Skip to content
Trusted by Artists : ★★★★★ 4.9 Google Reviews
★★★★★ 4.9 Google Reviews

Colour Pencils For Soft Shading

Table of Contents

1. Embrace the Art of Soft Shading with Quality Colour Pencils

Soft shading is an essential technique for artists aiming to create depth and realism in their works. It's an art form that requires precision and control, and the right tools can significantly enhance the final result. That's where quality colour pencils come in. Offering a diverse palette of hues and the ability to produce a range of effects, these pencils can give artists the flexibility they need to perfect their soft shading skills. With our curated selection, artists can find pencils that deliver smooth application and superior blending capabilities, ideal for soft shading. The high-quality materials ensure durability and lasting performance, allowing artists to focus on their creative process without worrying about their tools failing them.
An artist organizing a collection of pens, markers, and brushes in a roll-up case, with colorful ink bottles

2. The Versatility of Coloured Pencils Across Art Styles

An artist selecting brushes from a jar, with an easel, paint palette, and sketches on the floor nearby.
Coloured pencils are a versatile medium that adapts seamlessly to a wide variety of art styles. They are ideal for sketching, fine detailing, and creating expressive, full-colour illustrations. Their ability to transition between subtle gradients and bold colour blocks makes them equally suitable for realistic portraits and imaginative abstract works. Artists can use coloured pencils alone or combine them with other media, such as markers or pastels, to add depth and interest to their work. Furthermore, they are a go-to choice for projects ranging from professional commissions to casual doodles. Coloured pencils provide a reliable and versatile medium for expressing creativity across multiple artistic disciplines.

3. The Benefits of Investing in Artist-Grade Coloured Pencils

Caran D’Ache Museum Aquarelle Colour Pencils

$6.97

Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils Set

$39.96

Conte Pastel Pencils

$7.48

Artist-grade coloured pencils provide a level of quality and performance that is unmatched by student or hobby-grade alternatives. These pencils feature highly pigmented cores, allowing for vibrant and consistent application. They are also more durable, resisting breakage during sharpening or use. Lightfastness is another significant advantage, as artist-grade pencils are designed to maintain their brilliance over time. Additionally, these pencils often include a broader colour range, enabling artists to achieve complex tones and precise shading. For professionals and serious hobbyists, investing in high-quality coloured pencils enhances the creative process, delivering superior results in every piece.
A colorful assortment of art supplies, including paints, brushes, palettes, and display boxes, arranged neatly with decorative elements.

4. The Sydney Art Store: Premium Coloured Pencils for Every Artist

An organized workspace featuring brushes, pens, inks, and tools neatly arranged in a bright and creative setting.
At The Sydney Art Store, we offer a curated selection of premium coloured pencils that cater to artists of all levels. Our range includes both wax-based and oil-based pencils, ensuring you can achieve the effects you desire, from soft gradients to bold, precise details. For those seeking versatility, we also stock water-soluble pencils that create stunning watercolour effects when combined with a damp brush. Each pencil in our collection features rich pigmentation and excellent lightfastness, guaranteeing vibrant, long-lasting results. Whether you’re working on fine art pieces, illustrations, or casual sketches, our coloured pencils provide the tools needed to elevate your creativity. Discover our high-quality pencils today and develop your artistic vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best Coloured Pencils for Artists?

The best coloured pencils for artists are professional-grade options like wax-based, oil-based, or water-soluble varieties. Wax-based pencils, such as Prismacolor, provide vibrant colors and smooth blending, while oil-based pencils, like Faber-Castell Polychromos, offer durability and precision. Water-soluble pencils can double as watercolor tools for added versatility. High-quality coloured pencils have soft yet resilient cores, ensuring consistent pigmentation, layering, and blending, making them ideal for both detailed work and bold illustrations.

How to Blend Colours with Coloured Pencils?

Blending colours with coloured pencils involves layering and using techniques to create smooth transitions. Begin with light pressure, layering one color over another to gradually build the blend. A blending pencil or a colorless blender can smooth out strokes for a polished look. You can also use household tools like a soft tissue or blending stump. For advanced effects, gently burnish the surface by applying firm pressure with lighter shades.

How to Choose Coloured Pencils for Beginners?

For beginners, it's important to start with coloured pencils that are affordable yet high-quality, such as student-grade sets from brands like Derwent or Crayola. These pencils offer smooth application and decent pigment quality, making them suitable for practicing techniques like shading and blending. Opt for sets with a wide range of colors to explore different combinations. Look for pencils with medium-soft cores, as they are easier to control and require less pressure.

Are Coloured Pencils Waterproof?

Most traditional coloured pencils are not waterproof, as their pigments are wax- or oil-based, which can smudge when exposed to water. However, water-soluble coloured pencils, also known as watercolor pencils, are designed to react with water, allowing you to blend and create watercolor effects. If you need waterproof results, consider sealing your work with a fixative spray, which preserves the vibrancy and prevents smudging in finished pieces.

Can You Use Coloured Pencils on Canvas?

Yes, you can use coloured pencils on canvas, but it requires some preparation. Canvas is less smooth than paper, so a primed surface, such as gesso, helps create a suitable texture for the pencils to adhere to. Wax- or oil-based coloured pencils work best, as their pigment can grip the canvas fibers effectively. Layering and blending may require more pressure due to the canvas's rough texture, but unique artistic effects can be achieved.

Compare products

{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}

Select first item to compare

Select second item to compare

Select third item to compare

Compare
Refund Policy

Permission to Return and to Receive Credit/REFUND
We will NOT accept return of merchandise with a change of mind.

'No refund for incorrect choice' or 'No refund if you change your mind'

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) website for information on your rights when things go wrong with products or services.