Prisma Color Pencils?

Question

How many of these pencils do you really need? Theres like packs of 12 to 130 pencils. I want to know so I dont invest in colors i dont really need.

Answer 1

It really depends on how intricate you get with colors and values in your art.  I am a colored pencil artist with two complete sets. . . .one of the entire Prisma set and one Derwent . . . and I have still supplemented with other brand's colors.  The thing with colored pencils is that you can have all the value and hue ranges you need. . . .or you can try to layer to achieve them.  

I know of at least one c/p artist who uses only three pencils:  red, yellow and blue (I am not sure exactly which hues) and mixes all others through layering.  

For example, this 100% colored pencil piece would require a very good range of pencils:  http://www.vividpencils.com/images/cglas...

This one would only require limited pencils but in a range of values:  http://www.chisaiistudio.com/silverbackL...

This one appears to have been done with a limited set:  http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2291...

Answer 2

I would say 24 is the most you would need unless you plan on being really anal about the colors. I used to have the 12, which was not enough, and then I received the 24 as a gift and it works well for me.  

Answer 3

Prismacolors are, by far, better than any other colored pencil.

They blend wonderfully.

You can never have enough colors.

If I could afford it, I would buy the 130 pack.