If you’re looking for the best pencils for drawing and shading, you’ve come to the right place. Finding the right drawing pencil that suits your style and texture can be challenging, but it’s crucial to choose the right pencil for your drawing. With so many options available in the market, it's important to consider various factors to decide which one will be the best fit for you.
When choosing the best pencils for drawing and shading, you need to consider factors such as the type of lead, lead hardness, and pencil quality. These factors can determine the tone, depth, and texture of your drawings. It's also essential to consider the grip, lightweight, and balance of the pencil to ensure comfortable use and reduce hand fatigue.
Do you often struggle with finding the right pencil for your drawings? Do you want to create flawless sketches? Want to make sure your work stands out from the crowd? If so, keep reading! In this article, we will be sharing some valuable tips and tricks to help you choose the perfect pencil that suits your drawing style. We will also be giving you some suggestions on the best pencils for drawing and shading based on our research and reviews from experienced artists.
10 Best Pencils For Drawing And Shading
# | Product Image | Product Name | Product Notes | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
The pencil kit is ideal for sketching and drawing art, perfect for beginners or professionals looking for a variety of tools.
|
|
||
2
|
This drawing kit is ideal for artists of all levels, including beginners, adults, and teens, providing essential art supplies in a portable travel case.
|
|
||
3
|
The product is ideal for artists, beginners and adults who need a comprehensive sketching kit set with tutorial and various pencil types.
|
|
||
4
|
The product is ideal for drawing, sketching, shading, and artwork creation.
|
|
||
5
|
The product is ideal for drawing and sketching with high-quality graphite pencils, erasers, and sharpeners included in an 18-piece set.
|
|
||
6
|
The product is ideal for artists and adults who need high-quality colored pencils for sketching, shading, and coloring.
|
|
||
7
|
This product is ideal for artists who need a complete set of drawing tools with a convenient carry case.
|
|
||
8
|
The product is ideal for blending and shading when drawing, with includes 14 blending stumps and an art eraser.
|
|
||
9
|
This product is ideal for artists, beginners, adults, and kids who enjoy coloring books and sketching.
|
|
||
10
|
This product is ideal for adult artists, professionals, and colorists who seek quality soft core colored pencils in an organized presentation tin box.
|
|
1. Amazon Basics Sketch And Drawing Art Pencil Kit – 17 Piece Set

Introducing the all-in-one 17-piece drawing and sketch supply kit, designed to cater to artists of all skill levels. This comprehensive kit contains everything you need to create stunning works of art or simply sketch and doodle your ideas.
The kit includes six pencils, each with a different level of lead hardness – 2H, HB, H, B, 2B, and 3B – to allow for precise and varied line work. Additionally, three charcoal pencils in soft, medium, and hard varieties provide the perfect tool for achieving dramatic shading effects. Four compressed sketch sticks, two charcoal and two conté, offer further options for creating bold and textured marks.
The kit also includes essential accessories such as a standard eraser, a kneaded eraser, a blender/smudge stick, and a dual-barrel sharpener to keep your pencils sharp and ready for use. With this comprehensive set, artists can experiment with various drawing techniques, from intricate shading and blending to combining different mediums.
This drawing and sketch supply kit conforms to ASTM D4236, ensuring that it is safe and non-toxic to use. Whether you're a professional artist or just starting, this kit provides the essential tools needed to create dynamic works of art. So, unleash your creativity and let your imagination run wild with this versatile set of art supplies.
2. Kalour Sketching Kit: 33-Piece Charcoal Set.

The Pro Drawing Pencils set is the perfect tool for all your artwork needs. This comprehensive set includes 12 premium sharpened graphite pencils, ranging from 5H to 8B, 3 charcoal pencils of varying softness, and 1 woodless graphite pencil. The pencils feature a sturdy hexagonal barrel, ensuring a comfortable grip and ease of use. The graphite is even, smooth, and blends easily, allowing for a range of tones in your drawing and creating depth and dimension.
In addition to the pencils, the set also includes almost all the accessories needed for sketching and drawing. There are graphite and charcoal sticks, paper blending stumps, vinyl and kneaded erasers, a pencil extender, an art knife, graphite and charcoal sharpeners, and a sandpaper block. These extras are essential for both artists and beginners, providing everything you need to get started on your next masterpiece.
The Pro Drawing Pencils set comes with a lightweight and travel-friendly nylon carrying case, making it convenient to sketch anywhere and anytime. The strong compact inside and zippered case hold and protect all the sketching tools inside, ensuring that all contents stay organized and tidy.
This set offers endless possibilities for both beginners and professional artists. It enables you to express your talent and enhance your potential art skills as an artist, making it ideal for drawing, sketching, and doodling. Find inspiration and start your art career with this art set.
Not only does the Pro Drawing Pencils set meet your own needs, but it can also be given as a gift to adults, artists, and kids. This all-in-one set is the perfect choice to express your greetings and sincerity, making it an excellent gift for any occasion. The pencils are non-toxic and eco-friendly, conforming to ASTM D-4236 and EN71 standards, ensuring safety and quality. Invest in the Pro Drawing Pencils set and take the first step towards unleashing your artistic potential.
3. Pro Art Set With Sketchbook & Tutorial.

The Kalour 76 art set is a complete professional drawing and sketching art set that contains all the art pencils you need to create any artwork. With a variety of pencil types and vivid colors, this set is perfect for sketching, drawing, blending, coloring, and shading.
The set includes 65 pieces of drawing pencils, including 12 sketching pencils, 12 charcoal pencils, 12 colored pencils, 12 watercolor pencils, 12 metallic pencils, 4 pastel pencils, and 1 white charcoal pencil. Each pencil is marked with a color name and number, and the pre-sharpened art pencils allow for accurate visual creativity and crisp lines. The soft, break-resistant cores produce incredible tone, making this set perfect for both beginners and professional artists.
In addition to the pencils, the set also includes extra art accessories such as 3 blending stumps, a metal sharpener, vinyl eraser, pencil extender, sandpaper block, and an artist brush. These basic drawing tools allow you to start creating at any time.
When you purchase this art set, you will also receive a sketchbook (6"x9") and watercolor paper (6"x9"), so you won't need to buy a separate sketchbook. This drawing set will be the perfect choice for you to start your art career.
The set comes in a luxury and portable package made with non-toxic components and a travel-friendly nylon carrying case, allowing you to do sketching anywhere and anytime. The strong, compact inside and zippered carrying case hold and protect all the sketching tools inside safely when travelling, keeping all the contents organized and tidy.
The Kalour 76 art set makes a great gift for anyone who loves to create. Colors always cheer people up, stimulate their creativity and imagination, and provide stress relief. The set is ideal for adult coloring books, craft paper, construction paper, and scrapbooking.
To make it even more accessible for beginners, the set includes a drawing tutorial that uses simple step-by-step guides to teach you how to draw cute things. Add drawings to a composition with fun colors, and you will have your own piece of art to enjoy or gift. With the Kalour 76 art set, learning to draw has never been easier.
4. Sketchpro Pencil Set: 14 Graphite Essentials

The Premium Drawing Sketch Pencil Set is a must-have for any artist, whether they are a novice or a professional. This set includes 14 pre-sharpened graphite pencils with a wide range of hardness, from 12B to 4H, providing versatility for all your artwork needs.
These non-toxic and eco-friendly pencils conform to strict ASTM D-4236 and EN71 standards, ensuring that they are safe to use and environmentally friendly. They allow for creating lines of any thickness and color saturation, making them suitable for crafting fine, detailed illustrations, and textured shading. The smooth writing feeling makes them top-quality sketch pencils for writing as well.
The Premium Drawing Sketch Pencil Set offers great shading and blending capability, allowing for crafting detailed illustrations and textured shading like a professional artist. This organized art set is perfect for students working on craft or construction paper, detailed sketching, and high-level artistic skills, and even for hobbyists who love scrapbooking.
The possibilities are endless with this set, making it ideal for drawing, sketching, and doodling. It is perfect for budding artists and amateurs of all ages looking to develop their drawing skills. It is also an excellent gift for family, neighbors, and friends, especially for children who love to draw and explore their creativity.
At this store, customer satisfaction is always a top priority. If for any reason you do not feel 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can email them freely and they promise to provide a replacement or an immediate refund. You can purchase these drawing pencils without any risk, and if you love them, add them to your cart today!
5. Prismacolor Premier Graphite Drawing Pencils With Erasers & Sharpeners, 18-Piece Set

Introducing a set of professionally graded artist pencils that cater to your every drawing need. With a range of values, these pencils allow you to add highlights, mid tones, and shadows to your artwork with ease. The set includes 7 Turquoise drawing pencils, ranging from 8B to 6H, 4 woodless graphite pencils, ranging from 2B to 8B, and 3 water-soluble graphite pencils in HB, 4B, and 8B.
The woodless graphite pencils are a unique addition to this set, allowing you to use them sharp for detailed work or blunt for broader coverage. With no wood casing to slow you down, you can quickly switch between different techniques to create the perfect piece of art.
The water-soluble pencils are perfect for adding depth and dimension to your artwork. These pencils lay down rich, dark marks that can be mixed with water to create a transparent wash, adding a unique touch to your artwork.
To keep your pencils sharp and ready for use, the set includes a steel sharpener and sanding board. The vinyl Magic Rub eraser is ideal for delicate surfaces and absorbs graphite efficiently. The kneaded rubber eraser is a flexible tool that molds to the shape you're erasing, making it perfect for intricate details.
6. Vibrant Art Set For Artists & Kids.

The H & B 182 PCS Colored Pencils Set is the perfect art accessory for artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals. With 182 pieces included, this set provides a wide variety of colors and tools for any creative project.
One of the standout features of this colored pencil set is its eco-friendliness and non-toxicity. Made from crude wood and tested by TUV, the pencils are completely harmless to the human body, making them a great choice for kids and adults alike.
In addition to being safe, these colored pencils are also extremely durable. The pencil lead is firm and long-lasting, making it easy to write, cut, and erase without constantly having to sharpen or replace the pencil.
Not only is this set high-quality and versatile, but it's also incredibly portable and lightweight. The compact size allows for easy storage in a schoolbag or backpack, making it the perfect on-the-go art kit for drawing and sketching anywhere inspiration strikes.
Finally, the H & B 182 PCS Colored Pencils Set makes a fantastic gift for anyone who loves to create, from art enthusiasts to college students to professional painters. With a range of colors and tools to choose from, this sketching pencils set has everything needed to bring any artistic vision to life.
7. 40-Piece Artist Kit With Pop-Up Stand

Introducing the Ultimate Drawing Set, designed to make art creation a breeze. The set comes in a sturdy and stylish zipper case that unfolds into organized sections, making it easy to select and use your supplies on the go.
Created by in-house artists, this drawing set contains everything a sketcher needs to enhance their creativity. The set includes graphite, charcoal, and pastel pencils, charcoal and graphite sticks, blenders and other useful tools to help you push your creative boundaries.
The Ultimate Drawing Set is a joy to use. The pencils are expertly balanced and shaped for comfort and control, while the premium quality ensures a smooth application. The leads are break-resistant and made from non-splinter wood, providing reliable performance every time. The blender adds a new dimension to your art exploration.
To help you build your skills, the set comes with a detailed 20-page guide. The guide is packed with demos, tips, and tricks to help you make the most of your art supplies. Additionally, the fold-out tutorial teaches you how to create a drawing using different techniques and media.
The Ultimate Drawing Set has been tested by our studio experts and has been proven to outperform competitors. With over 1.5 million customers worldwide, this set is trusted by the ultimate judges. We are so confident in the quality of our set that we offer a unique Money-back Plus guarantee.
8. Art Blendpro Kit – 14 Pack With Eraser

This drawing blending tool set is a must-have for every artist. The package includes 12 pieces of paper blending stumps, 1 piece of sandpaper pencil sharpener, and 1 piece of art eraser. The set is crafted with soft compressed paper and rolled paper, which gives it a smooth surface that looks like a paper pencil.
The assorted sizes of the blending stumps can meet your desire for painting, allowing you to blend even the most detailed area as well as a large area. Whether you are working with pastels, charcoal, chalk, or pencil, this set is suitable for smudging, blending, or smoothing your artwork.
This set is perfect for painters and painting lovers who want to take their artwork to the next level. It is an excellent gift idea for any occasion, such as birthdays, holidays, or any other special event.
In addition, the sandpaper pencil sharpener helps to keep your blending stumps sharp and ready to use. The art eraser is a great tool for correcting mistakes and making adjustments to your artwork.
9. Softcore Color Pencils Set For Adults & Kids

The Soucolor colored pencils set is an excellent choice for artists and hobbyists alike. With this purchase, customers will receive a stunning set of 72 colored pencils, as well as an eco-friendly tube for easy storage and organization. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for a specific color – this set allows for all colors to be easily visible and accessible.
These premium colored pencils boast soft leads, making them easy to sharpen and preventing any breaking, cracking, or crumbling during use. The 72 individual colors included in this set offer a wide range of options for any project, providing smooth coloring, easy blending, and shading capabilities. Whether it be for drawing, sketching, or adult coloring books, this set is versatile and perfect for any artistic endeavor.
Safety is a top priority with Soucolor, as these colored pencils are made with odorless materials and have received a safety certificate EN71. However, it is important to note that this set includes small parts and is not suitable for children under 3 years of age.
10. Artists' 72 Color Pencil Set + Tin.

The Essential range of 72 pencils is a must-have for any artist or coloring enthusiast. The pencils are arranged in color families and are named, numbered, and color-coded for easy selection. The handsome presentation tin box contains three layers of pencils that can be easily flipped up to pick the desired color.
The latest advanced formulation by in-house artists and technicians results in cores that are soft and buttery, yet durable, and don't crumble under pressure. The pencils hold their point well and provide a smooth and effortless laydown.
The intensely pigmented colors are rich, creamy, and provide smooth coverage for effortless layering, blending, and burnishing. These pencils are perfect for creating texture and achieving the perfect shade 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 unicorn illustration on the sleeve cover. This feature is perfect for beginners and professionals alike who want to build their skills.
The pencils have been tested by studio experts to beat competitors and trusted by over 1.5 million customers worldwide. The set is backed by a unique money-back-PLUS guarantee, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Best Pencils For Drawing And Shading FAQs
What are the best brands of pencils for drawing and shading?
When it comes to choosing the best brand of pencils for drawing and shading, there are several options available in the market. However, some of the most popular and recommended brands for professionals and beginners are Faber-Castell, Derwent, Staedtler, and Prismacolor.
Faber-Castell offers high-quality pencils with a range of hardness grades and is known for its smooth and consistent lead. Derwent pencils are also a favorite among artists for their rich pigments and versatility in shading techniques. Staedtler, on the other hand, is known for its lead durability and sharpening capabilities. Prismacolor is another popular brand known for its soft and smooth lead, ideal for blending and shading.
Ultimately, the choice of brand depends on personal preference and the type of artwork you are creating. It is recommended to try a few different brands and see which ones work best for you and your style. Keep in mind that investing in high-quality pencils can make a significant difference in the quality of your artwork.
What are the best pencils for blending and smudging?
When it comes to blending and smudging, there are various types of pencils that can be used. However, the best pencils for blending and smudging are typically soft graphite pencils, charcoal pencils, and colored pencils.
Soft graphite pencils are ideal for blending because of their texture and ability to produce a smooth and even tone. They are available in different grades of softness, ranging from 6B to 9B, with 9B being the softest. The softer the pencil, the easier it is to blend.
Charcoal pencils are also great for blending and smudging. They produce a rich, dark tone that is perfect for creating dramatic effects. Like graphite pencils, they are available in different grades of softness, from HB to 9B.
Colored pencils are another option for blending and smudging. They come in a variety of colors and can be blended together to create unique shades. The best colored pencils for blending and smudging are those with a soft and creamy texture, such as Prismacolor or Faber-Castell.
In general, the key to successful blending and smudging is to use a light touch and work slowly and methodically. Experiment with different types of pencils to find the ones that work best for you.
What are the best pencils for creating different textures in a drawing?
When it comes to creating different textures in a drawing, the type of pencil you use can make a big difference. Here are some of the best pencils for achieving various textures:
1. Graphite pencils: These are the most common type of pencil and come in a range of hardness levels, from 9H (very hard) to 9B (very soft). Harder pencils are great for creating light, fine lines, while softer pencils are better for shading and creating darker tones.
2. Charcoal pencils: These are made from compressed charcoal and come in varying degrees of hardness. Charcoal pencils are great for creating a range of textures, from rough to smooth, and can be easily smudged or blended.
3. Colored pencils: These come in a wide range of colors and can be used to create a variety of textures, from soft and subtle to bold and vibrant. They can also be blended together to create new colors and textures.
4. Watercolor pencils: These can be used dry or wet, making them versatile for creating different textures. When used dry, they create a soft, powdery texture, while wetting them creates a more fluid, painterly effect.
Overall, the best pencil for creating different textures in a drawing will depend on the specific effect you want to achieve. Experimenting with different types of pencils can help you find the perfect one for your artistic style and vision.
What are the best pencils for different types of paper surfaces?
When it comes to choosing the right pencil for a particular paper surface, there are a few factors to consider. The hardness of the pencil lead, also known as the graphite grading, plays a crucial role in determining the type of paper surface it is suitable for.
For rough or textured paper surfaces, such as watercolor paper or sketch pads, a softer lead pencil like a 2B or 4B is ideal as it can easily fill in the gaps between the fibers of the paper. On the other hand, for smooth paper surfaces such as printer paper or writing paper, a harder lead pencil like an H or 2H is more suitable as it produces cleaner lines without smudging or smearing.
Additionally, the type of pencil also matters. Mechanical pencils are great for precision work, while wooden pencils offer a more traditional feel and are ideal for shading and blending.
Ultimately, the best pencil for a particular paper surface depends on personal preference and the desired outcome. It's always a good idea to experiment with different pencils and paper surfaces to find the perfect match for your needs.
What are the best pencils for shading large areas?
When it comes to shading large areas, there are a few pencil options that work best. First, consider using a soft graphite pencil such as a 6B or 8B. These pencils are great for creating deep, dark tones and can be easily blended to create a smooth gradient. Another option is using a charcoal pencil, which can create a rich, velvety texture and is also great for blending.
If you prefer a more traditional pencil, try a black colored pencil. These pencils have a waxier consistency than graphite pencils and can create a smooth, consistent tone. Additionally, you can try a set of pencils with varying degrees of softness, such as a set of graphite pencils ranging from 2H to 8B. This will give you a range of tones to work with and allow you to create more depth and dimension in your shading.
Ultimately, the best pencil for shading large areas will depend on your personal preference and the effect you are trying to achieve. Experiment with different types of pencils and techniques to find the one that works best for you.
What are the best pencils for sketching and outlining?
When it comes to sketching and outlining, there are a variety of pencil options to choose from. However, the best pencils for this purpose are those that offer a good balance of darkness and hardness, allowing for both light sketching and fine detailing.
One popular option for sketching and outlining is the HB pencil. This pencil has a medium level of hardness and darkness, making it suitable for both preliminary sketches and detailed line work. Another option is the 2B pencil, which is slightly softer and darker than the HB, making it ideal for shading and creating darker lines.
For those who prefer a softer feel, the 4B or 6B pencil may be a good choice. These pencils have a softer lead that allows for darker shading and thicker lines. However, they may require more sharpening and can smudge more easily.
Ultimately, the best pencil for sketching and outlining will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the artist. It is recommended to try out a few different options to find the perfect fit.
What are the best types of pencils for drawing and shading?
When it comes to drawing and shading, the type of pencil you choose can greatly affect the outcome of your artwork. There are a variety of pencils available in the market, each with different grades and hardness levels. The best types of pencils for drawing and shading are graphite pencils, charcoal pencils, and colored pencils.
Graphite pencils are the most commonly used pencils for drawing and shading. They come in different grades ranging from 9H (hard) to 9B (soft), with each grade producing a different level of darkness and texture. Harder graphite pencils are ideal for creating fine lines and details, whereas softer graphite pencils are better for shading and blending.
Charcoal pencils are another popular choice for drawing and shading. They are softer than graphite pencils and produce a rich, velvety texture. Charcoal pencils are great for creating bold, dramatic lines and shading large areas.
Colored pencils are perfect for adding color to your drawings. They come in a wide range of colors and are great for creating vibrant, detailed artwork. Colored pencils are also ideal for blending and layering colors to create a realistic effect.
In summary, the best types of pencils for drawing and shading are graphite pencils, charcoal pencils, and colored pencils. It ultimately depends on your personal preference and the type of artwork you are creating.
Which pencils are best for creating fine details in a drawing?
When it comes to creating fine details in a drawing, the best pencils to use are those with a harder lead. This is because harder lead pencils produce a sharper and more defined line than softer lead pencils. The most commonly used pencils for fine details are mechanical pencils with 0.3mm or 0.5mm leads, as they allow for precise control and accuracy. However, traditional wooden pencils with hard leads such as 2H, 3H, or 4H can also be used for fine details. It's important to note that the choice of pencil also depends on the type of paper being used. Rough or textured paper may require softer lead pencils to produce fine details, while smooth paper may allow for harder lead pencils to be used. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference and experimentation to find the perfect pencil for creating fine details in your drawings.
Which pencils are the most durable and long-lasting for drawing and shading?
When it comes to durability and long-lasting performance, there are several options for pencils that are ideal for drawing and shading. Graphite pencils, particularly those with higher levels of graphite, tend to be more durable and long-lasting. They provide a range of shades, from light to dark, and are ideal for creating detailed drawings with fine lines. Another option is charcoal pencils, which are perfect for creating deep, rich tones and a range of textures. They are also durable and long-lasting, making them ideal for sketching and shading. Additionally, colored pencils with high-quality pigments tend to be more durable and long-lasting, producing vibrant colors that can withstand erasing and smudging. Ultimately, the choice of pencil will depend on your personal preferences and the specific project you are working on. It is recommended to try out different types of pencils to determine which ones provide the best results for your needs.
Which pencils have the best graphite quality for drawing and shading?
When it comes to drawing and shading, the quality of the graphite in a pencil can make a significant difference in the final result. There are several brands of pencils that are known for their high-quality graphite, such as Faber-Castell, Derwent, and Staedtler.
Faber-Castell's graphite pencils are known for their smooth, consistent lead that is perfect for shading and blending. They offer a wide range of lead grades, from the softest 8B to the hardest 6H, giving artists a lot of control over the tone and texture of their drawings.
Derwent's Graphite pencils are also popular among artists for their high-quality graphite. They offer a variety of lead grades, including a unique 9B pencil that produces a rich, dark line. Derwent pencils are also known for their ability to hold a sharp point, which is essential for detailed drawings.
Staedtler's Mars Lumograph pencils are another favorite among artists for their smooth, consistent lead. They offer a wide range of lead grades, including some harder grades that are great for fine details.
Ultimately, the best pencil for drawing and shading will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the artist. However, these three brands are a great place to start when looking for high-quality graphite pencils.