One of the biggest factors that will affect your enjoyment of colored pencils is the consistency of the "lead". They will also boast a wider color range, and you'll be able to buy them individually as needed (referred to as "open stock"). They do cost more, but that's because they contain a higher proportion of pigment, which yields richer, bolder colors.Īrtist grade pencils are also more lightfast (discussed below), and usually softer, which makes them easier to use and blend. If your budget allows, my recommendation is to always favor artist grade pencils, which are noticeably superior.
When purchasing colored pencils, there are many different considerations to keep in mind that we'll discuss on this page, but the most important decision you'll make is whether to get "student grade" or "artist grade" colored pencils (those are Blick affiliate links). With minimal equipment or preparation you can settle in and lose yourself in a frenzy of creativity! While I also enjoy using other art media, like acrylics, few are as relaxing as colored pencils because you don’t have to worry about making a mess, inhaling something toxic or staining your clothes, and afterwards there's nothing to wash or clean-up. Colored pencils also don't require a bunch of extra accessories that you'd need for a medium like oil paint, for example: you can can achieve a lot with just a simple set, a sharpener, and a humble sketchbook. They’ll also last a long time you don’t have to worry about them drying out like you do with paint or markers.
In addition to their versatility, colored pencils are also practical and hassle-free! They're light and portable, so you can travel with them and draw on location. Note on terminology: colored pencils are mostly associated with drawings, but if they cover the whole support/surface they are called paintings, and you can see why… they really do look like paintings! For example, check out this colored pencil painting by Alyona Nickelsen, the author of the book "Colored Pencil Painting Bible". With that said, the versatility of colored pencils also allow the application of bold, opaque colors, either by pressing harder or by layering and blending.
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