Buying Guide for the Best Oil Coloring Pencils
Choosing the right oil coloring pencils can significantly enhance your artistic experience and the quality of your artwork. Oil coloring pencils are known for their rich, vibrant colors and smooth application. When selecting oil coloring pencils, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your artistic needs. Here are the key specs to consider and how to navigate them.Color RangeThe color range refers to the number of different colors available in a set of oil coloring pencils. This is important because a wider range of colors allows for more versatility and creativity in your artwork. Sets can range from a basic 12 colors to over 100. If you are a beginner or working on simple projects, a smaller set may suffice. However, for more detailed and complex artwork, a larger set with a broader spectrum of colors will be beneficial.
Pigment QualityPigment quality determines the vibrancy and longevity of the colors. High-quality pigments produce more vibrant and long-lasting colors, which is crucial for professional artists or anyone looking to create high-quality artwork. Pigment quality can vary significantly between brands. Look for pencils that are described as having high pigment concentration or professional-grade pigments if you need intense, durable colors. For casual use, student-grade pigments may be sufficient.
BlendabilityBlendability refers to how well the colors mix and blend together. This is important for creating smooth transitions and gradients in your artwork. Oil coloring pencils are known for their excellent blendability compared to other types of pencils. If you plan to do a lot of blending, look for pencils specifically noted for their smooth application and blending capabilities. For more straightforward coloring tasks, blendability may be less critical.
LightfastnessLightfastness is the resistance of the pencil colors to fading when exposed to light over time. This is particularly important for artists who want their work to remain vibrant and unchanged for years. Lightfastness is usually rated on a scale, with higher ratings indicating better resistance to fading. If you are creating artwork for display or sale, choose pencils with high lightfastness ratings. For practice or temporary projects, lightfastness may be less of a concern.
Pencil HardnessPencil hardness affects the texture and detail of your drawings. Softer pencils lay down more color and are better for blending, while harder pencils are better for fine details and sharp lines. If your work involves a lot of detailed line work, opt for harder pencils. For broader strokes and blending, softer pencils are preferable. Many artists use a combination of both to achieve different effects in their artwork.
Ease of SharpeningEase of sharpening is about how well the pencils hold a point and how easily they can be sharpened without breaking. This is important for maintaining the usability of your pencils and ensuring they last longer. Pencils that are difficult to sharpen or break easily can be frustrating to use. Look for pencils with a strong core and high-quality wood casing. If you frequently need a sharp point for detailed work, this spec is particularly important.