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Best Colored Pencils For Art (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a new addition to your art kit, colored pencils are a great investment. They are versatile, easy to use, and can add a pop of color to any piece. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are some factors to consider before buying colored pencils for art.

First and foremost, consider the quality of the pencils. Cheaper options may seem appealing, but they may not have the pigmentation or durability needed for more detailed pieces. Look for pencils with bright, vibrant colors that blend well and last a long time. Additionally, consider the type of paper you will be using the pencils on. Some colored pencils work better on smooth surfaces, while others work better on textured paper.

Another factor to consider is the level of expertise you have in using colored pencils. If you are a beginner, you may want to start with a basic set and work your way up as you become more comfortable with the medium. If you are more experienced, you may want to invest in a higher quality set with a wider range of colors.

Are you ready to take your art to the next level? Do you want to add some color and vibrancy to your pieces? Consider investing in colored pencils for art. Ask yourself: what level of expertise do I have? What kind of paper will I be using? What qualities should I look for in a set of colored pencils? These questions will help guide you in making the best choice for your art needs.

10 Best Colored Pencils For Art

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for adult artists, professionals, and colorists who seek quality colored leads in a strong, portable case.
2
Ideal for artists and coloring enthusiasts, featuring soft core color pencils in a 72 pack set for drawing and sketching.
3
The product is ideal for drawing, sketching, and adult coloring with its soft core colored pencils in a pack of 150.
4
Ideal for adult artists, professionals, and colorists looking for a set of high-quality colored pencils with soft core leads.
5
The product is ideal for professional artists and adults who enjoy coloring books, drawing, sketching, blending and shading.
6
Ideal for adult artists, professionals, and colorists who require quality soft core colored leads that are protected and organized.
7
Ideal for adult artists, professionals and colorists looking for high-quality colored pencils with soft core leads in a presentation tin box.
8
The product is ideal for creating art with colored pencils that have high-quality pigments, ease of use, and a wide color range.
9
The product is ideal for adult coloring books and professional art drawing, sketching, shading, blending, and crafting.
10
Ideal for adult coloring books, sketching, drawing, and art projects. Great gift for adults, kids, and beginners. Soft core colored pencils.
Ideal for adult artists, professionals, and colorists who seek quality colored leads in a strong, portable case.
Ideal for artists and coloring enthusiasts, featuring soft core color pencils in a 72 pack set for drawing and sketching.
The product is ideal for drawing, sketching, and adult coloring with its soft core colored pencils in a pack of 150.
Ideal for adult artists, professionals, and colorists looking for a set of high-quality colored pencils with soft core leads.
The product is ideal for professional artists and adults who enjoy coloring books, drawing, sketching, blending and shading.
Ideal for adult artists, professionals, and colorists who require quality soft core colored leads that are protected and organized.
Ideal for adult artists, professionals and colorists looking for high-quality colored pencils with soft core leads in a presentation tin box.
The product is ideal for creating art with colored pencils that have high-quality pigments, ease of use, and a wide color range.
The product is ideal for adult coloring books and professional art drawing, sketching, shading, blending, and crafting.
Ideal for adult coloring books, sketching, drawing, and art projects. Great gift for adults, kids, and beginners. Soft core colored pencils.

1. Artistic 120 Colored Pencils Zippered Set

The set of 120 colored pencils from this brand is designed to make coloring easy and convenient. The pencils are arranged in color families and numbered for easy selection. The set comes in a protective zip-around case made of durable fabric. The layers of the case can be flipped to access the pencils easily.

The pencils are made of the latest advanced formulation, resulting in soft and buttery cores that do not crumble under pressure and hold their point. The colors are intensely pigmented and creamy, allowing for smooth coverage and effortless layering, blending, and burnishing. They work well on various surfaces like paper, eggshell, canvas, and wood.

The set comes with a fold-out tutorial that can help refine colored pencil skills. The tutorial enables users to recreate a stunning galleon illustration on the sleeve cover of the case. The pencils have been tested by studio experts to beat competitors and have been trusted by 1.5 million customers worldwide. The set is backed by a unique money-back-PLUS guarantee.

Pros

  • The set of 120 colored pencils is arranged in color families and numbered for easy selection.
  • The pencils have soft and buttery cores that do not crumble under pressure and hold their point.
  • The colors are intensely pigmented and creamy, allowing for smooth coverage and effortless layering, blending, and burnishing.
  • The set comes with a fold-out tutorial that can help refine colored pencil skills.
  • The pencils have been tested by studio experts to beat competitors and have been trusted by 1.5 million customers worldwide.
  • The set is backed by a unique money-back-PLUS guarantee.

2. Color Your World With Prismacolor Premier!

Bring your artwork to life with these 72 premium colored pencils from the USA. Whether you're a beginner or an expert artist, these artist-quality colored pencils are perfect for every level of expertise. The soft, thick cores are designed for shading and shadows, producing a smooth color laydown for superior blending and shading. Moreover, the ultra-smooth, even color laydown of these colored pencils is a true testament to their richly saturated pigments.

The thick, robust leads of these colored pencils resist cracking and chipping, allowing you to produce stunning artwork without any interruption. Additionally, these colored pencils are lightfast and waterproof, ensuring that your artwork remains vibrant and fresh for years to come. You can easily blend these colors to create your desired shade, and they are slow to wear, making them ideal for long-lasting artwork.

This package contains a tin with a dimension of 9 3/4 by 8 1/8 by 1 1/8 inches, which houses 72 premium colored pencils. So, if you're looking for artist quality colored pencils that deliver professional-grade results, look no further than these colored pencils from the USA.

Pros

  • Soft, thick cores are perfect for shading and shadows
  • Lightfast, richly saturated pigments
  • Ultra-smooth, even color laydown
  • Thick, robust leads resist cracking and chipping
  • Colors are easily blended, slow to wear and waterproof
  • Package contains one 9 3/4 by 8 1/8 by 1 1/8 inches tin with 72 pencils
  • Made in USA

3. 150 Soft-Core Colored Pencils For Creatives

Enjoy the ultimate coloring experience with these 150 premium colored pencils. The soft, thick cores provide excellent shading and shadowing capabilities, while the lightfast pigments deliver rich, vibrant color that lasts. The ultra-smooth color laydown ensures even and consistent coverage, making it easy to achieve professional-looking results every time. These pencils are perfect for adult coloring books, thanks to their thick and robust leads that resist cracking and chipping. With a wide range of colors to choose from, you'll have everything you need to bring your artistic vision to life.

These pencils are made with high-quality materials and are designed to offer exceptional performance. They are built to last and can withstand the rigors of frequent use. Whether you're a professional artist or just starting out, these colored pencils are an excellent choice for any project.

In addition to their superior performance, these pencils are also easy and comfortable to use. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, even during long coloring sessions. The pencils are also easy to sharpen, thanks to their durable and resilient leads.

Experience the joy of coloring with these premium colored pencils. They offer exceptional performance, durability, and ease of use, making them a must-have for any artist or coloring enthusiast.

Pros

  • Soft, thick cores for excellent shading and shadowing capabilities
  • Lightfast pigments deliver rich, vibrant color that lasts
  • Ultra-smooth color laydown ensures even and consistent coverage
  • Thick and robust leads resist cracking and chipping, making them perfect for adult coloring books
  • Wide range of colors to choose from
  • High-quality materials and exceptional performance
  • Comfortable, ergonomic design
  • Durable and resilient leads are easy to sharpen

4. Artists' Zipper Case: 72 Colored Pencils Set

The Essential range of 72 pencils is perfect for artists and hobbyists alike. The pencils are arranged in color families and named, numbered, and color-coded for easy selection. The protective, fabric zip-around case allows you to flip between the layers with ease, making it a go-anywhere option.

The latest advanced formulation by in-house artists and technicians results in cores that offer a soft, buttery laydown while also being durable enough to avoid crumbling under pressure and maintain their point.

These intensely pigmented pencils come in rich, creamy colors that provide smooth coverage and effortless layering, blending, and burnishing. They can be used on paper, eggshell, canvas, wood, and more to create various textures and achieve the perfect shade.

The unique fold-out tutorial included with the set allows artists to refine their colored pencil skills by re-creating the stunning gryphon illustration on the sleeve cover.

The set has been tested by studio experts to beat competitors and trusted by 1.5 million customers worldwide. It is backed by a unique money-back-PLUS guarantee, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Pros

  • Comes with 72 pencils arranged in color families for easy selection
  • Soft and durable cores that maintain their point
  • Intensely pigmented pencils provide smooth coverage and effortless layering, blending, and burnishing
  • Unique fold-out tutorial allows for skill refinement
  • Backed by a unique money-back-PLUS guarantee

5. Vibrant 120-Color Art Set For Adult Coloring

The Premium 120 Pack Vibrant Coloring Pencils are perfect for creating lifelike portraits, landscapes, and abstract art that seem to pop off the page. These artist-quality softcore pencils produce bright, vivid, and bold colors with rich pigment and an ultra-smooth application. The thick core won't break easily and the blendable colors are perfect for layering, shading, and shadows. Made of oil-based basswood, these pencils are lightfast and provide a professional look to your artwork.

This professional sketch art pencils kit comes with a set of unique color pencils for adults coloring books and a sketchpad containing 3-color sketch paper (white, toned tan, and black) that is spiral bound and has a weight of 100GSM. The pre-sharpened wood coloring pencils set allows you to create brilliant color shades, tints, and color mixtures.

The art supplies sketching colored pencils set comes with a portable zipper-case to keep the colors pencils organized and protected. This set is an ideal gift box for advanced artists, beginners, adults, students, starters, and kids on Christmas, Thanksgiving, Birthday, and other occasions. The set includes a wide variety of different shades and brightly colored lines that are great for school projects and detailed artwork.

The high-quality adult artist colored pencils are printed with color name, numbers, and color-coded for identification. This feature allows you to quickly find the color you need without confusion. Additionally, these art drawing colors pencils conform to strict ASTM D-4236 and EN71 standards, making them non-toxic and eco-friendly.

The Profesionales 120 Colors Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring BOOK with Drawing Tutorial are great for use at home, school, indoor, and outdoor. This set includes a drawing tutorial on how to draw a parrot, giving you a comprehensive guide to getting started with your first steps in the art world. You can start creating your artwork now and take your art to the next level.

The team behind these products cares about their customers and strives to create products they're proud of. If there are any issues with the product, they are ready to make it right.

Pros

  • Bright, vivid, and bold colors with rich pigment
  • Blendable colors perfect for layering, shading, and shadows
  • Thick core that won't break easily
  • Oil-based basswood for a professional look
  • Set includes a sketchpad and a portable zipper-case
  • Colors are printed with color name, numbers, and color-coded for identification
  • Non-toxic and eco-friendly

Cons

  • – None found

6. Artistic Colors: 72 Pencils In Presentation Tin

The Essential range of 72 pencils is made to make coloring easy and enjoyable. These pencils are arranged in color families, named, numbered, and color-coded for unerring selection. The handsome presentation tin box has three layers, and you can flip up your choice of pencil easily. The latest advanced formulation by in-house artists and technicians results in cores that have a soft, buttery laydown. These cores defy crumbling under pressure and hold their point, making them both soft and durable. You can enjoy using these intensely pigmented, rich, creamy colors for smooth coverage and effortless layering, blending, and burnishing to add texture and achieve the perfect shade. You can even use them on paper, eggshell, canvas, wood, and more. The unique fold-out tutorial enables you to refine your colored pencil skills by re-creating the stunning unicorn illustration on the sleeve cover. These pencils have been tested by studio experts to beat competitors and are trusted by our 1.5 million customers worldwide. They are also backed by a unique money-back-PLUS guarantee.

The Essential range of 72 pencils is perfect for those who love coloring. The pencils are arranged in a way that makes selecting the perfect color easy, and the latest advanced formulation ensures that the cores are both soft and durable. The colors are intensely pigmented, rich, and creamy, making them perfect for smooth coverage and effortless layering, blending, and burnishing. The unique fold-out tutorial is a great way to refine your colored pencil skills and create stunning illustrations.

The Essential range of 72 pencils is a great investment for anyone who loves to color. The pencils are arranged in color families, making it easy to find the perfect shade. The latest advanced formulation ensures that the cores are both soft and durable, while the intensely pigmented, rich, creamy colors are perfect for smooth coverage and effortless layering, blending, and burnishing. The unique fold-out tutorial is a great way to refine your colored pencil skills and create stunning illustrations. These pencils have been tested by studio experts to beat competitors and are trusted by our 1.5 million customers worldwide. They are also backed by a unique money-back-PLUS guarantee.

Pros

  • Arranged in color families, named, numbered, and color-coded for unerring selection
  • Soft and durable cores that defy crumbling under pressure and hold their point
  • Intensely pigmented, rich, creamy colors for smooth coverage and effortless layering, blending, and burnishing
  • Can be used on paper, eggshell, canvas, wood, and more
  • Unique fold-out tutorial that enables you to refine your colored pencil skills and create stunning illustrations
  • Tested by studio experts to beat competitors
  • Trusted by 1.5 million customers worldwide
  • Backed by a unique money-back-PLUS guarantee

7. Castle Art 120 Soft Core Colored Pencils

The Ultimate range of 120 colored pencils arranged in color families, named, numbered and color-coded for easy and precise selection. These colored pencils come in a handsome presentation tin box and have three layers that flip up to reveal your preferred color.

The Latest advanced formulation by in-house artists and technicians results in cores that are soft, buttery and durable. The pencils are designed not to crumble under pressure and hold their point for a long time of use.

These colored pencils are a joy to use, with intensely pigmented, rich and creamy colors that provide smooth coverage and effortless layering, blending, and burnishing. They can be easily used on paper, eggshell, canvas, wood, and more.

The set includes a unique fold-out tutorial that enables you to refine your colored pencil skills by re-creating the stunning Camelot illustration on the sleeve cover.

The pencils have been tested and trusted by ultimate judges – our 1.5 million customers worldwide. They have also been tested by our studio experts and found to be superior to competitors. These colored pencils are backed by a unique money-back-PLUS guarantee.

Pros

  • The colored pencils come in a wide range of colors arranged in color families, making them easy to select.
  • The pencils are soft, buttery, and durable, designed not to crumble under pressure and hold their point for a long time of use.
  • Intensely pigmented, rich and creamy colors provide smooth coverage and effortless layering, blending, and burnishing.
  • The set includes a unique fold-out tutorial that enables you to refine your colored pencil skills.
  • The pencils have been tested and trusted by 1.5 million customers worldwide.
  • The colored pencils are backed by a unique money-back-PLUS guarantee.

8. Faber-Castel 110060 Polychromos Colored Pencil Set In Metal Tin, 60 Pieces

Indulge your creative side with the Polychromes Colored Pencil Set. This set includes 60 acid-free pencils that are expertly crafted and imported to ensure high-quality results. The pencils can be used to create both delicate and strong strokes, allowing you to unleash the full potential of their vibrant colors.

Each pencil is made with a smooth, creamy texture that makes it easy to layer and blend colors. The set comes in a sturdy metal tin that keeps the pencils organized and protected, making it easy to take them on the go or store them safely at home.

Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting out, the Polychromes Colored Pencil Set is a must-have addition to your art supplies. With a wide range of colors to choose from and a versatile range of stroke options, these pencils are perfect for everything from fine details to bold, expressive drawings.

Pros

  • 60 acid-free pencils ensure high-quality results
  • Smooth, creamy texture makes it easy to layer and blend colors
  • Sturdy metal tin keeps pencils organized and protected

9. Soucolor Pro Artist Pencil Set – 180 Colors

The 180 Vibrant Colors Numbered colored pencils with a metal tin box is an excellent choice for artists, beginners, kids, and girls. The metal tin box is an added convenience as it helps you to keep the colors visible and stored well. The professional art coloring pencils are of premium quality, and the soft leads make them easy to sharpen without breaking, cracking or crumbling. The odorless materials used to make the colored pencils make them safe to use. The set comes with safety certification to help you rest easy. The multiple colors-180 numbered individual vibrant colors make them a great choice for smooth coloring, easy blending, and shading, and they are perfect for drawing, sketching, adult coloring books.

The set comes with a metal tin box that makes it easy to organize the colored pencils. The box also makes it easy to transport the colored pencils without losing them. The set's odorless materials make the colored pencils safe to use, and they come with safety certification. The 180 colors make it easy to create colorful illustrations, and they are perfect for drawing, sketching, and adult coloring books. The soft leads make it easy to sharpen them without breaking, cracking or crumbling. The set is a great gift idea for artists, beginners, kids, and girls.

Pros

  • The 180 vibrant colors make it easy to create colorful illustrations
  • The set comes with a metal tin box that makes it easy to organize and transport the colored pencils
  • The odorless materials used to make the colored pencils make them safe to use
  • The soft leads make it easy to sharpen them without breaking, cracking or crumbling

Cons

  • – Not suitable for children under 3 years of age due to small parts

10. Colorful Creations: 72 Soft-Core Pencils

The Soucolor colored pencil set includes 72 high-quality pencils and a convenient eco-friendly tube for easy storage. With this set, finding the color you need is hassle-free and all colors are visible.

These premium art colored pencils have soft leads, making them easy to sharpen without the worry of breaking, cracking, or crumbling. The pencils also provide smooth coloring and easy blending, perfect for drawing, sketching, or adult coloring books.

The set features 72 individual colors, providing a wide range of rich colors that are perfect for shading and creating colorful illustrations. These pencils are made with odorless materials and have obtained safety certificate EN71. However, please note that they are not suitable for children under 3 years of age due to small parts that could present a choking hazard.

Pros

  • 72 high-quality pencils with soft leads that are easy to sharpen without breaking or crumbling
  • Convenient eco-friendly tube for easy storage
  • Wide range of individual colors that are perfect for shading and creating colorful illustrations
  • Odorless materials used

Cons

  • – Not suitable for children under 3 years of age due to small parts

Best Colored Pencils For Art FAQs

Can I use watercolor pencils for mixed media art?

Yes, you can definitely use watercolor pencils for mixed media art. In fact, using watercolor pencils can add a unique touch to your mixed media pieces. Watercolor pencils are versatile and can be used to create a range of effects, from light washes to intense pigments, and can be used on a variety of surfaces. You can use them on paper, canvas, or even on top of other mediums like acrylic paint or ink. To use watercolor pencils, you simply draw with them and then add water with a brush to activate the pigments and create a watercolor effect. You can also layer the colors to create depth and texture. Using watercolor pencils in mixed media art can be a fun and creative way to experiment with different techniques and create unique pieces. So, go ahead and give it a try!

How do I choose the right color pencils for my art project?

Choosing the right color pencils for your art project can be a daunting task, but it is an essential aspect of creating a successful piece of art. The first thing you need to consider is the type of project you will be working on. If you are going to be doing a detailed and intricate drawing, you will need color pencils with a fine tip, allowing you to create precise lines and details. On the other hand, if you are working on a larger piece or a painting, you will need color pencils with a broader tip, which will allow you to cover larger areas with ease.

Another consideration when choosing color pencils is the type of paper you will be using. If you are working on a rough or textured paper, you will need color pencils with softer leads as they will blend more easily. In contrast, if you are working on a smoother paper, you can use harder leads for more precise lines and less smudging.

Ultimately, choosing the right color pencils for your art project comes down to personal preference, but by considering the type of project you will be working on and the type of paper you will be using, you can make a more informed decision.

What are the advantages of using wax-based versus oil-based colored pencils for art?

The choice between wax-based and oil-based colored pencils often depends on the artist's preference and the specific project they are working on. However, there are some advantages to using one type over the other.

Wax-based colored pencils are generally softer and smoother than oil-based pencils. They have a creamy texture that makes them easy to blend and layer, allowing for a wider range of color variations. They are also less prone to smudging and have a longer lifespan due to their durability.

On the other hand, oil-based colored pencils are firmer and produce sharper lines, making them ideal for detailed work. They are also more resistant to fading and can be used on a wider variety of surfaces, including non-porous surfaces like glass and metal.

Ultimately, the choice between wax-based and oil-based colored pencils depends on the artist's style and the desired outcome of the project. Experimenting with both types can provide a better understanding of their unique properties and help artists make an informed decision on which to use for each project.

What are the best colored pencils for professional art?

There are several brands of colored pencils that are highly recommended for professional art. One of the top brands is Prismacolor, which is known for its high-quality, vibrant colors and smooth application. Another highly regarded brand is Faber-Castell, which offers a wide range of colors and is known for its strong and durable pencils. Other popular brands include Caran d'Ache, Derwent, and Staedtler. When choosing colored pencils for professional art, it is important to consider factors such as color range, quality of pigments, and durability of the pencils. It is also important to consider personal preferences such as the type of paper you will be using and the style of art you will be creating. Ultimately, the best colored pencils for professional art will vary depending on individual needs and preferences, but these top brands are a good place to start.

Which brands of colored pencils are suitable for detailed artwork?

There are several brands of colored pencils that are suitable for detailed artwork, depending on your preferences and budget. One of the most popular brands is Prismacolor, which offers a range of soft and highly pigmented colored pencils that blend well and are ideal for layering and shading. Another popular brand is Faber-Castell, which offers a range of pencils that are highly pigmented and have a smooth texture, making them ideal for fine details and precise lines. Other brands to consider include Caran d'Ache, Derwent, and Staedtler, which all offer high-quality colored pencils with varying degrees of softness, pigmentation, and color selection. Ultimately, the best brand for detailed artwork will depend on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your project, so it's important to do your research and test out different brands before making a final decision.

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