SchoolTube Community
You're ready to dive into the world of colored pencils – fantastic choice! But with aisles overflowing with brands, types, and a rainbow of colors, choosing the right pencils can feel overwhelming. Don't worry, we're here to help you navigate this colorful world and find the perfect set to unleash your inner artist.
Why Colored Pencils Rock!
Colored pencils offer a fantastic way to express your creativity. They're versatile, allowing you to create everything from quick sketches to highly detailed masterpieces. Plus, they're portable and less messy than paints, making them perfect for on-the-go artistry.
Decoding the Colored Pencil Mystery: Finding Your Perfect Match
The key to choosing the best colored pencils is understanding your needs and preferences. Let's break down some essential factors:
1. Soft vs. Hard Leads: A Matter of Touch
-
Soft leads (like Prismacolor Premier): These pencils glide smoothly over paper, laying down rich, vibrant color with minimal effort. They're excellent for blending and layering, achieving stunning gradients and depth. However, their softness makes them prone to breakage, especially if you prefer a sharper point.
-
Hard leads (like Faber-Castell Polychromos): These pencils offer greater point control and durability. They're ideal for detailed work and achieving fine lines. While they require more layering to achieve intense color saturation, the results are incredibly luminous and long-lasting.
2. Wax-Based vs. Oil-Based: The Binding Factor
-
Wax-based pencils: These are the most common type. They offer smooth laydown and blendability. However, they can sometimes create a waxy buildup on the paper, making further layering tricky.
-
Oil-based pencils: These pencils generally have harder leads and offer superior lightfastness, meaning your artwork will resist fading over time. They blend beautifully and are less prone to wax bloom.
3. Pigment Power: The Color Payoff
High-quality colored pencils boast rich, vibrant pigments that deliver intense color payoff. Look for pencils with smooth, even color laydown and excellent lightfastness ratings to ensure your artwork stands the test of time.
4. Budget Considerations: Quality Within Reach
Professional-grade colored pencils are an investment, but they offer superior quality and longevity. If you're just starting, consider a smaller set of high-quality pencils or explore student-grade options that provide a balance between affordability and performance.
Beyond the Brand Names: It's About Your Artistic Journey
While popular brands like Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, and Caran d'Ache offer exceptional quality, don't be afraid to explore other brands and discover what resonates with your artistic style.
Remember, the most expensive or popular brand doesn't automatically make them the best for you. The true magic lies in your hands and how you utilize the tools at your disposal.
Top Tips for Choosing Your Colored Pencils:
- Start small: Don't feel pressured to buy a massive set right away. Begin with a smaller set of essential colors and gradually expand your collection.
- Read reviews: Online reviews from fellow artists can provide valuable insights into the performance and characteristics of different brands and types of pencils.
- Test them out: If possible, try out pencils at an art supply store to get a feel for their texture, blending capabilities, and color payoff.
- Consider your subject matter: If you love botanical illustrations, a set with a wide range of greens and browns would be ideal. For portraits, prioritize skin tones and hair colors.
- Most importantly, have fun! Experiment, explore, and enjoy the journey of discovering the perfect colored pencils to bring your artistic vision to life.
"It's not the colored pencil that makes the art, it's the artist."
This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of choosing the right colored pencils. The tools are important, but your skill, passion, and dedication are what truly matter. So, go forth, experiment, and create something amazing!
You may also like