Unleash your creativity and explore a world of vibrant hues with the best colored pencils for adults. Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to expand your toolkit or a beginner dipping your toes into the realm of visual art, investing in high-quality colored pencils is a step in the right direction.
Colored pencils for adults are designed to offer superior pigmentation, smooth application, and longevity, ensuring your artwork stands the test of time. With a plethora of options available, choosing the right set can be an overwhelming task. To simplify your decision-making process, we've curated a comprehensive guide to help you find the best colored pencils to suit your artistic needs and preferences.
Understanding Colored Pencil Quality and Types
Before delving into specific product recommendations, let's familiarize ourselves with the types of colored pencils and their quality indicators. Colored pencils can be broadly categorized into two types: wax-based and oil-based.
Wax-based colored pencils, also known as waxy or soft colored pencils, contain wax as their primary binder. They tend to have vibrant colors, rich saturation, and excellent pigmentation. Due to their wax content, they are highly blendable and great for creating smooth, solid colors. However, they may become fibrous or crumbly with excessive layering. Examples of high-quality wax-based colored pencils include Prismacolor Scholar and Faber-Castell Polychromos.
The Importance of Lightfastness
Lightfastness, denoted by an ASTM rating, measures a color's resistance to fading over time when exposed to light. A color's lightfastness is a crucial factor to consider, especially if you aim to create archival artwork that will retain its vibrancy for generations. Always opt for colored pencils with a lightfastness rating of at least six.
Some colored pencil manufacturers, such as Faber-Castell, stamp individual pencils with their lightfastness rating, while others, like Prismacolor, provide a comprehensive lightfastness chart. It's essential to research and verify a set's lightfastness before making a purchase.
Hardness and Durability
Colored pencils' hardness is determined by the amount of pigment and wax or oil content in their core. Softer pencils contain more pigment and wax or oil, resulting in richer colors but reduced durability. Conversely, harder colored pencils have less pigment and more binder, which improves their lifespan but may sacrifice vibrancy and blendability.
When selecting colored pencils, consider the balance between durability and color intensity. Artists who prioritize longevity may prefer harder pencils, while those seeking rich, vibrant colors might opt for softer ones. Some brands, like Caran d'Ache Luminance 6901, offer soft and hard versions of the same color to cater to both preferences.
Top Colored Pencil Brands for Adults
Now that you're equipped with the necessary knowledge to evaluate colored pencil quality let's explore some of the best brands that cater to adult artists.
Each of these brands offers unique features, strengths, and weaknesses. By understanding their distinct characteristics, you can make an informed decision that suits your artistic style and preferences.
Prismacolor Scholar
Prismacolor Scholar is a top choice among artists due to its vibrant colors, excellent pigmentation, and smooth application. These wax-based colored pencils are known for their creamy texture, making them highly blendable and ideal for creating solid colors.
With a wide range of 150 colors and a lightfastness rating of at least six for most shades, Prismacolor Scholar offers an extensive palette suitable for various artistic styles. Additionally, their pencils are affordably priced, making them an excellent value for beginners and experienced artists alike. However, their softer core may lead to breakage with excessive layering or pressure.
Faber-Castell Polychromos
Faber-Castell Polychromos is another popular choice among colored pencil enthusiasts. These oil-based colored pencils strike a perfect balance between vibrancy and durability, making them a versatile option for artists with varying preferences.
Polychromos pencils feature a 3.8mm lead, which allows for easier blending and layering compared to traditional colored pencils. They are also highly pigmented, offering rich, saturated colors that maintain their vibrancy even with light application. With a wide range of 185 colors and a lightfastness rating of at least seven for most shades, Faber-Castell Polychromos is a premium choice for artists seeking longevity and exceptional color quality.
Caran d'Ache Luminance 6901
Caran d'Ache Luminance 6901 is a luxurious and high-performing colored pencil set designed for professional artists. These oil-based pencils boast an impressive 3.8mm lead, which ensures excellent color laydown and encourages effortless blending.
Luminance 6901 colored pencils are renowned for their rich, vibrant colors and superior lightfastness rating of eight or higher for all shades. This set features 76 colors, offering an inviting palette for artists seeking a balance between quality and variety. However, their premium price point makes them an investment option best suited for dedicated artists.
Derwent Lightfast
Derwent Lightfast is an excellent choice for artists prioritizing archival-quality artwork. These wax-based colored pencils are designed with lightfastness in mind, ensuring that your artwork will retain its vibrancy over time.
Lightfast pencils feature a lightfastness rating of seven or higher for all 72 colors in their set. They also offer excellent pigmentation, smooth application, and a slightly harder core for added durability. Although their core is harder than many other wax-based pencils, Lightfast colored pencils remain highly blendable and suitable for various artistic techniques.
whether you're a seasoned artist expanding your mediums or a beginner eager to explore the world of colored pencils, investing in high-quality pencils is essential for unlocking your creative potential. By understanding the intricacies of colored pencil quality and seeking out reputable brands, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning artwork that lasts a lifetime.