Vibrant Oil Based Coloured Pencils Overview
Delving into the world of oil-based coloured pencils can be quite the colourful adventure. In short these pencils are celebrated for their unique attributes, making them an unquestionably stellar option for artists looking to add a dash of vibrancy to their artwork.
Characteristics of Oil-Based Pencils
Oil-based pencils, unlike their waxy comrades, utilise an oil-based binder. This gives them several distinct characteristics:
- Smoother Finish: The oil binder ensures a silkier application.
- Enhanced Durability: The oil composition creates a more resilient medium.
- Less Wax Bloom: You won’t find your masterpiece covered in a mysterious, foggy residue.
Another key point is that their cores are also tougher by comparison than those of wax-based pencils, meaning fewer trips to the sharpener and less breakage. While they may not achieve the same creamy texture, they’re excellent for creating fine details.
| Attribute | Oil-Based Pencils | Wax-Based Pencils |
|---|---|---|
| Binder | Oil | Wax |
| Durability | High | Medium |
| Finish | Smooth | Buttery |
| Wax Bloom | Minimal to None | Possible |
| Breakage | Less prone | More prone |
Versatility and Professional Appeal
Oil-based coloured pencils are a hit among professional artists due to their adaptability and professional charm. Of course they work splendidly on a variety of surfaces, in addition to classic paper they work with more adventurous materials like wood and fabric. This versatility makes them perfect for different artistic endeavours.
Their vibrant colours and precision make them particularly attractive for detailed work, whether it’s intricate landscapes or dynamic portraits. With the ability to retain a sharp point longer, these pencils ensure your lines remain crisp and clear.
Additionally, oil-based pencils don’t produce wax bloom, ensuring your artwork stays as dazzling as the day it was created. This makes them ideal for long-lasting pieces that stand the test of time.
For artists who demand high-quality tools that combine durability, versatility, and not to mention intense colour, oil-based coloured pencils are a must-have in their toolkit. Dive into our top picks, including the Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Prestige Set and the Faber-Castell Polychromos Range, for a detailed breakdown of the best brands and sets.
Top Brands and Sets
When it comes to oil-based coloured pencils, choosing the right brand can make all the difference for a creative artist. Here, we explore the top options that will jazz up your artwork.
Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Prestige Set
Firstly, the Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Prestige Set, a grand option for those who take their colouring seriously. This luxurious set includes 68 Rembrandt Polycolor Coloured Pencils, 10 Rembrandt Polycolor Pencils in Grey Tones, and 22 Rembrandt Monochrome/Graphite pencils. All these goodies are housed in a beautifully crafted wooden box, making you feel like an artist royalty indeed. (My Art Shop). It’s like the Rolls-Royce of coloured pencil sets.
Koh-I-Noor Polycolor Artist Set
secondly, meet the Koh-I-Noor Polycolor Artist Set, a more intimate companion for your artistry. This set of 24 vibrant colours includes delightful hues like Dark Brown, Burnt Ochre, Sapphire Blue, and Light Blue. If vermilion red doesn’t excite you, then check your pulse! Lemon yellow and white round out the palette, ensuring you have all the essentials to bring your masterpiece to life (My Art Shop).
Faber-Castell Polychromos Range
Lastly but by no means least, the Faber-Castell Polychromos Range. Now, this is where things get really fantastic. Faber-Castell offers sets in a variety of sizes: 12, 24, 36, 60, and a whopping 120 colours. Each pencil here has a lightfastness (LF) rating, ensuring the colours don’t fade as quickly as your favorite jeans (My Art Shop).
Polychromos coloured pencils are renowned for their rich pigments and smooth blending abilities, making them ideal for sketching, shading, and adding intricate details to your artwork. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, there’s a set for every level of expertise (My Art Shop).
These top brands offer a variety of sets that will enhance your artistry. To ensure the best use of your pencils, consider pairing them with accessories like the Derwent Battery Operated Eraser, Fabriano 1264 Bristol Pad, and the Trio Sharpening Box and Blendability for an impeccable performance. Happy colouring!
Benefits of Oil-Based Pencils
With this intention are you ready to jazz up your artistry and bring those vibrant dreams to life? Let’s dive into the benefits of oil-based coloured pencils that will make your creative journey smoother and more colourful.
Durability and Smudge-Resistance
Oil-based coloured pencils are your steadfast companions in the realm of art. But Unlike their wax-based cousins, these pencils contain an oil-based binder that ensures enhanced durability and smudge resistance (Wikipedia). Imagine not having to panic every time you accidentally brush your hand across your painstakingly crafted portrait.
- Durability: Thanks to their oil-based cores, these pencils keep a sharper point for longer, reducing the number of trips to the sharpener (The Virtual Instructor).
- Smudge-Resistance: With their robust lead, oil-based pencils resist breakage and smudging (My Art Shop). This is particularly useful for detailed work, where precision is paramount.
Enhanced Colour Intensity
When it comes to vibrancy, oil-based coloured pencils pack a punch that can light up your artwork like fireworks on New Year’s Eve. The pigments in these pencils are known for their rich, intense colours that translate exceptionally well on paper (My Art Shop).
- Vibrant Colours: Say goodbye to dull, muted hues. Oil-based pencils deliver vivid shades that make your art pop.
- Layering Capability: The hard core of these pencils allows for smooth layering and blending without the dreaded wax bloom you might encounter with wax-based pencils (The Virtual Instructor).
For those craving an explosion of colours that can be precisely controlled for subtle transitions, oil-based pencils offer a unique blend of beauty and flexibility.
| Brand | Colour Intensity | Layering Capability | Smudge Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Prestige Set | Excellent | High | Yes |
| Koh-I-Noor Polycolor Artist Set | Very Good | High | Yes |
| Faber-Castell Polychromos Range | Superb | Very High | Yes |
Looking for specific brands? Make sure to check out the Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Prestige Set, Koh-I-Noor Polycolor Artist Set, and Faber-Castell Polychromos Range that promise top-notch performance.
Undoubtedly by incorporating oil-based coloured pencils into your art supplies could be a game-changer, offering a blend of durability, vivid colours, and exceptional control. For artists seeking the best coloured pencils to enhance their creativity, oil-based options stand out as the champions.
Techniques and Applications
When it comes to unleashing the full potential of oil-based coloured pencils, mastering a few key techniques can make all the difference. Below we’ll explore layering and burnishing, as well as using these vibrant pencils for animation and detailed artwork.
Layering and Burnishing
Layering and burnishing are two fundamental techniques that every artist should have in their toolkit when working with oil-based coloured pencils.
Layering
Layering involves applying multiple layers of colour to create rich, vivid hues and subtle gradients. It starts with light, even strokes of primary colours, which are gradually built up to achieve the desired intensity. Layering allows for impressive colour blending, providing the depth and dimension that breathe life into your artwork.
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Layering | Applying light, even strokes of colour in multiple layers to create depth and dimension. |
| Burnishing | Using a colourless blender or a light-colored pencil to blend and smooth layers, resulting in a shiny, polished surface. |
Layering technique details courtesy of History of Pencils
Burnishing
Burnishing follows layering, using a colourless blender or a light-coloured pencil to polish and blend multiple layers. This technique compresses the pigment into the paper, producing a smooth, shiny surface. The result is a rich, saturated look that’s perfect for areas that need a glossy finish.
For some nifty burnishing tips, check out how Carrie Lewis talks about blending methods such as pencil blending and solvent blending on her page.
Animation and Detailed Artwork
But Oil-based coloured pencils aren’t just for traditional artwork; they’re also excellent for animation and producing fine details.
Animation
In the realm of animation, these pencils provide vibrant colours and smooth application, making them ideal for creating lively, and dynamic scenes. Their blendability allows for seamless transitions between hues, and essential for frame-by-frame animation where consistency in colour is key.
| Usage | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Animation | Vibrant colours and smooth application for lively and consistent frames. |
| Detailed Artwork | Precision and blendability for intricate designs and subtle shading. |
Detailed Artwork
Artists looking to include intricate details in their drawings will find oil-based pencils remarkably suited for the job. The hard core leads offer precision, while the smooth application ensures that even the tiniest elements can be meticulously rendered. Whether it’s delicate shading, fine lines, or detailed textures, these pencils deliver exceptional control and finish.
To that end by mastering these techniques and applications, artists can elevate their work, bringing vibrant, intricate, and polished pieces to life with the power of oil-based coloured pencils.
Comparison with Wax-Based Pencils
When it comes to oil-based coloured pencils, the debate between oil and wax-based varieties is as old as time. Okay, maybe not quite that old, but it’s certainly a topic that every artist should explore. Let’s dive into two key aspects: core hardness and breakage, and colour intensity and blending.
Core Hardness and Breakage
Oil-based pencils have a reputation for their durability. Thanks to their harder cores, they tend to break less easily and maintain a sharp point longer, making them ideal for intricate details. You can drop these bad boys without shattering their soul… we mean core. This durability is one reason why professionals often favour them. The lack of wax in the binder also means no wax bloom—hooray for less maintenance! The Virtual Instructor confirms this by noting the reduced likelihood of breakage.
Wax-based pencils, on the other hand, are the softies of the coloured pencil world. Their softer cores make them more prone to breakage. Think of them as butter on a hot day—great for spreading but easily mushy. However, this softness makes wax-based pencils easier to erase, allowing for more forgiving mistakes. Brands like Derwent Coloursoft Pencils blend beautifully, even if they don’t win in the durability department (Pencil Topics).
| Type | Core Hardness | Breakage Susceptibility | Wax Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil-Based | Harder | Less Likely | None |
| Wax-Based | Softer | More Likely | Possible |
Colour Intensity and Blending
As can be seen when it comes to laying down colour, oil-based pencils are not messing around. They offer enhanced colour intensity and can be layered with ease. Even though they don’t quite reach the buttery consistency of their wax-based cousins, they can still make your artwork pop with that extra pizzazz. Plus, their smudge-resistant properties ensure your masterpieces stay pristine longer.
Above all Wax-based pencils, with their softer cores, produce an almost creamy texture that’s perfect for blending. It’s like an ice cream sundae for your paper—smooth, delightful, and incredibly satisfying. The downside? They are susceptible to wax bloom, although this can be remedied with a simple wipe (The Virtual Instructor). For artists who live in perpetually hot environments, be warned: wax bloom may become your new nemesis. But for blending aficionados, wax is the way to go.
Here’s a quick rundown:
| Type | Colour Intensity | Blending Ease | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil-Based | High | Moderate | None |
| Wax-Based | High | High | Possible |
In the grand showdown of oil vs. wax, each type brings unique pros and cons to the table. Whether you prefer the resilience and smudge-resistance of oil-based pencils or the creamy, blendable goodness of wax-based ones, understanding these characteristics can help you make an informed choice.
Recommendations and Accessories
Elevating your art game with oil-based coloured pencils? Well, my friend, let’s not forget the trusty sidekicks. Without reservation here are some top-notch accessories that will make your creative process as smooth as a cup of premium hot cocoa.
Derwent Battery Operated Eraser
Imagine erasing with precision but without the muscle strain. Enter the Derwent Battery Operated Eraser. This tool is all about efficiency and control. Perfect for those delicate highlights and detailed corrections, it has the finesse to tackle even the tiniest of mishaps. Ideal for both oil-based and wax-based pencil marks, it’s a must-have in your artistic arsenal.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Battery Operated | Effortless erasing |
| Precision Tip | Ideal for detailed work |
| Lightweight | Comfortable to use for long periods |
Fabriano 1264 Bristol Pad
The Fabriano 1264 Bristol Pad isn’t just any paper. This pad offers a sturdy and smooth surface, making it perfect for layering and burnishing oil-based coloured pencils. Its thickness and texture suit heavy handwork and can sustain multiple layers without buckling.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Smooth Surface | Ideal for detailed and layered artwork |
| Heavyweight Paper | Resistant to buckling under layers |
| Acid-Free | Ensures longevity of the artwork |
Grab your pencils and give it a whirl!
Trio Sharpening Box and Blendability
The Trio Sharpening Box is a triple-threat sharpening tool. It sharpens pencils to a fine point suitable for delicate work, has a medium setting for regular sharpening, and a broad setting to create a rounded point for those broad strokes. Pair this with the blendability of oil-based pencils, and you can achieve various textures and details effortlessly.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Three Sharpening Angles | Versatile sharpening options |
| Compact Design | Easy to carry and store |
| Sharpens Evenly | Prevents lead breakage |
Most important by sharpening your pencils well, you’re giving your oil-based coloured pencils the precision and control they deserve.
In summary, by Incorporating these accessories it will make your artistic journey with oil-based pencils not just productive, but also enjoyable. From the effortless erasing by Derwent to the equally important robust surface of Fabriano and the versatile Trio Sharpening Box, you’re all set for an artistic escapade like never before. Enjoy creating masterpieces that are without a doubt as magnificent and vibrant as your imagination!