Hello there! If you find yourself asking this very question, I'd be happy to help you out. This page offers clear guidance and is an important part of our series of lessons designed to get you up and running with coloured pencils.
Figuring out which art supplies you genuinely need to begin can often feel a bit overwhelming, especially with so many options available. But don't worry, this guide is here to simplify things for you.
We'll walk you through the absolute essential coloured pencil supplies a beginner needs to get started effectively, with a special focus on what's readily available and budget-friendly for artists here in the UK. Our aim is to help you choose wisely, avoid unnecessary purchases, and feel confident as you gather your first creative toolkit.
I've chosen items that are readily available here in the UK and offer a great balance of quality and value specifically for beginners like you.
Let's get you kitted out!
Getting started with coloured pencils is easier than you think! Here are the core items you'll need:
Read on for more details or click to the item of most interest.
Coloured pencils have come a long way since the ones we used in school! Modern pencils are capable art tools, but which ones should you start with? Here’s the lowdown:
You'll often hear pencils described as either 'Student' or 'Artist' grade. What's the difference?
My Recommendation: For starting out, I strongly suggest getting a good quality Student Grade set.
Focus on learning the core techniques – layering, blending, pressure control – without the pressure of using pricey pencils.
If you fall in love with the medium (which I hope you do!), you can always treat yourself to an Artist Grade set later for their enhanced performance and longevity.
Quick Tip: Be wary of very cheap, unbranded sets found in general stores – the quality can be poor, leading to frustration with weak colours or breaking leads!
You might also hear about pencils being wax-based or oil-based. This refers to the binder that holds the pigment together in the pencil core, and it affects how they feel:
Which is best for beginners? Honestly, both are excellent, and much comes down to personal preference!
Don't stress too much about this for your first set.
Many find the slightly firmer feel of oil-based pencils helps with control when learning layering. The key is choosing a reputable brand within your chosen grade.
It's tempting to buy the biggest set possible, but you really don't need to!
Pencils feel different to different people. If you have an artist friend, ask if you could just have a quick scribble with their pencils!
Alternatively, consider buying just two or three individual 'open stock' pencils from a brand or range that interests you (most UK art suppliers sell them singly). It's a small investment to see if you like the feel before committing to a full set.
Be cautious if considering ordering pencils directly from US websites.
While prices sometimes look lower initially, you can often face significant VAT, import duty, and high shipping costs upon arrival in the UK, making them much more expensive.
Plus, dealing with returns or issues is usually much easier with a UK-based retailer.
You've got your pencils sorted, but what will you draw on?
Choosing the right paper makes a huge difference with coloured pencils!
Unlike regular printer paper (which is generally too thin and smooth), you need a surface sturdy enough to handle multiple layers and techniques like blending or erasing without falling apart or damaging easily.
Getting this right helps avoid frustration and lets your beautiful pencil colours truly shine.
Here’s what to consider:
When choosing paper, you'll often see its weight described in GSM (grams per square metre).
For coloured pencil work, a heavier paper (e.g., 160gsm to 300gsm, or even more) is generally better as it can withstand more layering and pressure without buckling or tearing.
Lighter papers (e.g., below 120gsm) might be okay for very light sketching but can struggle with extensive coloured pencil techniques.
For our international visitors, particularly from the United States, you might find paper weights more commonly listed in pounds (lb).
It's important to know that converting GSM to 'lb' isn't always a direct mathematical swap because the 'lb' measurement is based on the weight of 500 sheets of that paper in its original 'basis size,' which can vary for different types of paper (like drawing, bristol, watercolour, etc.).
However, to give you a rough idea when comparing: A good sturdy drawing paper around 160-200gsm might be approximately equivalent to a 60lb to 75lb drawing paper or a 90lb to 110lb bristol paper (bristol is often measured differently).
Heavier papers in the 250-300gsm range, excellent for more intensive work, could be closer to 90lb to 140lb watercolour paper or heavy bristol.
The important thing is that whether it's GSM or lb, a higher number generally means a thicker, sturdier paper that will provide a better surface for your coloured pencil art.
If you see a paper described in 'lb,' always check the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure it's suitable for dry media and techniques like layering.
The texture of the paper, often called its 'tooth', is crucial for coloured pencils. Think of it as tiny hills and valleys on the surface that grip the pigment as you draw.
So, where to start? Here are two excellent, readily available options in the UK that work beautifully for beginners, offering slightly different experiences:
For a Smooth Finish: Derwent Watercolour Paper Pad (Hot Pressed, 300gsm)
Don't let the 'watercolour' name confuse you for dry pencil work! 'Hot Pressed' simply means it has a lovely smooth surface, which is fantastic for achieving fine details in your drawings.
Because it's designed for water, it's also nice and sturdy (usually 300gsm), easily handling plenty of pencil layers and erasing without damage.
Bonus: If you decide to explore the Watercolour Pencils section later, you'll already have suitable paper!
For Affordability & Layering Practice: Daler Rowney Heavyweight Cartridge Pad (e.g., 200-220gsm)
This is a classic choice in the UK and often more budget-friendly.
Heavyweight cartridge paper typically has more tooth (a bit more texture) than Hot Press paper. Many beginners find this slight texture really helpful for gripping the pencil pigment as they learn to build up layers effectively.
Ensure you get the 'Heavyweight' version (look for 200gsm or higher).
Which to Choose? If you think you'll enjoy focusing on very fine details right away, the smooth Derwent HP might appeal more. If you want a reliable, slightly more textured surface that's great for practising layering and often kinder on the wallet, the Daler Rowney Heavyweight Cartridge is a fantastic option. Both are excellent starting points!
Future Exploration: There are many other wonderful papers out there! When you feel ready to experiment further, you can check out our 'Best Paper Guide' in Resources for a more in-depth look at different options.
Beyond pencils and paper, a few basic tools will make your drawing process much smoother and help you work more effectively. Let's take a look at the key ones every beginner should consider:
Keeping your pencils sharp is important for coloured pencil work!
A good point gives you control for fine details and helps greatly when applying light layers.
While any basic sharpener will work to start, coloured pencil cores (especially the softer ones) can be prone to breaking in less forgiving sharpeners. Investing just a little in a good quality manual sharpener often gives better results and less frustration.
You generally can't erase coloured pencil completely like you can graphite, especially once colours are layered heavily. Instead, think of erasers as tools for lifting pigment or creating highlights. Two types are incredibly useful:
As you progress, you'll see artists using various tools to blend colours smoothly for a 'painterly' effect.
Common options include paper stumps, colourless blender pencils, and even special solvents. Each gives a different result and has its own techniques. You don't need these right away, but it's good to know they exist!
You really don't need anything else to make a fantastic start. However, down the line as you build your kit, you might find these couple of items handy:
Your local independent art shop is always a wonderful place to start – the staff are often knowledgeable, and you can see the supplies firsthand.
For online shopping, or if you don't have a local store, there are many excellent UK-based online art suppliers known for good service and selection. I'm compilng a list to help you find them and will add the link here when it is ready.
Once you've got your supplies sorted, you might like to check out our full beginner's learning path or move on to learning how to sharpen your coloured pencils without breaking the points.
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