Best Colored Pencils for Art Classes Reviewed
Whether you’re an art instructor building a curriculum or a student preparing for a semester of creative exploration, choosing the colored pencils for art classes can significantly influence artistic outcomes. With a growing market of brands offering a variety of pencil types, from student-grade to professional artist quality, making the right selection requires more than just picking the most colorful box on the shelf.
This in-depth review breaks down the top colored pencils suited for educational environments. Drawing from expert comparisons and manufacturing insights, we’ll explore the best options for blending, durability, pigment quality, and classroom practicality—so you can equip your art class with tools that inspire creativity and deliver results.
Why Colored Pencil Quality Matters in the Classroom
Colored pencils may seem like basic tools, but for art students, they are a gateway to mastering shading, layering, and color theory. The quality of the pencil directly affects the learning experience. Inferior pencils often lead to frustration—cores break easily, colors appear dull, and blending becomes a chore. On the other hand, high-quality pencils offer smooth application, vibrant pigments, and consistent performance, helping students focus on technique rather than tool limitations.
Instructors also benefit from quality supplies. Reliable tools streamline lesson planning and ensure that demonstrations translate clearly to student work. This is why many educators invest in mid-to-high-range pencils that balance affordability with performance.
Top Criteria for Evaluating Colored Pencils for Students
When reviewing colored pencils for educational use, we considered the following key factors:
- Blendability: How well the colors mix on paper without waxy buildup.
- Core Strength: Resistance to breakage during sharpening and use.
- Pigment Quality: Richness and consistency of color from pencil to paper.
- Lightfastness: Resistance to fading over time (important for portfolio work).
- Price-to-Performance Ratio: Especially important for schools and large classes.
We’ve compiled a list of the most recommended colored pencils from trusted sources like The Art Gear Guide, Sarah Renae Clark, and Art is Fun, alongside our own manufacturing and performance insights.
Top 5 Colored Pencils for Art Classes
| Brand | Core Type | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prismacolor Premier | Wax-based | Blending & Soft Shading | Mid-range |
| Faber-Castell Polychromos | Oil-based | Detail & Layering | High-end |
| Holbein Artists’ Colored Pencils | Hybrid wax-oil | Professional Studio Work | Premium |
| Koh-I-Noor Polycolor | Oil-based | Precision & Value | Mid-range |
| Crayola Colored Pencils | Wax-based | Young Students | Budget |
1. Prismacolor Premier: The Classroom Favorite
Prismacolor Premier colored pencils are a staple in art classrooms across North America. These wax-based pencils are known for their ultra-soft cores, which allow for smooth color laydown and excellent blendability. According to Art is Fun, they strike a perfect balance between price and professional quality, making them accessible for student use without compromising artistic potential.
However, their softness comes at a cost—literally. Prismacolors tend to break more easily than oil-based alternatives, especially during sharpening. This makes them less ideal for younger students or high-pressure classroom environments where tools are heavily used.
Best for: High school or college students learning advanced blending and shading techniques.
2. Faber-Castell Polychromos: Precision and Durability
For art programs emphasizing technical drawing, layering, and realism, Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils are a top-tier choice. These oil-based pencils feature hard, break-resistant cores and exceptional lightfastness. As highlighted by Sarah Renae Clark, Polychromos pencils are preferred by professional artists for their crisp lines, consistent color, and archival quality.
While they come at a premium price, their durability and performance can justify the investment for advanced students building portfolios or preparing for art school applications. These pencils also sharpen to a fine point, making them ideal for detailed work.
Best for: Advanced students and portfolio development courses.
3. Holbein Artists’ Colored Pencils: Luxury in the Studio
Holbein pencils are often described as the Rolls-Royce of colored pencils. With a unique hybrid core that blends wax and oil properties, they offer the best of both worlds: smooth blending with firm control. As noted by The Art Gear Guide, Holbein pencils deliver rich, opaque pigments and a luxurious drawing experience.
However, their cost makes them less practical for general classroom use. They’re best reserved for specialized studio courses or individual students pursuing professional-level work. Their availability outside of Japan can also be limited, affecting supply chain logistics for schools.
Best for: Professional-level courses or individual student investment.
4. Koh-I-Noor Polycolor: Value Meets Performance
Koh-I-Noor Polycolor pencils offer a compelling alternative for classrooms seeking quality without the high price tag. These oil-based pencils are known for their excellent pigment density and smooth application. The Art Gear Guide ranks them highly for their consistency and performance across a wide color range.
They’re less prone to breakage than wax-based pencils and hold a sharp point well, making them suitable for both expressive and technical drawing. Their affordability and durability make them a smart choice for high school programs or budget-conscious institutions.
Best for: Middle to high school programs with moderate budgets.
5. Crayola Colored Pencils: A Budget-Friendly Start
For elementary-level classes or introductory drawing lessons, Crayola Colored Pencils remain a practical option. While they lack the pigment richness and blendability of artist-grade pencils, they are affordable, safe, and widely available. Their hard cores make them resistant to breakage, which is ideal for younger students still developing motor control.
Crayola pencils are not suitable for advanced techniques, but they serve as a stepping stone for students just beginning their artistic journey.
Best for: Elementary education and introductory art courses.
Manufacturing and Supply Chain Considerations
When purchasing colored pencils in bulk for schools or educational institutions, it’s important to consider the supply chain. Brands like Faber-Castell and Koh-I-Noor operate vertically integrated manufacturing systems, ensuring consistent quality and supply. Prismacolor, while popular, has faced criticism for quality control issues in recent years due to outsourced production.
Educators should also verify lightfast ratings and ASTM standards when selecting pencils for student portfolios. Lightfastness ensures that student work remains vibrant over time, especially if displayed or submitted for competitions.
Choosing the Right Set for Your Art Class
No single pencil brand fits every classroom. The right choice depends on your students’ skill levels, curriculum goals, and budget. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Beginner classes: Crayola or Prismacolor Scholar
- Intermediate programs: Prismacolor Premier or Koh-I-Noor Polycolor
- Advanced and portfolio courses: Faber-Castell Polychromos or Holbein
For mixed-level classrooms, consider offering a tiered supply system—basic sets for general use and premium sets available for special projects or advanced students.
Conclusion: Invest in Tools that Inspire
Art classes thrive when students have access to tools that perform reliably and encourage experimentation. Selecting the best colored pencils for art classes is not just about color—it’s about enabling creative exploration, supporting technical growth, and building confidence in young artists. Whether you opt for the soft blendability of Prismacolor or the precision of Polychromos, the right pencils can elevate your entire art program.
For further guidance on colored pencil selection, visit the full reviews at The Art Gear Guide and Sarah Renae Clark’s comparison.