Derwent Inktense Pencils: Unique in their intensity, these pencils, when mixed with water, can mimic the vibrancy of ink. As an artist, I’ve experimented with a large number of oil-based pencils. The Derwent range did not disappoint. Here are some features which you may find useful about the Derwent set: They're excellent for blending and creating gradients, and their water solubility allows for watercolor-like finishes. Artists can enjoy the unsurpassed lightfastness of these pencils, which makes them great for artists who want to preserve their artwork and not have the colors fade over time.

Traditional colored pencils, on the other hand, offer a more consistent color intensity, but with the ability to layer and blend for varied effects. So you're ready to try out oil-based colored pencils, but where do you start? Here are two of my favorite brands of oil-based colored pencils: Faber-Castell Polychromos As such, your requirements determine which type of pencil you will use. You will use lightfast pencils for long-term hanging, selling or for archival purposes. You would use non-lightfast pencils for digital images and printing ( but just be careful of how pigment colours present in digital images).

Although this can be overcome with some fixative spray if you are willing to accept some value changes in your colors.

To make the pencils long-lasting, the leads are SV bonded, so the pencils last for longer than many other colored pencils. The painters can layer the oil paint colors with regular oil paints to create beautiful artwork on a canvas. Let’s dive in and see what we can learn. Oil Based Colored Pencils or Wax-based Colored Pencils. What’s the Difference? Colored pencils can be divided into two main grades: student grade and artist grade. Student-grade colored pencils are meant for students, beginner artists, kids, teens, and casual coloring. The quality is good in reputable brands, but they’re not exceptionally great. Since many oil pencils will have a harder core the techniques used in applying pencil to paper can be more prolonged and tedious than the standard wax pencils. But in general, the techniques are similar. Designed for layeringIt's important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if oil-based colored pencils are the right choice for you and your projects. Conclusion Derwent Pastel Pencils: Derwent's pencils are known for their easy blendability and wide range of colors. It may still be possible that wax bloom would occur but the chances of wax blooming with an oil-based pencil are less likely and comes down to the amount of wax used in the making of the pencil and how many layers are used. Are Wax-Based Pencils or Oil Colored pencils Better? Colored pencils are excellent for detailed, intricate designs and realism due to their precision, while pastel pencils can create impressive effects in portraits, landscapes, and impressionistic pieces because of their intense color saturation and softness.

A green capsicum completed in Caran d’Ache Pablo. Pablo is an oil-based pencil. Capsicum image from Arttutor.com lesson with Kate Clarke.

Recommended Paper For Oil Pastels

Lightfastness is great, but it doesn’t matter as much when you’re just starting out. If you’re selling your artwork or hanging them up, lightfastness is essential. Colored pencils, known for their precision and control, offer vibrant, intense colors. They're excellent for layering and blending, and their permanence allows artists to create lasting artworks.

The diameter of the core plays an important role in how long your pencil will last as well. No wax bloom Caran d'Ache Luminance: These pencils stand out for their lightfastness, ensuring your artwork retains its color over time. The colour of the drawing is strong in blue, violet and pink. I chose the non-lightfast wax-based Prismacolor pencils as according to the colour wheel, they have the best range of these colours. You could start off with a standard set of pencils if you are unsure and then go from there. There is also the option with many brands to buy individual pencils as you go, but there is also no reason you can’t buy them in on go in a large set if your budget allows for it. The more colors, the more options you have! 3. LightfastnessThey offer smooth coverage and excellent lightfastness, which helps maintain the vibrancy of the artwork over time. Moreover, these pencils don't produce a wax bloom, unlike some wax-based colored pencils. Oil-based colored pencils will not develop this waxy bloom. How To Choose The Best Oil-Based Colored Pencils Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelle Pencils: These pencils are renowned for their superior solubility and high pigment concentration. They contain a water-soluble binder that dissolves when water is applied, turning pencil strokes into a fluid wash, much like traditional watercolors.