Colored Pencil Basics

Colored Pencil Basics

Colored pencils are a versatile drawing medium which allow the artist to create highly refined and exquisite works that rival those created with other media.color pencil They are a great choice for artists who want to create realistic drawings or paintings, and can be used in conjunction with other drawing mediums such as graphite, markers, gel pens, and watercolors. Colored pencils can also be layered and blended for more opaque applications of color that look like paint, without the need to use messy or toxic solvents.

While there are many different types of colored pencils, they generally fall into two categories: wax/oil based and water-soluble.color pencil Both have advantages and disadvantages, depending on your specific drawing needs and preferences.

When evaluating colored pencils, it is important to consider the pigment concentration and lightfastness of the colors as well as the core construction and material quality.color pencil For example, at Caran d’Ache our colored pencils are made with high-quality cedarwood which is sourced from FSC-certified forests. The wood is sturdier and easier to handle than other materials such as pine or basswood, which can make it difficult to sharpen or cause the colored pencils to break easily.

The cores of colored pencils contain a mixture of pigments and dyes, which are bound with synthetic resin, wax, or fillers (such as kaolin, chalk, or talc) and encased in wood or paper.color pencil Some manufacturers also add emulsifiers or dispersant to improve the performance and consistency of the colored pencils.

There are many different brands of colored pencils available, ranging from student- and scholastic-grade products to professional-grade products.color pencil These differences are typically reflected in the price and quality of the pencils, with higher-grade colored pencils offering more intense and richer hues and better lightfastness.

When purchasing colored pencils, it is important to consider your needs and budget when choosing a set.color pencil A good starting point is to consider the subject matter of the artwork you will be working on, as this will help narrow down your options for the color palette needed. For example, if you are creating a portrait, it is essential to have a range of skin tones to ensure the subject is represented accurately.

In addition to the color palette you will be using, it is also important to consider the texture of the pencils and whether or not they are erasable. Generally, the softest pencils are the best for layering and will be more easily erased than their firmer counterparts. The softer pencils will also produce less dust, which is especially helpful for those who are concerned about air pollution.

The final step is to decide on a set of colored pencils that will be suitable for your needs. Once you have selected your set, it is a good idea to test them out on a piece of similar paper to see how they perform. It is also a good idea to check the color fastness of the pencils by applying varying amounts of pressure to the paper and observing how the colors blend and appear.