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10 Must-Have Art Supplies For Beginner artist | Best art supplies for beginners artist
| Must have art supplies for artists | Essential Tools for Artists | Essential tools for artists as beginners.
Most of us started drawing when we were young. Back then, materials and tools were not that important to us. Perhaps, they weren’t even considered. A standard pencil on some notebook paper would often “do the trick”.
But as we grew and developed as art skills, the materials and tools that we chose became more important. The connection between quality art materials and quality artwork becomes noticeable along the way and it’s no wonder that emerging artists desire to have the very best materials possible.
If you are starting to get serious about your artwork, no matter what age, you may also be starting to get serious about the materials that you use.
Essential Tools for Artists
If you want to learn how to draw or paint and are wondering what materials you'll need when you start, this list of art supplies for beginners covers 10 products every new artist should have. In this article, you'll learn about each supply and find out how to choose the best ones for a beginner, as well as where to buy them.
What Art Supplies Do I Need to Draw or Paint?
Here are the supplies you'll learn about in this article:
Sketchbook
Graphite Drawing Pencils
Colored Pencil
Kneaded Eraser
Art Pencil Sharpener
Watercolour or Acrylic Paint Set
Paint Brushes
Watercolor Paper Pad or Canvas Pad
Plastic Paint Palette or Palette Paper Pad
Color Wheel
1. Sketchbook
A sketchbook is an essential supply for those learning to draw. Whether you plan to take a drawing class or learn on your own, this item should be the first on your list. Sketchbooks can be used for drawing shapes, practising composition, shading, and other drawing skills. Even if your primary interest is painting, a sketchbook is a perfect place to plan out a painting before working on other materials.
Since a sketchbook is recommended for daily practice, it is important to choose one that is durable and has plenty of space for all of your ideas. I suggest a sketchbook that has a hardcover so that it will stand up to repeated use and travel. A hardcover keeps the corners of the pages inside nice and clean and will help keep the pages flat if you use mixed media applications.
Sketchbooks I recommend-
Sketching Pad 120 GSM, Size A3 is a good size for beginners- I use this one
Wiro Bound Sketch Book Journal, 110 GSM, Size A5- Shop here
Wiro Bound Sketch Book Journal, 200 GSM, Size A4- Shop here
Hard Bound Sketch Book, 180 GSM, Square shape, Size 21 cm x 21 cm- Shop here
2. Graphite Drawing Pencils
Graphite pencils can be used to draw everything from the simplest of sketches to highly detailed works. They can be bought individually, or in sets. Sets are great for beginners because they have an assortment of pencil types for drawing and shading. The average six-pencil set will have a 2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, and 6 B. These numbers correspond with the hardness of the graphite.
We’ll start off with the most obvious essential – quality drawing pencils. When it comes to drawing pencils, each artist will find a brand that they connect with. There’s no way to know which brand will become your favourite until you try a few.
As far as pencil brands go, there are plenty of great options. Derwent graphite pencils are consistent in their quality and are the brand I recommend.
Although graphite pencils aren’t very expensive, purchasing individual pencils can be more pricey than just buying a full set of pencils. You may also find yourself hunting for them at the art store.
Harder pencils make lighter lines (Pencil numbers with an "H")
Softer pencils make darker lines (Pencil numbers with a "B")
Pencils I recommend-
Derwent Graphic Full Set Graphite Pencils, 9B-9H (Set of 24)- Shop here
Derwent Graphic Soft Graphite Pencils, 9B-H (Set of 12)- Shop here
Derwent Graphite Sketching Pencil Soft Graphic,- HB, 2B, 4B, 6B (Set of 4)- Shop here
Faber-Castell Castell 9000 Pencil Set ( Pack of 12)- Shop here
Faber-Castell Castell 9000 Pencil Set (Pack of 6)- Shop here
3. Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are everywhere. You can buy them just anywhere. But this doesn’t mean that every colored pencil brand out there will get the best results. Quality matters and so does the type of colored pencil that you choose.
Prismacolor Premier
Prismacolor wax-based Premier pencils are soft and buttery, allowing the artist to layer colors to build up a solid application that often compares to a painting. Some people complain that they break easily and they do. But this is due partly to the soft core of the pencil which is also why they are so easy to use and build up on a surface.
Faber-Castell Polychromos
Faber-Castell’s Polychromos pencils are oil-based and behave slightly differently from wax-based pencils. These pencils require several layers to build up depth in color, but the results are fantastic. They’re expensive, but well worth the investment if colored pencils are your medium of choice.
Caran D’ache Luminance
Luminance pencils are wax-based, premium pencils. They layer nicely and are a little harder than Prismacolor Premier, meaning they break less often. These pencils are, in my opinion, the brightest colored pencils. So if you plan on working on darker surfaces, these pencils may be your best bet. They are expensive, so consider them an investment if you decide to go this route.
Color Pencil I recommend-
4. Kneaded Eraser
Erasers are for mistakes – right? Think again. Erasers can be a great mark-making tool as well. Each eraser creates a different mark and should be used as necessary according to the specific drawing medium.
Here are a few recommended erasers…
Rubber Eraser –
Your standard eraser for erasing graphite. This eraser uses friction to remove any material from the surface.
Kneaded Eraser –
A kneaded eraser is a must-have supply for removing pencil marks. This special type of art eraser won’t damage the paper or leave a residue behind. It can be moulded into various shapes and used to erase large or small areas.
This eraser lifts material from the surface, instead of using friction to remove it. It can be pulled and fashioned into different forms to create specific marks. This eraser gets dirty over time, but can be cleaned by pulling and “kneading” it.
Gum Eraser –
“The Crumbler”. This eraser is great for removing media from surfaces that are sensitive to tearing. A gum eraser removes the medium through friction but crumbles as it does so – preserving the surface.
Vinyl or Plastic Erasers –
This eraser is the toughest of the bunch. It can erase almost anything. But be warned – this eraser can tear the paper if you’re not careful.
Eraser I recommend-
5. Sharpener
Pencils need to be sharpened with a quality pencil sharpener. Use a poor-quality sharpener and you could be out of a pencil in a matter of moments.
A pencil sharpener will keep your pencils sharp for your drawings. Metal hand-held sharpeners are easy to use and allow you to see the pencil tip as it's being sharpened. This helps prevent over-sharpening and broken pencil tips.
What kind of pencil sharpener should I get for sketching?
An 8 mm single (standard pencil size) or double sharpener with 8 mm and 10.5 mm holes for thicker pencils
Tip: Replace the pencil sharpener or the blade when it's not sharpening well.
Sharpner I recommend-
Staedtler Metal Sharpener- Shop here
6. Watercolor or Acrylic Paint Set
Watercolor and acrylic paints are two of the best choices for those learning to paint. They're both water-based, so paint thinners aren't needed for painting or clean-up. Beginners can learn basic painting skills by taking a class, or from books, videos, or online tutorials.
Here's some information about choosing watercolor paints:
What type of watercolors should I buy?
Choose a transparent watercolor pan set with eight to twelve colors.
What are transparent watercolors?
The three types of watercolor paints are transparent, semi-opaque, and opaque. Transparent watercolors have the sheer appearance most people associate with this type of paint.
Watercolour I recommend-
High Range-
Winsor & Newton - Fine Watercolour Set (24 shades)- Shop here
Winsor & Newton - Cotman Water Colour Paints Whole Pans Studio Set (24 shades)- Shop here
Winsor & Newton - Cotman Water Colour Painting Plus Set (24 shades)- Shop here
Winsor & Newton - Cotman Half Pan Water Colour Studio Set (45 shade)- Shop here
Winsor & Newton - Cotman Water Colour Tube Set (12 shades)- Shop here
Winsor & Newton - Cotman Water Colour Tubes Set (20 shades)- Shop here
Winsor & Newton Artists' Water Colour Half Pans Light Weight Metal Box (24 shades)- Shop here
Inexpensive Range-
Camlin Kokuyo Artist Water Color Tube (24 Shades)- Shop here
Choosing Acrylic Paint
What kind of acrylic paints should I buy?
Look for a set of heavy-body acrylics in tubes. Heavy body paint shows brush strokes but can be thinned with water for a smoother appearance.
What colors of acrylic paint should I buy?
Buy a beginner's set that includes at least six colors: red, yellow, green, blue, black, and white.
The acrylic paint I recommend-
If you're buying tubes of paint individually, here's a selection of colors to start with:
Red (Cadmium Red Medium or Naphthol Crimson)
Yellow (Cadmium Yellow Medium)
Green (Phthalocyanine Green, Blue Shade, a.k.a. "Phthalo Green")
Blue (Ultramarine Blue, Green Shade)
Purple (Dioxazine Purple)
Brown (Raw Umber)
Black (Mars Black)
White (Titanium White)
Tip: Buy two tubes of white because it's helpful to have extra for mixing colors.
10 MUST-HAVE ART SUPPLIES FOR BEGINNER- Free PDF (Printable Download)
7. Paint Brushes
Once you have paints, you’ll need some brushes. If you visit an art supply store, you’ll find many types to choose from: natural or synthetic bristle, long handle or short handle, and various shapes and sizes.
To keep things simple as you’re learning how to paint, choose a beginner’s brush set for watercolors or acrylics. Sets include an assortment of brushes for different painting techniques.
What type of paintbrushes should I use?
Both natural and synthetic bristle brushes can be used for watercolor and acrylics. Natural bristle brushes tend to show brush strokes, while synthetic bristles leave smooth lines. If you're not sure which one to choose, try both to see which you like best.
If you plan to paint with watercolors and acrylics, Princeton brushes are a good option. This synthetic brush material is durable and can be used with many types of paint.
Princeton Velvetouch Short Handle Angle Shader Paintbrush (1/2 Inches)- Shop here
Princeton Velvetouch Short Handle Mini Liner Paintbrush (No 1)- Shop here
Princeton Velvetouch Short Handle Round Paintbrush (No 1)- Shop here
Princeton Velvetouch Short Handle Mini Mop Paintbrush (1/8 Inches)- Shop here
Artist's Den Brushes for Acrylic, Watercolour, Gouache & Oil Painting (Angular Brush Set of 5)- Shop here
One of my favourite beginner sets is the Faber-Castell Paint Brush Set - Round, Pack of 7- Shop here
They’re well-made brushes for the price and work with watercolors and acrylics.
Tip: As you gain experience, experiment with different shapes and sizes of brushes.
8. Watercolor Paper Pad or Canvas Pad
Watercolor and acrylic painting can be done on various surfaces, but pads are one of the easiest for a beginner learning how to paint.
Watercolor Paper Pad: Watercolor paper is thick enough to handle water without warping. Look for a "cold pressed" watercolor paper pad with 140 lb (300 GSM) weight paper. The cold-pressed paper has some texture, which makes it easier to paint on.
Canvas Pad: A canvas pad is a good surface for those starting out with acrylic paints. It has tear-out sheets which are primed and ready to paint on.
Paper & canvas Pad I recommend
Tip: Start with an A4 size watercolor or canvas pad
9. Plastic Paint Palette or Palette Paper Pad
You'll need a paint palette for mixing colors or diluting them with water for painting. Plastic palettes can be used with watercolors and acrylics. Choose one at least 7" (approx. 17.5 cm).
A pad of disposable palette paper is another option for painting. It offers more space to mix colors and makes clean-up a little easier.
Plastic Paint Palette or Palette Paper Pad I recommend-
10. Color Wheel
A color wheel is another helpful tool for new artists. It explains some basic facts about color and shows which colors to mix to create a new color.
Color Wheel I recommend-
Where to Buy Art Supplies
Local Art Supply Stores - The supplies listed in this article should be available at local art supply stores. The advantages of buying locally are seeing the supplies before you buy them, having someone available to answer any questions you might have, and supporting local businesses.
Buying Art Supplies Online - These supplies can also be found at online art supply stores and other online retailers. Some advantages of buying art supplies online include having access to more brands, reading customer reviews of products, and sometimes more competitive prices.
Other Helpful Supplies for Artists- List of all Art Supplies
10 MUST-HAVE ART SUPPLIES FOR BEGINNER- Free PDF (Printable Download)
What kind of art do you want to try?
SKETCHING
WATERCOLOR PAINTING
ACRYLIC PAINTING
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