1. THE PENCILS
The first thing you will need is a set of coloured pencils.With so many brands available, it may seem daunting choosing your first pencil range, especially if you are new to the medium. How do you decide which to buy? The truth is, there is no 'perfect' solution. Many artists own various ranges and use them interchangeably, there is no 'miracle' brand that will suit every artist, it is simply preference. Some pencils are soft, others are hard, some low cost, some high. Many are highly pigmented, others are more neutral. Some have excellent lightfast properties and some have none at all. Whichever one(s) you choose, it depends on the subject(s) you will be undertaking and though there may be one particular brand that covers all ground, you may find you need two or three different ranges to cover all angles. Below we explain the differences between the three types of coloured pencil.
Wax-based pencils | Prismacolor PremierWax-based pencils are the most commonly found coloured pencil. The pencil you used as a child would have been waxed based, so it is likely that you are familiar with this type of pencil already. Wax-based pencils tend to have a soft core, ideal for those new to coloured pencils as they are more malleable making them easier to layer and blend. | Oil-based pencils | Faber Castell PolychromosOil-based pencils tend to have a harder core. Due to their firmness, they are more durable and achieve much finer detail than their wax-based counterparts although there are exceptions. Oil based pencils do not suffer from wax bloom and artists who prefer a limited amount of layers may find oil-based pencils far more suitable. | Water-based pencils | Museum AquarelleWatercolour and water-soluble pencils use a gum arabic binder which dissolves in water. Water-soluble pencils can be used dry or mixed with water to create loose pencil drawings like watercolours. The Inktense pencil shown here turns to ink when wet and are permanent. Diluting water-soluble pencils can effect their lightfast ratings. |
2. PAPER/SUPPORT
There are so many surfaces out there for artists that it is difficult to know which type to choose when starting your new journey. A hot pressed watercolour paper is always a good starting point. You can also buy a budget pad from one of the better known art companies like Winsor & Newton. Like the pencils, a paper that works for one artist is not going to work for everyone. For example,Stonehenge paper by Legion is a very popular paper, but some artists find it too soft. Here we explain three different paper options.
White paper | Strathmore Bristol 500A white surface is the most popular base with which to work on. It is a blank canvas, offering a fresh and clean look, isolating your work and enhancing both colour and detail more productively. Paper can be ultra smooth or textured, but the type you choose is down to preference. A hot-pressed watercolour paper like Bockingfordis a good option. | Tonal paper | UrsusTonal papers can provide a mid-ground with which to build your layers on. Cool papers are suited to subjects with blue and purple undertones and warm tone papers are ideal for subjects with yellow, orange and brown undertones. Using black paper can evoke powerful emotion in your work due to the stark dynamism between dark and light. Read our 'Working with tonal paper' article for more information. | Textured paper | Art Spectrum ColourfixTextured paper is a popular choice for many pencil artists. The tooth grabs the pigment more effectively, leaving behind richer colour than smoother surfaces allow. For this reason, it can cut down your work times and those additional layers you usually apply become unnecessary. We explain more about this in our 'Working with textured paper' article. |
3. TOOLS FOR YOUR OUTLINE
Before you start your drawing, you need to create your outline. There are many options available other than a pencil and what you use to create your outline is entirely up to you. Some ideas are offered below but if you use a pencil, add a rubber/eraser to the requirements too.
Graphite pencil | Derwent brandH grade pencils are hard and produce a lighter application. B grades are softer and are darker in tone, becoming notably darker the higher the number. A HB or B grade is ideal for your initial outline for drawing on light coloured paper. This makes it easier to erase. If working on textured or dark coloured paper, you may need something bolder like a 2B or 3B. |
Transfer paper | Frisk TracedownFrisk Tracedown offers an effortless way of tracing your outline. Place a sheet, darkest side down over your drawing paper and place your reference image on top. Secure this onto your paper with tape or use a paperweight if you do not wish to damage the paper, then trace the outline onto your working paper. Ensure your first lines are transferring to your paper before doing the whole outline. | Transfer spray | GhiantGhiant's transfer spray ensures you get the perfect outline with minimal wastage. You can spray it directly on to the back of your reference photo before placing onto your support and drawing around the outline. You can cover around 75+* sheets of A4 with one can. *Number taken from a personal trial count. |
4. PENCIL SHARPENER
Working with pencils means you will need a sharpener of some kind. You can buy a cheap sharpener and use it for all the pencils you own, but the width of pencil barrels can vary between brands and cheap sharpeners can damage the wood, so it is better to purchase something more suited to the needs of your pencils. Some brands sell sharpeners for a particular range of pencil, allowing you to replace the blades when they become blunt. Here we show you three different types of sharpener but in our 'Sharpening pencils' article, we go into more depth explaining the difference in sharpeners and how you can use them to improve your pencil techniques.
Metal SharpenersThe basic sharpener tends to be a single or double holed sharpener and made of plastic or metal. The metal brand is farmore robust than a plastic one as it is stronger, easier to replace the blades and puts less pressure on the wood in your pencil due to the robustness. |
Battery-powered & Manual sharpenersManual sharpeners hold the pencil in place whilst theblade rotates around the pencil. This can minimise pencil breakages. Battery powered sharpeners are quick which only requires you to grip the pencil whilst the blade is activated. These can be too harsh on some softer pencils. |
Craft KnifeMany pencil artists use a craft knife to sharpen their pencils. It allows them to sharpen them to the length and shape that is needed for a particular section of a drawing. Pencil sharpeners only achieve a universal shape and you may struggle to get a really fine tip, so a blade may be favoured. |
5. RUBBER/ERASER
One eraser is not going to be suitable for every section of your drawing, which is why there are so many varied shapes available. Pencil form and battery powered products can be a useful edition to your standard eraser, but are by no means the only ones. Here we explain the difference between the three found below and how they can benefit your work.
Polymer eraserPolymer erasers are so economical that you can buy a box full for a few pounds, using one for each medium you work with to avoid cross-mixing mediums. Use the corners for removing small sections and the wider edges for larger ones. Putty rubbers can be broken up so you can mould them into any shape you require. |
Pencil eraser | Faber Castell PerfectionPencil erasers consist of an eraser core running through the centre. Sometimes doubled edged, one has a harder side for ink removal or very dark lines, the other has a softer tip for pencil removal. You can use them interchangeably with your pencil work, but be careful not to tear your paper with the sturdier side. |
Battery powered eraser | JakarBattery powered erasers are great tools to possess as they have the power to remove almost all pigment from your paper. Particularly ideal if you are trying to pull the white of your paper back for highlighting and creating catchlights. Eraser refills are available so you can use a different tip for use with other mediums like graphite pencils. |
6. ACCESSORIES
The following products are an important part of the pencil kit. A soft brush is a must as it replaces the need to touch or blow on the paper where there are dust particles. Colour charts are more important the larger your collection of coloured pencils as it allows you to pick out the correct colour straight away rather than using guesswork. Pencil extenders ensure that you use as much of the pencil as possible, particularly if they are expensive or a discontinued colour that you can no longer buy. Find out more about each below.
Soft BrushA soft brush is a must for every pencil artist. When you erase or apply heavy applications of pencil, this creates dust and removing it with a soft brush is far more preferable than using your hands which can transfer oils onto your paper or by blowing it away, which can spray droplets onto your drawing and spoil your work. |
Colour chartsColour charts are always good to have as they allow you to compare colour palettes and select the pencil most suited to the task. You can find blank colour charts online if you search long enough which will allow you to print off and fill in, but it may be quicker and easier to make your own. We explain more about colour charts a little further down the page. |
Pencil Extenders | Faber CastellYou will always reach a point when your pencils approach the end of their lives and all you are left with is a short stub. You don't need to throw it away, you can enhance it's lifespan by using a pencil extender. You can purchase individual ones from around a £1, so it is useful to have a few in your collection. |
SUPPORT BOARD/EASEL
Easels can be as simple as a flat piece of wood or it could be a standard desk or floor easel. If you have an area in your home such as a kitchen table or a spot near a window, maybe even a spare room that you can utilise for your art, securing your art to a flat and sturdy surface is important, allowing you to create your drawing without the fear of your paper moving around or getting damaged in the process. Below are some examples of easel, the one you select will be down to space, comfort and personal preference. If you spend many hours creating your art, you need to ensure you are comfortable and that you do not put undue pressure on your neck and back. A supportive chair is a must.
Support BoardThis support board can be placed on any flat surface. The ridges underneath the board help to grip onto the edge of a table, allowing you to secure whichever height you find most comfortable. The legs fold under and this transforms into a carrying handle, easy to transport from one area to another. |
Illustration DeskAn illustration desk like this is ideal for every creative artist. It takes up less space and provides a work area and storage space in one. The tilting desk is adjustable so you can work on a flat surface or tilt it to whichever height is most comfortable. A supportive chair is recommended if you spend long hours at the easel. |
Floor EaselA floor easel allows you to place it anywhere you wish. A chunky easel like this one is suited to those that work on large-scale drawings. You can adjust the height, lay it horizontal or vertical, at whichever angle is most convenient. The easel shown in the photo has a storage shelf to hold all your products securely whilst you work. |
OTHER PRODUCTS YOU MIGHT FIND USEFUL:
Pencil storage chestIt is important to keep your pencils well protected at all times to minimise any damage. Searching for suitable storage can be difficult, however we came across this storage chest which can hold up to 250 pencils and thought it perfect for almost every artist. Read our article on this product. (Not sponsored) |
Loxley FixativeA fixative is useful to protect your final drawing from atmosphere damage caused by moisture and the suns UV rays as well as preventing smudging. The Loxleyspray fixative 200ml is a high quality, colourless, non-yellowing protection medium with UV Filter and is CFC free. Click the image to read our blog post on this product and see how it can help you in your work. |
Glassine paperGlassine is a smooth and glossy paper that is air, water, and grease resistant. It is also acid-free and hasmultiple uses for an artist. Use it to package or store your drawings or use it as a protective layer between your artwork and your hand to avoid the transfer of any oils. You can alsouse it to cover your drawing when you aren't working on it too. A multi-functional product. |
BLENDERS
Blenders are not for every pencil artist, in fact some don't use blenders at all, but they are mentioned here as they could be useful in your work. Pencil blenders are colourless wax or oil-based cores which help to soften lines and blend colours together. Blenders are also sold in powder form and solvent form. The solvent helps to soften the wax in the pencil but make sure the paper you use is suitable for use with solvents to avoid damage. We illustrate three types of blender below, and also have a dedicated article explaining how each work and how they could help you to improve your work. Click the link 'How to blend with coloured pencils'.
Blender pencilsPencil blenders are a colourless wax or oil-based blender in pencil form. Many pencil ranges have their own blender. They do differ somewhat as some aid blending better than others. The company Caran d'Ache, provide both a full blender and a pencil blender. The full blender (seen above in grey), is not encased in wood and can blend on a larger scale but can also be used as a wax resist tool. | Solvents for blendingColoured pencils can be blended using solvents like Derwent's blender pen and the Zest-it 'pencil blend'. The solvent softens the wax in the pencil allowing you to achieve a smooth blend of colour. Blender pens have a solvent inside the barrel which is absorbed by the hard sponge-like nib, allowing control in the amount that you apply to your paper. Zest-itis a solvent in a bottle which can be applied using a cotton bud or a paintbrush to blend. |
Powder blenderPowder blend is a product created by artist Alyona Nickelsen. She states that the powder blender makes the coloured pencil medium completely adjustable/correctible/erasable. It is a transparent and non-toxic dry lubricant which allows the pencil to move freely over the top and it can be manipulated and blended like soft pastels. It also allows artists to create seamless and stroke-free coverage over large areas quickly, and aids the softening of eraser marks. |
