Menu

Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Pencils: A Surprising First Encounter

When it comes to colored pencils, I’ve always been a Faber-Castell Polychromos kind of artist.

Reliable, richly pigmented, and wonderfully versatile, they’ve been my trusted tools for years. So, when I first picked up a set of Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor pencils, I couldn’t help but wonder: could they really compare to my beloved Polychromos, especially at a significantly lower price?

Photo of a tin of 72 Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor pencilsMy tin of Lyra Polycolor pencils

A First Impression That Surprised Me

The moment I began using them, my skepticism started to fade.

Crafted in Germany with the precision and attention to detail that German art supplies are renowned for, Lyra Polycolor pencils immediately impressed me. Slim to hold the hand, but with a substantial 4mm core, they handled well.

Like Polychromos, these pencils are oil-based, which means they deliver smooth, blendable color without the waxy buildup often associated with other brands.

As I sketched a simple hedgerow scene inspired by the countryside outside my window, the pencils glided effortlessly across the page, laying down rich, vibrant pigment with a satisfying ease.

Blendability That Invites Experimentation

Blending was where these pencils truly shone.

With Polychromos, I’m accustomed to carefully layering colors to achieve soft transitions.

But with the Lyra Polycolors, the pigments seemed to merge almost effortlessly, creating seamless gradients and subtle shifts in tone. Capturing the nuances of natural light and texture became a joy rather than a challenge.

It felt as though these pencils were encouraging me to experiment, to push my artistic boundaries, and to explore new possibilities.

Even more surprising was how forgiving they were.

While some pencils "lock" layers into place, Lyra Polycolors allowed for easy adjustments, even after multiple layers. This flexibility made them perfect for refining highlights or adding delicate tonal shifts without overworking the piece.

How Lightfast are Lyra Polycolor Pencils?

Another feature that surprise me was their lightfastness. The star ratings displayed inside the lid of the tin offer clear guidance on durability, ensuring that your artwork will withstand the test of time.

Three stars indicate extremely lightfast colours, while two stars indicate very good lightfastness.

Knowing that these pencils perform well in this area gave me confidence to use them for pieces I plan to display or preserve.

Exceptional Value for Artists

What truly sets Lyra Polycolor pencils apart is their affordability.

They deliver professional-level results at a fraction of the cost of Polychromos. As someone who uses colored pencils as frequently as cups of tea on a winter’s day, finding a high-quality yet budget-friendly option for sketching is a significant win.

While Polychromos are known for their extensive colour range, the Polycolors stood out with unique tones, especially their earthy greens and soft grays. These shades capture the muted elegance of winter trees and frosty mornings so beautifully.

Widely Available and Easy to Try

Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor pencils are easy to find here in the UK. They’re available online through retailers like Amazon, Jackson’s Art Supplies, and Cass Art. These stores often feature discounts, making it even easier to stock up on a set without straining your budget.

I found the set of 72 colours on Amazon for a fraction over £1 a pencil (January 2025). I was also delighted to find them offered as open stock, at cultpens.com.

My Final Thoughts on Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor

While Faber-Castell Polychromos remain my trusted go-to pencils, Lyra Polycolor pencils have carved out a well-deserved place in my art kit.

They offer something uniquely their own—a vibrant playfulness, ease of use, and affordability, all backed by exceptional German craftsmanship and lightfastness.

If you’ve never tried them before, I’d encourage you to give them a go.

Start small, perhaps with a quick sketch of your surroundings, and let the pencils guide you.

Who knows? Like me, you may discover that these affordable, high-quality pencils open up a world of new possibilities in your art—without breaking the bank.

Key Highlights:

Blending and Layering: Seamless transitions with oil-based cores.

Affordability: Professional results at a budget-friendly price.

Versatility: Unique color tones ideal for capturing natural light and texture.

Lightfastness: Durable pigments for lasting artwork

You might like these

You might like these

 

Would you like our occasional newsletter?