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Finding the right tools to bring your artistic vision to life can be a challenge, especially when it comes to colouring pencils. For serious hobbyists and professional artists, standard school-grade pencils often lack the vibrancy, blendability and specialised hues needed for detailed work. The world of artist colouring pencils offers a significant step up in quality, providing tools designed for specific techniques and effects.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the key features of high-quality pencils. We will explore what to look for when making a selection and present a few recommended options that cater to different artistic needs, from soft pastel work to bold, neon highlights.
Before diving into specific products, understanding a few key terms can help you make a more informed decision. Consider these factors when selecting your next drawing pencils set.
The core of the pencil is its heart. High pigmentation pencils contain a greater concentration of colour pigment, resulting in rich, vibrant laydown with less effort. This allows for better layering and blending without the waxy buildup that can occur with lower-quality pencils. The core material also matters. While many pencils are wax or oil-based, others, like chalk pastel pencils, offer a completely different texture. These provide a dry, dusty stroke that can be smudged and blended like traditional pastels but with the precision of a pencil.
A key characteristic of professional-grade pencils is their ability to blend smoothly. Blendable pencils allow you to create seamless gradients and new shades directly on the paper. Beyond standard colours, many artists seek out specialised palettes to enhance their work. Sets that include pastel pencils, neon colouring pencils or metallic colouring pencils can add unique dimensions and highlights, enabling a wider range of creative expression.
For any artist who spends hours drawing, comfort is crucial. Ergonomic colouring pencils, often designed with a triangular barrel, can help reduce hand fatigue and promote a proper grip. Additionally, look for features that indicate durability, such as break-resistant cores. Some brands use a special bonding process to secure the lead within the wooden casing, making the pencils less likely to snap during use or sharpening.
Here are a few standout options available for UK artists and creative hobbyists, each offering unique features for different styles and projects.
Why It Stands Out: These pencils offer the best of both worlds: the rich, blendable texture of chalk pastels with the control and precision of a pencil. The high pigmentation delivers excellent colour brilliance, and the core can be sharpened to a fine point for intricate details. Their partial water-solubility also opens up possibilities for mixed-media techniques.
Pros:
Who is it for: Artists and art supplies for hobbyists who enjoy working with pastels but desire more control for detailed work. They are ideal for portraiture, still life and landscape art on various paper types.
Why It Stands Out: This set from Faber-Castell pencils is built for comfort and creative flair. The ergonomic triangular barrel features a patented Soft-Grip zone, making it ideal for long drawing sessions. It provides a unique combination of four pastel, four neon and four metallic colours, perfect for adding special effects to any artwork.
Pros:
Who is it for: Older children, students and hobbyists looking for a comfortable, durable set of pencils with a unique and vibrant colour palette for creative projects.
Why It Stands Out: The Black Edition pencils are designed to make a statement. Their SuperSoft lead provides an exceptionally smooth and vibrant colour laydown that performs beautifully on light, coloured and even dark paper. The combination of brilliant neon and soft pastel shades in one set offers great versatility, all housed in a stylish black wood casing.
Pros:
Who is it for: Artists and illustrators who want their colours to pop, especially on non-white surfaces. The mix of neon and pastel hues makes this set a great addition for those looking to expand their creative palette.
While these sets offer fantastic quality and unique features, your project might call for a different palette. If your work leans heavily into subtle, muted tones and you're looking for a broader selection, you may find more options in our dedicated category.
Explore our full range of pastel coloured pencils to find the perfect set for your needs.
1. What is the main difference between artist colouring pencils and regular ones? The primary differences lie in quality and composition. Artist colouring pencils typically have a higher pigment-to-binder ratio, resulting in richer colours and better lightfastness (resistance to fading). Their cores are often formulated to be more blendable, and they come in a wider variety of specialised types, such as watercolour, pastel or oil-based pencils.
2. How do I use chalk pastel pencils?Chalk pastel pencils can be used just like regular colouring pencils for drawing and shading. Their key advantage is their blendability. You can use your fingers, a paper stump (tortillon) or a cloth to smudge and blend the colours on the paper. Because they are often partially water-soluble, you can also go over your drawing with a wet brush to create soft, watercolour-like washes.
3. Are ergonomic colouring pencils worth it? For anyone who spends a significant amount of time drawing, ergonomic colouring pencils can make a noticeable difference. The triangular shape encourages a more relaxed grip, which can help reduce hand strain and fatigue over long sessions. This improved comfort can also lead to better control and precision in your work.