Colored pencils are my favorite medium for creating artwork. These pencils, which consist of a pigmented core encased in wood or plastic, offer an extensive range of hues and effects at an affordable price. Whether you are a seasoned artist or just starting out, colored pencils are a convenient and effective medium to add to your artistic arsenal. In fact, their versatility and accessibility make them a popular choice among artists of all levels.

To create a piece of artwork with colored pencils, you will need a set of pencils in a variety of colors, as well as a good quality paper that is smooth and suited for colored pencils. There are many types of colored pencils on the market, ranging from low-cost options to more expensive, professional-grade pencils. It is up to you to decide which type is right for your needs and budget. You may also want to invest in a pencil sharpener and eraser to keep your pencils in good condition and correct any mistakes.

Colored pencils create a wide range of artwork, from detailed, realistic drawings to random scribbles and expressive pieces. To create a specific effect, you can layer different colors on top of each other, blend colors together using a blending tool or your finger, or vary the pressure and angle of your strokes. With practice and experimentation, you will find that colored pencils are a versatile and enjoyable medium, which create a wide range of artwork. Let’s get to work!

The 3 types of pencils used for colouring

• Wax-based colored pencils: These are the most common type of colored pencils. They contain a core of pigmented wax. Wax-based pencils, known for their creamy, smooth texture, make them easy to blend and layer. They are resistant to water, so they are for techniques like wet blending or creating a watercolor effect.
• Oil-based colored pencils: These pencils have a core made of pigmented oil in a wooden or plastic casing. They have a harder, waxy texture than wax-based pencils, which makes them more difficult to blend but more resistant to fading over time. Oil-based pencils used for their vibrant, long lasting colors and detailed, precise work.
• Water-soluble colored pencils: As the name suggests, these pencils can be dissolved with water, creating a watercolor effect. They have a core of pigmented binder. Water-soluble pencils are great for creating a loose, fluid look and are easy to blend. They are also easy to erase, making them a good choice for correcting mistakes or refining details.

Creating with coloured pencils

lets explore seven great colored pencil techniques that i use in many of my artworks. These techniques will help take colored pencil artwork to the next level. Let’s get started!

• Blending: Use a blending tool or your finger to smooth out the transitions between different colors, creating a more cohesive and realistic look. You can also invest in soulvents to create new and fun effects.
• Burnishing: Use a lot of pressure to fill in an area with a solid layer of color.
• Gradation: Create a smooth transition between two or more colors by gradually blending them together.
• Hatching and cross-hatching: Use fine, closely spaced lines to create shading and texture.
• Layering: Build up different layers of color to create more depth and dimension in your drawings.
• Scumbling: Use a light touch to create a textured, hazy effect by lightly dragging the colored pencil over the paper.
• Stippling: Create a dotted texture by repeatedly dabbing the pencil onto the paper.

Brands of pencils most used by artists

Highlighted are the pencils that I use most frequently, but I’m always up for trying out new ones when I spot them at my local store. Got any recommendations for me to check out? what are you favorties?

1. Bruynzeel: This Dutch company offers colored pencils with high-quality pigments and a wide range of colors.
2. Caran d’Ache: This Swiss Company offers colored pencils with high-quality pigments and a wide range of colors.
3. Crayola:These well-known colored pencils are popular with students and artists alike for their vibrant colors and affordability.
4. Derwent: This British company is known for its high-quality pigments and a wide range of colored pencils.
5. Faber-Castell: These high-quality colored pencils are made with premium pigments and have a soft, creamy texture.
6. Holbein: This Japanese company offers colored pencils with high-quality pigments and a wide range of colors.
7. Pentalic: These colored pencils are known for their high-quality pigments and a wide range of colors.
8. Polychromos: These professional colored pencils are known for their high-quality pigments and a wide range of colors.
9. Prismacolor: These professional colored pencils are known for their wide range of colors and high-quality pigments.
10. Staedtler: This German company offers colored pencils with high-quality pigments and a wide range of colors.

Let’s Create!

With a wide range of brands to choose from, each offering their own unique pigments and features, colored pencils offer endless possibilities for creativity and artistic expression. So go ahead and let your creativity shine!
Check out some of my coloured pencil artwork Here
Need to buy som epencils for yourself? Check out your local art store or browse online