Best Colored Pencils for Artists and Beginners in 2023

Colored pencils are one of the most versatile and popular art mediums available. They are easy to use, portable, and come in a variety of colors, making them perfect for artists of all skill levels. Whether you’re a professional artist or a beginner, colored pencils are an excellent choice for creating stunning artwork.

When it comes to choosing the best colored pencils, there are several factors to consider. The first thing to look for is the quality of the pencils. High-quality colored pencils will have a smooth, even color laydown and will be easy to blend. They will also be made from high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting.

Another important factor to consider is the color selection. The best colored pencils will have a wide range of colors to choose from, including both bright and muted shades. This will give you the flexibility to create a wide variety of artwork, from bold and vibrant pieces to more subtle and nuanced works.

Finally, you’ll want to consider the price. While high-quality colored pencils can be expensive, they are often worth the investment. They will produce better results and last longer than cheaper pencils, making them a better long-term value.

After researching and testing various brands of colored pencils, we have identified the top ten best colored pencils on the market today. Our comprehensive review takes into account all of the factors that are important to artists, including quality, color selection, and price. Whether you’re a professional artist or a beginner, our guide will help you find the perfect colored pencils for your needs.

Best Colored Pencils

We have researched and tested various colored pencils to bring you the best options available on the market. Whether you are a professional artist or a beginner, these colored pencils are sure to enhance your artwork with their vibrant colors and smooth application. In this article, we will be showcasing the top colored pencils that offer excellent quality, durability, and value for money. So, let’s dive into our roundup of the best colored pencils!

1) Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

We highly recommend the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils for anyone looking for high-quality colored pencils. The soft and thick cores make it perfect for shading and shadows, and the ultra-smooth, even color laydown allows for a professional finish.

The Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are perfect for adult coloring books, as the thick and robust leads resist cracking and chipping. The 24-pack includes a variety of vibrant colors such as True Blue, Grass Green, Apple Green, Canary Yellow, Orange, Crimson Red, Violet, Violet Blue, Sienna Brown, Dark Brown, Indigo Blue, Lt. Cerulean Blue, Dark Green, True Green, Poppy Red, Pink, Tuscan Red, Peach, Mulberry, Spanish Orange, Parma Violet, Goldenrod, Black, and White.

In our experience, these colored pencils are easy to blend and layer, allowing for endless possibilities and creativity. The lightfast and richly saturated pigments ensure that your artwork will last for years to come.

Overall, we highly recommend the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils for anyone looking for high-quality colored pencils that will elevate their artwork.

2) TongFu Color Pencil Set, 72 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Oil Based Soft Core, Coloring Pencils for Sketching, Shading, Blending, Drawing Pencils for Kids Adults Beginners, Artist Coloring 72 Zipper Box

If you’re looking for a complete color palette to create lifelike portraits, landscapes and abstract art, then the TongFu Color Pencil Set is a great option.

We recently tried out the TongFu Color Pencil Set and were impressed with the range of colors and the smoothness of the pencils. The pre-sharpened tips allowed us to use the pencils directly out of the box, and the colors were easy to blend and layer. We were able to create a variety of effects, from shading to gradient coloring, with ease.

The set comes in a sturdy box with a fixed pencil slot and color-coded design, making it easy to store and identify the pencils. The sharpener and pencil extender are also convenient additions that make drawing more convenient.

Overall, we would recommend the TongFu Color Pencil Set for beginners, artists, professionals, kids, and adults who are looking for a complete color palette and smooth coloring experience. It’s a great option for those who enjoy coloring books, art design, anime drawing, bullet journaling, and scrapbooking. However, if you’re a professional artist who requires higher quality pencils, this set may not meet your needs.

3) Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils

If you’re looking for a set of colored pencils that is both affordable and versatile, the Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils might be worth considering.

In our experience, the Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils are a great choice for beginners or casual users who want to experiment with different colors and techniques without breaking the bank. The soft leads make it easy to blend and shade colors, and the eco-friendly tube is a nice touch that adds to the overall value of the set. However, if you’re looking for the highest quality and most vibrant colors, you may want to consider investing in a more expensive brand.

Overall, we would recommend the Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for anyone who wants a decent set of colored pencils at an affordable price. They are safe to use, easy to sharpen, and come in a wide range of colors that are perfect for coloring books, sketching, or any other art project you have in mind.

4) Prismacolor Colored Pencils, Premier Soft Core Pencils, Assorted, 72 Count

If you’re looking for a high-quality colored pencil set that’s perfect for blending, shading, and layering, then the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils is an excellent choice. These pencils have a soft core that’s perfect for creating smooth color laydowns, and they come in an assorted set of 72 vibrant colors.

We’ve used the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils for a variety of art projects, and we’ve found that they’re incredibly versatile and easy to use. The soft, thick cores allow you to create beautiful shading and shadows, and the pigments are lightfast and richly saturated, which ensures that your artwork will last for a long time.

One of the things we love about these pencils is that they’re perfect for blending and layering. The ultra-smooth, even color laydown makes it easy to create beautiful, detailed artwork, and the colors are easily blended, slow to wear, and waterproof.

However, we have noticed that the leads can be prone to breaking if you’re not careful, so it’s important to handle them with care. Additionally, the price point is a bit high compared to other colored pencil sets, which may be a consideration if you’re on a tight budget. Finally, the assortment of colors may vary, which can be frustrating if you’re looking for a specific shade.

Overall, we highly recommend the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils for anyone looking for a high-quality colored pencil set that’s perfect for blending, shading, and layering. They’re incredibly versatile and easy to use, and they come in a beautiful assortment of vibrant colors that will inspire your creativity.

5) Shuttle Art 172 Colored Pencils

If you’re looking for a wide range of vibrant colors for your coloring books or art projects, the Shuttle Art 172 Colored Pencils set might be just what you need. The set contains 160 regular colors and 12 metallic colors, with unique color names and numbers on the barrel. We found this set to be a great choice for beginners, artists, and coloring enthusiasts.

Overall, we think the Shuttle Art 172 Colored Pencils set is a great choice for those looking for a wide range of vibrant colors at an affordable price. The pencils are durable, easy to blend, and come in a convenient storage case.

6) Crayola Adult Colored Pencils Set

If you’re looking for a reliable set of colored pencils with a wide range of colors, the Crayola Adult Colored Pencils Set is a great choice.

In our experience, the Crayola Adult Colored Pencils Set is a reliable and versatile option for any artist. The fine-point tips make it easy to create detailed designs, and the range of colors allows for endless creativity. While the colors may not be as vibrant as some other brands, they still provide a bold and colorful touch to any project.

One thing to note is that the pencils may not be as smooth as some other brands, which can make blending colors a bit more difficult. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the pencils breaking easily, so it’s important to handle them with care.

Overall, we would recommend the Crayola Adult Colored Pencils Set as a great addition to any artist’s toolbox. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, these pencils offer a reliable and versatile option for all your creative endeavors.

7) Derwent Chromaflow Colored Pencils Tin, Set of 24

If you’re looking for high-quality colored pencils, Derwent Chromaflow Color Pencils are definitely worth considering. They offer a wide spectrum of vibrant colors, smooth texture, and premium core strength. As someone who has used these pencils for a while, we highly recommend them for anyone who wants to create beautiful and reliable artwork.

In conclusion, Derwent Chromaflow Color Pencils are a great choice for anyone who wants to create beautiful and reliable artwork. The wide spectrum of colors, smooth texture, and premium core strength make them a perfect choice for artists everywhere. If you’re looking for high-quality colored pencils, we highly recommend giving these a try.

8) Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set

If you’re looking for a reliable and convenient set of colored pencils, the Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set is definitely worth considering.

In our experience, the Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set is a great option for anyone who wants a wide variety of colors without having to worry about sharpening their pencils. The twistable design is convenient and easy to use, and the plastic barrel helps protect the color core from damage.

That being said, it’s worth noting that the color isn’t always as vibrant as some users might prefer, and the tips can break off if you’re not careful. Additionally, the plastic barrels can feel a bit flimsy at times, which may be a concern for some users.

Overall, we would recommend the Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set to anyone who wants a reliable and convenient set of colored pencils for their art projects.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best colored pencils, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the most out of your purchase. Here are some key features to look for:

Lead Quality

The quality of the lead is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing colored pencils. The lead should be soft enough to allow for smooth coloring, but not so soft that it breaks easily. Look for pencils with a high pigment concentration that provide vibrant and consistent color.

Color Range

The color range of a set of colored pencils is also an important consideration. A good set should have a wide range of colors, including a variety of shades and hues. This will allow you to create more complex and detailed artwork.

Packaging

The packaging of the colored pencils is also important. Look for sets that come in a sturdy and organized case or tin to keep the pencils safe and easy to access. Some sets also come with additional accessories, such as sharpeners or erasers.

Price

Price is always a consideration when making a purchase. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, keep in mind that cheaper pencils may not have the same quality or color range as more expensive ones. However, there are still many affordable options that provide great value for their price.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best colored pencils for your needs and create beautiful works of art.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top colored pencil brands recommended for professional artists?

When it comes to colored pencils, professional artists often prefer brands that provide high-quality pigments, smooth application, and excellent blending capabilities. Some of the top colored pencil brands recommended for professional artists include Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, Caran d’Ache, and Derwent.

How do Prismacolor Premier pencils compare to other brands for blending and layering?

Prismacolor Premier pencils are known for their soft, creamy texture and vibrant pigments, which make them ideal for blending and layering. Compared to other brands, Prismacolor Premier pencils are often considered some of the best for achieving smooth, even coverage and creating rich, layered effects.

What features make a colored pencil suitable for adult artists?

For adult artists, colored pencils with high-quality pigments, excellent lightfastness, and a wide range of colors are often preferred. Additionally, colored pencils that are easy to blend and layer, and that provide a smooth, consistent application, are also highly valued.

Which colored pencils are considered the best for beginners to use?

For beginners, colored pencils that are easy to use and provide consistent, vibrant color are often recommended. Some of the best colored pencils for beginners include Prismacolor Scholar, Faber-Castell Goldfaber, and Staedtler Noris Club.

What are the differences between wax-based and oil-based colored pencils?

Wax-based colored pencils are known for their smooth, creamy texture and ability to create vibrant, opaque colors. Oil-based colored pencils, on the other hand, are often preferred for their ability to create subtle, transparent layers and blend easily. Both types of pencils have their own unique characteristics and can be used to achieve different effects.

Are there any specific colored pencil sets that are highly regarded in artist communities online?

Yes, there are several colored pencil sets that are highly regarded in artist communities online. Some of the most popular sets include the Prismacolor Premier set, the Faber-Castell Polychromos set, and the Caran d’Ache Luminance set. These sets are known for their high-quality pigments, excellent blending capabilities, and wide range of colors.