Coloured Pencils

Drawing with coloured pencils could be a humble beginning for some, or a professional’s signature medium. They can be used to create highly detailed drawings, they can be layered to reach a range of shades and hues, or picked up for the first time and scribbled on a page. At ArtStore Online, whether you are an avid painter, illustrator or a complete beginner, we will strive to help you with whatever you're after.

Explore our wide range of art and craft supplies from the best brands, trusted and respected around the world, including Derwent, Faber-Castell, Koh-I-Noor, Prismacolor, Stabilo, STAEDTLER, Tombow and more.

What are coloured pencils?

A simple but effective drawing medium that often sits at the centre of many passionate drawer's kits.

Made of wood with a coloured pigment core, their versatility makes them a favourite for drawing, sketching, colouring and shading. You can even blend colour pencils and layer them with watercolours or markers for different styles. 

Coloured pencils are a simple and affordable way to start creating. They last for a long time (or a short time if you’re practising a lot) and don’t require a lot of extras to get started. 

Types of coloured pencils

There are three main types of colour pencils: wax-based, oil-based, and water-soluble.There are also special metallic or scented varieties, but they are less common.

Wax-based:

Known for their smooth and creamy texture, providing artists with a seamless blending experience. The core of wax-based varieties consists of a wax binder mixed with pigments, resulting in a rich and vibrant colour output. They’re perfect for creating layers and can be built up to achieve various depths and shades. However, they may be prone to wax bloom, a cloudy film that can appear on the surface of the artwork. This can be easily removed with a soft cloth, or prevented with fixatives.

Oil-based:

Oil-based colour pencils utilise an oil binder, offering a firmer texture than their wax-based counterparts. They’re a favourite among beginners and professional artists because the firmness allows for more precise and detailed work. The colours are typically rich and easy to blend, but with a harder lead, they retain their sharpness for more extended periods. They are tough and less likely to break and provide a resilient finish, making them suited for a variety of surfaces and more complex artworks.

Water-soluble:

Also known as watercolour pencils, they add a unique dimension to artistic creations. When dry, they behave much like traditional coloured pencils, allowing for detailed drawing and shading. However, when water is applied with a brush, the lines and colours dissolve, creating a watercolour effect. Combine precise pencil work with fluid washes and explore different techniques within a single piece. 

What's the difference between colour pencils, pastels and crayons?

Coloured pencils are made from pigments that are mixed with binders, wax, or clay, enclosed in a wooden casing, and offer precise control for detailed work. 

Pastels are composed of pure pigment with only a small amount of binding, giving them the intense colour and softer texture that artists love for blending and creating broad strokes. 

Crayons are typically made with wax and colour pigments, producing a smooth but less refined texture, often used for broader applications and favoured in children's art. 

How to step up your drawing

- Experiment with different types of colour pencils to find the ones that work best suits your unique style. 

- Using a light touch and multiple layers can help achieve more vivid colours and smooth blending.

- Use a colour swatch or reference image to really bring your vision to the page.

- Blend colours, using a colourless blender pencil or solvent.

- Use paper specifically designed for coloured pencils to prevent tearing or "skipping" on the surface.

- Experiment with different techniques to add texture and dimension to your drawings.

What art supplies will I need when drawing?

- A sharpener specifically designed for coloured pencils. 

- Colourless blender or solvent for blending.

- Drawing pad or paper specifically designed for coloured pencils. 

- Erasers for when things don’t go to plan.

- Reference image or colour swatch.

- Extenders for longer drawing sessions.