identification, which makes it easy to find the right color when you need it. The highly pigmented lightfast break-resistant colored pencils will bring you a nice drawing feeling, which makes them an excellent choice for those who want a high-quality set that will last a long time.
However, the coloring book is small and may not be suitable for those who prefer larger coloring books. Some users may find the price to be a bit higher than other colored pencil sets, which may be a concern for those who are on a tight budget. Additionally, the case may not be as durable as other cases on the market, which may be a concern for those who plan to travel with their colored pencils.
Overall, the Artownlar Premium120 Colored Pencils, Coloring Book and Sketchbook is an excellent choice for those who want a comprehensive colored pencil set that is perfect for sketching, coloring, and drawing. It’s an excellent choice for beginners and professionals alike, and it’s an excellent value for the price.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying colored pencils for sketching, there are a few key features to consider in order to choose the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Lead Quality
The quality of the lead is perhaps the most important factor to consider when buying colored pencils. Look for pencils with a smooth, consistent lead that is easy to blend and layer. The lead should also be strong enough to resist breaking, but not so hard that it scratches the paper.
Color Range
The color range of a set of colored pencils can vary greatly, so it’s important to choose a set that includes the colors you need for your sketches. Consider the subject matter you will be drawing and choose a set with colors that will allow you to capture the details and nuances of your subject.
Lightfastness
Lightfastness refers to a colored pencil’s ability to resist fading over time when exposed to light. If you plan to display or sell your artwork, it’s important to choose pencils with high lightfastness ratings to ensure that your colors remain vibrant over time.
Price
Colored pencils can vary greatly in price, so it’s important to consider your budget when choosing a set. While more expensive sets may offer higher quality leads and a wider range of colors, there are also many affordable options that can still produce beautiful results.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best colored pencils for your sketching needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated brands of colored pencils for professional artists?
When it comes to colored pencils for professional artists, there are several top-rated brands to consider. Some of the most popular brands include Faber-Castell, Caran d’Ache, Prismacolor, and Derwent. These brands are known for their high-quality pigments, smooth application, and color range.
How do the Caran d’Ache Luminance pencils compare to other brands for sketching?
Caran d’Ache Luminance pencils are known for their lightfastness and high pigment concentration, making them a popular choice for professional artists. They are particularly well-suited for detailed work and layering. While they are more expensive than some other brands, many artists find that the quality justifies the cost.
What characteristics define the best soft colored pencils for blending and layering?
Soft colored pencils are ideal for blending and layering because they allow for a smooth application and easy color mixing. The best soft colored pencils for blending and layering have a high pigment concentration, a soft core, and are easy to sharpen. Some popular brands for soft colored pencils include Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, and Derwent.
For realistic drawings, which colored pencils provide the most natural results?
When it comes to realistic drawings, many artists prefer colored pencils with a high pigment concentration and a wide range of colors. Some popular brands for realistic drawings include Faber-Castell Polychromos, Caran d’Ache Luminance, and Prismacolor Premier. These pencils are known for their smooth application and natural-looking colors.
Between Staedtler and Faber-Castell colored pencils, which is preferred for detailed artwork?
Both Staedtler and Faber-Castell colored pencils are popular choices for detailed artwork. Staedtler pencils have a harder lead, which makes them ideal for fine details and precise lines. Faber-Castell pencils have a softer lead, which makes them easier to blend and layer. Ultimately, the choice between these two brands will depend on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your artwork.
Are there specific colored pencils recommended for both beginners and advanced artists?
There are many colored pencils that are suitable for both beginners and advanced artists. Some popular brands for beginners include Crayola, Prismacolor Scholar, and Faber-Castell Goldfaber. These pencils are affordable and easy to use, making them a great choice for artists who are just starting out. For more advanced artists, brands like Caran d’Ache, Faber-Castell Polychromos, and Prismacolor Premier are popular choices. These pencils have a higher pigment concentration and are better suited for detailed work.
