The Essential Tools Every Coloured Pencil Artist Needs

A vibrant set of colored pencils neatly arranged in a black case, accompanied by two compact pencil sharpeners, ready for artistic creativity.

If you're just starting out with coloured pencil art or want to level up your drawings, having the right tools can make all the difference. Whether you're creating realistic pet portraits or wildlife scenes, investing in a few key items can take your artwork from good to great. In this post, we’ll walk through the essential tools every coloured pencil artist should have in their toolkit.

1. High-Quality Coloured Pencils

Your pencils are your most important investment. Quality coloured pencils offer richer pigment, smoother application, and better lightfastness. Here are the main types:

• Wax-Based Pencils – Soft and great for blending (e.g., Prismacolor Premier, Derwent Coloursoft)

• Oil-Based Pencils – Hold a fine point and are ideal for details (e.g., Faber-Castell Polychromos, Lyra Rembrandt)

• Watercolour Pencils – Can be used dry or activated with water (e.g., Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer, Derwent Inktense)

Many artists mix brands to get the benefits of both soft blending and sharp detail.

2. Paper That Can Handle Layers

Not all paper is suitable for coloured pencil work. Choose paper with enough tooth (texture) to hold multiple layers of pigment:

• Pastelmat – Excellent for layering and blending

• Bristol Board – Smooth surface, great for fine detail

• Strathmore Toned Paper – Adds depth and character with coloured backgrounds

• Hotpress Paper - Can add layers (not as much as pastemat), suitable for adding wet media as well as coloured pencils.

  
  

Experiment with different textures to see what suits your style.

3. Pencil Sharpeners

A good sharpener helps you keep a fine point without wasting pencil core:

• Manual Sharpener – Compact and easy to control

• Electric Sharpener – Fast and consistent (ideal if you do a lot of drawing)

• Craft Knife – Offers precision, but requires practice

Always use sharpeners designed for artist-quality pencils to avoid breakage.

4. Erasers for Precision and Softness

Erasers are not just for correcting mistakes—they’re also creative tools!

• Kneadable Eraser – Gently lifts pigment and shapes easily for detail work

• Vinyl Eraser – Great for stronger corrections without smudging

• Electric Eraser – Perfect for adding highlights or precise erasing

• Tombow Eraser - Great for adding texture to your artwork

5. Blending Tools

Blending helps you achieve a smooth, professional look. Try:

• Blending Stumps/Tortillons – Soften edges and blend colours

• Colourless Blender Pencils – Smooth transitions without adding colour

• Soft Brushes or Tissue – For gentle blending over large areas

• Zest-It odourless blending liquid - great for using on backgrounds that appear out of focus.

6. Extras That Make Life Easier

A few bonus tools can save you time and frustration:

• Saral Transfer Paper/Frisk Tracedown Paper – For tracing line art without damaging paper

• Ruler and Compass – For accurate measurements and compositions

• Gloves or Paper Guard (Glassine Paper)– Prevents smudging while you work

Final Thoughts

Having the right tools makes coloured pencil art more enjoyable and improves your results. Start with the basics and build your toolkit as your skills grow. With the proper supplies, your drawings will have more depth, precision, and polish.

Want to Learn More?

Join our monthly art subscription box, my online art membership for beginner and intermediate artists! Inside you’ll find guided tutorials, technique tips, and a friendly community to help you grow your coloured pencil skills.

Subscribe Today