Here are a few of the tools I use when working with “Color Pencils: “
Prismacolor Pencils & Sticks
Staedtler Watercolor Crayons
Stabilo Chalk-pastel coloring pencils
Faber-Castell Pure Grafite
Gum Eraser
Kneaded Rubber
Brushes for blending
blending stumps or tortillons
I always have xacto knives, sandpaper… and a bunch of other tools nearby
Color Pencils… there are sticks of color that are the same material & as someone mentioned there are “cores” [mostly referred to as "leads"] made of the same material.
Pressure is extremely important… if you press too hard the points will break very easily.. learning to controll the pressure of your instrument is very important.
The type & weight of paper is also very important.. I used to use Bristol a lot.. I am now using Aquarelle Arches, Satin Grain, Hot Pressed 140 lbs [a little expensive but very nice] Smooth grained papers work best for me although I have used and contine to use some papers that have a “tooth”
I used to use exclusively an xacto knife and a sandpaper block… now almost always use an inexpensive hand sharpener the one I currently have within arms reach was made by Faber-Castell.. plastic and has three “holes” for sharpening. I throw it in my backpack so I have it where ever I go.
There are several types of erasers and blending stumps should also be part of your kit.
A Simple Small Easel
This is a small easel that I use to paint with… a 3 step aluminum ladder with a flat aluminum bar and an aluminum angle. Drill 2 sets of holes and you will need 2 – 2″ x 1/4″ thumb screws and 4 - 1/4″ flanged nuts.
Detail
The Rocket Easel, with dual exhaust & mp3 player
