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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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When I first wrote this article, it marked three decades of working with coloured pencils. Time has moved on, and I now look back on over forty years with the medium. Four decades of practice have given me the chance to test countless tools, papers, and techniques, and to refine my approach through both successes and mistakes. This update brings those extra years of experience into focus, sharing what has endured, what has changed, and the lessons I would pass on to anyone serious about coloured pencil art.
Alongside my own practice, I also run Step by Step Art, a website created for artists looking for practical help and advice. While it leans strongly towards coloured pencils, it also offers articles covering graphite pencils, soft pastels, oil pastels and acrylics. It’s designed as a resource for anyone wanting to explore different mediums with clear, approachable guidance.
As I look ahead, I’m excited to continue exploring new materials and sharing what I learn, both here and through Step by Step Art, while remembering that the most valuable lessons are often the simplest ones: to slow down, to observe closely, and to enjoy the process. 
Coloured pencils have been my constant companion for more than forty years. The tools have evolved, the papers have diversified, and my own methods have matured, but the fundamentals remain the same: patience, experimentation, and respect for the medium. Every drawing is still a challenge and a joy, and that is what keeps me returning to the pencils day after day.
I dedicate a significant portion of my time to creating custom made portraits for clients both in the UK and internationally, in addition to running my Step by Step Art website that focus on a range of mediums such as pastels, paints and graphite pencils, as well as coloured pencils. About the art products I use
For my coloured pencil artwork, I consistently use heavyweight, acid-free, and archival paper. A weight of around 300gsm is ideal as it accommodates multiple layers and guarantees durability. Initially, I exclusively utilised tonal papers, particularly the grey and tan tones, because they provide a neutral starting point that enhances both highlights and shadows. Black paper is also a favourite, as it contributes to an atmospheric finish and necessitates fewer layers for a significant effect. For larger works, I opt for a robust heavyweight paper like Colourfix, which is more widely used by pastel artists.
A coloured pencil drawing of a Snow Leopard created on black Colourfix paper
This Snow Leopard was created on black Colourfix paper, known for its texture and typically reserved for pastel works. For this drawing, I used a variety of coloured pencils from ranges such as Karismacolor, Derwent Coloursoft, and Caran d'Ache Luminance.
I find Colourfix paper to be a fascinating medium for coloured pencils. While the texture of the paper limits the number of layers I can apply compared to standard cotton papers, a few layers are enough to attain a comparable level of realism. It was delightful to work on this piece, and although its larger dimensions of 20" x 30" exceed my usual scope, I enjoyed the challenge.
Coarse paper may cause pencils to wear down more rapidly, especially those with softer cores like Prismacolor. However, its textured surface holds pigment well, reducing the need for multiple layers to achieve similar levels of detail. Moreover, it allows for the incorporation of mixed media, like acrylics. Adapting to different paper textures can be a challenge if you're accustomed to smooth surfaces. I would recommend that you experiment with the paper before committing your artwork to it.
Handcrafted Pencil Storage Chest - Discover more and where to purchase yours.
Previously, I owned a vast collection of coloured pencils, many of them lacked the quality of todays brands and currently use just two brands: Caran d'Ache Luminance and Derwent Coloursoft. The Luminance pencils exhibit a slightly firm texture, making them well-suited for intricate details. In contrast, the Derwent Coloursoft pencils feature softer cores, making them ideal for creating soft backgrounds and layered tones.
TIP: Before investing in a new range of pencils, I always test the black and white ones first. This allows me to assess their opacity, application, and how they compare against other favoured brands. If they meet my standards, I'll either purchase individual pencils from open stock, choosing colours I frequently use, or opt for a starter set. The white pencil holds significant importance in my artwork as it must provide the luminosity needed for catchlights and highlights. Additionally, it serves as a tool to lighten other colours, thereby expanding the range of my colour palette.
Free Tutorials: Learn Realistic Drawing Techniques with Coloured Pencils
The concluding section of this article provides a brief overview of how I crafted this Snow Leopard's eye using coloured pencils on black Art Spectrum Colourfix paper. I maintain a specialised website featuring this tutorial, among others, covering various subjects and mediums for artists to explore. To access the page and attempt the tutorial, click on the image above.
I'd love to hear about your own individual insights and approaches to work. In the comments section, please share your own preferred products that contribute to your most successful outcomes. 
For an artist, there is always a high level of excitement that comes with unwrapping a package filled with freshly acquired art supplies. However, the opportunity to receive a package containing coloured pencils from a discontinued line dating back to 2005 dwindles with each passing year, making it increasingly unlikely to acquire such coveted items.
Fortunately, auction sites like eBay occasionally list Berol Karismacolor pencils, and I was extremely fortunate to discover a couple of sellers who are currently selling off stock from a craft supply clearance, allowing me to acquire some brand new stock. It was quite a surprise to discover some of the rarer colours in the collection as well. Pencils, both coded and non-coded, plus some discontinued colours can be found through these sellers. Links can be found in the article link at the bottom of this page.
What are Karismacolor pencils?Karismacolor pencils were the European counterpart to the widely favoured Prismacolor Premier pencils. The original Prismacolor pencils debuted in 1938, while Karismacolor emerged in the late 1980s in England. In 1995, ownership of the company transferred and production shifted to the USA. The emergence of new European pencil brands likely contributed to the dwindling sales of Karismacolor pencils, and coupled with elevated shipping costs, led to their discontinuation in 2005. 
The Karismacolor pencils were originally offered in 72 colours, with each pencil prominently showcasing the designated colour name on the barrel. Over time, the colour palette expanded, and colour codes were introduced to align with the Prismacolor range. Throughout the production period, a total of 129 colours were created, but due to discontinuations, the largest available set consisted of 108 colours.
Can you still buy the Berol Karismacolor pencils?Should you wish to acquire some of these pencils, the links that direct to the sellers of the Karismacolor pencils can be found below. I have written a comprehensive article about these pencils, which can be accessed on my Step by Step Art website by clicking this link.
Please be aware that I am not affiliated with these sellers. I am aware of the challenges in finding these pencils, and having had a positive buying experience myself, I wanted to pass on this information to others.
If you have fond memories of the Berol Karismacolor pencils, please leave me a comment below. I would love to hear from you! |
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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