A little understanding of the principles of the three primary colors can help you master the colors better, so that even if you only have 12 colors of colored lead, you can draw 24+ colors. In this way, "how many colors should I choose to buy colored lead?" This kind of question depends on you. It is suggested that 48 colors should be enough.
If you buy a book, you can recommend Le Fei Bird's book. For the basic level, you can see Introduction to Color Pencil Drawing and Introduction to Color Pencil Drawing. In order to improve, you can read flower painting series (various themes, such as scenery, people and animals). Introduction to colored pencil drawing, one book is enough, covers how to choose and use colored lead, how to stack colors and match colors, and how to draw various things. There are many examples, and the whole process is explained by hand-drawn photos, and then drawn step by step. And after each example, you can print a line draft, so you can practice coloring directly in the book, which is super convenient.
In terms of painting tools, we should first choose the appropriate colored lead, which can be divided into oily lead and water-soluble lead. Oily colored lead is easier to use, and water-soluble colored lead is more effective. According to personal preference, it is recommended to use Kyle Renoir 48 color oily lead and Faber Carlton 48 color water-soluble lead. Le Feiniao's books are basically painted with these two colors of lead. Other things that need to be prepared are eraser, pencil (black for drawing lines), colored lead paper (ordinary printing paper can be used if you practice, and all kinds of paper can be used if you doodle), pencil sharpener or pencil sharpener. If you like the edge marking effect, you need to use a pen or Gou Xianbi.
Don't feel complicated. As long as you pay attention, try more, practice more, find some learning materials, share your learning experience with your peers, and stick to it, you will definitely learn something!