If you’re in the market for high-quality drawing pencils that deliver rich, smooth lines with precision, the Cretacolor Cleo pencil is a fantastic choice. Whether you’re a professional artist or a beginner, these pencils offer a unique balance of ease of use and top-notch performance.
With a wide range of shades, they’re ideal for everything from detailed sketches to bold, expressive drawings. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Cretacolor Cleo pencil, highlighting the pros, cons, and why you should consider adding them to your art supplies.
Why Choose Cretacolor Cleo Pencils?

Cretacolor Cleo pencils stand out in the world of art supplies for several reasons. First, they’re made by a trusted brand that’s known for creating high-quality art materials.
These pencils are designed to meet the needs of artists at all skill levels. Whether you’re sketching portraits or tackling intricate details, the Cretacolor Cleo pencils offer a great balance between smooth application and precise control.
The range of colors, from soft to bold tones, makes them versatile for various drawing techniques, whether you’re blending, layering, or creating sharp contrasts. Another standout feature is the unique blend of graphite that provides rich dark shades, a quality many artists look for in a pencil.
Whether you’re working on a professional project or simply enjoying some personal sketching, these pencils bring out your creativity and make the process a whole lot easier.
How to Get the Most Out of Cretacolor Cleo Pencils?

To get the best results from these pencils, there are a few tips and techniques you can follow:
- Use Different Grades for Shading: Cretacolor Cleo pencils come in various grades, ranging from light to dark. For softer, lighter areas, use a harder grade, and for darker, more intense areas, opt for the softer ones. This will help you create a more dynamic range of tones.
- Layer for Depth: One of the advantages of these pencils is their ability to layer well. Start with a light layer of graphite and gradually build up darker tones. This technique allows for more control over shading and helps you achieve a realistic look.
- Blending: Cretacolor Cleo pencils blend beautifully with blending stumps or a tissue. When working with softer pencils, use a blending tool to smooth out the graphite for more subtle transitions between light and dark areas.
- Use a Sharpener: Keep your pencils sharp for better control and precision. A high-quality sharpener will help you maintain a fine point, especially if you need to work on detailed areas.
- Protect Your Work: Once you’ve finished your drawing, make sure to fix it with a spray fixative to preserve your work. This will prevent smudging and ensure the longevity of your artwork.
Pros and Cons of Using Cretacolor Cleo Pencils

Pros:
- Smooth Application: One of the things that drew me to Cretacolor Cleo pencils was their smoothness. Whether you’re creating delicate shading or bold, dark lines, these pencils offer a fluid application that’s easy to control.
- Versatile Range: Cretacolor Cleo pencils come in a wide range of shades, making them perfect for both light and dark tones. Whether you’re working on detailed pencil drawings or just shading, they give you the variety you need for your artistic vision.
- High Quality: The quality of these pencils is unmatched. The graphite blend is ideal for creating clean lines and blending without leaving excess residue. This ensures that your sketches are neat and professional-looking.
- Great for Detailing: If you’re someone who loves adding intricate details, these pencils are a great option. They work well for precision and allow you to layer and build up textures with ease.
- Long-Lasting: These pencils have good durability, and the graphite is strong enough to last through extended use. You won’t find yourself sharpening them every few minutes, which is great for long drawing sessions.
- Comfortable to Hold: The ergonomic design of these pencils means they’re comfortable to hold for extended periods, which is crucial for long art sessions. They’re designed to prevent hand fatigue, allowing you to work on your piece for longer periods without discomfort.
Cons:
- Price: While Cretacolor Cleo pencils are of exceptional quality, they are on the pricier side compared to other brands. For artists on a budget, this could be a downside. However, I personally believe the quality justifies the price.
- Hardness: Some artists might find the pencils a bit too soft for detailed work, particularly if you prefer using harder pencils for fine lines. The softness of the pencil can result in smudging if not careful.
- Requires Maintenance: These pencils, like many high-quality art supplies, require proper maintenance. You’ll need to keep them sharpened regularly to ensure precision. While this is a minor inconvenience, it’s worth noting.
Cretacolor Cleo Pencils Vs. Other Brands
- Cretacolor Cleo Pencils Vs. Prismacolor Pencils
When comparing Cretacolor Cleo pencils to Prismacolor pencils, the main difference lies in their application and blending properties. While Prismacolor pencils are popular for their vibrant colors, Cretacolor Cleo pencils excel in graphite and are known for their smooth texture and precision. Cretacolor Cleo pencils are ideal for detailed sketches and layering, whereas Prismacolor may feel softer and sometimes prone to breakage. Overall, Cretacolor Cleo pencils offer durability and smooth blending, making them a reliable choice for shading and realistic drawings.
- Cretacolor Cleo Pencils Vs. Faber-Castell Pencils
Faber-Castell is well-regarded for its high-quality pencils and fine precision. However, Cretacolor Cleo pencils stand out with their incredibly smooth application and versatility in shading. Faber-Castell pencils tend to be harder, which is great for fine lines, but Cretacolor Cleo’s softness makes them more suitable for blending and achieving smooth, even gradients. If you prefer soft, smooth lines with the ability to layer and build depth easily, Cretacolor Cleo pencils are an excellent option compared to Faber-Castell’s harder texture.
- Cretacolor Cleo Pencils Vs. Derwent Pencils
Derwent pencils are known for their high-quality performance and precision. However, Cretacolor Cleo pencils offer superior smoothness and blending capabilities. While Derwent’s pencils tend to be firmer and more suited for crisp lines, Cretacolor Cleo pencils are softer, allowing for better texture creation and gradual transitions in shading. Cretacolor Cleo pencils are ideal for artists who want smooth layers and rich tones, making them a better choice for those looking to blend and achieve softer shading effects compared to Derwent.
- Cretacolor Cleo Pencils Vs. Koh-I-Noor Pencils
Koh-I-Noor pencils are recognized for their reliable quality and consistency, but when it comes to smooth blending and rich tones, Cretacolor Cleo pencils have the edge. Koh-I-Noor pencils are often firmer, which might work well for finer, more precise lines. In contrast, Cretacolor Cleo pencils provide a buttery texture that effortlessly glides across the paper. They’re perfect for artists looking for versatility in both detailed and blended work, whereas Koh-I-Noor pencils are often more suited for linear work and finer details.
- Cretacolor Cleo Pencils Vs. Caran d’Ache Pencils
Caran d’Ache pencils are known for their premium quality and precision, particularly for artists who require high performance in their work. While Caran d’Ache excels in consistency and fine lines, Cretacolor Cleo pencils are better suited for artists who prioritize smooth shading and blending. The soft texture of Cretacolor Cleo pencils makes them ideal for those who want to create realistic depth and detailed gradients. While Caran d’Ache may be a go-to for precision, Cretacolor Cleo offers a more fluid drawing experience for those focused on shading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Cretacolor pencils are high-quality art tools known for their smooth application and precision. They come in a range of graphite and colored pencils, designed for both professional and amateur artists. Cretacolor Cleo pencils, in particular, are popular for their smooth texture and ability to create rich, dark shades.
For dark shades, soft pencils like the Cretacolor Cleo 6B or 8B work best. The softer the pencil, the more pigment it deposits, which is ideal for achieving deep, intense tones.
When aiming for realism, soft pencils like Cretacolor Cleo, combined with a range of harder grades for detail, are great choices. The ability to layer graphite allows for gradual transitions and detailed shading, which are essential for realistic drawings.
Graphite pencils can smudge easily, especially when using softer grades. They may also lack the depth of color that colored pencils or charcoal provide. Additionally, the shine of the graphite can sometimes create unwanted reflections in certain lighting.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Cretacolor Cleo pencils are a fantastic addition to any artist’s collection. Their smooth application, rich dark shades, and versatility make them perfect for a wide range of artistic techniques. While they may come at a higher price point, their durability, blending ability, and overall performance justify the cost.
If you’re looking for pencils that offer exceptional results for both beginners and experienced artists, Cretacolor Cleo pencils are definitely worth considering. Whether you’re sketching for fun or working on professional projects, these pencils will help elevate your art to the next level.