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We have all used color pencils in our childhood. Coloring books are a rite of passage. That might be the reason we tend to underestimate color pencils as an art medium; however, color pencils as well as graphite pencil can bring the inner essence of the subject to the surface. They can capture movement through fast lines or brilliancy through layering.

In terms of necessary tools required, it is an easy and accommodating medium. A sharpener, pencils and paper are basically all the materials needed. Washing brushes and cleaning time are not necessary thus one can just get up and continue the next day without worrying. Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? However, working with pencils demands patience and accuracy. Mistakes are not easily erasable and, in fact, they are quite unforgivable. In oils and even acrylics, if something does not work, it can be covered. Erasing with pencils leaves marks that are very difficult to hide or cover. Erasing will not lift all the color from the paper surface leaving a noticeable area. 

Color pencils is also an art of relaxation. Soft pressure to start and slowly building up the layering from light to dark tones applying the layers in different directions. Pressure can slowly increase to insure coverage of the surface and specially the valleys of the paper.

In essence, patience, control, precision and a calm spirit are the best attributes for a color pencil artist to succeed.