How to Choose the Colored Pencils for Realism

How to Choose the Colored Pencils for Realism
How to Choose the Best Colored Pencils for Realism

Capturing lifelike skin tones, the glint in an eye, or the soft texture of fur—realism demands precision, and your colored pencils are your primary weapon. But with so many brands, types, and price points, how do you pick the best colored pencils for artists specializing in realism?

This guide will break down exactly what to look for, explain why it matters for hyper-detailed artwork, and recommend top contenders, whether you're comparing Prismacolor vs. Polychromos realism or exploring other professional colored pencils.

As an artist and reviewer with years of experience in realistic drawing with colored pencils, I’ve tested countless brands to help you make an informed choice.

Why Realism Has Unique Pencil Demands

Realism isn’t just about drawing what you see—it’s about replicating depth, texture, and light with precision. Key techniques include:

Subtle Blending (for smooth gradients in skin, skies, and fabrics).
Extensive Layering (to build depth and complex colors).
Fine Detail Work (sharp lines for hair, eyelashes, and textures).
Color Accuracy (matching reference photos perfectly).
Lightfastness (ensuring your artwork lasts without fading).

Not all pencils are created equal. Soft cores excel at blending but may struggle with fine details, while harder cores hold a point but require more effort to layer smoothly. Let’s dive into the critical factors for choosing the best colored pencils for realism.

How to Evaluate Colored Pencils for Realism

1. Pigment Quality & Saturation: The Foundation of Rich Color

High pigment load means vibrant colors without excessive pressure, essential for deep shadows and bright highlights. Look for artist-grade pencils (like Prismacolor Premier or Faber-Castell Polychromos) that deliver rich, opaque layers.

2. Binder Type: Oil vs. Wax – The Great Debate for Realism

Wax-Based Pencils (e.g., Prismacolor Premier)

✔ Pros for Realism: Ultra-blendable, creamy texture, excellent for smooth surfaces like skin.
✖ Cons for Realism: Prone to wax bloom, harder to layer extensively, may crumble in fine details.

Oil-Based Pencils (e.g., Faber-Castell Polychromos, Caran d’Ache Pablos)

✔ Pros for Realism: Superior layering, holds a sharp point, no wax bloom, durable.
✖ Cons for Realism: Blending may require solvents, slightly less vibrant initial laydown.

Which is Best? Many artists use both wax for blending, oil for details.

3. Core Hardness: Balancing Blending and Detail

Soft cores (Prismacolor, Luminance) = effortless blending.
Medium-hard (Polychromos, Derwent Lightfast) = balance of detail and layering.
Hard cores (Pablos, Verithin) = precision for fine lines.

4. Lightfastness Rating: Protecting Your Artwork

Check ASTM D-6901 or Blue Wool Scale ratings. Professional artists should prioritize lightfastness, especially for skin tones and reds/blues that fade fastest.

5. Blendability & Layering: The Soul of Realistic Rendering

Some pencils layer seamlessly (Polychromos), while others blend effortlessly (Prismacolor). Test how well they handle optical mixing (layering colors to create new hues).

6. Color Range & Open Stock Availability

A wide range (120+ colors) helps with realistic skin tones, grays, and earth tones. Buying open stock lets you replace frequently used colors.

Best Colored Pencils for Realism (Top Picks)

1. The Professional Standards

Faber-Castell Polychromos (Oil-Based)

✔ Best for: Layering, fine details, longevity.
✖ Drawback: Requires more effort to blend smoothly.

Prismacolor Premier (Wax-Based)

✔ Best for: Blending, creamy application, vibrant colors.
✖ Drawback: Wax bloom, fragile cores.

Caran d’Ache Luminance (Wax/Oil Hybrid)

✔ Best for: Ultra-lightfast, smooth application.
✖ Drawback: Expensive.

2. Excellent Alternatives

Derwent Lightfast (Oil-Based) – 100% lightfast, great for professional work.
Caran d’Ache Pablos (Oil-Based) – Harder than Polychromos, ideal for fine details.
Arteza Expert (Wax-Based) – Budget-friendly with decent realism potential.

Comparison Table: Best Pencils for Realism

Binder	Blending	Blending	Layering	Detail	Lightfastness	Price
Polychromos	Oil	Good	Excellent	Best	High	$$$
Prismacolor	Wax	Best	Good	Fair	Medium	$$
Luminance	Hybrid	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Highest	$$$$
Derwent Lightfast	Oil	Good	Excellent	Good	Highest	$$$
Arteza Expert	Wax	Good	Fair	Fair	Low-Medium	$$$

Beyond the Pencils: Essential Tools for Realism

Paper: Smooth (Bristol) for fine details, textured (Pastelmat) for layering.
Blending Tools: Odorless mineral spirits, colorless blenders.
Erasers: Kneaded eraser for lifting color, Tombow Mono Zero for details.
Sharpeners: Helical sharpeners prevent core breakage.

How to Test Pencils Before Investing

Buy open stock pencils in:

A skin tone (test blending).
A dark color (test layering).
A bright color (test vibrancy).

Try:

✅ Layering light over dark.

✅ Blending two colors smoothly.

✅ Drawing fine lines.

FAQs: Best Colored Pencils for Realism

1. What are the absolute BEST colored pencils for portraits?
Polychromos (detail) + Prismacolor (blending) is a popular combo.
2. Are oil or wax pencils better for realistic fur?
Oil-based (Polychromos) for fine lines, wax-based (Prismacolor) for soft blends.
3. Do I need the biggest set for realism?
Start with 48-72 colors, then expand based on needs.
4. How important is lightfastness for a beginner?
Crucial if selling artwork; less critical for practice.
5. Can I mix brands for realism?
Yes! Many artists combine Prismacolor and Polychromos for optimal results.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best colored pencils for realism depends on your technique—whether you prioritize blending (wax) or layering (oil). Polychromos, Prismacolor, and Luminance are top contenders, but personal preference matters most.

Now that you’re equipped with the right knowledge, grab your pencils and start creating stunning realism!

Want more? Check out our tutorial on [blending skin tones with Prismacolor] or share your favorite realism pencils in the comments! 🎨