Thinking about trying Polychromos coloured pencils? The new set of 20 colours is a great reason to discover what makes these pencils so popular with artists, illustrators, and detail-focused makers.
What are Polychromos coloured pencils?
Faber-Castell Polychromos are artist-quality coloured pencils with an oil-based core, designed for smooth, controlled drawing and rich layers of colour. The core sharpens to a fine point for precise details and is less prone to breakage during normal use. They can be used for everything from sketches and botanical studies to portraits, illustrations, and highly detailed finished artwork.
If you are new to coloured pencils, you do not need to master every technique before getting started. A small selection of well-chosen colours can teach you a lot about layering, pressure, blending, and building depth.
Why the new 20 colours are exciting
The new colours expand the possibilities of the Polychromos range, giving artists more options when they are mixing, layering, and refining a drawing. New shades can help you create smoother transitions, more nuanced shadows, and colour combinations that are difficult to achieve with a limited palette.
For artists who already use Polychromos, the new set offers fresh additions to an established palette. For beginners, it is an opportunity to start with a focused group of colours and grow from there.
Are Polychromos pencils right for you?
Polychromos may be a good fit if you enjoy careful, layered drawing and want plenty of control over the final result. They are especially appealing if you like:
- Building colour gradually through multiple layers
- Creating fine details and clean, expressive lines
- Working on illustrations, portraits, nature studies, or mixed-media artwork
- Developing a personal palette over time
You do not have to be an experienced coloured-pencil artist to begin. Start with simple shapes, test how light and firm pressure change a colour, and practise placing one layer over another.
Three easy ways to begin
- Make a colour chart. Draw a small swatch of each pencil and label it. Include a light-pressure swatch and a darker swatch so you can see the range.
- Practise layering. Place one colour lightly over another and compare the result with heavier pressure. This is one of the easiest ways to discover new colour combinations.
- Choose a simple subject. Try a leaf, a cup, a flower, or another familiar object. A small study lets you focus on technique without feeling overwhelmed by a large composition.
Explore the new Polychromos colours
Whether you are building your first artist-quality pencil collection or adding new shades to a trusted palette, the new 20-colour set is an inviting place to begin. Take your time, experiment with layers, and let the pencils do the quiet, detailed work they are known for.
Ready to see the set? Explore the Faber-Castell Polychromos coloured pencils and sets in our collection.