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As a coloured pencil artist, I’m always curious about new brands entering the market, as well as popular ranges I’ve yet to explore myself. With so many options available, not every pencil suits the way I work. I rely on materials that support realism, whether I’m building soft transitions, refining anatomical detail, or layering for tonal depth. The pencils I choose have a direct impact on the results I can achieve, so I’m selective about what earns a place in my studio.
Alongside this website, I also run a second one that offers a wide range of articles and tutorials for artists at all levels. In early 2025, I revisited one of the most popular articles on that site: an in-depth comparison of coloured pencil brands. I selected 18 ranges, including Derwent, Caran d’Ache and Prismacolor, and put each one through a series of practical tests to see how they perform in areas like blending, layering and opacity. Rather than relying on manufacturer claims or surface-level reviews, I wanted to see how these pencils behave under scrutiny.
The guide is designed for artists who want clarity when choosing materials, whether you're looking for the brand that offers the most suitable range for building soft transitions, refining detail, or working with complex layering. It’s not about picking a single winner, but about understanding which pencils suit which techniques. I’ve tested both well-known and lesser-known ranges on consistent surfaces, so you can see how they stack up across key criteria. If you're expanding your pencil collection or starting from scratch, this guide offers clear, practical insight from an artist with over 40 years' experience working in coloured pencil and includes the following brands:
You’ll also find links in this article to other content on the Step by Step Art website, including guides, tutorials and resources. It’s a good way to explore what’s available. If you find it useful, feel free to bookmark the site and check back from time to time as new material is added regularly.
Pigmentation and Coverage on Dark Surfaces
One of the first tests looks at pigmentation and coverage on black paper. This reveals how strong each colour appears when applied over a dark base, and how the core texture, whether soft or firm, affects opacity and control. For artists who rely on contrast or work on toned surfaces, this section is especially useful.
Article of interest: If you're looking to improve your coloured pencil technique or want to learn how to build realistic detail on textured paper, the Snow Leopard Eye tutorial walks you through it step by step. Click the image above to give it a go.
How Well Do These Pencils Blend?
The blendability test focuses on how smoothly each pencil transitions between tones. Using a heavyweight paper, I assessed how the core softness influences blending and whether the pencils allow for seamless tonal shifts. If you work with fur, skin, or subtle gradients, this test offers practical insight.
Article of interest: Need help with blending coloured pencils? This article breaks down the products designed to help you achieve smoother blends in your pencil work. Click the image above to read more.
Opacity and Core Strength Under Layered Applications
Opacity and core strength are also examined. I tested how well white pigment holds up when layered over darker tones, and how much smudging occurs during blending. A neutral grey base was used to ensure both light and dark pigments were fairly represented. This section is ideal for artists who need clean transitions or who prefer pencils that resist smudging during fine detail work.
Article of interest: Need practical storage for your coloured pencils? The KX Pencil Rack by Creations by Rod (Kent, UK) offers a smart, space-saving solution. Click the image above to read the article and find out how you can purchase one.
Which Brands Handle Layering Best?
Layering capacity is another key area. I trialled each brand to see how well they perform under multiple applications. Some pencils build beautifully without breaking down, while others struggle to maintain clarity after several layers. If you rely on layering to achieve depth and realism, this test will help you identify which brands support that approach.
Article of interest: Just starting out with coloured pencils? This beginners guide covers the essentials to help you get started. Click the image above to read more.
Finding the Whitest White for High-Contrast Work
The Whitest White test stands out for good reason. I used a black 300gsm paper to see which pencils produce the strongest results without any adjustments. What you see is exactly what the pencil puts down. The contrast is deliberately low to show how each one performs in real use. If you rely on white for highlights, fur texture or sharp accents, this section is worth a look.
Article of interest: With the right approach, even low-cost, unbranded pencils can produce strong results, especially when paired with the brightest white. The WHSmith colouring pencil article shows how. Click the image above to read more.
Click the image below to go to the full Comparing Coloured Pencils article. It covers the results in detail, showing how each pencil performed across the tests. If you're weighing up options or just curious to see how your favourites held up, it's worth a look.
Click through to read the article
As you read through, you’ll find links to individual articles for each pencil brand, so you can explore further a particular range catches your interest. It’s about finding the pencils that suit your way of working, ones that deliver when you need quality and strong, reliable colour. The resource will keep expanding as more brands are added, so feel free to bookmark it and check back now and then.
You can also visit the main pages on the www.stepbystepart.co.uk website, by clicking any of the images below. 
Do you have a go-to pencil for blending or layering?
Or maybe a favourite that’s not on the list? What makes your favourite brand stand out from the rest? Feel free to share your thoughts, questions or favourites in the comments below.
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Note: This article was originally published in 2023 and has been updated in 2025 to expand the tutorial and product review write-ups, and include new information about our downloadable resources.
Whether you're exploring new materials or refining your technique, this blog offers practical insights into coloured pencils, oil pastels, and a soft pastel tutorial, all designed to support your creative development. Originally published in 2023, this post has been updated in 2025 to reflect new resources, expanded content, and additional ways to stay connected.
Here, you'll find detailed reviews of popular art products, step-by-step tutorials, and links to downloadable resources that cater to artists at every stage. Each article is crafted to offer clarity, accuracy, and hands-on value, not just surface impressions. If you're looking for reliable guidance and a place to deepen your understanding of art materials and techniques, you're in the right place. Derwent Chromaflow Coloured PencilsDerwent’s Chromaflow range, released in 2021, offers a bold and affordable option for artists seeking vibrant colour and smooth application. In our review, we analyse the overall quality and usability of the pencils, comparing Derwent’s marketing claims with our own hands-on experience. We also examine their lightfastness ratings, discuss how they perform in practice, and include feedback from other artists to provide a balanced perspective. 
Chromaflow pencils are particularly well-suited to artists who enjoy expressive colour work or are transitioning from student-grade materials. Their soft core makes them ideal for quick coverage and rich saturation, though they may require a lighter touch when working on detailed areas. Chromaflow is positioned as a softer, more saturated alternative within Derwent’s coloured pencil lineup, and we explore how it compares to the Prismacolor Premier range in terms of handling, layering, and suitability for detailed work. If you're looking for a pencil that balances affordability with performance, this article offers practical insights and side-by-side comparisons to guide your choice.
Read the full review for performance tests, comparisons, and user feedback. Sennelier Oil PastelsSennelier’s oil pastels are renowned for their buttery texture and intense pigmentation, making them a favourite among mixed media artists and those working in expressive styles. In this article, we explore the history of the brand and its development of this unique medium, offering context for its enduring popularity among artists. Unlike traditional dry pastels, oil pastels do not require fixative and can be used on a variety of surfaces including paper, canvas, and even wood. 
We share practical hints and tips for working with oil pastels, including how to achieve painterly effects, manage layering, and blend effectively using recommended accessories. This article is especially useful for artists exploring oil pastels for the first time, or those seeking to expand their toolkit with a medium that offers both painterly effects and direct mark-making. The review also covers lightfastness ratings, surface compatibility, and customer feedback, helping you understand what these pastels can realistically achieve and how best to use them.
Explore the full review for swatches, layering tests, and practical advice on working with this vibrant medium. Poppy Field - Soft Pastels TutorialThis tutorial guides you through the creation of a vibrant poppy field using soft pastels, with a focus on tonal layering, atmospheric depth, and colour harmony. Designed for beginners and intermediate artists alike, the tutorial breaks down each stage of the process with clear, actionable steps. 
We cover how to block in major shapes, build tonal contrast, and use blending techniques to create a sense of movement and light. The tutorial also includes guidance on choosing suitable paper, managing pastel dust, and refining details without overworking the surface.
Whether you're new to soft pastels or looking to improve your landscape work, this tutorial offers a structured approach that encourages experimentation while building confidence. It’s a great way to explore colour relationships and develop your understanding of composition. Access the full tutorial and follow along with step-by-step images and practical tips. 
This tutorial features Colourfix black paper and Mungyo Inscribe half-stick pastels, but you're welcome to use materials you already have on hand. A dark, textured surface will give you the best results. Inscribe pastels are student-grade, with pigments that tend to be less opaque than professional options such as Sennelier or Unison, though exact colour matching isn’t required. In fact, it’s a chance to experiment and develop a pastel piece that reflects your own choices and style.
About Step by Step Art
Step by Step Art is an independent educational resource for artists who value precision and practical instruction. Whether you're working in coloured pencils, oil pastels, soft pastels, acrylics, or graphite, it offers structured tutorials, product reviews, and downloadable tools to help you build confidence and improve your results.
The site is designed to be accessible and informative, with content tailored to both beginners and experienced artists. You’ll find:
2025 Updates: What’s New on SBSASince this blog was first published in 2023, Step by Step Art has continued to grow, with new resources added to support artists across a range of mediums. In 2025, we’ve expanded our downloadable content, refined tutorial layouts, and introduced new ways to stay connected. Recent additions include a shop with downloadable content, both free and premium. Our Ko-fi page is the social hub for Step by Step Art, a streamlined space where you can follow the latest updates, access exclusive downloads, and support the site if you wish. What you’ll find there:
If you’d like to stay informed or access new materials as they’re released, following the Ko-fi page is the simplest way to do so. You’re welcome to follow us on our other social media platforms via the links below. While these pages are still in the early stages, we’re actively working to populate them with useful content and updates. You can also find us on other social media sites, with links available below.
Thanks for reading, we hope this expanded blog has offered useful insights and helped you discover new tools and techniques to support your art practice. Whether you're here for tutorials, reviews, or downloadable resources, Step by Step Art is committed to providing clear, practical guidance for artists at every stage.
If you’ve tried any of the materials or tutorials mentioned, or have suggestions for future content, feel free to leave a comment below. Your feedback helps shape the direction of future articles and ensures the site continues to meet the needs of its readers. |
AuthorKaren M Berisford Choose tags below to search the news blog directory, or quickly find each blog through the News Blog Archives page.
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Images and text within this website are Copyright of Karen M Berisford 2010 - 2025
No content should be used, copied or distributed in any way without express consent from Karen M Berisford
No content should be used, copied or distributed in any way without express consent from Karen M Berisford