What a Professional Coloured Pencil Artist Uses in Their Studio
Oh, the excitement of my early days with colored pencils! Way back in the 90s, when fluorescent windbreakers were all the rage, I only knew of one type of pencil. That trusty set saw me through my undergraduate years as I earned my BFA. Fast forward to 2011, when I dove into full-time work with colored pencils, and I discovered an entire universe of options I never imagined! From beginner sets to professional-grade pencils, the sheer variety absolutely blew my mind!
Over the years, I've honed my collection down to 5 fabulous brands that not only enable me to create detailed, hyperrealistic art but also make the drawing process an absolute joy.
So, here they are, my 5 must-have FABULOUS colored pencils, from one professional colored pencil artist to you.
1. LUMINANCE BY CARAN d’ACHE
I consider Luminance pencils the Rolls Royce of colored pencils. These beauties, made with a creamy wax binder, are my top choice for portrait work. Why? Their broad range of muted, natural tones flawlessly matches a variety of skin tones, making them an absolute dream for creating realistic portraits.
What makes them special:
Their creamy consistency allows for seamless blending.
A high pigment-to-binder ratio gives them rich, vibrant colors with flawless coverage. (In plain terms, more pigment = brighter, smoother layers!)
Luminance pencils have an excellent lightfast rating, meaning your artwork won’t fade over time.
Key Points About Luminance Pencils:
Biggest Set: 100 colors
Color Range: Gorgeous muted tones, ideal for skin tones, plus vibrant hues for everything else.
Construction: Soft, wax-based core; sturdy wood casing; professional-grade lightfastness.
For more information, visit Caran d'Ache.
2. POLYCHROMOS BY FABER-CASTELL
When I’m looking for sharp edges and fine-line details, Polychromos is my pencil of choice. Unlike the creamy Luminance pencils, Polychromos are oil-based, which means they hold a sharp point longer. This makes them perfect for intricate details like hair, feathers, florals, or any work requiring precision.
Why Polychromos Stand Out:
Great for beginners and pros alike due to balance between price and quality.
Harder core ideal for practicing fine lines and layering without smudging.
Beautifully adds crisp details to softer pencil layers.
Key Points About Polychromos Pencils:
Biggest Set: 120 colors.
Color Range: A rich palette of vibrant and natural tones.
Construction: Oil-based core; smooth layering; excellent durability for detailed work.
For more information, visit Faber-Castell.
3. HOLBEIN COLORED PENCILS
Holbein pencils are an excellent choice for artists who want control and versatility. They feel like the perfect balance between soft and firm, which is why I grab them when I need precision and solid coverage. Holbein is known for its stunning pastel-like colors, which are perfect for floral work or subtle gradients.
Why I love Holbein:
Their pastel range is unmatched, making them ideal for light, delicate tones.
The blend of softness and firmness gives you the best of both worlds.
They pair wonderfully with other pencils for smooth transitions and blended effects.
Key Points About Holbein Pencils:
Biggest Set: 150 colors.
Color Range: Pastels galore, alongside bold and muted tones.
Construction: Oil-based core; buttery texture; professional-grade lightfastness.
For more information, visit Holbein.
4. PABLO BY CARAN d’ACHE
Pablo pencils might not get as much love as their sibling Luminance, but they’re an integral part of my workflow. With their harder core, Pablo pencils are fantastic for creating detailed underlayers that set the stage for softer pencils to shine.
Why They’re Amazing:
Budget-friendly compared to Luminance, making them a great choice for beginners.
Smooth application and vibrant colors make layering easy.
Perfect for combining with other pencils to build depth and texture.
Key Points About Pablo Pencils:
Biggest Set: 120 colors.
Color Range: A mix of rich hues and natural tones.
Construction: Harder wax-based core; ideal for precision and layering.
For more information, visit Caran d'Ache.
5. LIGHTFAST BY DERWENT
Derwent Lightfast pencils are my go-to for bold, striking colors and smooth blends. These oil-based pencils have a buttery texture that glides effortlessly across paper. Their lightfastness ensures that your artwork will last for generations, making them an excellent choice for serious artists.
Why I Recommend Derwent Lightfast:
They offer a fantastic range of muted tones for portraits and vibrant colors for florals and wildlife.
Their softness makes blending a dream.
Though on the pricier side, they’re worth the investment for archival-quality work.
Key Points About Derwent Lightfast Pencils:
Biggest Set: 100 colors.
Color Range: A mix of muted and bold tones.
Construction: Soft, oil-based core; smooth application; outstanding lightfastness.
For more information, visit Derwent Lightfast.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PENCIL FOR YOU
While every artist has their preferences, these five brands are the ones I trust daily in my studio. Whether you’re looking for vibrant blends, precise details, or buttery layers, each of these pencils has something unique to offer.
For beginners: Start small! I recommend investing in a smaller set of professional-grade pencils (24 or 36 pencils) rather than a large set of lower-quality ones. Why? Higher-quality pencils have stronger pigments, making it easier to achieve rich colors and smoother blends. Plus, they’ll give you a better feel for layering and shading right from the start.
Final Thoughts
Art is a journey, and finding the right tools can make all the difference. Whether you’re experimenting with Luminance’s buttery tones, Polychromo’s sharp precision, or Derwent Lightfast’s bold vibrancy, the key is to explore and have fun!
What about you? What are your favorite colored pencils? Have you tried any of the ones I’ve mentioned? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
I love to use all these pencils they layer well together and blend perfectly.