Drawing Pencils
General's Peel & Sketch Charcoal Pencils
General’s Peel & Sketch Paper-Wrapped Charcoal offers velvety-smooth strokes in a design that’s perfect for artists on the go. Forget about sha...
View full detailsGeneral's Pastel Chalk Pencils
Since 1926, General's Pastel Chalk Pencils have been meticulously handcrafted with only the finest artist pigments, ensuring rich, vibrant colour i...
View full detailsGeneral's Kimberly Extra Black Graphite Drawing Pencil
The Kimberly 525-9xxB Pencil is General’s darkest graphite pencil, crafted with a premium formula for unmatched depth and smoothness. This ultra-so...
View full detailsGenerals ALL ART Woodless Graphite Drawing Pencil
Made of pure graphite in a convenient pencil shape and size, these woodless wonders give you more of what you want a pencil for. Purchase a set in...
View full detailsGenerals Scribe All Pencils
The General€™s Scribe-All Pencils are a great all surface pencil that can be used to mark plastic, glass, wood, leather, tile, and more! It can ...
View full detailsGeneral's Carbon Sketch Pencil
General's Carbon Sketch Pencil offers the perfect blend of smooth graphite and deep, rich charcoal black for artists who demand intensity and versa...
View full detailsGeneral's Layout Pencil
General’s Layout Pencil is the ultimate choice for artists seeking extra-soft, deep black tones with a luxuriously smooth feel. This classic ebony ...
View full detailsPencils are made of graphite and wood. The graphite is mixed with clay and this results in various levels of hardness. Cedar wood is generally used to ensure the pencil is easy to sharpen and protect the inside core of the pencil.
What are the best drawing pencils for beginners?
If you are trying your hand for the first time with art, a drawing pencil set is the best way to practise. Buying a set will allow you to experiment with an array of colours. As you progress you can try the different types of drawing implements to see what style works best for you.
How do I choose the correct hardness for my drawing pencil?
This depends heavily on your own artistic style and preference. If you prefer lighter lines and shading, go for a softer pencil (B). For fine lines and details, a harder pencil (H) is recommended. For an in-between, a HB pencil offers a good balance between the two.
What's the difference between graphite and charcoal drawing pencils?
Graphite is versatile and offers a smooth, clean line, while charcoal has more of a bold, expressive effect and is excellent for dramatic shading.
Can I use watercolour pencils without water?
Yes, you can! Watercolours do still work as normal coloured pencils, but when water is applied, they transform into a watercolour effect.
How can I prevent pencil smudging while drawing?
To reduce smudges in your drawing, you can use a fixative spray on finished drawings. If you are still working on your masterpiece, you can avoid smudges by placing a clean sheet of paper under your hand as you draw to prevent direct contact with the paper. Opting for harder pencils can also reduce smudging.
Do coloured pencils work well for professional artwork?
Absolutely! Many professional artists use coloured and drawing pencils as their weapon of choice when creating a masterpiece. At ArtStore Online we offer a wide range of vibrant colours and allow for detailed layering.