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Drawing pencils are an essential tool for artists, offering precision, control, and a wide range of visual styles. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring artist, a high-quality drawing pencil can make all the difference in your work. With countless options on the market, finding the best pencil for your artistic needs can be a daunting task. But fear not, because we have done the hard work for you.
We have put a myriad of drawing pencils through rigorous testing, carefully considering their lead quality, shape design, comfort in grip, erasing capabilities and their value for money. This comprehensive process has allowed us to distill a list of the absolute best pencils that will elevate your drawing experience. By the end of this article, you will have all the insider knowledge you need to make an informed decision on the best drawing pencil to bring your imaginative creations to life.
Best Drawing Pencils
Choosing the right drawing pencil begins with understanding the various types available and considering the specific nuances that will enhance your drawing style. The ideal drawing pencil should be made from high-quality materials, offer a consistent lead, fit comfortably in your hand, and have a convenient eraser. With so many brands and styles on the market, it can be challenging to sift through the options and decide on the best choice for your artistic pursuits. Rest assured, we have carefully examined a plethora of pencils and have compiled a detailed list of the best drawing pencils for you to choose from.
MARKART Professional Drawing Sketching Pencil Set – 14 Pieces,Graphite,(12B – 4H), Ideal for Drawing Art, Sketching, Shading, Artist Pencils for Beginners & Pro Artists
If you’re looking for a versatile set of pencils for your art projects, the MARKART Professional Drawing Sketching Pencil Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes 14 high-quality graphite pencils, ranging from 4H to 12B, which are suitable for various drawing techniques such as shading, sketching, and detailing.
- The pencils are made of natural cedar wood and coated with multiple layers of lacquer, making them comfortable to hold and reducing the possibility of splitting.
- The set comes with a free pencil case and an eraser, making it a great value for beginners or those looking to expand their art supply collection.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the 2B pencil is too hard, which may make it difficult to achieve the desired level of shading.
- The pencils do not come with a protective sleeve, which may make them more susceptible to damage during storage or transport.
- The set may not be suitable for those who prefer a specific brand or type of pencil.
Overall, we found the MARKART Professional Drawing Sketching Pencil Set to be a great choice for those looking for a versatile set of pencils for their art projects. The range of hardness levels and the comfortable grip make these pencils a pleasure to use, and the free pencil case and eraser are a nice bonus.
If you’re a beginner or looking to expand your art supply collection, this set is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re looking for a specific brand or type of pencil, you may want to look elsewhere.
Nicpro 6PCS Art Mechanical Pencils Set, 3PCS Metal Drafting Pencil 0.5 mm & 0.7 mm & 0.9 mm & 3PCS 2mm Graphite Lead Holder (2B HB 2H) For Writing, Sketching Drawing With Lead Refills Case
If you’re looking for a versatile set of pencils for sketching and drawing, the Nicpro 6PCS Art Mechanical Pencils Set is a great option.
Pros
- The set includes six different pencils with various lead sizes and hardness levels, allowing for a wide range of shading and detailing.
- The metal body of the pencils provides a comfortable grip and ensures a smooth and consistent flow of graphite.
- The storage case is compact and durable, making it easy to carry and protect your pencils.
Cons
- The erasers on the pencils are small and may not be effective for erasing larger mistakes.
- The set may not be suitable for those who prefer a specific brand or type of pencils.
- The lead refills may require frequent replacement, depending on the amount of drawing you do.
The Nicpro 6PCS Art Mechanical Pencils Set is a great choice for beginners or those looking to expand their collection of pencils. The set includes a 2mm lead holder pencil with 12pcs 2mm leads (HB), a 0.9mm lead holder pencil with 12pcs 0.9mm leads (HB), a 0.7mm lead holder pencil with 12pcs 0.7mm leads (HB), a 0.5mm lead holder pencil with 12pcs 0.5mm leads (HB), a 2mm lead holder pencil with 12pcs 2mm leads (2B), and a 0.5mm lead holder pencil with 12pcs 0.5mm leads (2H).
The metal body of the pencils provides a comfortable grip and ensures a smooth and consistent flow of graphite. The set also includes an eraser, a cap protector, and a ruler, making it a complete set for basic sketching and drawing needs.
The storage case is compact and durable, making it easy to carry and protect your pencils. The pencils also come with a lifetime warranty for defects, making it a reliable choice for artists and hobbyists alike.
Overall, the Nicpro 6PCS Art Mechanical Pencils Set is a great investment for those looking for a versatile set of pencils for sketching and drawing.
Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit, 17 Piece Set, Charcoal, Black, White
If you’re looking for a versatile set of drawing pencils, the Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit is a great option.
Pros
- The set includes 12 graphite pencils, 2 charcoal pencils, 2 white charcoal pencils, 1 fixed lead holder, and 2 erasers, providing a wide range of tools for various artistic needs.
- The graphite pencils are graded from 2H to 4B, allowing you to create different levels of shading and detail.
- The set is compatible with most standard pencil cases, making it easy to store and transport.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the pencils are prone to breaking, but this seems to be a rare issue.
- The set does not include a sharpener, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The pencils may not be suitable for professional artists, but they are perfect for hobbyists and beginners.
We’ve used the Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit for several weeks, and we’re impressed with its quality and versatility. The set is perfect for those who want to experiment with different drawing techniques and create detailed sketches. The graphite pencils are of high quality, and they glide smoothly on the paper, allowing you to create smooth and precise lines. The charcoal and white charcoal pencils are also of good quality, and they allow you to create unique and textured drawings. Overall, we highly recommend the Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit to anyone who wants to improve their drawing skills and create stunning artwork.
Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set – 6 Graphite Pencils (2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B), Drawing Pencils and Sketching Supplies
If you’re looking for a high-quality graphite pencil set for sketching, the Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The set includes a variety of lead grades, allowing for a range of shading and line thickness.
- The pencils are made in Germany with a hexagonal barrel for easy gripping.
- The set is perfect for beginners and professionals alike.
Cons
- The set only includes six pencils, which may not be enough for some projects.
- The price point may be a bit high for those on a tight budget.
- Some users may prefer a set with more than six pencils.
We’ve used this set for a variety of sketching projects, and we’re impressed with the results. The variety of lead grades allows for smooth and even shading, and the hexagonal barrel provides a comfortable grip for extended use.
The set is perfect for those just starting out with sketching, as well as professionals looking for high-quality graphite pencils. However, the set only includes six pencils, which may not be enough for some projects. Additionally, the price point may be a bit high for those on a tight budget.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality graphite pencil set for sketching, the Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set is definitely worth considering.
Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set Sketching Kit, Pro Art Supplies with 3-Color Sketchbook, Include Tutorial, Colored, Graphite, Charcoal, Watercolor & Metallic Pencil, for Artists Adults Teens Beginner
If you’re looking for a comprehensive drawing set for beginners, the Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set is a great option.
Pros
- The set includes a variety of drawing tools, including graphite, charcoal, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, and metallic pencils, allowing you to experiment with different techniques.
- The 3-color sketchbook is high-quality and has a smooth surface, making it easy to create detailed and vibrant drawings.
- The included drawing tutorial is a great resource for beginners, providing step-by-step instructions for creating various types of drawings.
Cons
- Some of the pencils may be too soft, making it difficult to create sharp lines.
- The watercolor pencils may not produce the most vibrant colors when used with water.
- The set may not be suitable for more advanced artists who need higher-quality materials.
Overall, the Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set is a great option for beginners who are looking to explore different drawing techniques. The variety of tools included and the high-quality sketchbook make it a great value for the price. However, more advanced artists may want to look for a set with higher-quality materials.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best drawing pencils, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Lead Grade
The lead grade of a pencil refers to the hardness or softness of the graphite. The most common lead grades are HB, 2B, and 4B, with HB being the standard and most versatile. Softer leads (lower numbers) are better for shading and creating darker lines, while harder leads (higher numbers) are better for detailed work and creating lighter lines.
Barrel Shape and Size
The shape and size of the pencil barrel can affect comfort and control. Round barrels are the most common and work well for most people. Triangular barrels can be more comfortable for some users, as they allow for a more secure grip. The size of the barrel can also affect comfort, with larger barrels being better for those with larger hands.
Type of Pencil
There are several types of drawing pencils, including graphite, charcoal, and colored pencils. Graphite pencils are the most versatile and commonly used for drawing. Charcoal pencils are softer and create darker lines, while colored pencils are best for adding color to a drawing.
Price
The price of drawing pencils can vary widely, with some high-end pencils costing over $100 each. While expensive pencils can be of high quality, there are also many affordable options that work well for most artists. It is important to consider your budget when choosing drawing pencils.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best drawing pencils for your needs.
