When I first started drawing regularly, colored pencils felt like this weird hybrid between sketching and painting. They had this quiet control to them, but also demanded patience and layering.
And like a lot of artists who draw from observation, loosely mapping big shapes from light and shadow before refining edges or details, I was curious not just about how to use them better, but where they even came from. Naturally, I found myself asking: when were colored pencils invented?
Turns out, the story goes back further than I expected. While they didn't show up in the form we know them today until the 20th century, the early roots of pigmented pencil tools go much further back.
When Were Colored Pencils Invented?
The colored pencil as a modern art supply didn't really appear until the early 1900s, but the idea of combining pigment and wax dates back centuries. Art historians trace the concept of wax-based pigments to ancient times, though those were used more like crayons or sticks.
The first recorded manufacturer of colored pencils for artists was Faber-Castell in 1908, followed shortly by Caran d'Ache in 1924. Before that, colored pencils existed, but were mostly used for checking, marking, or industrial use, not fine art.
These early pencils weren't anything like the rich layering tools I use today. Still, it's kind of wild to think that something as simple as a wax and pigment core wrapped in wood took thousands of years to evolve into the refined tools sitting in my studio now.
If you're curious about what goes into making them, I wrote a full breakdown of how colored pencils are made that dives into the waxes, oils, and pigments behind each pencil.
And if you're just looking for a simple overview to help you choose the right ones, this guide to colored pencils covers the basics of quality, types, and price ranges.
Why I Like Drawing with Colored Pencils
I draw from observation, starting with large shapes of light and shadow rather than tight outlines. Colored pencils are perfect for this.
I’ll build up soft, general forms in lighter tones, gradually adding contrast and layering. I try not to think about “coloring in” the way we were taught in school. It's more about seeing value, shape, and texture, then letting the drawing evolve naturally.
What I like most is how forgiving they are. You can layer over mistakes, use erasable colored pencils when you're experimenting, or even blend colors with solvent or just pressure. They’re versatile but quiet, less messy than paint, more expressive than graphite.
If you're new to this medium, I put together a friendly guide on using colored pencils for beginners that covers simple techniques for building up texture and tone without needing to get everything perfect from the start.
A Look at What Colored Pencils Are Made Of
One of the reasons they feel so distinct from graphite is the material inside the pencil. Most colored pencils are made of wax or oil-based cores mixed with pigment and binding agents.
The ratio of those ingredients changes everything, from how smoothly they layer to how easily they erase or burnish.
Wax-based pencils tend to be softer and easier to blend. Oil-based pencils are firmer and hold a point longer, which I like when I’m doing smaller texture work or adding crisp edges.
If you want to go deeper, this comparison of colored pencils vs watercolor pencils is worth checking out. Each has its strengths depending on your process.
The Role of Faber-Castell in Colored Pencil History
Faber-Castell was the first company to make colored pencils intended for artists. They’ve been manufacturing pencils since the 1700s, but they introduced their art-grade colored pencils in 1908. That set the stage for modern colored pencil drawing.
Their Polychromos line is still one of my top recommendations, oil-based, vibrant, and precise.
I use them when I want sharp, smudge-resistant marks that blend well without being too waxy. They feel great for layering large shapes and adjusting slowly, which fits how I like to draw from observation.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Pencils
No matter what set you’re using, colored pencils reward patience and good habits. Here are a few things that have helped me:
Keep your pencils sharp.
It’s such a small thing, but using the right pencil sharpener for colored pencils makes a huge difference in line control and pressure.
Start with light pressure.
You can always go darker, but starting light helps you build soft forms gradually, especially useful if you're drawing from real-life references.
Use layering, not pressing.
Instead of pushing hard to make a color pop, layer it. I go over the same area with 2–5 light layers before burnishing or blending.
For more on technique, I put together this post on how to use colored pencils with examples of how I build tone and shape without making the paper feel overworked.
And if you're stuck with patchy marks, this guide shows how to avoid those white gaps that make a drawing feel unfinished.
Paper and Pencil Types Matter
It’s easy to overlook, but the surface you draw on affects your results almost as much as the pencils themselves.
Some papers have a soft tooth that grips the pigment. Others are too slick. I’ve shared a breakdown of the best paper for colored pencils, based on the kind of drawing you want to do.
Also worth mentioning: not all colored pencils behave the same way.
Watercolor colored pencils can be activated with water, which opens up a whole other style of layering and texture.
You can also blend colored pencils with other mediums like markers or experiment with drawing on unique surfaces. Yes, you can even use colored pencils on canvas if you prepare the surface right.
If you're the kind of person who likes to make corrections as you go, these colored pencils with erasers might be a good fit.
Experimenting with Surfaces, Sets, and Styles
Once you get comfortable with how your pencils behave, it’s fun to experiment.
I’ve tried drawing directly on canvas, mixing colored pencils with markers, and even making a full sunset with colored pencils using only layering and burnishing.
Some of my favorite experiments involve unusual sets, like the Ticonderoga erasable colored pencils, which are surprisingly decent for sketchbook warmups or layering under other media.
If you’re interested in trying different options, here’s a full breakdown of colored pencil sets to help you find one that fits your budget and style.
And if you're curious about alternatives, here's how colored pencils compare to pastel pencils and how to use Prismacolor pencils if you want to experiment with a waxier brand.
Where I Studied Art and Got Hooked on Drawing
I studied traditional 2D character animation at CalArts, which gave me a strong foundation in drawing from life and building stories through gesture and form.
But honestly, the more time goes by, the more I return to simple tools like colored pencils. They’re accessible, direct, and perfect for building expressive sketches that don’t need to be perfect.
If you're looking to get started or feel unsure about where to begin, I also keep a list of colored pencil drawings for beginners with ideas and references you can build from without pressure.
And if you want to keep things super approachable, I put together this guide to the best colored pencils for artists depending on whether you're just starting out or upgrading from a student set.
You can also check out my favorite tricks and layering methods in this guide to techniques for coloring with colored pencils.