History of Colored Pencils
Colored pencils, a blend of pigments and binders, emerged in the 19th century. Initially, they were used for checking and accounting, but artists soon adopted them for their versatility and portability.
Composition and Quality
Quality varies by the pigment-to-binder ratio. Artist-grade pencils have high pigment, offering richer color and smoother blending. Student-grade pencils contain more binder, making them harder and less vibrant, but more affordable and durable.
Color Range and Brands
Professional sets can include up to 150 unique shades. Renowned brands like Faber-Castell, Prismacolor, and Caran d'Ache offer extensive palettes to satisfy any artistic need, from subtle shading to bold, intense detailing.
Layering and Blending Techniques
Skilled artists use layering to create depth, blending colors directly on the page. Solvents like mineral spirits can be used to blend pencil strokes, mimicking the appearance of a painting.
Colored Pencils in Fine Art
Previously underrated in fine art, colored pencils gained credibility when the Colored Pencil Society of America was founded in 1990, advocating for their recognition as a legitimate fine art medium.
Innovations and Sustainability
Recent innovations include watercolor pencils and oil-based cores. Manufacturers now prioritize sustainability, producing pencils from managed forests and recycled materials, reducing the environmental impact.
Unusual Uses and Records
Beyond paper, artists use colored pencils on wood, fabric, and even walls. The world's largest colored pencil, created by Ashrita Furman in 2007, measured over 22 feet long!
When did colored pencils emerge?
Early 20th century
19th century
Mid-18th century
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