Best Pencils for Drawing and Shading for Beginners
When starting your drawing journey, choosing the right pencil can make a huge difference. Beginners often wonder, “Which pencil should I buy for sketching and shading?” The good news is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get quality results.
In this guide, we’ll review the best pencils for beginners, explain why each one is great, and share affiliate product links so you can easily purchase the recommended sets online.
What to Look for in a Good Drawing Pencil
- Graphite Grades – From hard (H) to soft (B), each serves a purpose.
- Durability – Strong cores that don’t break easily.
- Blendability – Softer pencils should shade smoothly.
- Price – Affordable options are best for beginners.
- Erasability – Mistakes should erase cleanly.
Best Pencils for Drawing and Shading (With Recommendations)
1. Staedtler Mars Lumograph Pencil Set
Buy Staedtler Mars Lumograph on Amazon
Why It’s the Best:
Staedtler is trusted by professionals and students worldwide. This set offers a wide range from 8B to 6H, perfect for detailed sketching and deep shading. The pencils produce consistent lines, resist breakage, and reduce smudging.
✅ Ideal for both beginners and advanced artists.
2. Faber-Castell 9000 Graphite Pencils
Buy Faber-Castell 9000 on Amazon
Why It’s the Best:
Faber-Castell is one of the oldest and most respected art brands. Their 9000 series is known for durability and smooth application. Beginners will love the balance between quality and price, while professionals appreciate the precise tones.
✅ Great for portraits, landscapes, and shading exercises.
3. Derwent Graphic Drawing Pencils
Buy Derwent Graphic Pencils on Amazon
Why It’s the Best:
Affordable yet high-quality, Derwent is a fantastic entry-level choice. The leads are soft enough for blending but not too fragile. Their wide tonal range allows beginners to experiment with light and dark shading.
✅ Perfect for students learning sketching basics.
4. Prismacolor Ebony Graphite Pencil
Buy Prismacolor Ebony Pencil on Amazon
Why It’s the Best:
The Prismacolor Ebony produces rich, dark lines, making it ideal for bold sketching and smooth shading. Artists who want dramatic tones love this pencil. It glides effortlessly on paper, helping beginners achieve professional-looking results.
✅ Best for deep shadows and artistic drawings.
5. AmazonBasics Sketch & Drawing Pencil Set
Buy AmazonBasics Pencil Set on Amazon
Why It’s the Best:
This budget-friendly set includes multiple graphite grades (H to B), making it perfect for beginners who want to experiment without spending too much. Despite the low cost, the pencils perform well for practice sketches and shading.
✅ Best affordable choice for complete beginners.
Best Pencil Grades for Shading
- 2H – HB → Light lines, outlines, and drafting.
- 2B – 4B → General shading and softer shadows.
- 6B – 8B → Rich, dark tones and dramatic shading.
Tips for Beginners
- Start with HB to 6B pencils.
- Always use a kneaded eraser for highlights.
- Try blending stumps for smooth shading.
- Practice different techniques like hatching, cross-hatching, and smudging.
The best pencils for drawing and shading don’t have to be expensive. Beginners should start with a set that covers HB to 6B and gradually explore premium brands as their skills grow.
- For budget-friendly beginners → AmazonBasics or Derwent.
- For high-quality learning tools → Staedtler or Faber-Castell.
- For dark, bold shading → Prismacolor Ebony.
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With the right pencil, your artistic journey will be more enjoyable and productive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which pencil is best for realistic shading?
A 2B to 6B pencil range works best for smooth shading and realistic depth.
Q2: Do I need expensive pencils as a beginner?
Not at all. Budget-friendly sets like AmazonBasics or Derwent are excellent to start.
Q3: What’s the difference between HB and 2B pencils?
HB gives lighter, harder lines, while 2B is softer and darker—better for shading.
