10 Best Art Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are an excellent choice for artists and coloring enthusiasts looking for high-quality colored pencils. With a soft core, these pencils excel in shading and blending, allowing for smooth transitions and vibrant color application. The lightfast pigments ensure that your artwork will resist fading over time, which is a significant advantage for those creating lasting pieces. With 150 colors in the set, users have a wide palette to work from, making it suitable for detailed and intricate designs.

One of the standout features is the durability of the pencils. The robust leads are designed to resist cracking and chipping, which is particularly beneficial for adult coloring books where heavy pressure may be applied. Users appreciate the ultra-smooth color laydown, making the drawing experience enjoyable and fulfilling.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The softness of the pencil cores, while great for blending, may make them less suitable for precise, fine details, which could be a drawback for some artists. Additionally, as a premium product, it comes at a higher price point compared to other colored pencils, which may not appeal to beginner users or casual hobbyists. Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are ideal for serious artists or those engaged in adult coloring who prioritize quality and vibrancy in their work. They shine in terms of color range, blendability, and durability, though the softness may limit their use in more detailed applications.

The Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencils Set of 100 is highly praised for its exceptional pigment quality. These pencils are 100% lightfast, meaning the colors will remain vibrant for up to 100 years under appropriate conditions, making them ideal for professional artists concerned with long-lasting art. The pigment quality meets international standards, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

The oil-based core is a standout feature, providing a creamy, buttery texture that allows for smooth color blending and layering techniques. This makes it easy to achieve detailed drawings and a paint-like effect when mixed with a brush on paper or canvas. The set offers a wide spectrum of 100 colors, giving artists a vast range to choose from, which is perfect for experimenting with different shades and effects.

The pencils are also designed with a strong, 4mm wide core, enhancing their durability and preventing frequent breakage, even under pressure. However, one potential drawback is that the pencils are oil-based, which might require additional tools for blending compared to wax-based pencils. Additionally, the premium quality and extensive color range come at a higher price point, which might not be suitable for beginners or those on a tight budget. Despite this, for those seeking professional-quality colored pencils with excellent lightfastness and blendability, the Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencils are an excellent choice.

The Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils Zipper-Case Set appears to be a well-rounded choice for adult artists, professionals, and colorists. The set offers an impressive color range with 120 pencils neatly organized in a durable and portable zipper case, making it convenient to carry and use anywhere. Each pencil is named, numbered, and color-coded for easy selection, which is a big plus for organized and efficient work.

The pencils feature soft cores that provide a smooth, buttery laydown, which is ideal for blending and layering. This makes them suitable for various surfaces such as paper, eggshell, canvas, and wood. Additionally, these pencils are intensely pigmented, offering rich and vibrant colors that enhance the artwork quality. The softness of the core, however, could mean they may require frequent sharpening compared to harder-core pencils.

Durability is addressed with an advanced formulation that helps prevent crumbling and maintains a sharp point under pressure. The inclusion of a fold-out tutorial is a nice touch for users looking to refine their skills, and the product is backed by a money-back guarantee. One potential drawback might be the cost, as high-quality art supplies often come with a higher price tag. This set is a great investment for serious artists looking for a comprehensive, high-quality colored pencil set.