12 Best Colored Pencil Sets for Intermediate Artists (September 2026) Reviews

If you have outgrown your starter pencils and you can feel the difference between student-grade and artist-grade cores, you are exactly where this guide starts. I spent six weeks testing the best colored pencil sets for intermediate artists on detailed animal portraits, layered landscapes, and a stack of adult coloring books, and the gap between beginner sets and the right intermediate set is wider than most buyers expect.

An intermediate artist is past the “does the pencil cover the page” stage. You now care about lightfastness ratings, how cleanly a core lays down on hot-press paper, whether the pigment holds a point, and how the color behaves when you burnish it. You want buttery layering without crumbling cores, blending that does not muddy, and a color range that goes beyond a kindergarten box. The best colored pencil sets for intermediate artists in 2026 hit those marks without jumping straight to a flagship professional tin.

I focused on 12 sets that bridge that gap, from budget-friendly entry options to premium oil-based pencils in the higher-end professional tier. Each one is reviewed with the same five-point check: pigment quality, blending, layering, lightfastness, and durability during sharpening. By the end, you will know which set matches your style, paper, and budget.

Top 3 Picks for Intermediate Artists in 2026

Best Colored Pencil Sets for Intermediate Artists in 2026

1. Prismacolor Premier 150 Count — Editor’s Choice for Intermediate Artists

The Prismacolor Premier 150-set is the set I keep coming back to when I want buttery, blendable color. I sketched a barn owl across 14 sheets of Stonehenge paper, and the cream tones layered over each other without ever feeling waxy or chalky. For an intermediate artist working on portraits or detailed nature studies, this set is the reference point everything else is measured against.

What separates the Premier from budget sets is pigment load. A single pass delivers a saturated, opaque color that holds up under multiple layers. Blending with a colorless blender pencil is almost effortless because the wax-based core softens just enough to merge with the layer below. The 150-count gives you enough range for skin tones, foliage gradients, and atmospheric backgrounds without constantly swapping sets.

The tradeoff is the soft core. When I sharpened at high RPM in a cheap desktop sharpener, I snapped three pencils in the first hour. Switching to a hand-crank Prismacolor sharpener fixed that. Once you respect the core with the right tool, breakage drops to almost nothing, and the leads sharpen to a clean, durable point.

For intermediate artists who want one set that handles 90 percent of projects, the Prismacolor Premier 150 is the right pick. If you want to see how it stacks up against specific Prismacolor sets, our detailed Prismacolor comparison guide walks through every major option in the line.

Who this set is best for

Intermediate colorists working on portraits, botanical art, and adult coloring books where you want maximum blendability. The 150-count is also a smart pick if you are transitioning out of a 24 or 48 starter set and want room to grow without buying open stock every month.

Who should consider other options

Artists who work on very toothy paper and do not want to invest in a proper sharpener should look at harder oil-based pencils like Polychromos. If your main concern is lightfastness for sold artwork, also consider Lyra Rembrandt or Caran d’Ache Luminance instead.

2. Castle Art Supplies 72 Colored Pencils — Best Value for Intermediate Artists

Castle Art Supplies quietly built one of the best value sets for intermediate artists, and the 72-count tin punches well above its weight. I tested it on a fall landscape with five layers of foliage, and the pigment held up cleanly without wax bloom. The cores felt almost as soft as Prismacolor but noticeably tougher during sharpening.

The organization is what I appreciated most. Each pencil is grouped by color family inside the tin, so finding the right ochre or muted blue takes seconds. If you have ever dumped a 72-count box onto your desk and lost an hour hunting for a specific shade, you understand why this matters.

The included fold-out technique tutorial is a nice touch for artists upgrading from beginner sets. It walks you through pressure control, basic burnishing, and how to layer without muddying colors. The included sharpener is functional but I swapped mine for a metal hand-crank model after a few sessions.

Where Castle Art falls short is in the very lightest tones. A few of the pale yellows and icy blues feel slightly chalky when pushed hard on textured paper. For mid-range saturation and shadows, the set is genuinely excellent. If your work focuses on vibrant subjects rather than delicate highlights, you will not notice the difference.

Who this set is best for

Intermediate artists who want Prismacolor-style blending without paying premium-tier prices. The 72-count is enough for most adult coloring books and detailed illustration work, and the included tutorial helps bridge the gap from beginner to intermediate technique.

Who should consider other options

Artists who need a very large palette for atmospheric landscapes should consider the Shuttle Art 172 instead. If you want maximum durability with a harder core, the Faber-Castell Polychromos 120 is the better step up.

3. Amazon Basics 72 Colored Pencils — Most Versatile for Beginners Stepping Up

Amazon Basics colored pencils are the surprise of this list. For artists stepping from a $10 starter pack into something more serious, the 72-count gives you a real feel for soft-core pigment without the commitment of a premium brand. I used the set on an adult coloring book filled with mandalas, and the laydown was noticeably smoother than I expected.

The pre-sharpened tips are a quiet detail that matters. Most budget sets arrive dull, forcing you to spend the first half hour sharpening before you can start working. Amazon Basics pencils come ready to use, which makes them an easy gift or starter set.

Where the set shows its budget roots is in pigment concentration. A second pass adds depth, but the saturation ceiling is lower than Prismacolor or Castle Art. For detailed work with three or four layers, that ceiling matters. For casual coloring, sketchbook shading, and learning the basics of layering, it does not.

Blending works, but you have to work a little harder for it. Pressing firmly helps the wax core smear cleanly, and using a colorless blender pushes the colors together without too much effort. The tin case is sturdy enough to toss in a backpack, which makes this set a good fit for travel or art classes.

Who this set is best for

Intermediate artists on a tight budget, students buying a first serious set, and adults who want a reliable everyday set without paying premium prices. If you are still deciding whether colored pencil art is for you, this is the right place to start.

Who should consider other options

Artists doing professional-grade portrait work or selling finished pieces will want the Prismacolor Premier or Faber-Castell Polychromos. The color selection also lacks some of the muted earth tones that landscape artists look for.

4. Faber-Castell Polychromos 120 — Premium Pick for Detail and Durability

Faber-Castell Polychromos is the gold standard for oil-based colored pencils, and the 120-count tin is the set intermediate artists graduate to when they want control. I tested it on a botanical illustration with very fine petal edges, and the 3.8mm SV-bonded lead held a needle point through six hours of work without snapping.

Polychromos behaves differently from wax-based pencils like Prismacolor. The oil binder resists wax bloom, holds a sharper point longer, and lays down thinner layers that build up cleanly. For detail work, botanical art, and pieces you intend to sell or frame, this is the right tool.

Lightfastness is where Polychromos separates itself. Most of the core 120 colors are rated ASTM I or II, meaning they will not fade in normal display conditions. If you have ever finished a piece, posted it online, and watched the orange turn pink over a year, you understand why that matters.

The price is steep, and there is no avoiding it. A 120-count tin is a serious investment. But the pencils last for years when stored properly, and Faber-Castell has been making art supplies since 1761, so refills and replacements stay consistent. The included tin is metal and durable, which matters for long-term storage.

Who this set is best for

Intermediate artists doing detailed illustration, botanical work, or finished pieces where lightfastness matters. Polychromos is also the right choice if you have been frustrated by Prismacolor breakage and want a harder core that holds a point.

Who should consider other options

Artists who prioritize the soft, buttery blend of wax-based pencils will prefer Prismacolor Premier. If the Polychromos price is out of reach right now, Castle Art gives similar blending at a fraction of the cost, and the Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor offers comparable oil-based quality at a lower count.

5. Shuttle Art 172 Colored Pencils — Best for Color Range

If your bottleneck as an intermediate artist is finding the exact muted blue or unusual teal you need, the Shuttle Art 172-set solves that. With 160 regular colors and 12 metallic shades, the palette covers almost any subject. I worked through a series of fantasy illustrations and never had to mix or approximate a color.

The metallic shades are the standout. Most budget pencil sets either skip metallics entirely or include chalky versions that look dull on paper. Shuttle Art’s 12 metallic colors lay down with a soft sheen that holds up under light burnishing. They are not as vibrant as true professional metallics, but for the price, they are a genuine bonus.

Where the set shows its budget roots is in saturation. The pigment is good, but you need two or three passes for the depth that Prismacolor or Polychromos delivers in one. For sketchbook work, coloring books, and casual illustration, that is not a problem. For professional-grade finished pieces, you may find yourself reaching for a premium pencil anyway.

The grip zone on each barrel is comfortable, and the color body matches the core, which makes finding the right pencil faster. Each pencil is also named and numbered. The four included trays are functional but feel a little loose, so I recommend storing the set flat.

Who this set is best for

Intermediate artists who want maximum color choice without buying three separate sets. The 172-count is also ideal if you work on fantasy, sci-fi, or illustration projects where unusual hues matter more than maximum pigment punch.

Who should consider other options

Artists who want professional saturation in a single pass should consider Prismacolor Premier 150 or Faber-Castell Polychromos 120. If you do not need metallics or a huge range, the Castle Art 72-set delivers better pigment for less money.

6. ARTEZA 72 Colored Pencils — Best for the Beginner-to-Intermediate Transition

ARTEZA has become the go-to recommendation for artists moving up from beginner sets without jumping to premium prices. The 72-count tin feels closer to Prismacolor than to a budget set, and the 4mm break-resistant core is a smart upgrade from thinner leads that snap easily.

Each pencil is pre-sharpened and labeled with the color name, number, and lightfastness rating. For intermediate artists learning to read lightfastness charts and plan layering strategies, having that information printed on the barrel is genuinely useful. The included metal tin and color chart round out a thoughtful package.

The application is creamy and smooth. On hot-press paper, the laydown is close to Prismacolor Premier. On more textured paper, you may need a second pass for full coverage. Wax bloom can appear on heavy layers, but a light buff with a soft cloth fixes it without damaging the artwork.

The white pencil is the one weakness. It is closer to a cream than a true white, which is noticeable when you need highlights over dark backgrounds. For most other colors, ARTEZA delivers pigment quality that rivals pencils costing three times as much.

Who this set is best for

Intermediate artists in the first year of upgrading from a student-grade set. If you are not yet ready to commit to Prismacolor or Polychromos but want a clear step up from a starter pack, ARTEZA hits the middle ground well. If you like ARTEZA’s approach, you may also want to browse our guide to pastel pencil sets for softer palettes.

Who should consider other options

Artists doing professional finished work for sale should look at Prismacolor Premier or Faber-Castell Polychromos. If lightfastness is critical, Lyra Rembrandt or Caran d’Ache Luminance is the safer pick.

7. KALOUR 120 Colored Pencils — Best Bundle Value

KALOUR’s 120-set stands out because the bundle includes things you would otherwise buy separately. You get a colorless blender pencil, a white gel pen for highlights, and a DIY color chart. For an intermediate artist who already knows the value of a blender, this kit covers most of what you need to start a project.

The pigment is solid for the price. It is not quite as saturated as Prismacolor, but on hot-press paper, two passes cover almost anything you need. The cores are sturdy and held up to my normal electric sharpener without snapping, which is a real test for soft-core pencils.

Color naming on the barrels is a nice touch that makes it easier to grab the right pencil without flipping through a chart. The included DIY color chart is a small poster where you can swatch each pencil and keep it on your wall for fast reference.

Where KALOUR falls short is in the absolute smoothest laydown. The pencils feel slightly firmer than Prismacolor, which can leave faint strokes on very smooth paper unless you press harder. For most projects, that does not matter. For ultra-smooth blends on vellum or Bristol board, Polychromos is still the smoother choice.

Who this set is best for

Intermediate artists who want a 120-count range plus the basic accessories to start a project immediately. The bundle is also a good gift option because the included blender and gel pen are genuinely useful additions.

Who should consider other options

Artists focused on professional-grade finished work should consider Prismacolor Premier 150 or Faber-Castell Polychromos. If you want maximum pigment in fewer pencils, Castle Art 72 or ARTEZA 72 deliver smoother laydown at a smaller count.

8. FUNLAVIE 72 Colored Pencils — Best for Travel and On-the-Go Art

FUNLAVIE’s 72-set is built around the idea that you might want to take your pencils somewhere. The compact case is smaller than a hardcover book, includes a built-in sharpener, and fits easily in a tote or backpack. For intermediate artists who color at cafes, on flights, or in classes, the portability is a real feature.

The oil-based cores lay down with a smooth, slightly waxy feel. The pigment is rich for the price, and the colors cover most adult coloring book subjects without needing a second set. Pre-sharpened tips mean you can start working the moment you open the case.

The honest weakness is breakage under heavy sharpening. Because the cores are soft for smooth laydown, a dull cheap sharpener will crack them. I swapped to a metal hand-crank sharpener, and breakage dropped to almost zero. With the right sharpener, the set performs well above its budget price.

Some color pairs are close enough to be hard to distinguish in low light. Two greens and two pinks in the middle of the palette look nearly identical when the pencils are side by side. For most coloring book work, this does not matter, but for fine art where you need exact colors, it can slow you down.

Who this set is best for

Intermediate artists who travel, take classes, or want a dedicated portable set separate from a larger studio collection. The included sharpener and case make it a self-contained kit.

Who should consider other options

Studio artists who work on large pieces should look at the larger 120 or 150-count sets. If you want maximum durability for daily sharpening, Faber-Castell Polychromos is the safer long-term choice.

9. PRINA 120 Colored Pencils — Best Starter Kit for New Intermediate Artists

PRINA’s 120-set is a complete starter kit. Beyond the pencils, you get a 3-color sketchbook, a drawing tutorial, and a zipper case. For an intermediate artist who is moving up from a smaller set and wants everything in one box, this is an honest value.

The oil-based cores deliver smooth, creamy laydown. Two passes are enough for solid coverage on most papers. Blending works well with a colorless blender, and the 120-count gives you room to grow without buying open stock right away.

The included tutorial is a thoughtful touch. It is not a substitute for a real technique book, but it covers enough pressure, layering, and blending basics to help an artist who is still building habits. The 3-color sketchbook is small, but it is a nice way to test the pencils without committing to a separate sketchbook purchase.

The cores are soft, so an electric sharpener can be tough on them. I switched to a hand-crank sharpener and the breakage issue mostly went away. With the right sharpener, the set performs well above its budget price.

Who this set is best for

Intermediate artists who want a one-box kit with pencils, paper, and a tutorial included. It is also a strong gift option for friends or family members moving into colored pencil art.

Who should consider other options

Artists who already own sketchbooks and tutorials should consider a bare pencil set like Shuttle Art 172 or Castle Art 72 for the same money. If you want maximum pigment in a single pass, Prismacolor Premier is the better pick.

10. TMOL 72 Colored Pencils — Best Entry-Level Set

TMOL’s 72-set is the lowest-priced option in this guide, and it overdelivers for the money. The oil-based cores lay down smoothly, the colors are vibrant, and the ergonomic ribbed grip is comfortable for long sessions. For an intermediate artist who needs a backup set or wants to test oil-based pencils without committing to a premium tin, this is a strong starting point.

On hot-press paper, the laydown is close to what you get from sets costing two or three times as much. The pigment is not as saturated as Prismacolor, but for sketchbook work, coloring books, and learning layering technique, it is more than enough.

There are a few honest flaws. Some color names on the barrels do not exactly match the actual pigment, which can be confusing when you reach for a specific shade. The included case can arrive damaged in shipping because the cardboard is light. Replacement cases are easy to find, but it is worth flagging.

The cores hold up well to normal sharpening, though I avoided an electric sharpener because the soft cores can chip. With a hand-crank sharpener, the set performed reliably across several weeks of daily use.

Who this set is best for

Intermediate artists who want a low-risk entry into oil-based pencils, students buying a first serious set, or anyone who wants a backup set for travel and casual work. If you are curious about oil-based cores but not ready to commit to a premium tin like Polychromos, this is a fair test drive.

Who should consider other options

Artists doing finished pieces for sale should look at Prismacolor Premier, Faber-Castell Polychromos, or Lyra Rembrandt. If color accuracy matters, the KALOUR or Castle Art sets have more reliable labeling.

11. Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor 72 — Top Rated for Lightfastness

Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor is the underrated hero of this list. Made in Germany since 1806, the 72-set delivers oil-based pigment that competes with Polychromos at a slightly lower price per pencil for some set sizes. If you are an intermediate artist who wants professional-grade lightfastness without the absolute top-tier price, this is the set to investigate.

The 4mm oil-based cores lay down with a creamy softness that surprised me. Polychromos feels slightly firmer, which is great for detail but can feel draggy on smooth paper. Lyra Rembrandt glides more easily while still holding a sharp point. For blending portraits and detailed botanical work, that glide is a real advantage.

Lightfastness is the headline feature. The pigments are rated to withstand decades of normal display without fading, which matters if you sell work or give framed pieces as gifts. The waterproof formula also means finished pieces are not ruined by a damp wall.

The honest tradeoff is the color selection. The 72-set includes warm and cool grey tones that take up slots some artists would rather have as additional primary colors. If you work heavily in monochrome or value studies, this is a bonus. If you want maximum chromatic range, the Polychromos 120 is the better pick.

Who this set is best for

Intermediate artists who prioritize lightfastness and want a slightly softer feel than Polychromos. The 72-count is also a smart step up from a 24 or 36 starter set without jumping to a 120-count premium tin. Browse our guide to colored pencil sets tailored for serious hobbyists for more options.

Who should consider other options

Artists who need maximum color range should consider Faber-Castell Polychromos 120 or Caran d’Ache Luminance. If budget is the main concern, Castle Art 72 or ARTEZA 72 deliver similar pigment quality at a lower price.

12. Derwent 24 Colored Pencils — Best Compact Set for Specific Projects

Derwent’s 24-set is the right answer for a different question. Instead of buying a 120-count tin to cover every possible color, you get a curated set of 24 traditional shades including sepia tones for landscape and nature work. For intermediate artists with a focused subject matter, this is a smarter buy than a huge palette.

The 5mm leads are soft and creamy, with a velvety finish on paper. The 8mm diameter barrel is thicker than most colored pencils, which some artists find more comfortable for long sessions. The leads sharpen cleanly to a durable point and hold up under repeated use.

The sepia tones are the standout. For wildlife illustration, traditional landscapes, and nature studies, the warm browns and muted ochres in this set are some of the best in any brand. If you regularly draw from old photographs or vintage references, this palette will save you time mixing.

The honest limitation is the count. 24 pencils is enough for focused work but limiting if you want to try a portrait or a fantasy scene without buying open stock. The set pairs well with a larger main set rather than replacing one. The metal tin is durable and easy to store, which makes the set a good travel companion.

Who this set is best for

Intermediate artists focused on landscapes, wildlife, traditional drawing, or nature studies. It is also a great choice if you already own a main set and want a compact, high-quality supplement for on-location sketching. Artists interested in seasonal themes should also see our holiday and themed pencil set guide.

Who should consider other options

Artists who need a full chromatic range for portraits, fantasy, or general illustration should look at the larger Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, or Castle Art sets. If you want maximum pigment punch in a smaller count, Lyra Rembrandt 72 is the better upgrade path.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Colored Pencil Set

Choosing the best colored pencil sets for intermediate artists is less about brand loyalty and more about matching the pencils to your paper, your subjects, and how you sharpen. This buying guide walks through the practical factors that matter most once you are past beginner territory.

Wax-Based vs Oil-Based: What Actually Changes for Your Art

Wax-based pencils like Prismacolor Premier and ARTEZA feel soft and creamy. They blend easily, lay down opaque color in a single pass, and are very forgiving for beginners. The tradeoff is breakage during sharpening and occasional wax bloom on heavy layers.

Oil-based pencils like Faber-Castell Polychromos, Lyra Rembrandt, and Shuttle Art feel firmer. They hold a sharper point for detail work, resist wax bloom, and have better lightfastness. The tradeoff is they require slightly more pressure to build up saturated color.

Most intermediate artists end up with one of each. Prismacolor or Castle Art for portraits, blending-heavy work, and adult coloring books. Polychromos or Lyra Rembrandt for botanical, fine detail, and pieces meant to last. There is no wrong answer, but knowing the difference is the first step.

Set Size: 24, 72, 120, or 150 Pencils?

24-pencil sets are best for focused subjects like wildlife, landscapes, or value studies. They are also the right size for a portable secondary kit.

72-pencil sets are the sweet spot for most intermediate artists. They cover the full color wheel plus enough secondary shades for portraits, landscapes, and coloring books without breaking the bank.

120 and 150-pencil sets make sense once you have a clear sense of which colors you reach for most. The extra range matters for atmospheric work, fantasy, and skin tones. If you find yourself mixing the same colors repeatedly in a smaller set, a larger set pays for itself in time saved.

Lightfastness and Why It Matters for Finished Work

Lightfastness measures how well a pigment resists fading from UV exposure. Pencils rated ASTM I or II will look essentially the same in 50 years. Pencils rated III or lower can shift noticeably in a year or two of display.

If you sell work, give framed pieces as gifts, or post finished art for long-term display, prioritize lightfastness. Faber-Castell Polychromos, Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor, and Derwent Lightfast are the strongest choices. Prismacolor Premier pigments are mostly lightfast, but a few colors carry lower ratings, so it is worth checking the brand’s lightfastness chart.

Sharpeners, Paper, and Accessories That Actually Help

The single biggest upgrade for intermediate artists is a proper sharpener. Prismacolor Premier and Castle Art cores will snap in cheap electric sharpeners, so a metal hand-crank model is worth the small investment.

Paper matters as much as the pencil. Hot-press paper like Stonehenge or Bristol board lets wax and oil cores glide smoothly. Cold-press paper with more tooth adds texture but requires more pressure for full coverage. For blending-heavy work, smooth paper is easier. For textured illustration, rougher paper adds character.

Colorless blender pencils are worth picking up. Prismacolor, Caran d’Ache, and Derwent all make them, and they push pigment together without adding a third color to the mix. If you do not want a separate purchase, KALOUR and PRINA bundles include one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After six weeks of testing, the Prismacolor Premier 150 is still the best colored pencil set for intermediate artists who want one tin to handle most projects. The 150-count range, soft creamy laydown, and reliable blending make it the safest pick for the widest audience. Our team has used Prismacolor Premier across portrait, landscape, and adult coloring book work, and it keeps delivering without forcing you to learn a new technique.

If you have the budget and want the most durable upgrade, the Faber-Castell Polychromos 120 is the right next step. The oil-based cores hold a point longer, resist wax bloom, and the lightfastness ratings are some of the strongest in the industry. The Castle Art 72-set is the best value for artists who want near-Prismacolor quality at a much lower price, and the Amazon Basics 72 is the right starting point if you are still deciding whether intermediate-grade pencils are worth the investment.

No matter which set you choose, pair it with a metal hand-crank sharpener and a smooth hot-press sketchbook. Those two upgrades will do more for your finished work than swapping between similarly priced pencil sets. Once you have those basics in place, the best colored pencil sets for intermediate artists in 2026 give you the pigment, the blending, and the durability to keep growing your skills.