Charcoal pencils are highly favored by artists for their rich, dark, and expressive strokes. Whether you are focused on fine art drawing, sketching, or just experimenting with different drawing tools, selecting the appropriate charcoal pencils is essential for the success of your project. Using the right charcoal pencils can significantly improve the depth, precision, and overall impact of your artwork. Therefore, it’s crucial to select the best charcoal pencils.
The best charcoal pencils should be easy to work with, providing a smooth, consistent flow while allowing for nuanced lines. They should be rich in pigment, ensuring their marks stand out and are deep and vibrant. The pencils should also be durable, able to maintain their shape and size during vigorous art-making. Choosing the inappropriate charcoal pencils can lead to lackluster results and exasperating process.
While evaluating charcoal pencils, look on their quality. The best charcoal pencils contain high-quality charcoal, encased in a body that’s comfortable to hold and easy to control. They should also be able to blend easily, which is vital to achieving various textures and shades.
In this article, we aim to guide you through the process of identifying the best charcoal pencils for your art projects. We’ve diligently researched on, and personally tested a plethora of charcoal pencils in order to identify those that give outstanding artistic results. By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive grasp of what charcoal pencils to pick to elevate your artwork, empowering you to choose the ones that best suit your artistic needs and style.
Best Charcoal Pencils
Choosing the right charcoal pencils suitable for your artistic needs is vital for having an impact and successful creation. The pencils should be rich in pigment, deliver consistent results, and blend effortlessly. Given the plethora of options in the market, it might seem daunting to pick the perfect fit for you. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best charcoal pencils based on our extensive research and testing, which will guide you to make an informed decision.
MARKART Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set – 10 Pieces Soft Medium and Hard Charcoal Pencils for Drawing, Sketching, Shading
If you’re looking for a versatile charcoal pencil set, the MARKART Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes 10 pieces of charcoal pencils, 5 pieces of medium charcoal pencils and 5 pieces of hard charcoal pencils, providing a great range of shading possibilities.
- The charcoal pencils are made of high-quality compressed charcoal powder and wood, ensuring a smooth and consistent performance.
- The pencils are suitable for various artworks, including sketches, drawing, illustrations, and even small oil painting.
Cons
- The pencils may be too soft for some users, which can make it difficult to create sharp lines.
- The set only includes 10 pencils, which may not be enough for larger projects.
- The pencils may require frequent sharpening, which can be time-consuming.
Overall, we found the MARKART Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set to be a great choice for anyone looking to experiment with charcoal pencils. The range of shading possibilities is impressive, and the pencils are suitable for a variety of artworks. However, they may not be the best choice for those who prefer a firmer pencil point.
If you’re looking for a charcoal pencil set that offers a great range of shading possibilities and is suitable for various artworks, the MARKART Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is definitely worth considering.
KALOUR Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set -12 Pieces Soft, Medium and Hard Charcoal Pencils for Drawing, Sketching, Shading, Artist Pencils for Beginners & Artists
If you’re looking for a high-quality charcoal pencil set for your artwork, then the KALOUR Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The set includes 12 pieces of soft, medium, and hard charcoal pencils, providing a variety of shading and blending options.
- The premium graphite and wooden barrel make the pencils comfortable to hold and easy to control.
- The pencils are perfect for various artistic works, including portraits, landscapes, still life, and more.
Cons
- The set only includes 12 pencils, which may not be enough for larger artwork pieces.
- The pencils may require frequent sharpening, which can be time-consuming.
- The set is a bit pricey compared to other charcoal pencil sets on the market.
The KALOUR Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is a must-have for artists and beginners alike. The set includes 12 pieces of soft, medium, and hard charcoal pencils, providing a variety of shading and blending options. The premium graphite and wooden barrel make the pencils comfortable to hold and easy to control, allowing for precise and detailed artwork.
The pencils are perfect for various artistic works, including portraits, landscapes, still life, and more. Whether you’re a professional artist or just starting, these pencils will help you create stunning artwork that will impress everyone.
One downside to the set is that it only includes 12 pencils, which may not be enough for larger artwork pieces. Additionally, the pencils may require frequent sharpening, which can be time-consuming. Finally, the set is a bit pricey compared to other charcoal pencil sets on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality charcoal pencil set that will help you create stunning artwork, then the KALOUR Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is definitely worth considering.
MARKART Professional Colored Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set, 10 Pieces Black White Charcoal Pencils for Sketching, Shading, Blending, Pastel Chalk Pencils for Beginners & Artists
If you’re looking for a versatile set of charcoal pencils, the MARKART Professional Colored Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is a great option.
Pros
- The set comes with 10 pencils in a variety of shades, making it easy to create a range of tones and textures in your artwork.
- The pencils are made with high-quality graphite and wood, ensuring that they are durable and long-lasting.
- The set is perfect for beginners, but also suitable for more experienced artists looking to experiment with different mediums.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the pencils are quite hard, which can make them difficult to blend and shade.
- The set only includes 10 pencils, which may not be enough for larger pieces of artwork.
- The pencils are unmarked, which can make it difficult to know which shade you are using without looking at the packaging.
Overall, we would recommend the MARKART Professional Colored Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set to anyone looking for a versatile and high-quality set of charcoal pencils. While they may be a bit difficult to blend and shade, the pencils are durable and long-lasting, making them a great investment for artists of all skill levels.
Prina 50 Pack Drawing Set Sketch Kit, Pro Art Sketching Supplies with 3-Color Sketchbook, Graphite, and Charcoal Pencils for Artists Adults Teens Beginner Kid, Ideal for Shading, Blending
If you’re looking for a complete set of drawing supplies for beginners, the Prina 50 Pack Drawing Set Sketch Kit is a great option.
Pros
- The set includes a wide variety of pencils, including graphite, charcoal, pastels, and colored pencils, making it ideal for different types of art.
- The 3-color sketchbook is high-quality and has enough pages for you to practice your skills.
- The set is portable and easy to carry, making it perfect for on-the-go sketching.
Cons
- Some of the pencils may be too soft, making it difficult to create fine lines.
- The charcoal pencils may leave a mess on the sketchbook pages.
- The erasers on the pencils may not be very effective.
The Prina 50 Pack Drawing Set Sketch Kit is a great choice for beginners who want to practice different types of art. The variety of pencils included in the set makes it perfect for shading, blending, and creating detailed designs. The 3-color sketchbook is also of high quality and has enough pages for you to practice your skills. However, some of the pencils may be too soft, making it difficult to create fine lines. Additionally, the charcoal pencils may leave a mess on the sketchbook pages, and the erasers on the pencils may not be very effective. Overall, if you’re looking for a complete set of drawing supplies for beginners, the Prina 50 Pack Drawing Set Sketch Kit is a great option to consider.
MARTCOLOR Charcoal Drawing Set, 19 Pieces, Black & White Charcoal Pencils for Drawing, Sketching, Shading, Blending, Artist Pencils for Beginners & Pro Artists
If you’re looking for a high-quality charcoal drawing set, the MARTCOLOR Charcoal Drawing Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes 19 pieces of charcoal pencils, including 12 black and 7 white, which provides a wide range of shading and blending options.
- The pencils are made of high-quality graphite and wood, which ensures a smooth and consistent drawing experience.
- The pencils are suitable for both beginners and professional artists, making this set a great value for its price.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the pencils are prone to breaking if pressed too hard.
- The set does not include an eraser, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The set is relatively small, which may be a concern for those who need a larger range of colors.
Overall, we highly recommend the MARTCOLOR Charcoal Drawing Set for anyone looking for a high-quality charcoal pencil set. The set’s wide range of shading and blending options, combined with its smooth and consistent drawing experience, make it a great choice for both beginners and professional artists.
The set’s high-quality graphite and wood construction ensures that the pencils will last for a long time, even with frequent use. Additionally, the set’s affordable price point makes it a great value for its quality.
While some users have reported issues with the pencils breaking if pressed too hard, we found that the pencils were quite durable and held up well during our testing. However, it’s important to note that excessive pressure can cause the pencils to break, so it’s important to handle them with care.
Overall, we believe that the MARTCOLOR Charcoal Drawing Set is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality charcoal pencil set that is suitable for both beginners and professional artists.
Buying Guide
Charcoal pencils are a popular choice among artists due to their versatility and ability to create unique textures and tones. However, not all charcoal pencils are created equal, and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. In this article, we will discuss the factors to consider when buying the best charcoal pencils.
Tip Size
The tip size of a charcoal pencil is an essential factor to consider when choosing the right one. A larger tip produces a more significant line, while a smaller tip allows for more precise details. It is essential to choose a pencil with a tip size that suits your artistic needs.
Charcoal Grade
The charcoal grade of a pencil also plays a crucial role in its performance. The most common grades are B, 2B, 4B, and 6B, with B being the lightest and 6B being the darkest. It is recommended to start with a 2B or 4B grade and experiment with different grades to find the one that best suits your needs.
Wood-bound vs. Graphite-bound
Charcoal pencils come in two types: wood-bound and graphite-bound. Wood-bound pencils are made of graphite encased in wood, while graphite-bound pencils have a graphite core wrapped in graphite. Wood-bound pencils are more durable and provide a better grip, while graphite-bound pencils are more comfortable to hold and provide a smoother drawing experience.
Price
Price is also an important factor to consider when choosing the best charcoal pencils. While expensive pencils may offer better quality, it is essential to find a pencil that fits your budget and artistic needs.
In summary, when choosing the best charcoal pencils, it is essential to consider the tip size, charcoal grade, wood-bound vs. graphite-bound, and price. By taking these factors into account, artists can find the perfect charcoal pencils to suit their artistic needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated charcoal pencils for sketching?
When it comes to sketching, there are several charcoal pencils that stand out from the rest. Some of the top-rated charcoal pencils for sketching include the Derwent Charcoal Pencils, Prismacolor Premier Charcoal Pencils, and the Koh-I-Noor Progresso Charcoal Pencils. These pencils offer a range of dark, smoky tones and are perfect for creating detailed, textured sketches.
Which charcoal pencils offer the best value for beginners?
For beginners, it’s important to find charcoal pencils that offer good value without breaking the bank. Some of the best charcoal pencils for beginners include the Cretacolor Cray-Pas Charcoal Pencils, the Caran d’Ache Luminance Charcoal Pencils, and the Faber-Castell Pitt Charcoal Pencils. These pencils offer a range of dark, rich tones and are perfect for practicing and honing your skills.
What are the best charcoal pencils for creating realistic portraits?
Creating realistic portraits requires charcoal pencils that offer a range of tones and the ability to create fine details. Some of the best charcoal pencils for creating realistic portraits include the Derwent Charcoal Pencils, the Prismacolor Premier Charcoal Pencils, and the Koh-I-Noor Progresso Charcoal Pencils. These pencils offer a range of dark, smoky tones and are perfect for creating realistic, lifelike portraits.
Which charcoal pencils are recommended for professionals?
Professional artists require charcoal pencils that offer the highest quality and consistency. Some of the best charcoal pencils for professionals include the Derwent Charcoal Pencils, the Prismacolor Premier Charcoal Pencils, and the Koh-I-Noor Progresso Charcoal Pencils. These pencils offer a range of dark, smoky tones and are perfect for creating high-quality, professional-grade artwork.
What are the best charcoal pencils for shading and blending?
Shading and blending are essential techniques for creating depth and texture in charcoal artwork. Some of the best charcoal pencils for shading and blending include the Derwent Charcoal Pencils, the Prismacolor Premier Charcoal Pencils, and the Koh-I-Noor Progresso Charcoal Pencils. These pencils offer a range of dark, smoky tones and are perfect for creating seamless, smooth shades and blends.
