Beginner’s Guide to Coloured Pencils: Spotlight on Caran d’Ache Luminance Pencils
- debbielouart1
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
If you’re just starting your journey with coloured pencils, you may have noticed there are lots of brands to choose from. Some are designed for students, others for professional artists, and it can be confusing to know which ones are worth the investment. Today, we’re putting the spotlight on one of the most popular professional ranges available — Caran d’Ache Luminance pencils.
These pencils are loved by many coloured pencil artists for their rich colours, creamy application, and outstanding lightfastness. But are they right for beginners? Let’s explore what makes them special and whether they might be a good fit for your art practice.
What Are Caran d’Ache Luminance Pencils?
Caran d’Ache is a Swiss brand well-known for producing premium art materials. Their Luminance range is specifically designed for professional artists who need vibrant colours that will last a lifetime.
Lightfastness: One of their main selling points is their exceptional lightfast rating, meaning your artwork won’t fade easily when displayed. This is especially important if you want to sell or gift your drawings.
Texture: They’re creamy and wax-based, making them smooth to apply and easy to layer.
Colour Range: The full set contains 100+ colours, from natural tones perfect for animals and portraits to bright, bold shades for creative work.
Build Quality: Each pencil has a sturdy barrel with a break-resistant core, making them long-lasting and enjoyable to use.
Why Beginners Might Love Them
While marketed as professional pencils, beginners can benefit from using them too:
Easy Blending – Their soft, creamy texture helps new artists achieve smooth blends without much effort.
Vibrant Results – Even with light pressure, you’ll see strong, rich colour — great for building confidence.
Durability – They sharpen well and don’t crumble easily, which is helpful when you’re still learning control.
Consistency – Unlike cheaper pencils, Luminance pigments are consistent, so you don’t have to fight with patchy application.
Things to Keep in Mind
Of course, there are some considerations before investing:
Price: They’re among the most expensive coloured pencils on the market. A full set can be a big investment, but you can buy individual pencils or small sets to start.
Wax Bloom: As they are wax-based, you might notice a slight hazy layer appearing on heavy applications (known as wax bloom). This can be wiped away.
Learning Curve: Because they’re so soft, it can take a little time to master layering without over-saturating the paper.
How to Get Started With Luminance Pencils
If you’re curious but not ready to invest in a big set, here are some tips:
Start Small: Try a handful of colours in shades you’ll actually use — for example, browns, greys, and natural tones if you draw animals.
Experiment on Different Papers: These pencils shine on textured papers like Pastelmat or Fabriano Artistico Hot Pressed Watercolour Paper.
Practice Layering: Use light pressure and gradually build layers to create depth. You’ll be amazed at how realistic your drawings can look.
Final Thoughts
Caran d’Ache Luminance pencils are a luxury — but one that can truly transform your coloured pencil journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, they offer creamy blends, professional lightfastness, and colours that bring your artwork to life.
If you’re just starting out, don’t feel pressured to buy the full set. A few carefully chosen colours can still give you a taste of their quality and help you decide if they’re right for your style.
If you'd like to know more, then why not join the Pencil Paws Online Community where you can learn about the different types of colour pencils and how they work on different surfaces. It costs £7.99 per month (cancel at any time) and doors to the membership closes at 10pm Friday 5th September 2025.
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