8 Best Colored Pencils for Realistic Drawing in 2025

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Written by Kai

August 31, 2025

Creating realistic drawings requires the best colored pencils. Quality pencils offer vibrant colors and smooth blending.

Artists and beginners alike seek the best tools for their creative projects. Colored pencils are a favorite for crafting lifelike images. Each pencil set offers unique features, from soft cores to a variety of shades. KALOUR, Soucolor, Prismacolor, Yagol, and other brands provide options for every need.

These pencils excel in blending, shading, and layering, making them ideal for realistic drawings. Whether you’re a professional artist or just starting, the right pencils enhance your work. This blog post explores top choices to help you find the perfect set. Discover pencils that bring your drawings to life with vivid detail. Dive into the world of colored pencils and unleash your creativity.

1. Kalour 72 Count Colored Pencils

KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners

The KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils set is perfect for adult coloring enthusiasts, artists, and beginners who are passionate about exploring the vibrant world of colors. Whether you’re an experienced artist looking to expand your toolkit or a beginner eager to dive into the world of drawing and shading, this set offers a versatile and high-quality experience.

Pros:

  • Soft Core for smooth blending and shading.
  • Multicolor variety enhances creative possibilities.
  • Compact dimensions make it portable and easy to store.

Cons:

  • The pencil cores may be prone to breaking if not handled carefully.
  • Limited to 72 colors which might not suffice for professional artists.

The KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils are designed with a soft core, allowing users to easily blend and shade their artwork. This feature is particularly beneficial for creating gradients and smooth transitions, making it ideal for those who love to add depth and dimension to their drawings. The multicolor range offers a broad spectrum of hues, encouraging creativity and experimentation in coloring projects.

The compact dimensions of the set, with a height of 0.62 inches, width of 7.4 inches, and length of 11.0 inches, make it a convenient choice for artists on the go. It fits neatly into most bags, making it easy to carry around whether you’re traveling or simply heading to a local art class. The KALOUR Colored Pencils are also an excellent gift option for both adults and kids, sparking joy and creativity across different age groups.

To buy this product, click here.

2. Soucolor 72-color Colored Pencils For Adult Coloring Books

Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Back to School Supplies, Soft Core, Artist Drawing Sketching Pencils Set, Art Supplies Kit Gifts for Kids Teens Beginners Blending Shading

The Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils set is perfect for adult coloring enthusiasts, artists, and students looking for reliable and vibrant coloring tools. Whether you’re a beginner or have been coloring for years, this set offers a wide range of multicolor options that cater to all your creative needs. Ideal for back to school supplies or as a gift, these pencils are designed to provide a smooth and enjoyable coloring experience.

Pros:

  • Wide range of colors for diverse artistic projects
  • Soft core for easy blending and shading
  • Compact dimensions make it easy to store and transport
  • Suitable for all ages: kids, teens, and adults

Cons:

  • Limited durability for heavy use
  • Requires maintenance to keep pencils sharp

The Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils feature a soft core that is perfect for blending and shading. This characteristic allows artists to create smooth transitions and gradients, enhancing the depth and realism of their work. The multicolor selection ensures that users have access to a broad spectrum of colors, making it easy to find the perfect hue for any project.

Another significant benefit is the compact design of the set, which measures just 7.6 inches in height and 2.9 inches in both width and length, making it incredibly portable and convenient for on-the-go creativity. Whether you’re traveling or simply need to store your art supplies neatly, this set fits effortlessly into backpacks and drawers. As a versatile tool, it is suitable for a wide range of age groups, making it an excellent gift for budding artists of all levels.

To buy this product, click here.

3. Prismacolor Technique Animal Drawing Set

Prismacolor Technique Animal Drawing Set, Includes Colored Pencils and Step-by-Step Drawing Tutorials, Assorted Colors, 12 Count

The Prismacolor Technique Animal Drawing Set is perfect for artists and beginners alike who have a passion for animal illustration. If you’re someone who enjoys creating detailed drawings and wants to improve your skills, this set provides the tools and guidance needed to bring your artistic visions to life.

Pros:

  • High-quality colored pencils that deliver rich, vibrant colors.
  • Includes step-by-step drawing tutorials to enhance your drawing techniques.
  • Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry.
  • Ideal assortment of colors specifically curated for animal themes.

Cons:

  • Limited color variety with only 12 pencils included.
  • Tutorials may be too basic for advanced artists.

The Prismacolor Technique Animal Drawing Set features an assortment of colors tailored to capture the essence of marine life through its ‘Under the Sea Assortment’. With dimensions that ensure ease of use and portability, this set allows users to create stunning animal art wherever inspiration strikes. The high-quality colored pencils included in the set ensure that every stroke is smooth and every color is vivid, allowing for professional-grade illustrations.

Each set includes step-by-step drawing tutorials, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their drawing skills. These tutorials guide you through the process of creating realistic animal illustrations, providing a structured approach to learning and improving your technique. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, the Prismacolor Technique Animal Drawing Set offers a comprehensive solution to elevate your artwork to new heights.

To buy this product, click here.

4. Yagol Colored Pencils For Adult Coloring Books

Yagol Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colored Professional Drawing Pencils, Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners Teen & Pro.

The Yagol Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books are perfect for individuals who have a passion for coloring and drawing. Whether you are an adult beginner, a teen, or a professional artist, these pencils offer a wide range of colors to enhance your artwork. They are designed for anyone looking to explore their creativity and bring their artistic visions to life.

Pros:

  • 72 vibrant colors provide a broad palette for creativity.
  • Professional quality suitable for both beginners and pros.
  • Compact size makes it easy to carry around.
  • Smooth application allows for seamless blending and shading.

Cons:

  • Limited to 72 colors, which might not suffice for some advanced artists.
  • Pencils may require frequent sharpening for detailed work.

The Yagol Colored Pencils boast a multicolor range that caters to different tastes and project requirements. Each pencil is crafted to deliver smooth and even strokes, making it ideal for blending and layering techniques. The compact dimensions ensure that they are easy to store and transport, making them a convenient choice for artists who are always on the go.

With a focus on ergonomic design, these pencils are comfortable to use for extended periods, reducing hand fatigue during long drawing sessions. The high-quality materials used in manufacturing ensure that the colors remain vibrant and do not fade over time, providing lasting results for your artwork. Whether used for detailed illustrations or bold designs, these pencils offer the versatility and reliability needed by artists at any skill level.

To buy this product, click here.

5. Pandafly Professional Colored Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set

PANDAFLY Professional Colored Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set, Skin Tone Colored Pencils, Pastel Chalk Pencils for Sketching, Shading, Coloring, Layering & Blending, 24 Colors

The PANDAFLY Professional Colored Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is perfect for artists who are passionate about creating detailed and expressive art. Whether you’re a professional illustrator or an art student, this set is ideal for anyone who loves to experiment with sketching, shading, coloring, layering, and blending techniques using skin tone colored pencils.

Pros:

  • 24 vibrant colors for a wide range of artistic possibilities.
  • High-quality materials ensure smooth application and long-lasting color.
  • Great for layering and blending, allowing for more detailed and nuanced artwork.

Cons:

  • May not be suitable for those looking for traditional graphite pencils.
  • Requires careful handling to prevent breakage of the charcoal tips.

The PANDAFLY Professional Colored Charcoal Pencils offer an impressive variety of 24 colors, making it easy to capture the full spectrum of skin tones in portraits or add depth to any drawing. The pencils are crafted with high-quality materials that provide a smooth texture, making them ideal for intricate details and subtle shading. This ensures artists can achieve a professional finish with every piece.

One of the standout features of these pencils is their ability to layer and blend seamlessly. This is particularly beneficial for artists who enjoy creating complex art pieces with realistic textures and tones. The pastel chalk pencils are designed to be versatile, allowing for both bold strokes and delicate lines, enhancing your creative expression and artistic potential.

To buy this product, click here.

6. Arrtx 72 Colored Pencils

Arrtx 72 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Drawing Blending Shading Sketching Painting, Soft Core Coloring Pencils Art Craft Supplies, Premium Color Pencils Set for Artists Adults Beginners

The Arrtx 72 Colored Pencils set is ideal for artists, adults, and beginners who are passionate about coloring, drawing, blending, shading, and sketching. Whether you’re an experienced artist looking for a versatile set or a beginner eager to explore the world of art, these premium color pencils are designed to elevate your creative projects.

Pros:

  • Soft core pencils for smooth application
  • 72 vibrant colors for a wide range of shades
  • Perfect for blending and shading
  • Suitable for both adults and beginners

Cons:

  • May require frequent sharpening due to soft cores
  • Not ideal for watercolor effects

The Arrtx 72 Colored Pencils are crafted with a soft core, allowing for seamless blending and shading, which is perfect for creating intricate designs and smooth gradients. This set includes 72 vibrant colors, ensuring that users have access to a broad spectrum that can bring any artwork to life. The smooth application makes these pencils a joy to use, whether you’re working on detailed sketches or expansive color compositions.

One of the standout features of these pencils is their ability to cater to both adults and beginners. The quality and range of colors make them versatile for different styles and techniques, whether you’re experimenting with new patterns or refining your artistic skills. However, the soft core may necessitate frequent sharpening, which is a small trade-off for the exceptional color payoff and blendability these pencils offer. Overall, the Arrtx 72 Colored Pencils are a valuable addition to any artist’s toolkit, providing the tools needed to transform ideas into vibrant realities.

To buy this product, click here.

7. Colored Pencils For Adult Coloring Books

Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors Drawing Pencils with Oil-Based Cores, Professional Art Supplies for Artists, Coloring Pencils for Adults, Color Pencils Set for Beginners and Teens.

Ideal for artists, beginners, and teens who enjoy adult coloring books, the Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books by Aenir offer a comprehensive set of 72 vibrant colors. These professional art supplies are designed for those looking to explore their creativity with high-quality tools. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone just starting out, these color pencils provide the perfect blend of quality and variety.

Pros:

  • 72 vibrant colors offer a wide range for artistic expression.
  • Oil-based cores ensure smooth application and rich color payoff.
  • Ideal for adult coloring books, enhancing the creative experience.
  • Suitable for artists, beginners, and teens, making it versatile.
  • Compact dimensions make it easy to store and transport.

Cons:

  • May require a sharpener for consistent use.
  • Oil-based cores might not be preferred by all users.
  • Multicolor set could be overwhelming for some beginners.

The Colored Pencils set features oil-based cores, which are known for their smooth application and rich color payoff. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who wish to achieve high-quality results in their artwork. The vibrant colors of the pencils ensure that your creations will stand out, and the smooth blending capability makes it easier to create shading and gradient effects effortlessly.

Another advantage of the Aenir Colored Pencils is their compact design. With dimensions of 3.0 inches in height and width and 7.5 inches in length, these pencils are easy to store and carry, making them perfect for artists on the go. Whether you’re working from home or attending a workshop, the portability of these pencils allows for creative freedom anywhere. Moreover, the professional quality of these art supplies ensures that both beginners and experienced artists can enjoy and benefit from using them in their artistic endeavors.

To buy this product, click here.

8. Kalour Premium Colored Pencils

KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils,Set of 120 Colors,Artists Soft Core with Vibrant Color,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners kids

The KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils set is perfect for artists, beginners, and kids who are passionate about drawing, sketching, and shading. This set of 120 vibrant colors is designed to inspire creativity and elevate artistic projects, making it ideal for anyone looking to explore the world of coloring with high-quality materials.

Pros:

  • Wide range of 120 colors for diverse artistic needs
  • Soft core pencils for smooth and easy application
  • Ideal for drawing, sketching, and shading
  • Suitable for adults, beginners, and kids

Cons:

  • May not be suitable for those who prefer harder core pencils
  • Size and weight could be cumbersome for portable use

The KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils offer a remarkable range of colors, allowing artists to create detailed and vibrant artwork. Each pencil features a soft core that ensures smooth and effortless application, perfect for achieving subtle gradients and intricate shading. The multicolor palette enables users to experiment with blending techniques and unique color combinations, enhancing the overall creativity of their projects.

These pencils are designed for versatility, making them suitable for drawing, sketching, and coloring. Whether you’re an adult looking to refine your artistic skills or a beginner exploring new creative horizons, the KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils provide the quality and variety needed to succeed. Their ideal dimensions make them easy to handle, though the weight might require a stationary workspace for optimal use.

To buy this product, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Best Colored Pencils For Beginners?

KALOUR and Soucolor offer great options for beginners with their 72-color sets. These pencils have a soft core, ideal for blending and shading. They are designed to provide vibrant colors and smooth application, making them perfect for those new to realistic drawing.

How Do Prismacolor Pencils Enhance Animal Drawings?

Prismacolor Technique Animal Drawing Set includes colored pencils and step-by-step tutorials. The set’s assorted colors and high-quality pigments help create detailed and lifelike animal drawings. The tutorials guide users through techniques, enhancing their skills and confidence in creating realistic animal art.

Are There Professional-grade Colored Pencils Available?

Yes, Yagol and PANDAFLY offer professional-grade pencils. Yagol’s 72-color set caters to both beginners and pros. PANDAFLY’s colored charcoal pencils are perfect for sketching and shading. These sets feature high-quality materials and a range of vibrant colors, suitable for professional artists.

Which Colored Pencils Are Best For Blending?

Arrtx and KALOUR Premium sets are excellent for blending. Arrtx’s 72 colored pencils and KALOUR’s 120-color set both have a soft core. They provide smooth color transitions and layering capabilities, enhancing the realism in drawings. These sets are ideal for artists who focus on blending techniques.

What Makes Oil-based Colored Pencils Unique?

Oil-based colored pencils, like those in some 72-color sets, offer vibrant and rich colors. They provide a smooth, creamy texture and excellent blending capabilities. These pencils are particularly suited for artists looking to achieve more realistic and detailed artwork, thanks to their durability and color depth.

Are Colored Pencils Suitable For All Ages?

Yes, colored pencils are suitable for all ages, from kids to adults. Sets like those from KALOUR and Soucolor are designed for both beginners and experienced artists. They offer a fun and creative way to explore art, making them ideal for various skill levels and age groups.

Conclusion

Choosing the right colored pencils can enhance your realistic drawing experience. Each brand offers unique features. Kalour provides a wide range of colors perfect for blending and shading. Soucolor is great for beginners and those who enjoy vibrant colors. Prismacolor’s set is ideal for animal drawing enthusiasts.

Yagol offers professional-quality pencils suitable for adults and teens. Pandafly’s charcoal pencils are excellent for skin tones and layering. Arrtx pencils are designed for artists who appreciate soft cores and smooth blending. Lastly, the kalour premium set features an impressive array of 120 colors for intricate and detailed artwork.

Whether you’re just starting or are seasoned in realistic drawing, there’s a set for you. Experiment with different brands to find the one that best suits your artistic needs. Your creations can truly come to life with the right tools.

Happy drawing!

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