Jewels Gems: Colored Pencils

No matter where you search for colored pencils, it can be confusing and a daunting task. This is a brief list of ones I own and use. All pencils are NOT created equal. Depending on the tooth of the paper in which you color, different results are obvious. There are lots of sites dedicated to pencils but some don't tell HOW to use them. There are also numerous color charts and themes that can be played with. Mind you, I am a Self taught artist and can show you my methods. Nothing is etched in stone when it comes to coloring, it's a fabulous relaxing hobby. No rules. Sometimes there can be rules, such as color harmony but that shouldn't stop you from being creative!

Higher-end coloring book artists such as Hanna Karlzon and Maria Trolle, use fine quality paper in their books, which results in a high price tag. However, it's worth the investment.
Low-end paper books come from the Dollar Tree, Dover Publishing and sometimes Creative Haven. These are thin, see-through and standard. Creative Haven is an exception because they have individual artists. I say this because some paper is quite good, will lay down certain pencils. What that means, the higher priced pencils would not be in your best interest to be used, such as Holbein. Save those for a project that calls for it. Crayola is recommended.

Let's talk pigment!!! The high priced Holbein comes from Japan and can still be purchased from sellers on eBay.

They're expensive for a reason. They are a mixture of wax, fat, and oil. Starting with a sleight of hand, they are layer-able. Once built, you can create depth with just one color and different directions to create a comb-over effect that equals blending without an outside blending solution. This same effect can be done with Prismacolor and Polychromos. Prismacolor are wax-based and softcore as Polychromos are oil. Holbein is softcore too and shouldn't be sharpened with an electric sharpener, a manual is recommended, Prismacolor has a line that includes Scholar and Verithin. Verithin is exactly how its spelled- very thin. They can be used for fine detailed work and light layering. Scholar is on the creamy side and hardcore, break easily with vigorous electric sharpening. Scholars surprise me because you can create more of a definition with a heavier hand;verithin will not.
Polycolors by Koh-I-Noor are in a class by themselves, which also belongs to Verithin and Soho Urban Artist. They are hardcore, used for detailing however can create a nice coloring payoff. However, they are difficult to erase, so an electric eraser is used.

Blending tips: For Prismacolor, I use the colorless blender they have. It can also be used with Crayola. Holbein is tricky if you're working against the grain. Vaseline is used on a thin-tipped artist brush sparingly. Too much will cause a smeared mess. Polychromos I use the Prismacolor colorless blender; as well as Polycolors. White pencils are a must-have! Used for burnishing and creating shine. Too much white is NOT a bad thing, contrary to belief. You can use that excess with a q tip or cotton ball for blends. It makes a great background.
A VERY sharp pencil tip is one key to practicing coloring. Try to use a blunt one sideways, you can go for depth and shading. It doesn't need to be heavy either.

HOLBEIN PENCIL UPDATE: 7-27-2022

You can purchase singles ( open stock ) now through Dick Blick USA!

*NEW UPDATE-2023*- Derwent Inktense has come out with new colors and are now available through Dick Blick as singles. Prismacolor has sadly eliminated a couple colors because they couldn't get the pigment.

I am sure to miss something in this write up regarding pencils. Please feel free to leave comments, am always learning from others!