In this post, the focus is on the top 7 charcoal pencils that are renowned for their ability to bring out artistic excellence. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, these pencils offer exceptional quality and performance. Discover the perfect charcoal pencil to enhance your artistic creations and achieve stunning results.
1. MARKART Colored Charcoal Pencils Set, 10 Pieces
9.3
Conclusion: Good for artists
The MARKART Professional Colored Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set offers a variety of charcoal pencil hardness, deep color pigmentation, and non-toxic materials. However, the softness of the charcoal may cause breakage and requires a sharpener capable of handling it. It is a good option for beginners and artists looking to add depth and shading to their sketches and acrylic paintings.
Vibrant and Versatile Benefits
- Good quality charcoal pencils
- Deep color pigmentation
- Can be used for sketching and acrylic paintings
Weaknesses
- Charcoal is soft and can break easily
- Requires a sharpener that can handle the softness of the charcoal
The MARKART Professional Colored Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is a comprehensive kit that includes 10 high-quality charcoal pencils. The set consists of 5 black charcoal pencils in varying degrees of softness, 3 white charcoal pencils, 1 brown charcoal pencil, and 1 suntan charcoal pencil. These pencils are non-toxic and eco-friendly, ensuring a safe and sustainable drawing experience. Customers praise the deep pigmentation of the charcoal, making it ideal for sketches. The white pencils blend well and show up clearly against dark graphite or black charcoal. The black pencils offer versatility with their soft, medium, and hard options, allowing for greater control in artistic work. It is important to note that the charcoal is soft and requires a sharpener that can handle it delicately to prevent breakage. Overall, the MARKART Professional Colored Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is a great choice for both beginners and experienced artists looking for reliable and high-quality charcoal pencils.
Vibrant and Versatile Drawing Tools
- Includes 10 pieces of charcoal pencils
- Variety of charcoal pencil hardness (soft, medium, hard)
- Includes white, brown, and suntan charcoal pencils
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly materials used
2. Derwent Charcoal Pencils, 6 Count
9.1
Mixed performance
The Derwent Charcoal Pencils in the 6-count metal tin offer a smooth lay down and easy blending, making them a great choice for artists. However, some users found the medium and soft pencils to be a bit choppy and the soft pencil may not smear into a shadow as desired.
Advantages of Derwent Charcoal Pencils
- Smooth lay down
- Easy blending
- Includes a pencil sharpener
Drawbacks
- Drawbacks:
- Some users found the medium and soft pencils to be a bit choppy
- The soft pencil may not smear into a shadow as desired by some users
The Derwent Charcoal Pencils, Metal Tin, 6 Count (0700838) offer the perfect combination of charcoal’s rich tones and graphite’s smooth lay down. These pencils are encased in wood, making them easier to sharpen than traditional charcoal sticks. With a range of softness, they provide excellent control and blend easily, allowing for precise shading and creating a variety of textures. The metal tin includes 6 pencils and a pencil sharpener, making it a convenient and compact option for artists. Reviews highlight the pencils’ beautiful black color, smoothness, and overall quality, making them a popular choice among artists looking for versatile charcoal pencils.
Key Features
- Easy to sharpen
- Similar tone to graphite
- Combination of natural charcoal particles and fine clays
- Smooth lay down and easy blending
- Includes 6 pencils and a pencil sharpener in a metal tin
3. Brusarth Charcoal Pencils Set – 6 Pieces
9.1
Recommended for Artists
The Brusarth Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set offers versatility and ease of use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced artists. The pencils provide beautiful and broad strokes, allowing for detailed and expressive artwork. However, the set has a limited color variety and does not come with a sharpening tool.
High-quality charcoal pencils
- Versatility: The Brusarth Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set includes 6 charcoal pencils in 4 different grades, allowing artists to achieve a wide range of effects and styles in their drawings
- Ease of Use: These charcoal pencils are easy to use, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced artists. They provide beautiful and broad strokes, allowing for detailed and expressive artwork
- Suitable for Various Techniques: The charcoal pencils in this set are ideal for detailing, sketching, drawing, shading, and blending. They can be used for a variety of artistic techniques, providing artists with the flexibility they need to create their desired effects
Cons
- Limited color variety: The set only includes charcoal pencils, which may not fulfill the needs of artists who require a wider range of colors for their artwork
- Lack of sharpening tool: The set does not come with a sharpening tool, which may inconvenience some users who prefer to have a built-in solution for keeping their pencils sharp
The Brusarth Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is the perfect choice for artists and beginners alike. This set includes 6 charcoal pencils, with two each of Ex-Soft and Soft, and one each of Medium and Hard. These pencils are versatile and can be used for detailing, sketching, drawing, shading, and blending. Users have praised the quality of these pencils, noting that they are great for different styles of drawing and shading. Whether it’s for art class or personal projects, these charcoal pencils are a reliable choice.
Premium Quality Charcoal Pencils Set
- Set includes 6 charcoal pencils in 4 different grades (Ex-Soft, Soft, Medium, Hard)
- Ideal for detailing, sketching, drawing, shading, and blending
- Perfect for beginners and artists
- Easy to use
- Provides beautiful and broad strokes
- Suitable for a variety of artistic techniques
4. MARTCOLOR Charcoal Drawing Set, 19 Pieces
8.9
Good value
The MARTCOLOR Charcoal Drawing Set is a good value for the price and includes a variety of charcoal pencils, making it suitable for both beginners and professional artists. However, it is important to note that the set is not professional quality and has a limited variety of charcoal pencils.
High-Quality Charcoal Set
- Good value for the price
- Variety of charcoal pencils included
- Suitable for both beginners and professional artists
Drawbacks
- Not professional quality
- Limited variety of charcoal pencils
The MARTCOLOR Charcoal Drawing Set is a comprehensive collection of 19 artist-grade charcoal pencils and tools. The set includes 10 black charcoal pencils in various softness levels, ranging from S-Soft to Hard, allowing for a wide range of shading and drawing techniques. Additionally, there are 2 white charcoal pencils, 3 charcoal sticks, 1 blending stump, 1 art knife, 1 kneaded eraser, and 1 vinyl eraser included in the set. According to a satisfied customer, this set was a hit as a Christmas gift for their artist granddaughter. Another reviewer highlights the value of this set, praising the variety of softness levels and the ease of drawing and blending with these charcoal pencils, making it an excellent option for beginners and those exploring charcoal drawing.
High-Quality Charcoal Art Supplies
- 19-piece drawing set
- Includes black and white charcoal pencils
- Suitable for drawing, sketching, shading, and blending
- Ideal for both beginners and professional artists
5. KALOUR 24 Premium Colored Charcoal Pencils
8.4
Good for casual use
The KALOUR 24 Premium Colored Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is a professional-quality set that includes 24 vibrant colors, including popular skin and hair tone shades. It is easy to blend, has decent pigment, and comes in a mess-free and convenient pencil format. While it may not be suitable for all three mediums (acrylic, watercolor, oils), it is a great option for both beginners and experienced artists for casual sketching and coloring. However, it may not meet the expectations of those looking for a higher level of quality for serious projects.
Colorful and Versatile Benefits
- Good quality charcoal pencils
- Easy to blend
- Decent pigment
- Mess-free and convenient pencil format
- Suitable for both beginners and experienced artists
- Great for casual sketching and coloring
Cons
- Drawbacks:
- Mid-level quality for serious projects
- Not suitable for all three mediums (acrylic, watercolor, oils)
The KALOUR 24 Premium Colored Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is a professional artist-quality set perfect for both beginners and experienced artists. This set includes the most vibrant colors, including popular skin and hair tone shades. The pencils are easy to blend and have decent pigment, making them great for practicing blending and drawing in sketchbooks. They come in a pencil format, eliminating the mess associated with traditional charcoal sticks. The pencils allow for a softer look and make layering colors and adding shading easier. Highly recommended for beginners and experienced users alike, this set provides a mess-free introduction to charcoal.
Vibrant and Versatile Color Range
- 24 vibrant colors
- Includes popular skin and hair tone shades
- Professional artist quality
- Suitable for beginners and advanced artists
6. HIFORNY Charcoal Pencils Set – 12 Pieces for Drawing and Sketching
8.4
Mixed performance
The HIFORNY 12 Pieces Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set offers a complete range of premium quality charcoal pencils in various hardness options. While it provides a variety of charcoal colors and is suitable for all levels of artists, some users may find the durability limited and the range of charcoal hardness options overwhelming.
Advantages of HIFORNY Charcoal Pencils Set
- Variety of charcoal colors
- Suitable for all levels of artists
- Premium quality drawing pencils
Limitations
- Limited durability
- Some users may find the range of charcoal hardness options overwhelming
The HIFORNY 12 Pieces Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is a complete charcoal set that offers a range of charcoal pencils, including 2 extra soft, 4 soft, 4 medium, and 2 hard pencils. These premium drawing pencils are crafted from high-quality materials, making them perfect for artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals. With their unique variety of charcoal colors, this set allows for versatile and expressive drawing, sketching, shading, blending, and portrait work. It is a great product that is loved by both young and aspiring artists.
Versatile and Durable Drawing Tools
- Complete range of charcoal pencils
- Includes extra soft, soft, medium, and hard pencils
- Suitable for all levels of artists
- Premium quality drawing pencils
7. MARKART Charcoal Pencils Set – 10 Pieces
7.5
Safe and versatile
The MARKART Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set offers a versatile range of charcoal grades that can be used for various drawing techniques. While it may have a limited color range and may not be suitable for detailed work, its non-toxic and eco-friendly materials ensure safe use for artists.
Advantages of MARKART Charcoal Pencils
- Versatile – can be used for various drawing techniques and styles
- Wide range of charcoal grades provides options for different shading effects
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly materials ensure safe use for artists
Weaknesses
- Limited color range
- Not suitable for detailed work
The MARKART Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is a must-have for any artist. This set includes 10 charcoal pencils, with 5 soft, 3 medium, and 2 hard grades, providing a wide range of options for detailing, sketching, drawing, shading, and blending. These pencils are non-toxic and eco-friendly, ensuring the safety of both the artist and the environment. With their high-quality construction and versatile use, these charcoal pencils are perfect for artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
Quality and Versatility
- 10 pieces of charcoal pencils
- Available in three different grades (5 soft, 3 medium, 2 hard)
- Ideal for detailing, sketching, drawing, shading, and blending
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly
Alternative Drawing Tools
Factors to Consider When Choosing Charcoal Pencils
- Quality of Charcoal: The first thing to consider is the quality of the charcoal used in the pencil. High-quality charcoal will provide consistent and smooth lines, while lower-quality charcoal may crumble or produce uneven marks. Look for charcoal pencils that contain high-quality, artist-grade charcoal for optimal performance
- Hardness and Softness: Charcoal pencils come in various degrees of hardness and softness, which determine the darkness and intensity of the marks they produce. It is essential to choose charcoal pencils with a range of hardness options to accommodate different drawing techniques and desired effects. Look for sets that include a variety of hardness levels, such as soft, medium, and hard, to ensure versatility and control
- Durability and Packaging: Charcoal pencils should be durable enough to withstand the pressure of drawing without breaking or crumbling easily. Consider the durability of the pencil’s outer casing and the quality of the wood used. Additionally, pay attention to the packaging of the charcoal pencils. A well-packaged set will be organized, protected, and easy to store, ensuring the longevity of the pencils
Instructions for Using Charcoal Pencils
- Start by selecting the right type of charcoal pencil: Beginners should opt for soft or medium charcoal pencils, as they are easier to control and produce a smoother line. Avoid using hard charcoal pencils, as they tend to create faint and scratchy lines
- Prepare the drawing surface: Before using charcoal pencils, it is recommended to lightly prime the drawing surface with a layer of white pastel or charcoal powder. This will help the charcoal adhere better and prevent smudging
- Experiment with different techniques: Charcoal pencils offer various techniques to create different effects. Beginners can practice blending, shading, and hatching to add depth and dimension to their drawings. Experimenting with different pressures, strokes, and angles will help develop control and master the medium
Top Charcoal Pencil Brands
- Faber-Castell
- Derwent
- General’s
- Staedtler
- Prismacolor
- Cretacolor
- Koh-I-Noor
- Caran d’Ache
- Conté à Paris
- Lyra
Pricing Information for Charcoal Pencils
- Basic charcoal pencil set: $5-$10. These sets usually include a few charcoal pencils of different thicknesses and may come with a blending stump or eraser. They are suitable for beginners or those on a budget
- Mid-range charcoal pencil set: $10-$20. These sets typically offer a wider range of charcoal pencils, including different hardness levels. They may also include additional accessories like charcoal sticks or sharpeners. These sets are suitable for intermediate artists looking for more variety in their charcoal drawings
- Professional-grade charcoal pencil set: $20-$50. These sets consist of high-quality charcoal pencils that are often made with premium materials, resulting in smoother and more precise lines. They may include a larger number of pencils, ranging from very soft to very hard, to cater to different artistic styles and techniques. These sets are ideal for advanced artists or professionals who require top-notch tools for their artwork
- Individual charcoal pencils: $2-$5 each. Artists who have specific preferences or want to replace a single pencil from a set can purchase individual charcoal pencils. These pencils can be bought in a range of hardness levels, allowing artists to customize their collection according to their needs
- Charcoal pencil sets with additional art supplies: $15-$30. Some sets may include additional art supplies like sketchbooks, drawing boards, or kneaded erasers, along with charcoal pencils. These sets provide a comprehensive package for artists looking to experiment with different mediums or who need a complete drawing kit
- Sketching sets with charcoal pencils: $10-$25. These sets are designed for artists who want to combine charcoal with other drawing techniques. They may include a combination of charcoal pencils, graphite pencils, and other sketching tools like markers or pastels. Sketching sets offer versatility and allow artists to create dynamic and multi-dimensional drawings
