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How to Choose Colour Pencils for Drawing: Beginner Guide
How to Choose Colour Pencils for Drawing
Choosing the right colour pencil for drawing can make colouring and shading more comfortable, especially if you're just starting.
Instead of choosing a set only because it contains many colours, consider the colour range, pencil format, sharpening, paper and the type of drawings you want to create.
You can explore the Colour Pencil collection at Elmate Stationery to compare available options.
What Makes a Colour Pencil Suitable for Drawing?
Different users have different drawing requirements.
Before buying, consider:
- Colour range
- Pencil size
- Pencil shape
- Sharpening
- Colour layering
- Paper type
- Drawing style
- Number of colours
For beginners, a simple 12 or 24-colour set can be a practical starting point.
12 vs 24 Colour Pencil for Drawing
The number of colours can affect how much colour variety you have.
12 Colours
A 12-colour set can work well for:
- Beginners
- Simple drawings
- School projects
- Basic colouring
- Learning colour combinations
24 Colours
A 24-colour set can provide more options for:
- Detailed drawings
- Colour combinations
- Shading
- Nature drawings
- Illustrations
Read 12 vs 24 Colour Pencil: Which Set Should You Choose? for a detailed comparison.
Colour Pencil Drawing and Shading
Colour pencils can be used for more than filling areas with colour.
You can use techniques such as:
- Layering
- Light and heavy pressure
- Hatching
- Cross-hatching
- Colour mixing through layering
- Controlled shading
The result also depends on the paper surface and the type of pencil you use.
For a dedicated technique guide, read Colour Pencil Shading Techniques for Beginners.
Choose the Right Colour Range
When selecting colour pencils for drawing, look at the actual shades included in the set.
A larger number of pencils can provide more colour choices, but the usefulness of the set depends on the colours included.
Think about the subjects you usually draw.
For example:
- Nature drawings may need different greens and browns.
- Objects may require a broader range of basic colours.
- Character drawings may benefit from a wider selection of skin, clothing and background colours.
Pencil Size and Shape
Colour pencils can come in different sizes and shapes.
Some users may prefer standard pencils, while others may find shorter or shaped pencils easier to handle.
For drawing, comfort and control can matter more than simply choosing the largest set.
Always check the product details before buying to understand the pencil format.
Sharpening Matters
A sharp pencil tip can be useful when creating:
- Fine outlines
- Small details
- Thin lines
- Hair or leaf details
- Precise colouring
A good Pencil Sharpener can therefore be an important part of a drawing setup.
If you want a powered sharpening option, explore Electric Pencil Sharpener.
Choosing Paper for Colour Pencil Drawing
The paper you use can affect how colour pencils look and how easily you can build layers.
For drawing and creative projects, you can explore Canvas Paper and choose paper according to the requirements of your project.
If you're creating a broader art setup, Art Set can also be useful for exploring additional creative supplies.
Colour Pencil for Beginners
If you're new to colour pencil drawing, you don't necessarily need a large collection immediately.
A beginner can start with:
- 12 or 24 colour pencils
- A suitable sharpener
- Appropriate drawing paper
- A pencil box or storage case
For storage, explore Pencil Box or Pencil Bag.
As you gain experience, you can add other colouring materials according to your needs.
Colour Pencil Drawing Ideas for Beginners
Once you have a suitable colour pencil set, you can practise with simple subjects such as:
- Fruits
- Flowers
- Leaves
- Simple landscapes
- Geometric patterns
- Everyday objects
- Simple characters
For more ideas, read Colour Pencil Drawing Ideas for Beginners: Easy Projects.
Colour Pencil vs Other Drawing Materials
Colour pencils are one option among many creative materials.
Depending on your project, you may also consider:
Crayons
Useful for broad and simple colouring.
Explore Crayons.
Oil Pastels
Useful for softer application and blending.
Explore Oil Pastels.
Water Colours
Useful for water-based painting and washes.
Explore Water Color.
Colour Pens
Useful for coloured lines, writing and certain creative projects.
Explore Color Pen.
How to Choose Colour Pencils for Drawing
Before buying, check these points:
- How many colours do you need?
- What type of drawings do you make?
- Is the pencil comfortable to hold?
- Can it be sharpened easily?
- What paper will you use?
- Do you need a 12 or 24-colour set?
- Do you need a separate pencil box?
- What is your budget?
A suitable drawing set should match your drawing habits rather than simply having the highest number of colours.
Buy Colour Pencils for Drawing Online in Bangladesh
You can compare available colour pencil products online by checking their colour count, format, brand, price and product details.
Visit the Colour Pencil collection at Elmate Stationery to explore currently available options.
For additional creative supplies, explore Art Set and Artist Brushes & Tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which colour pencil is best for drawing?
The suitable colour pencil depends on your drawing style, colour requirements, pencil format, paper and budget. Compare the available specifications before choosing.
Is 12 or 24 colour pencil better for drawing?
A 12-colour set can be suitable for basic drawings and beginners, while a 24-colour set offers a wider colour range for more detailed work.
Can colour pencils be used for shading?
Yes. Colour pencils can be used for layering, pressure control, hatching, cross-hatching and other shading techniques.
What paper should I use for colour pencil drawing?
Choose paper based on the type of drawing and layering you plan to do. Check the paper's surface and suitability for colour pencil work.
Do I need a pencil sharpener for colour pencil drawing?
A sharpener is useful when you need fine lines and detailed work. Explore Pencil Sharpener for suitable options.
Can colour pencils be used with other art materials?
Yes. Depending on the project, colour pencils can be combined with other materials such as crayons, oil pastels, water colours and suitable drawing paper.
Start Colour Pencil Drawing with the Right Setup
You don't need a large collection to start drawing with colour pencils.
Begin with a suitable colour range, a reliable sharpener, appropriate paper and convenient storage. As your skills and projects grow, you can add other creative materials.
Explore the Colour Pencil collection at Elmate Stationery and choose a set according to your drawing needs.