Are these good for beginners?

Yes, if you want to learn blending. The soft lead is forgiving, but it wears down fast and rewards a light hand. Beginners on a tight budget may prefer a harder student pencil first.

How does the 36 set compare with the 72 or 150 sets?

Same pencil, fewer colors. The 36 covers a usable core palette; the larger sets add pastels, grays and earth tones that matter for realistic work. Buy the 36 if you mix media or draw mostly in strong color.

Do the leads break easily?

Softer than most artist pencils, so they can snap if dropped or sharpened with too much pressure. Use a sharpener with a fresh blade and a light hand, and store them flat.

Can I use them over markers or watercolor?

Yes. The wax core sits well over alcohol markers and dried watercolor, and it burnishes on toned paper. It is not water-soluble, so it will not dissolve like watercolor pencils.

Prismacolor rates the Premier line as lightfast for artist use, though individual colors vary. Keep finished work out of direct sun and fixative can help seal wax bloom.