Skip to content
1200+ 5 Star Google Reviews ★★★★★
1200+ 5 Star Google Reviews ★★★★★

What’s The Best Pencil Set For Drawing In Art School?

Table of Contents

Optimal Pencil Sets for Art School Students

At The Sydney Art Store, we have curated a selection of premium pencil sets perfect for art school students. These sets are sourced from prestigious brands and designed for durability and precision. Each pencil delivers consistent performance, ensuring that your creativity is never hindered by subpar materials. Whether you are sketching, shading, or creating detailed illustrations, our pencil sets will assist you in producing stunning artwork. Explore our collection today and discover how the right tools can enhance your artistic journey.

Essential Art School Supplies for Every Student

Starting art school is an exciting journey, and having the right tools is essential for building skills and expressing creativity from day one. Core art supplies like sketchbooks, pencils, erasers, and rulers form the foundation of every artist’s kit. For painting classes, essentials often include watercolour paints, acrylics, oil paints, and various brush types. Students will also benefit from having palette knives, mixing palettes, and canvas boards or pads for practicing technique. Reliable drawing supplies such as charcoal, graphite, and coloured pencils are key for foundational sketching and illustration. Staying organised with a sturdy portfolio, pencil case, and tool roll helps keep materials accessible during class or critiques.

Preparing for Art School with Confidence

Caran D’Ache Museum Aquarelle Colour Pencils

$6.27

Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils Set

$39.96

Conte Pastel Pencils

$7.48

Entering art school can feel overwhelming, but having the right supplies from the start builds confidence and readiness. A complete art kit includes drawing basics, painting materials, and general studio accessories, ensuring that students are equipped for any assignment that comes their way. Reliable materials prevent frustration and allow students to focus on skill-building rather than troubleshooting poor-quality tools. Investing in artist-recommended brands for pencils, paints, brushes, and paper offers better performance and longer-lasting results. Supplies like spray fixative, masking fluid, or gel mediums can support advanced techniques as students progress through their coursework.

The Sydney Art Store: Supplies for Student Art Projects

The Sydney Art Store proudly supports art students at every stage of their academic and creative development. Our comprehensive selection includes drawing tools, paintbrushes, artist pads, technical pens, and more—all chosen for their quality, durability, and suitability for structured art education. We carry brands trusted by students and professionals alike, offering options for every level and every budget. Whether you're preparing for your first figure drawing class or building a professional-grade kit, our products are designed to support you through creative challenges. For those in specialised courses like sculpture, printmaking, or mixed media, our stock includes essential tools and surfaces that align with curriculum requirements.

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