Colored pencils are generally divided into three categories: oil-based colored pencils, water-soluble colored pencils and pastel pencils.

Among them, oil-based and water-soluble types are widely available on the market. Creating art with water-soluble colored pencils requires basic watercolor painting skills. Therefore, beginners with little drawing experience can choose user-friendly oil-based colored pencils as their primary drawing tool. So what are the differences between colored pencils made of different materials?

Oil-Based Colored Pencils

Oil-based colored pencils deliver the brightest, richest colors of all colored pencils. Their leads contain wax, which creates unique textured effects. However, they are not suitable for heavy color layering, and marks made with them are difficult to erase with rubber erasers.

Water-Soluble Colored Pencils

Most water-soluble colored pencils feature carbon-based water-soluble leads. When used dry, they produce effects similar to oil-based pencils, yet their colors are softer and less vivid. After brushing water over the pigment, the pigment rarely forms smooth even color washes and tends to create mottled watercolor-like patches. They work well for architectural sketches and quick life drawings.

Pastel Pencils

Pastel pencils offer strong covering power. Their leads have a powdery texture and create distinctive grainy textures. The downside is that pastel pencil pigment rubs off easily, smudging and dirtying artwork surfaces.