Finding art supplies can feel overwhelming. Many beginners waste money on colored pencils that break easily or don’t blend well.

What if there was a simple way to pick the right colored pencils from the start? The truth is, choosing the best colored pencils for beginners isn’t about buying the most expensive brand. It’s about finding the right balance of quality and value.

This blog will show readers how to select colored pencils that match their needs and budget. They’ll learn what to look for in terms of pigment strength, pencil hardness, and color selection.

Why Should Beginners Draw with Coloured Pencils?

Starting with colored pencils makes perfect sense for new artists. These tools offer control and simplicity that other mediums don’t provide.

Beginners can focus on learning basic techniques without getting lost in complex processes. Colored pencils forgive mistakes and allow for gradual skill-building.

They also work well on regular paper, making them accessible to anyone wanting to try art.

Easy to Control

Colored pencils give beginners remarkable control over their artwork. The familiar form of a pencil makes the transition into art feel natural and less intimidating.

• Forgiving medium: Colored pencils let beginners work slowly and build up color at their own pace. They can start with light pressure and add more layers as they gain confidence.
• No mess: Unlike paints, colored pencils don’t require water, brushes, or cleanup time. This makes them perfect for quick practice sessions or drawing on the go.
• Portable: Artists can take colored pencils anywhere without worrying about spills or drying time. This makes regular practice much more likely.

Affordable Entry Point

Cost plays a big role when starting any new hobby. Colored pencils offer an accessible way to begin creating art without emptying your wallet.

• Budget-friendly: Basic colored pencil sets cost less than quality paints and other art supplies. Beginners can test their interest without a big investment.
• Long lasting: Good colored pencils can last for months of regular use. This makes them cost-effective for learning and practicing.
• Gradual upgrading: Artists can start with student-grade pencils and buy individual professional pencils as needed for specific projects.

Understanding the Different Types of Colored Pencils

Finding the best colored pencils for beginners is essential for a smooth and inspiring start to any artistic odyssey.

Beginners need pencils that offer lively colors, easy blending, and a comfortable drawing experience without overwhelming technicalities. Before selecting a brand, beginners should consider the type of colored pencils that best fit their artistic style and goals.

Each type offers unique advantages for different creative needs.

1. Wax-Based Colored Pencils

Wax-based colored pencils are the most commonly recommended for beginners due to their smooth application and lively color output.

They are easy to layer and blend, making them ideal for learning basic techniques and creating rich, colorful drawings without much effort.

2. Oil-Based Colored Pencils

Oil-based colored pencils are valued for their durability and strong pigmentation. These pencils have a slightly firmer core, which helps maintain a sharp point for detailed work.

While they require a bit more pressure to blend than wax-based pencils, they offer excellent control and are less likely to break, making them suitable for beginners who want to experiment with precision and layering.

3. Watercolor Colored Pencils

Watercolor colored pencils provide unique versatility, allowing artists to create both dry, traditional pencil effects and beautiful watercolor washes when activated with water.

This dual functionality encourages beginners to find different techniques and unearth new ways to express their creativity. They are especially useful for those who enjoy both drawing and painting in their early artistic quest.

4. Pastel Colored Pencils

Pastel colored pencils offer a soft, chalky texture that stands out for creating textured and painterly effects.

These pencils are perfect for beginners interested in a more expressive or impressionistic style, as they allow for easy blending and smudging. Their tactile feel on paper can make the drawing process more engaging and experimental.

5. Metallic Colored Pencils

Metallic colored pencils are a fantastic choice for beginners who want to add a touch of shimmer and uniqueness to their artwork.

These pencils contain special pigments that create a reflective, metallic sheen on the page, making them ideal for highlights, decorative accents, or special effects.

6. Neon or Fluorescent Colored Pencils

Neon or fluorescent colored pencils are designed for those who love bold, high-energy art.

These pencils produce exceptionally bright and vivid colors that pop off the page, making them perfect for posters, doodles, or any artwork that needs to grab attention.

Their intense pigmentation encourages beginners to experiment with color contrast and compositions. Using neon pencils can be a fun way for new artists to explore expressive and unconventional color palettes.

7. Soft Core Colored Pencils

Soft core colored pencils are known for their creamy, blendable texture, making them especially beginner-friendly. The soft lead glides smoothly across the paper, allowing for easy layering and seamless color transitions.

This type of pencil is forgiving and ideal for shading, blending, and creating gradients, helping beginners develop confidence in their technique.

8. Hard Core Colored Pencils

Hard-core colored pencils are perfect for beginners who want to focus on precision and detail in their artwork.

With a firmer core, these pencils maintain a sharp point longer, making them suitable for intricate line work, fine details, and crisp edges.

They are less prone to breakage and provide excellent control, which is especially helpful for those learning to draw accurately. Hard-core pencils are a reliable choice for beginners interested in technical drawing or detailed illustrations.

9. Blending Colored Pencils

Blending colored pencils are specially formulated to help artists merge and soften colors for smooth transitions and realistic shading.

These pencils can be used alongside regular colored pencils to blend harsh lines and create subtle gradients, making them an invaluable tool for beginners learning about color mixing and shading techniques.

10. Erasable Colored Pencils

Erasable colored pencils give beginners the confidence to try new things without the fear of making permanent mistakes.

These pencils are designed to be easily erased, helping new artists correct errors and refine their techniques as they learn. This feature is particularly reassuring for those just starting out, making the creative process less intimidating and more forgiving.

Top Brands of Beginner-Friendly Coloured Pencils

Once the right type is selected, beginners should consider brands that provide a balance of quality and affordability.

The following brands are trusted choices for newcomers to colored pencil art.

1. Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils

Prismacolor Scholar pencils are specifically designed for students and beginners. They are known for their smooth layering, lively pigmentation, and ease of blending.

These pencils allow beginners to experiment with various techniques without the frustration of hard, scratchy leads.

Pros:

• Soft, smooth core for easy color application and blending
• Rich, lively colors that show up well on paper
• Durable and easy to sharpen
• Affordable compared to professional-grade pencils

Cons:

• Not as lightfast or richly pigmented as Prismacolor Premier (artist grade)
• Limited open stock availability compared to higher-end lines

How Prismacolor Scholar Stands Out:

Compared to other beginner sets, Prismacolor Scholar offers a softer core and better blending, making it easier for beginners to achieve smooth gradients and layered effects.

2. Crayola Colored Pencils

Crayola is a classic choice, especially for beginners or younger artists. These pencils are widely available, budget-friendly, and easy to use.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable and accessible
• Holds a sharp point well, suitable for detailed work
• Wide range of colors in larger sets
• Consistent quality and non-toxic

Cons:

• Harder core makes blending more challenging
• Colors are less shivery and require more effort to build up
• Not intended for advanced techniques or professional results

How Crayola Stands Out:

Crayola pencils are the most budget-friendly, making them ideal for practice, casual coloring, or for younger beginners who may be rougher on materials.

3. Arteza Colored Pencils

Arteza colored pencils are a favorite among beginners for their rich pigmentation and large, affordable sets. They offer a good mix of quality and value, allowing new artists to explore a broad color palette.

Pros:

• Richly pigmented colors that show up well on a variety of papers
• Soft core for easy blending and layering
• Large sets are available at a reasonable price
• Good for experimenting with different techniques

Cons:

• Some users report occasional breakage during sharpening
• Not as lightfast as professional brands

How Arteza Stands Out:

Arteza pencils are praised for offering a wide color range and creamy texture at a beginner-friendly price, making them perfect for those who want to experiment without a big investment

4. Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils

Castle Art pencils are well-regarded for their smooth, creamy feel and vibrant tones. Their large, well-organized sets are especially attractive for beginners looking to try a variety of colors.

Pros:

• Huge color range in larger sets
• Smooth application and easy blending
• Excellent value for the quantity and quality
• Sturdy, attractive packaging for the organization

Cons:

• Some bright colors can be less intense than expected
• Occasional mismatch between the core color and the barrel

How Castle Art Stands Out:

Castle Art pencils provide an impressive color selection and easy usability, making them ideal for beginners who want to explore and grow their skills without frequent upgrades.

Top Papers & Texture’s Role in Colored Pencil Art

Paper choice greatly affects how colored pencils perform and look in the final artwork. The texture of the paper impacts how pigment sits on the surface and how many layers an artist can apply.

Some papers grab more pigment while others allow for smooth blending. Beginners should try a few different types to find what works best for their style.

Understanding paper basics helps artists make smart choices for their colored pencil projects.

How Paper Texture Affects Your Art

Paper texture controls how pigment adheres and appears in finished work. Medium textured papers offer beginners the best balance of detail and color richness.

Color layering: Textured papers allow more pigment layers, creating depth and richer colors.

Blending results: Smooth papers blend more easily but hold fewer layers than textured ones.

Erasing ability: Heavier papers withstand erasing better, important when learning new techniques.

Ideal paper weight for detailed colored pencil work: Papers between 80-140 lb provide enough stability for detailed work without being too rigid. Lighter papers may buckle with heavy application, while very heavy papers can be hard to work with.

To Conclude

Finding the best colored pencils for beginners comes down to understanding a few key factors.

Good pencils should have decent pigment strength, appropriate hardness for comfort, and enough color variety to grow with. Paper choice plays an equally important role in the final results.

Starting with colored pencils offers new artists a forgiving medium that builds confidence while developing basic skills.

Choosing suitable colored pencils isn’t about finding the most costly option, but finding tools that match skill level and goals.

With the right pencils in hand, new artists can learn, practice, and improve with every stroke.