The Ultimate Guide to Art Supplies for Beginners

20 May The Ultimate Guide to Art Supplies for Beginners

So, you’ve decided to dive into the world of art. Awesome! But before you start creating your masterpiece, there’s one thing you need: the right supplies. With so many tools out there, it can be tricky to figure out what you actually need and what’s just extra. Whether you’re sketching, painting, or experimenting with new materials, this guide will help you get started with the essential supplies every beginner needs.

Drawing Supplies

Sketchbook (Preferably 9″x12″)

Your sketchbook is like your artistic diary – every idea, practice stroke, and doodle will go here. A 9″x12″ sketchbook is perfect because it gives you enough space to work on more detailed pieces while still being portable enough to take with you.

What to Look For When Buying a Sketchbook:

• Paper thickness: Look for paper that’s at least 70-100 gsm so that your pencil strokes won’t bleed through.
• Binding type: Spiral-bound sketchbooks are easier to lay flat, while hard-bound ones provide more protection for your drawings.
• Acid-free paper: This ensures that your sketches won’t yellow over time.

Graphite Pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)

Graphite pencils are essential for sketching. The different grades indicate how hard or soft the pencil is. For example, HB is harder and lighter, while 6B is soft and great for creating rich, dark lines. Having a set with various grades will give you a wide range of tonal values for your drawings.

What to Look For When Buying Graphite Pencils:

• Variety in hardness: A good range is key for versatility, so look for sets with at least HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B.
• Smoothness: Softer leads (like 6B) should feel buttery and glide across the paper without breaking.
• Comfortable grip: Pencils that feel good in your hand make long drawing sessions more enjoyable.

Erasers (Kneaded and Vinyl)

Every artist makes mistakes, and that’s where erasers come in. Kneaded erasers are soft and can be shaped to erase small details or lighten areas of your drawing. Vinyl erasers are tougher and can take out heavy lines without damaging the paper.

What to Look For When Buying Erasers:

• Flexibility: Kneaded erasers should be easy to shape without crumbling.
• Durability: Vinyl erasers should erase cleanly without tearing the paper.
• Non-toxic materials: Always ensure your erasers are safe and non-toxic.

Sharpener

Having a sharp pencil is key to nailing those fine details in your artwork. A good sharpener will save you time and frustration, ensuring your pencils stay in top condition.

What to Look For When Buying a Sharpener:

• Dual holes: This allows for sharpening both standard and larger pencils.
• Enclosed design: Prevents pencil shavings from making a mess.
• Sharp blades: Look for stainless steel or other high-quality blades that won’t dull quickly.

Charcoal Sticks (Compressed and Vine)

Charcoal sticks are great for creating bold, dramatic sketches. Compressed charcoal offers deep blacks, while vine charcoal is lighter and easier to blend, making it perfect for softer shading.

What to Look For When Buying Charcoal Sticks:

• Variety: Get both compressed and vine charcoal for flexibility in your artwork.
• Break resistance: Compressed charcoal should be strong enough to handle pressure.
• Blendability: Vine charcoal should blend smoothly for softer shading.

Colored Pencils

When you’re ready to add some color to your sketches, colored pencils are your go-to. A good set should offer a wide range of shades, and the pencils should be soft enough to blend but firm enough to draw fine lines.

What to Look For When Buying Colored Pencils:

• Smoothness: Softer pencils blend better and offer more vibrant colors.
• Color range: A wide variety of shades will allow you to experiment more.
• Lightfastness: Ensure the colors won’t fade over time.

Painting Supplies

Acrylic Paints (Basic Colors)

Acrylic paints are great for beginners because they dry quickly, are easy to layer, and work on various surfaces. A basic set with primary colors is all you need to get started. You can mix these colors to create just about any hue you want.

What to Look For When Buying Acrylic Paints:

• Pigment quality: Higher pigment concentration means richer colors.
• Drying time: If you’re new to painting, slower-drying paints give you more time to blend.
• Non-toxic: Ensure the paints are safe to use, especially indoors.

Watercolor Paints (Set)

Watercolors are perfect if you like the idea of creating soft, flowing images. A set of pan watercolors is great for portability and ease of use, while tubes offer more control over color intensity.

What to Look For When Buying Watercolor Paints:

• Pan vs. tube: Pan sets are great for travel, while tubes offer more intense color.
• Blendability: Look for sets that allow for smooth color transitions.
• Lightfastness: Choose colors that won’t fade when exposed to light.

Paintbrushes (Various Sizes)

To get the most out of your painting, you’ll want a range of brushes that allow you to create different types of strokes and textures. Start with a flat brush for broad strokes, a round brush for detail, and a smaller brush for fine lines. These will work well with both acrylics and watercolors.

What to Look For When Buying Paintbrushes:

• Brush shape: Round, flat, and fan brushes offer the most versatility.
• Handle type: Go for brushes with comfortable, ergonomic handles.
• Synthetic vs. natural bristles: Synthetic brushes are durable and work well with acrylics.

Palette for Mixing

A palette is essential for mixing paints. Plastic palettes are affordable and easy to clean, while ceramic palettes are more durable and provide a smooth surface for mixing.

What to Look For When Buying a Palette:

• Size: A larger palette allows you to mix multiple colors at once.
• Material: Plastic is lightweight, but ceramic is sturdier and easier to clean.
• Dividers: Palettes with wells help keep colors separate until you’re ready to blend.

Water Container

A water container is a must-have for cleaning your brushes, especially when working with watercolors or acrylics. You can use any cup or jar, but make sure it’s large enough to hold plenty of water.

What to Look For When Choosing a Water Container:

• Size: Bigger containers mean fewer trips to refill.
• Stability: Make sure your container is stable to avoid spills.
• Ease of cleaning: A wide opening makes it easier to clean.

Paper Towels or Rags

When painting, you’ll need something to wipe your brushes on. Paper towels or old rags work well for this. They’re also great for cleaning up any accidental spills or blotting excess paint from your brush.

What to Look For When Choosing Paper Towels or Rags:

• Absorbency: Thicker towels absorb more paint and water.
• Reusability: Rags are more eco-friendly and can be washed and reused.
• Durability: Opt for materials that won’t tear easily when wet.

Other Materials

Oil Pastels

Oil pastels are a fun mix between crayons and paint, offering vibrant colors that are super easy to blend. They have a smooth, creamy texture, which makes them ideal for layering and mixing directly on paper. Whether you want bold, bright colors or soft, blended effects, oil pastels are incredibly versatile. Plus, you can blend them with your fingers for a painterly finish, making them an excellent tool for expressive, hands-on artwork.

What to Look For When Buying Oil Pastels:

• Softness: Softer pastels blend more easily and offer more vibrant colors.
• Pigment concentration: High-quality pastels have more pigment and deliver richer colors.
• Blendability: Make sure the pastels are easy to blend, whether with fingers or a blending tool.

Markers (Fine Tip and Broad Tip)

Markers are perfect for adding bold, bright colors and clean lines to your art. Fine-tip markers are great for detailed work like outlines or intricate patterns, while broad-tip markers are ideal for quickly filling in larger areas. Whether you’re working on a school project or creating your next masterpiece, markers offer great colors and easy control.

What to Look For When Buying Markers:

• Tip Variety: Look for sets that include both fine and broad tips to give you more versatility in your artwork.
• Ink Quality: Opt for non-bleeding, long-lasting ink to ensure clean, bold lines that stay vibrant.
• Alcohol vs. Water-based: Consider alcohol markers for richer color saturation and blending and water-based markers for more beginner-friendly, affordable options.
• Dual-tip Options: Some markers come with both fine and broad tips in one marker, giving you the best of both worlds in a single tool.

Miscellaneous

Lastly, there are a few miscellaneous items that are incredibly useful (but not required)0 for any artist.

• Apron or old shirt: Always wear something to protect your clothes from spills or stains. An apron with pockets can be handy to store small tools.
• Storage container for supplies: Keeping your supplies organized is key, whether it’s a simple art box or a more elaborate toolbox with compartments for everything from pencils to paints.
• Ruler: Helps you measure and create straight lines, an essential for precision.
• Craft knife or X-Acto knife: For cutting and trimming, a sharp craft knife is ideal for working with paper, cardboard, or other materials.
• Scissors: Another must-have for cutting paper, fabric, or other materials.

Ready, Set, Create!

There you have it! Now that you have a full breakdown of essential art supplies, you’re ready to dive into your creative projects with confidence. Whether you’re sketching in your new sketchbook or experimenting with acrylic paints, these tools will help you unleash your inner artist. Just remember, the key to success is not just having the right tools but practicing regularly and experimenting with different techniques. So grab your supplies and start creating!