However, it is more difficult to apply color and blend when using hard colored pencils. Hard colored pencils are well-suited for smaller, more intricate drawings since they can be sharpened to a fine, pointy tip. Student-grade colored pencils tend to fall on the harder side. Keep in mind that soft colored pencils require more frequent sharpening and can be more susceptible to breakage. The texture of soft pencils can range from smooth and creamy to grainy.
Soft colored pencils are usually preferred by professional artists because they blend well and lay down color easily. The ideal consistency depends on your skill level and individual drawing preferences. When choosing colored pencils, pay attention to whether the consistency is classified as soft or hard. Professional-grade colored pencils are available in a broader range of colors. They also are easier to blend, more durable, and more resistant to fading. While they can wear out more quickly, artist-grade pencils are usually a more affordable option.Īrtist-grade (also referred to as professional-grade) colored pencils have a higher pigment to binder ratio. This means they require more work to achieve the same color intensity as professional-grade colored pencils. Student-grade colored pencils contain more binder and less pigment. Blending color involves using any of the techniques above and then putting a dab of rubbing alcohol or oil on a cotton swab to smear and blend the pigment in the drawing.Ĭolored pencils are separated into two categories based on quality and skill level: student-grade or artist-grade.Scraping is a technique that requires using an X-Acto knife to remove certain parts of the artwork and create highly textured areas on top of shiny paper.This involves using the back-and-forth method to apply thin layers of color until the paper has a glossy finish. Burnishing is a more advanced technique that can be used to achieve a smooth, waxy finish.Use this method for creating shading and texture. It requires intersecting lines as opposed to parallel lines. Cross-hatching is a similar technique to hatching.Hatching involves drawing vertical, horizontal, or angled parallel lines and picking up the pencil before drawing each line.Back-and-forth is a basic application which literally means moving the pencil back and forth continuously to cover the desired area.Here are some of the most common colored pencil applications, organized by level of difficulty. Whichever method you choose, try not to press too hard or you could damage your paper. Among the different applications, there are basic and advanced techniques. The type of colored pencil that’s best for your needs depends on your intended use and techniques. They can be used with water to create a watercolor effect or without water for regular drawings. They contain a gum arabic binder that is activated by water, so the pigment can blend with water. Water-soluble colored pencils are often referred to as watercolor pencils.Wax-based colored pencils are harder, which helps the pencils last longer. Oil-based pencils require more pressure to get the same level of color intensity as wax-based colored pencils and do not blend or layer as easily as wax-based pencils. They consist of a vegetable-based oil binder that holds together the pigment. Oil-based colored pencils are resistant to water.Wax-based colored pencils can sometimes create wax bloom on artwork, which is a white, hazy glaze that occurs when the wax binder rises through the pigment and settles on the surface of the paper. The softness also makes them more likely to break than other types of pencils, so they may not last as long as the other types. Wax-based pencils are the softest type of colored pencil, which makes them easier to blend and layer than other types.
They provide full coverage and an intense color. Wax-based colored pencils contain pigment that is held together with a wax binder.Here are the main differences between each type. TypeĬolored pencils come in three different types: wax-based, oil-based, and water-soluble.
Here are some of the top considerations to help you shop for colored pencils. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Colored Pencilsīeyond the actual colors, there are many factors to consider when shopping for colored pencils.