Finding the right pencil set can revolutionise your sketching and drawing experience. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the tools at your disposal to make the best choice for your artistic style. Whether you’re creating detailed graphite studies, vibrant coloured illustrations or precision technical sketches, Eckersley’s has a pencil set to suit your needs.
This guide will help you understand how pencil grades influence your work and the variety of pencil sets available, as well as help you find the perfect set for your next project.
Pencil grades play a crucial role in determining the look and feel of your sketches. The combination of firmness and graphite content affects the line quality, shading and overall finish of your work.
Graphite pencils are typically graded on a scale ranging from hard (H) to soft (B), with medium-grade pencils falling in the HB range. -
- Hard pencils (H grades): These produce lighter, finer lines, making them ideal for technical drawing, initial sketches, and intricate details. For example, a 4H pencil will create crisp, pale lines perfect for clean outlines.
- Soft pencils (B grades): These are excellent for shading and creating bold, dark strokes. Softer grades like 6B and beyond are perfect for rich, expressive lines or adding dramatic depth to your artwork.
For beginners or those looking to explore a range of effects, mixed pencil sets like the STAEDTLER Lumograph Sketching Set provide a versatile selection of grades to experiment with.
Different pencil grades are essential for achieving lifelike shading and texture. Light grades like 2H or HB are great for base layers, while softer pencils such as 4B or 6B can add shadows and depth. Blending these grades allows you to create smooth gradients, detailed textures and dynamic contrasts in your drawings.
For artists focused on shading and tonal work, consider the Faber-Castell Creative Studio Charcoal Sketching Set or the Derwent Lightfast Pencil Tin Sets, which provide tools for both soft graphite work and rich, durable tones.
Eckersley’s offers a wide variety of pencil sets for sketching and drawing, catering to every skill level and style. Whether you prefer the precision of mechanical pencils, the vibrancy of coloured pencils or the traditional appeal of graphite, we’ve got a set for you.
Graphite pencils are a staple for artists of all levels. At Eckersley’s, you’ll find sets designed to suit beginners, students and professionals:
- STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Pencil Sets: Known for their smooth application and high-quality leads, these pencils are perfect for fine lines, shading and detailed sketches. Choose from sets like the Mars Lumograph Graphite Pencil Set 12 or the compact STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Sketching Set 6.
- Blackwing Audition Set: Known for its iconic design and buttery-smooth graphite, Blackwing pencils offer a premium sketching experience. The Blackwing Starting Point Set is ideal for exploring this professional-grade brand.
- Art Advantage Sketch Gift Box Set: This set combines graphite pencils with other drawing tools, making it a great gift or a complete starter kit for budding artists.
These sets cover a range of grades, helping you achieve everything from fine detail to bold, dynamic lines.
For artists looking to add a splash of colour to their work, coloured pencil sets are a fantastic choice. Eckersley’s range includes options for both beginners and experienced colourists.
- Prismacolor Premier Coloured Pencil Sets: Known for their creamy, blendable texture and vibrant pigments, these pencils are perfect for creating rich, layered illustrations. Sets like the Prismacolor Premier Coloured Pencil Botanical Garden Set and Prismacolor Premier Coloured Pencil Under the Sea Set cater to specific themes and artistic needs.
- Faber-Castell Polychromos Colour Pencil Sets: These professional-grade pencils are loved for their smooth application and lightfast pigments. Whether you’re working on fine art or bold designs, sets like the Faber-Castell Creative Studio Mixed Media Set deliver exceptional quality.
- Derwent Artists Wooden Box Set 120: This premium set features an extensive range of colours housed in a beautiful wooden box. It’s an absolute dream for anyone serious about coloured pencil art.
If precision and clean lines are your priority, mechanical pencils are the way to go. They offer consistent line widths, which makes them ideal for technical drawing, detailed illustrations, and even handwriting.
Pentel 120 Mechanical Pencil Set: This set includes mechanical pencils with various lead sizes, providing a reliable option for fine detail work.
- Koh-I-Noor Progresso Graphite Sketch Box Set 6: Combining the precision of mechanical pencils with the versatility of graphite sticks, this set is perfect for artists who want to experiment with different techniques.
- STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Black Pencil Set 6: Designed with darker leads, this set is great for creating dramatic contrasts and crisp, defined lines.
These sets are excellent tools for technical sketching, architectural designs or any project requiring clean, sharp details.
With so many options available, how do you decide which pencil set is right for you? Here are some quick tips to guide your decision:
A graphite set like the Derwent Graphic Pencil Set is ideal if you're focused on black-and-white work. For colour work, choose a vibrant option like the Faber-Castell Classic Colour Pencil Set.
Artists who love detail might prefer mechanical pencil sets, while those who focus on expressive strokes and textures might lean towards traditional graphite or coloured pencils.
Starter sets like the Jasart Studio Colour Pencil Jumbo Set are great for beginners, while comprehensive kits like the Derwent Lightfast Wooden Box Set provide professionals with a complete palette.
Bundled sets like the Art Advantage Zip Case Drawing Set often include extra items like erasers and sharpeners, giving you everything you need in one convenient package.
At Eckersley’s, quality and variety come together to offer pencil sets that suit every artist’s needs, from professional-grade tools to beginner-friendly kits; each set is designed to inspire creativity and deliver exceptional results.
With trusted brands like Faber-Castell, Prismacolor, STAEDTLER and Derwent in the mix, you can be confident that you’re selecting your tools from the best of the best. Plus, with options tailored to every skill level and style, Eckersley’s makes it easy to find your perfect match.
Ready to sketch your next masterpiece? Find the perfect pencil set for your style at Eckersley’s. Explore our wide range of graphite, coloured and mechanical pencil sets today and take your drawing to the next level!
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