Buyers Guide: Selecting Drawing Pencils for Art

The selection of drawing pencils on the market can be overwhelming for beginners and even for experienced artists. From coloured pencil sets for vibrant illustrations and soft pastel pencils to deep black drawing charcoal—each medium has its own unique properties and applications. This guide is designed to help you find the right pencils for your creative endeavours. We will introduce different types, provide practical selection tips, and present a range of products for various needs, from sketching pencils for initial drafts to professional art supplies online.

What to Look for When Choosing Drawing Pencils

The decision for the right pencil depends on your project and preferred technique. Three criteria are particularly relevant.

1. Lead Hardness and Pigment Quality

The hardness of the lead determines the colour laydown and line intensity. Soft leads (marked with "B" for "Black") release a lot of colour and are well-suited for shading and covering large areas. Hard leads (marked with "H" for "Hard") allow for fine, precise lines and are ideal for technical drawings or detailed sketching pencils. The pigment quality affects the colour brilliance and lightfastness of your work. High-quality pigments ensure vibrant colours that do not fade over time.

2. Pencil Type by Application

There is a perfect tool for every artistic goal:

• Coloured Pencils: They are a staple for many artists and are excellent for colouring, layering, and blending colours. They are available in wax-based or oil-based formulas, which affects their softness and blendability. They are popular colouring pencils for adults and children alike.
• Pastel Pencils: These pencils contain highly concentrated pigments with minimal binder. They provide a very soft, powdery application that is easy to smudge and blend to achieve painterly effects.
• Charcoal Pencils: For expressive, high-contrast drawings, drawing charcoal is the medium of choice. Encased in a pencil, it offers more control and cleanliness than loose charcoal and is perfect for portraits and dramatic sketches. Renowned brands like STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph offer specialised products in this category.

3. Sets vs. Individual Pencils

A coloured pencil set is often a great starting point as it provides a broad colour palette to begin with. For advanced users or for selectively replacing favourite colours, buying individual pencils may be more practical. This is especially true for specialised pencils like charcoal or graphite pencils in specific hardness grades.

Our Top Pencil Picks

Based on the criteria mentioned, we have compiled a selection of products suitable for various artistic techniques and experience levels.

M&G Coloured Pencils, 48-Piece Set with Soft Core

What makes this product stand out With 48 different shades, this set offers an extensive palette for creative projects. The pencils are made from natural wood, which makes sharpening easier. The leads are bonded to be break-resistant and come pre-sharpened, making them ready to use right out of the box. The hexagonal barrel ensures a stable grip and prevents the pencils from rolling off the table.

Advantages

• Extensive colour spectrum: 48 colours allow for smooth transitions and detailed shading.
• Smooth colour laydown: The leads release pigment consistently and are well-suited for layering colours.
• Ergonomic shape: The hexagonal barrel fits comfortably in the hand and offers control over line work.

Who it's for This set is a great choice for beginners, hobby artists, and students looking for a versatile coloured pencil set for colouring, sketching, and school projects.

Faber-Castell STUDIO QUALITY Mini Soft Pastel Pencils, 72-Piece Set

What makes this product stand out The pastel pencils from Faber-Castell are known for their soft, richly pigmented stroke. This set of 72 colours offers exceptional variety for sophisticated art projects. The pastels have a hardness grade of 5B, which allows for an especially gentle application that is easy to blend. They are delivered in a practical cardboard case for organised storage.

Advantages

• High pigmentation: Ensures brilliant and intense colour results.
• Soft application: Ideal for blending and creating soft transitions.
• Wide colour selection: 72 shades cover a broad spectrum for artistic expression.

Who it's for This set is aimed at advanced hobby artists and art students who work with pastel techniques and require a large selection of Faber-Castell pencils for their projects.

STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Charcoal Pencil, Grade S (Soft)

What makes this product stand out The STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph charcoal pencil combines the expressiveness of charcoal with the handling of a pencil. The lead, with its high carbon content, produces a deep, rich black that is essential for high-contrast drawings. The "S" (Soft) grade ensures maximum colour laydown with minimal pressure. The 4.5 mm diameter lead is encased in PEFC-certified wood, providing precision and stability.

Advantages

• Intense blackness: The high carbon content allows for deep black lines and areas.
• Precise control: The pencil form allows for more accurate line work than loose drawing charcoal.
• Durable lead: The thick 4.5 mm core is more resistant to breakage.

Who it's for This pencil is ideal for artists and illustrators who create portraits, sketches, and other high-contrast works and want to combine the benefits of drawing charcoal and a pencil.

Discover More Options

If the products presented here do not exactly meet your requirements or if you are looking for more specific pencils, you can find a wider selection in our corresponding category. Whether for technical drawings or colour-intensive artworks, the right tool is waiting for you.

Discover more soft pencils here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between oil-based and wax-based coloured pencils?

Wax-based coloured pencils are more common and generally a bit softer. They layer well but can form a waxy surface ("wax bloom") if too many layers are applied. Oil-based pencils have a harder lead that can be sharpened to a finer point and is excellent for blending and detail work. They are not prone to wax bloom and allow for a smoother, almost painterly colour application.

How do you fix a drawing made with charcoal or pastel pencils?

Since charcoal and pastel pigments adhere loosely to the paper, they are susceptible to smudging. To permanently protect the artwork, a fixative spray is used. This is sprayed onto the drawing from a distance of about 30 cm in thin, even layers. It is advisable to do this in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.

Is it safe to buy art supplies online?

Yes, buying art supplies online is a convenient way to compare a wide range of products. Look for retailers that provide detailed product descriptions, technical specifications, and clear manufacturer information. This ensures you receive the exact product that meets your quality and application requirements.