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The struggle of anyone who gets into colored pencils lol been obsessed for years and still haven’t figured out the best method. Right now mine are in a carrying case that holds 200 pencils, and I just have multiples of those cases. They are the best I’ve come up with so far. This is mine (it’s unavailable but you can find similars): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y15KB1K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_83XWXJG906FJ7XJ32BB8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Go to Ulta or Target when they’re having a giant sale on their Real Techniques makeup brushes (the sales are pretty often), or pick up cheap elf brand makeup brushes - they have soft bristles and work just as well as paint brushes but at a cheaper price.
Also, this pencil sharpener [https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001U3RKKE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_n2fqFbQZWWBJS] is $25, but the BEST investment you will make as a colored pencil artist. I will fight anyone that tries to take mine from me - it can sharpen ANYTHING without breaking, and has an automatic stop once the pencil is sharp. I did my full 150+ set of Prismas, the dearth of lead breaking, with zero issues. I would not hesitate to buy another if something happened to mine, it’s that amazing.
thanks a lot. A few others recommended as well. Planning to get some of this paper. I don't think I need tons of layers, blending is more important to me for sure. I have brisol vellum paper and was thinking of using that too.
You’re good! Kirsty Partridge has some of the best tips for colored pencils and painting. I used these water colors: Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Compact Set, Set of 14, Half Pans https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004THXH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_F5PQBZBEGEW63WRJ3CZR
The key was learning to balance the amount of water to pigment ratio and having patience for the paint to dry. I can’t remember what paper I used but probably a cold press watercolor paper. But it’s all just playing around practicing and lots of bad pieces in between lol
I have 3 of these, they hold my collection of over 500 pencils and I adore them. https://smile.amazon.com/Vencer-Drawer-Storage-Pencil-VAO-003/dp/B073QH2PQP/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=pencil+drawer&qid=1626961780&sr=8-6
Amazon has sets for cheap- https://www.amazon.com/Prismacolor-4484-Premier-Colored-132-Count/dp/B00125JEIQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=prismacolor+colored+pencils&qid=1622779577&sprefix=pris&sr=8-9
And it’s also good to get a prismacolor sharpener or another sharpener that works well with them.
I just checked and JOANN’s 132 pack is over 3 times the price of Amazon’s 😬.
Krylon Fixative Aerosol Spray Provides Lasting Protection for Pencil, Pastel and Chalk Drawings But Can Be Erased to Rework Your Art (Pkg/3) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GFWBCFO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_T4CCNCTBRKEESME0V8PH
To keep my loose pencils from rolling off the table I use a long strip of rubbery drawer liner, the bumpy kind with diamond cutouts.
Again, an Amazon link so you can see the pattern that holds onto the pencils.
Nice design! I think its the paper. You may want to switch to smooth drawing paper, usually called "hot press" paper. You are starting out lightly which is great for mixing colors together and setting a strong foundation. However if you want that smooth, ultra opaque effect, you will want to experiment with layering but pressing harder as you build up your colors. You can use a colorless blender to do this OR just pressing harder with your colors. It seems simple, but it is called Burnishing, and there are a few different ways to approach it, so I recommend to play around with it on some scratch paper or in a sketchbook. If you want to transfer your drawing on smoother paper, but you don't want to redraw it, I recommend a getting a light board. Someone recommended Gamsol, which could be great to experiment with as well.
I have that sharpener and didn't like how the teeth marred up the side of the pencils. I decided to try the sharpener linked below, and now have two of them. One at work and one at home. Instead of the pencil held in metal teeth, it uses rubber wheels that don't leave marks.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BNC5PU?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details
Best! ❤️ A beautiful decoration on desk …
https://www.amazon.com/Prismacolor-VE99016-Premier-Pencil-Sharpener/dp/B004ZDL0K2/
… because really I use these:
https://www.amazon.com/Wekoil-Sharpeners-High-Grade-Sharpening-Rectangular/dp/B07FHZ7K79/
which is actually what’s inside the Prismacolor sharpener ❤️
Derwent pencils are probably intended to be best with their paper, which is expensive, though you could try working smaller, and cut section the paper into fours, which gives you 3x as much paper. (That’s the only way I can afford Arches paper.) Anyways, typically with practices, the 9x12 paper size most of the paper isn’t even used, except for trying to fill it in with background.
https://www.amazon.com/Derwent-Lightfast-Paper-Pad-12/dp/B084Q5384K/
Prismacolor Pencil Holders!
Prismacolor doesn’t have their own pencil holders, though these are perfect …
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09G29LJJR/
https://www.amazon.com/GUND-Confetti-Toothpick-Textured-Stuffed/dp/B08QVM2HCW/
See videos on 12 pencils on YT, the only set that you shouldn't buy the 12 of that I've found is the Cretacolor Karmina's, difficult to get rich mixes and you cannot mix a good green from the blue/yellow.
Get Alyona Nickleson's book.
I appreciate how comprehensive your overview is. This should be a very helpful resource for those exploring colored pencils for the first time.
On sharpeners, I find that a well made hand-held sharpener works best. It's very controllable, and does not eat up too much valuable pencil (as an electric model tends to do).
It's also important to know that it's best to rotate the sharpener, while holding the pencil in a firm, stationary position. This limits any tendency to apply leverage to the pencil, causing the tip to break. My favorite hand held is this Staedtler model, which is concentric. It's much easier to rotate around the pencil when the hole is in line with the center of the sharpener body.
Thanks for an awesome piece of informative content!
I have never come across these, but you can see these reviews on Amazon
Try Blick’s house brand. I’m experimenting now and really like these.
Your kitty is perfect, and your talent is impeccable. 🤩 I’ve ordered Zest-It through their website’s recommended link, Ken Bromley Art Supplies. I was also wondering if you’ve worked with any of the Chelsea solvents, if are they similar or comparable?
https://www.amazon.com/Chelsea-Classical-Studio-Lavender-Essence/dp/B00N1EFQGK
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00N1ARKEU
Although they’re more expensive, the reviews say they’re wonderful with blending colored pencils.
I keep a clear pencil case like this that only contains the pencils I'm using for a particular piece. I have a bigger, more expensive solution for storing all the pencils, but having this size case for whatever I'm working on at the moment is really handy.
https://smile.amazon.com/Pencil-Stackable-School-Supply-Organizer/dp/B08C1S1TFT/
I saved soup cans, cleaned then painted to the color of the group (color wheel), the center ones were neutrals.
Then, after I retired I spent the money on these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EUWMQVO/ref=sspa_dk_detail_9?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01EUWMQVO&pd_rd_w=O87BC&pf_rd_p=b9951ce4-3bd8-4b04-9123-0fda35d6155e&pd_rd_wg=AkoiU&pf_rd_r=6QF5D6WTP1RHYVZRKW1B&pd_rd_r=734bcbca-4057-42ed-ad16-82a8e...
I use these
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01NCMUAEX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_i_5XB5JYMX4V4C72500TSJ
I wrote the color number/name next to the loops in fineliner so at the end of a drawing they go back in the same place.
Actually it’s this one.
JARLINK Electric Pencil Sharpener, Auto-Stop and Rechargeable Large Pencil Sharpener for 6-12mm Pencils, Portable in School Classroom, Black (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085DG1ZHJ/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_6AR1XRQS9A3C3BB2C6KY)
Thank you.
These are the two I found - one is portable and one is AC plug in. Not sure if they have much difference but do you know if either is what you are referring to
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Just got this Afmat sharpener on Amazon. It does chew down pencils but it works great. Would recommend.
AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FSL26DY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Ooow sorry I forgot to answer you because of life happening! It's a van Gogh watercolor paper. I would not recommend using it because it's quite grainy and has burnt through my pencils quite quickly. That was the only paper available in the art store in my town unfortunately.
In case you really want to check it, it's this reference https://www.amazon.com/Van-Gogh-Watercolor-Paper-Sheets/dp/B07JGQZLKZ
I’d like to try it, but with my dogs around I will not. I have these coming & going to give this a try instead.
Speedball Art Products Finesse Artist Colored Pencil Blender, 3-Pack
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009YQ8IK0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_47G1TQY9QYA43KXGRTMA
I use a dome shaped brush since they really hold water well, but the size would just depend on the size of the piece you’re doing. Natural bristles hold water better than synthetic also but are more expensive. The link I’m posting is to show the shape of the brushes I use, but I’ve not used these specific ones. Just using for example: Transon Artist Round Watercolor Paint Brush Set of 6 Squirrel Hair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CCNTWN4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_KK7KCYWFBCCE4TYKEZ72
Hey do you mind if I ask you one more question? Since you seem to be so good with pastels. Can you recommend a good, inexpensive tool for getting smooth blending of colors? I've read so many different things. Do you have any thoughts on the color sculpters for clay like this? I was thinking of getting those.
I know there's several tools out there (including just tissue paper, cotton swab - which i wanted to use), but if you happen to have any thing in mind that you find works very well for just getting smooth blends of colors, I'm all ears for a recommendation. (no pressure if you don't have any thoughts on it.)
These are the specific pastels. They are called soft oil pastels - so I was a bit confused myself.
Would colored pencils work well on cold press watercolor paper?
hey thanks a ton. Actually i had just decided on using watercolor paper after posting this thread haha. Do you have any opinion on the canson watercolor paper (this stuff)? Thing is I do not want that 'grainy look' that i see on a lot of pastel pieces, which is why I thought really toothy pastel paper might not be good. I just want really smooth color. I really want to try the arches paper, but the canson is a bit more affordable for me.
I love my Faber Castell manual pencil sharpener and refuse to use anything else lol I only use the one colored pencil hole, and I use it for all brands (prismacolor, dewert, faber castell, crayola, etc). I can get them super sharp without shaving them down to nubs. You don’t need many turns to get it sharp.
Faber-Castell Grip Trio Pencil Sharpener - Grey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P3LKPK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_2A285WHS5G0YBVTNPCNE
For coloring.... aka the non-artist... I enjoy this set of Arteza pencils. I have heard people describe them as being in between a soft Prismacolor and a oil based Fabre-Castaell. I feel like the prismacolors are too soft and you end up spending so much time sharpening them. The still shade very well and the point will last long if you’re hard handed like me and color intense. The tin they come in is very annoying and the trays are hard to remove. You could probably get her a bag to organize them in + a Prismacolor sharpener and stay within your budget. Happy Shopping Santa 🎅🏼
ARTEZA Colored Pencils, Professional Set of 120 Colors, Soft Wax-Based Cores, Ideal for Drawing Art, Sketching, Shading & Coloring, Vibrant Artist Pencils for Beginners & Pro Artists in Tin Box https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B081BBP6X4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_TimYFb0KC60K5
The more layers you add before going over it with white, the less likely it will whiten the colors. Like I said, just start very soft at first with the white, then layer over that with more color, and repeat the process.
https://www.amazon.com/CREATIVE-ART-MATERIALS-Caran-Blender/dp/B006FXBPQO/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=colored+pencil+blender&qid=1606894779&sr=8-9 Try using this as well, it’s a good blender, but use it in moderation, using it too much makes the piece look weird, at least it does to me lol.
You can get them through Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/color-pencil-Gogh-Metal-Cased/dp/B0016GOQL6/
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They're all import from Japan, Royal Talens is part of the Sakura holding, so they might be manufactured there as well. I know they're also manufactured in The Netherlands.
Get a neaded eraser. It’s sticky and the shavings will stick to it. Warm the eraser by neading in your hands like you word if it were gum. Sticks like gum. There is also blu tack. Art store may have here’s link. Blu Tack Handy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001OZI70/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IRuvFb3CPZQRY
Neaded erasers.
Large Kneaded Eraser (2 Eraser Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012561WIA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aTuvFbPZ3TPXR
Some people use solvents to blend the wax of the colors together or scratch off part of the surface with a blade to relayer.
This book also helps a lot
Colored Pencil Painting Bible: Techniques for Achieving Luminous Color and Ultrarealistic Effects https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0823099202/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YYBoFbYGHCBK8
https://www.amazon.com/Based-colored-pencils-adults-HUEEYES/dp/B08284L5RH/
I found these surprisingly good for a great price.
Meant more of "you know better not to do your due dilligence with 3rd party amazon sellers" etc
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DRLZ67H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If you're in the UK, Derwent Coloursoft or Derwent Procolor might be worth checking out. (Amazon UK links, btw) Derwent is made/based in the UK, so you might be able to get them at a decent price. I've heard they're comparable to prismacolor, and both types have wax cores and higher pigment counts. The difference between the two seems to be the lightfast (how will they stand the test of time/if they'll fade when exposed to a lot of sunlight) rating and the hardness of the leads. From a quick glance at Amazon's comparison, I'd personally go with the coloursoft, as they're the softer, more blendable of the two and you get a white colored pencil, which is essential for blending. The procolor seem to have harder leads, so if you're wanting to do finer details work like fur, then those would be your better option. If you can't get your hands on Prismacolors or either of the Derwent Options right now, I think the Polychromos would be your better option. :)
This is what I use. Make sure to use it sparingly! I have an old paintbrush that I use to apply it onto my artwork. Dip the paintbrush, blot off the excess to be sure you don’t saturate the paper with it.
Here’s the amazon link, but I got mine from my local art store, in the oil paint section.
Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits Bottle, 4.2oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IIWQFO2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_I9QsEb2M4GN2G
You could get her some fancy paper like DuraLar drafting film in Matte. It's wonderful for prismacolor pencil work! It comes in different sizes and you should be able to find some at Michael's here's a link for reference: https://www.amazon.com/Grafix-Dura-Lar-11-Inch-14-Inch-Sheets/dp/B004B77NNU