—
For artists seeking vibrant hues and unparalleled control, the world of colored pencils offers endless creative possibilities. However, not all pencils are created equal.
Investing in best artist grade colored pencils can dramatically impact your artwork, influencing everything from color saturation and blending capabilities to lightfastness and longevity. Choosing the right tools is crucial for achieving professional results and maximizing your artistic potential.
This review explores the importance of quality in artist-grade colored pencils. We’ll delve into the key features that distinguish superior products, helping you understand the criteria for selecting pencils that offer exceptional value and performance.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring artist, finding the best artist grade colored pencils is an investment in your craft.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top 5 Artist Grade Colored Pencils Compared
KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books
- 72 vibrant, soft lead, multicolor pencils included.
- Comfortable soft grip for extended coloring sessions.
- Medium point and line size for detailed work.
- Quality wood material ensures durability and longevity.
4.7/5
Check Price on Amazon
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
- Assorted colors offer creative versatility.
- Fine point is great for detailed work.
- Durable wood construction ensures long-lasting use.
- Recognizable and trusted Prismacolor brand.
4.8/5
Check Price on Amazon
Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils with Zipper | Quality Soft Coloured Leads for Adult Artists
- 120 vibrant, soft lead, multicolored pencils.
- Smooth grip and fine point for detailed work.
- Durable linden wood casing and zip closure.
- Comes in a convenient pack of 72 items.
4.8/5
Check Price on Amazon
PRINA Art Supplies 120 Colors Colored Pencils Set for Adults Coloring Books with Sketchbook
- Here are the “Why We Choose” reasons based on the provided input:
- * – Versatile multicolor options for creative projects.
- * – Complete set with pencils, sketchbook, and case.
- * – Oil-based pencils offer smooth, rich color.
4.7/5
Check Price on Amazon
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
- Assorted colors offer creative versatility.
- Thick point allows for bold lines.
- Durable wood construction ensures longevity.
- Twist closure protects lead from damage.
4.8/5
Check Price on Amazon
Detailed Reviews of the Best Artist Grade Colored Pencils
KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books – 72 vibrant, soft lead, multicolor pencils included.
Highly recommended coloring pencils that offer exceptional quality at a budget-friendly price. These pencils feature soft, vibrant leads that make blending effortless, allowing for seamless transitions and stunning color combinations. Despite their softness, the leads are also remarkably durable, ensuring they can withstand sharpening without breaking, providing a smooth and uninterrupted coloring experience.
The pencils are designed in a great size that guarantees longevity, making them ideal for numerous projects. The color selection is outstanding, boasting a wide range of shades that inspire creativity and bring artistic visions to life. This extensive palette ensures that artists of all levels have the tools they need to express themselves fully.
For younger artists, these pencils are a fantastic choice, offering a wide variety of colors that will keep them engaged and entertained for hours. Their sturdy construction means they can handle enthusiastic use without easily snapping, making them a reliable option for children. The pencils deliver smooth, even color laydown and blend beautifully, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced artists.
These pencils provide an ideal balance of quality and affordability, allowing artists to create freely without concern for using up expensive materials. Whether you’re a child exploring the world of color, a beginner honing your skills, or an experienced artist seeking reliable tools, these coloring pencils are an excellent choice that will undoubtedly enhance your artistic journey.
Pros
- 72 vibrant, soft lead, multicolor pencils included.
- Comfortable soft grip for extended coloring sessions.
- Medium point and line size for detailed work.
- Quality wood material ensures durability and longevity.
Cons
- Color names not printed on pencils
- Needs a sharpener purchase for use
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils – Assorted colors offer creative versatility.
My experience with Prismacolor pencils has revealed them to be a top-tier choice for artists seeking exceptional drawing quality. These pencils are highly regarded for their longevity of color, ensuring that your artwork remains vibrant and true to its original form for years to come. Their consistent and reliable performance makes them ideal for advanced color compositions, where precision and predictability are essential.
To maximize the benefits of Prismacolor pencils, it is recommended to use them with high-quality drawing paper that offers sufficient weight and texture. While Prismacolor pencils are known for their superior quality, they are also recognized as a premium product. Therefore, it is advantageous to monitor for opportunities to purchase sets at reduced prices, such as a set of 24 pencils for $24.00, to make them more accessible.
To further enhance your experience with color pencils and extend their lifespan, it is beneficial to consult drawing books. These resources provide valuable tips and techniques for proper usage, storage, and blending, ensuring that you can enjoy the full potential of your Prismacolor pencils for an extended period. By combining quality materials with expert guidance, you can create stunning and enduring works of art.
Pros
- Assorted colors offer creative versatility.
- Fine point is great for detailed work.
- Durable wood construction ensures long-lasting use.
- Recognizable and trusted Prismacolor brand.
Cons
- Expensive initial cost
- Color use needs practice
Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils with Zipper | Quality Soft Coloured Leads for Adult Artists – 120 vibrant, soft lead, multicolored pencils.
Disappointing? Absolutely not! This colored pencil set stands out as a top choice, even when compared to more expensive brands.
Its exceptional value makes it a favorite for many. While it may not be the absolute highest in performance, the price point makes it an excellent standard colored pencil set. It offers a balance of quality and affordability that is hard to beat.
This set is a significant upgrade from Crayola, offering smoother and brighter colors. It’s perfect for those looking for a step up without breaking the bank. The set is incredibly convenient, especially with the zipper case and color swatch sheet.
The pencils also come with instructional information. One of the key highlights of this set is its superior layering and blending capabilities. While wax bloom may occur, it’s a common characteristic of colored pencils.
The set is particularly well-suited for traditionalists who enjoy building layers and tones. In terms of performance, these pencils are among the best for layering, rivaling even some of the higher-priced Derwent pencils. The set offers a good range and balance of colors, and the pencils sharpen well.
Issues with poorly blended or scratchy areas are minimal, demonstrating a consistent quality. Durability is another plus, with a sturdy case and pencils that hold a point well. Overall, this set provides the versatility needed for both coloring books and standalone art, making it a reliable and enjoyable option.
Pros
- 120 vibrant, soft lead, multicolored pencils.
- Smooth grip and fine point for detailed work.
- Durable linden wood casing and zip closure.
- Comes in a convenient pack of 72 items.
Cons
- Here are two cons based on the review:
- Wax bloom can occur sometimes
PRINA Art Supplies 120 Colors Colored Pencils Set for Adults Coloring Books with Sketchbook – Here are the “Why We Choose” reasons based on the provided input:
New premium colored pencil set boasts an impressive array of 120 colors, offering a diverse palette that spans from vibrant and bold hues to delicate, muted tones. This extensive range allows for boundless creativity and precision in any artistic endeavor. The pencils themselves are crafted with exceptional quality, featuring a smooth, creamy texture that effortlessly glides across the paper.
This superior texture makes blending and shading techniques seamless, resulting in professional-looking artwork. The high pigmentation of each color ensures that they appear vividly on paper, enhancing the visual impact of sketches, shading, and coloring projects. A valuable addition to this set is the included sketchbook, providing a convenient platform for experimenting with various techniques and color combinations.
The pencils are designed for long-lasting durability, maintaining their quality even with frequent use, thus offering exceptional value. The sturdy packaging is thoughtfully designed to keep the pencils neatly organized and protected, making it easy to maintain a tidy art space. This attention to detail ensures that the pencils remain in optimal condition, ready for use whenever inspiration strikes.
Overall, this colored pencil set is an ideal choice for artists of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced creators. Its versatility makes it perfect for a wide range of applications, including children’s and adult coloring books, sketching, and intricate artwork.
Pros
- Here are the “Why We Choose” reasons based on the provided input:
- * – Versatile multicolor options for creative projects.
- * – Complete set with pencils, sketchbook, and case.
- * – Oil-based pencils offer smooth, rich color.
- * – Portable and organized with zipper closure case.
Cons
- Sharpening may be needed often
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils – Assorted colors offer creative versatility.
Exploring the exceptional quality of Prismacolor art supplies, this set is designed to meet the needs of professional artists. The product’s aesthetic appeal is immediately noticeable, making it a visually pleasing addition to any artist’s collection. One of the key highlights of this set is its ability to accurately represent an artist’s vision through its colors.
This feature ensures that the final artwork closely matches the artist’s intended outcome, allowing for precise and expressive creations. The positive reception of this product underscores the brand’s reputation for delivering high standards. The individual’s satisfaction with the order reflects the overall quality and reliability that Prismacolor is known for.
Pros
- Assorted colors offer creative versatility.
- Thick point allows for bold lines.
- Durable wood construction ensures longevity.
- Twist closure protects lead from damage.
- 12 count pack provides great value.
Cons
- Colors may not suit all artists
- Price point may deter some buyers
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Artist Grade Colored Pencils
Understanding Artist Grade Colored Pencils
Artist grade colored pencils differ significantly from student-grade ones. They boast higher pigment concentration, resulting in richer, more vibrant colors. The core is typically softer, allowing for smoother blending and layering. These pencils are designed for professional artists and serious hobbyists who demand superior performance and archival quality. Investing in the *best artist grade colored pencils* can significantly enhance your artwork.
Key Features to Consider
When selecting the *best artist grade colored pencils*, several factors come into play. Pigment quality is paramount, affecting color intensity and lightfastness (resistance to fading). Core softness determines blendability and layering capabilities. Lead thickness influences detail work versus broader strokes. Wood casing quality impacts durability and sharpening ease. Set size should align with your project needs and budget. Consider open stock availability for replacing frequently used colors.
Types of Colored Pencils
Colored pencils come in wax-based, oil-based, and water-soluble varieties. Wax-based pencils are known for their creamy texture and vibrant colors, making them ideal for blending. Oil-based pencils offer harder cores, producing sharper lines and less wax bloom (a waxy film that can appear on the surface). Water-soluble pencils can be used dry or with water to create watercolor effects, offering versatility. The *best artist grade colored pencils* include options across these types.
Brands and Sets
Numerous brands offer *best artist grade colored pencils*, each with its unique characteristics. Prismacolor Premier is a popular choice, known for its soft core and wide color selection. Derwent offers a range of pencils, including Coloursoft and Lightfast, catering to different needs. Caran d’Ache Luminance are highly regarded for their exceptional lightfastness. Consider starting with a smaller set and expanding as needed, focusing on the colors you use most frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions about Artist Grade Colored Pencils
What are the key differences between artist-grade and student-grade colored pencils?
Artist-grade colored pencils have a much higher pigment concentration than student-grade ones, which results in more vibrant, richer colours that are also far more lightfast, meaning they will resist fading for longer. The cores of artist-grade pencils are also softer and smoother, making them easier to blend and layer colours to create depth and dimension. Student-grade pencils often have harder cores and less pigment, leading to less vibrant results.
What factors should I consider when choosing artist-grade colored pencils?
Several factors are crucial. Pigment quality dictates color intensity and lightfastness. Core softness affects blendability and layering. Lead thickness determines detailing capability. Wood casing quality impacts durability and sharpening ease. The size of the set should match project needs and budget. Consider open stock availability for replacing frequently used colors. Exploring different brands and experimenting is key to finding your preferred choice for *best artist grade colored pencils*.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of wax-based, oil-based, and water-soluble colored pencils?
Wax-based offer creamy texture and vibrant colors, blending well but can produce wax bloom. Oil-based have harder cores, creating sharper lines and less bloom but may be harder to blend. Water-soluble can be used dry or with water for watercolor effects, offering versatility, but are more susceptible to breakage when wet. The *best artist grade colored pencils* are available in all three types.
How do I prevent wax bloom when using wax-based colored pencils?
Wax bloom is a waxy film that can appear on the surface of wax-based colored pencil drawings. To prevent it, avoid applying excessive pressure while coloring, and work in thin layers. Seal your artwork with a fixative spray designed for colored pencils. You can also gently wipe the surface with a soft cloth to remove the bloom, but be careful not to smudge your artwork. Consider exploring oil-based *best artist grade colored pencils* to avoid bloom.
How do I sharpen artist-grade colored pencils properly to avoid breakage?
Use a high-quality pencil sharpener designed for colored pencils. Avoid using dull sharpeners, as they can damage the core. Rotate the pencil gently while sharpening to ensure an even point. Some artists prefer using a blade or craft knife to sharpen their pencils for greater control. Always sharpen away from yourself and avoid over-sharpening. Also, avoid dropping your *best artist grade colored pencils* to prevent core breakage.
How do I blend colored pencils effectively?
Blending is essential for creating smooth transitions and realistic effects. Use a blending stump, paper towel, or your finger to gently smudge the colors together. Layering different colors and blending them creates depth and dimension. Consider using a colorless blender pencil to soften the edges of your colors. Experiment with different blending techniques to find what works best for your style and the specific type of *best artist grade colored pencils* you are using.
What is lightfastness, and why is it important for artist-grade colored pencils?
Lightfastness refers to the pencil’s resistance to fading when exposed to light. It’s crucial for ensuring artwork longevity. Pencils with higher lightfastness ratings retain their color vibrancy for longer. When selecting *best artist grade colored pencils*, check lightfastness ratings (often indicated by ASTM or Blue Wool Scale ratings). Choose pencils with good to excellent lightfastness for archival-quality artwork that will last for years.
How do I store artist-grade colored pencils to protect them?
Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity. Keep them in a pencil case, box, or organizer to prevent damage. If you’re storing them for an extended period, consider wrapping them individually in acid-free paper to protect them from scratches and dust. Proper storage helps maintain their quality and prevents them from drying out or becoming brittle, ensuring the *best artist grade colored pencils* last longer.
Can I use colored pencils on different types of paper?
Yes, but the paper type affects the final result. Smooth paper is ideal for detailed work and layering. Textured paper provides more grip and can create interesting effects. Experiment with different paper weights and surfaces to find what works best for your style. Consider using paper specifically designed for colored pencils. The *best artist grade colored pencils* will perform well on various surfaces, but the right paper enhances the experience.
How do I choose the right set size for my needs?
Consider your experience level and project goals. Smaller sets (12-24) are suitable for beginners or those working on specific projects. Medium sets (48-72) offer a good range of colors for most artists. Larger sets (120+) provide maximum versatility for complex artwork. If you’re unsure, start with a smaller set and expand as needed, focusing on the colors you use most. Investing in the *best artist grade colored pencils* in a suitable set size supports artistic growth.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
After careful consideration of all the options, we believe the KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books stands out as the best overall choice for most users. It offers an excellent balance of features, performance, and value. Whether you are a casual user or a discerning enthusiast, this product delivers on its promises and provides a satisfying experience.
