Are you a beginning artist wondering which art supplies to invest in to kickstart your creative journey? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which supplies are essential and which ones are not necessary.
From graphite pencils, colored pencils, pencil sharpeners, and sketchbooks to paints and brushes, this comprehensive art supplies list covers all the art supplies you’ll need to get started. Whether you’re interested in drawing, painting, or mixed media, this art supply list, has got you covered.
With the right art supplies at your fingertips, you’ll have the confidence to explore new techniques and experiment with different mediums. Plus, having high-quality supplies means your artwork will look its best, no matter your skill level.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a complete list of the best art supplies for the beginning artist, must-haves!
Core Essential Art Supplies
A Basic List to Get You Started
What are the Essentials You Need to Add to Your Art Supplies List?
The essential art supplies listed below are for beginning or professional artists and cover a wide range of materials that are essential for various art forms such as drawing, painting, and mixed media.
This art supplies list includes basic drawing pencils and sketchbooks paints, brushes, and canvases. as well as other essential supplies such as erasers, rulers, blending tools, palette knives, and even easels.
This selection of art supplies has been carefully thought out to provide a solid foundation for any beginner artist or professional artist looking to hone their skills and create beautiful pieces of art. Having these supplies on hand will allow you to experiment with different techniques and mediums, giving you the confidence to express your creativity without limitations.
By investing in the right art supplies, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking your artistic potential and creating stunning works of art.
Drawing and Sketching Supplies
Drawing is a fundamental skill that is essential to many forms of art. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, having the right drawing supplies is crucial to achieving the results you want. In this blog post, we will explore the must-have drawing supplies for artists of all levels.
From pencils and paper to erasers and pencil sharpeners, we will cover everything you need to create stunning drawings that showcase your unique style and creativity.
1. Sketchbooks or Drawing Pads
A sketchbook or drawing pad is a must-have art supply for any artist. A sketchbook will allow you to practice and develop your drawing skills further, experiment with different techniques, and explore new ideas.
They come in various sizes and types of paper, such as plain white or toned paper, and can be used with a wide range of drawing and painting mediums.
2. Graphite Pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)
Pencils are essential drawing tools that come in different hardness levels, ranging from H (hard) to B (soft). These different levels of hardness allow for a wide range of shading and line variations, making pencils versatile for any drawing style.
3. Erasers
Erasers come in different shapes and sizes and are used to correct mistakes, lighten areas, or create highlights in a drawing or painting. They are an essential tool for any artist, and it’s important to choose the right type of eraser for your medium and paper surface.
Types of Erasers include Vinyl, Kneaded, Gum, Electic, and Pen-Style Erasers.
4. Sharpeners
A good quality art pencil sharpener is essential for keeping your pencils sharp and ready for use. Choosing a sharpener that won’t damage your pencils is important, especially if you are using high-quality, expensive colored pencils.
5. Drawing Pens
Drawing pens are used for outlining, detailing, and adding texture to drawings. They come in different tip sizes, ranging from fine to broad, and are usually waterproof and lightfast
6. Charcoal Pencils
These pencils are a great drawing tool for creating bold, dramatic drawings with deep blacks and soft grays. They come in different hardness levels, from hard to soft, and can be used for both loose, expressive sketches and detailed renderings.
7. Graphite Sticks
Graphite sticks are a versatile drawing tool allowing large, expressive marks or detailed shading. They come in different hardness levels, from hard to soft, and can be used for drawing, sketching, and toning paper.
8. Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are a popular drawing tool for creating colorful, detailed drawings with a range of tones and hues. They come in a wide variety of colors and can be used on their own or with other mediums.
9. Blending Stumps
Blending stumps are essential for creating smooth transitions and blending techniques in drawings. They are made of compressed paper or felt and can be used with graphite, charcoal, and pastels to blend colors and create a range of values.
10. Watercolor Paper
Designed specifically for watercolor paints, watercolor paper is essential for creating watercolor artwork. It is designed to hold and absorb water and color, allowing the artist to create beautiful and expressive washes of color.
Watercolor paper comes in a variety of textures and weights, allowing for experimentation with different techniques and effects. is made of 100% cotton and has a rough or smooth surface. It is essential for achieving optimal results with watercolors or inks.
11. Rulers
Rulers are essential for creating accurate measurements and straight lines in drawings and paintings. They can be used to create perspective lines, grid lines, and precise shapes. Rulers come in various sizes and materials, from metal to plastic, and can be used with various media.
12. Scissors
Scissors are necessary for cutting and trimming paper, canvas, or other materials used in art projects. They come in various sizes and styles and can be used for cutting shapes, creating collages, or trimming excess paper.
13. Drawing boards or clipboards
Drawing boards or clipboards provide a sturdy surface for artists to work on while drawing or painting. They can be used to hold paper or canvas in place while working and provide a flat, stable surface for creating art.
14. Lightboxes (for tracing or transferring sketches)
Lightboxes are helpful for artists who want to trace or transfer sketches onto a different surface. They provide a backlight that illuminates the original sketch and allows for precise tracing or transferring of the image onto another surface.
15. Compasses (for drawing circles)
Compasses are essential for creating precise circles and arcs in drawings and paintings. They come in various sizes and materials and can be used for creating shapes, designs, or geometric patterns.
16. Protractors (for measuring angles)
A protractor is an essential tool for accurately measuring angles in a drawing or design. This tool can be especially useful for technical drawings or architectural sketches.
17. Charcoal powder or vine charcoal
Charcoal powder or vine charcoal can be used for creating large, expressive drawings or for adding shading and texture to a piece. These materials can be messy, but can also produce stunning, dramatic effects.
18. Blotting paper
Blotting paper is a good art supply because it helps to prevent smudging and bleeding of ink or watercolor on the paper, allowing the artist to create cleaner, more precise lines and washes. It can also be used to create unique textures and effects, such as adding a mottled or speckled appearance to a watercolor wash.
Mixed Media Supplies
Mixed media art refers to artworks created using a combination of different art supplies and techniques. It is a versatile and exciting art form that allows artists to explore their creativity and produce unique and visually appealing pieces.
To create mixed media art, you need to have a range of different art supplies and materials. In this article, we will be discussing the essential mixed media supplies that every beginner artist should have in their art kit.
21. Marker pens
Marker pens are a must-have for artists, particularly those who enjoy working with mixed media or want to add some colorful details to their sketches. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and are perfect for adding lines drawing shapes and details to artwork.
22. Glitter or sequins (for mixed media)
Glitter or sequins can be used to add a touch of sparkle and shine to mixed-media artwork. They can be used as accents or incorporated into the artwork for a more cohesive look.
23. Craft glue (for mixed media)
Craft glue is a necessary art supply for mixed media artists who want to combine various materials such as paper, fabric, or beads. It provides a strong hold and can be used to glue materials to a variety of surfaces.
24. Ink (India ink or acrylic ink)
Ink, whether it’s India ink or acrylic ink, is a versatile art supply that can be used for a variety of purposes. It can be used for calligraphy, painting, drawing, and even printing. The high pigmentation of ink makes it ideal for creating bold and detailed artwork.
Ink is a versatile medium that can be used for drawing, calligraphy, and painting. India ink is a traditional black ink made from carbon black and water, while acrylic ink is a water-based ink that can be found in a variety of colors.
25. Alcohol Marker Set
Alcohol markers are a popular tool among artists and designers for adding vivid colors and smooth gradients to their works. They are used for drawing, coloring, shading, and blending, and are especially effective on non-porous surfaces such as glossy paper, plastic, and metal.
Check out our article on the best alcohol markers to add to your art kit!
Painting Supplies
Painting is a popular art form that allows artists to express themselves through color, texture, and composition.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced painter, having the right painting supplies is essential to creating beautiful works of art. In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 must-have painting supplies for artists of all levels.
From brushes and canvases to paints and palettes, we will cover everything you need to create stunning paintings that showcase your unique style and creativity.
So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your existing supplies, read on to discover the essential painting tools that every artist should have in their toolkit.
26. Watercolor Paints
Necessary for creating delicate and translucent washes, watercolor paints come in both tube and pan forms. They are available in various grades and qualities, including student-grade and professional grades, and come in a range of colors.
27. Acrylic Paints
A popular and versatile medium, acrylic paints dry quickly, are easy to use, and come in various consistencies, such as heavy body and fluid. They are water-soluble and can be thinned with water or acrylic mediums.
28. Oil Paints
Known for their vibrant colors and slow drying time, oil paints offer a wide range of textures and effects. They are made from pigments suspended in an oil-based medium and can be used on various surfaces, including canvas, wood, and paper.
29. Paintbrushes (assorted sizes)
Essential for applying paint to a surface, paintbrushes come in various shapes and sizes. They are made from natural or synthetic bristles and can be used with different types of paints.
30. Palette Knives
Used for mixing and applying paint, palette knives come in different shapes and sizes. They are made of metal or plastic and are essential for creating unique textures and effects in your artwork.
31. Canvas or Canvas Boards
A surface for painting, canvas is made of cotton, linen, or synthetic materials. It comes in various sizes and can be stretched onto a frame or mounted onto a board.
32. Paint Palettes
Paint palettes are used to mix and hold paint while working on a piece of artwork. They come in various shapes and sizes, including traditional rectangular or circular palettes, and disposable or reusable options.
Using a paint palette allows an artist to experiment with color mixing, with paint brushes, and to keep colors clean and separate while working.
33. Easels (optional)
Used for holding your canvas or paper while you work, an easel can be adjusted to different heights and angles. It is optional but recommended for artists who want to work comfortably and efficiently.
34. Fixative Spray
Used to protect finished artwork from smudging, the fixative spray is available in various finishes, including matte and gloss. It is essential for preserving your artwork and ensuring its longevity.
35. Masking Tape
Used to create art with crisp edges and clean lines, masking tape is made of paper and has a low-tack adhesive. It is essential for artists who want to create precise and clean artwork.
36. Paint Thinner or Turpentine (For Oil Paints)
Used for thinning and cleaning oil paints, paint thinner or turpentine is a solvent that can be harsh and toxic. It is essential for oil painters who want to achieve specific effects and maintain the quality of their paints.
37. Varnish (for protecting finished artwork)
Used to protect finished artwork from UV rays, dust, and damage, the varnish is available in various finishes, including matte and gloss. It is essential for preserving your artwork and ensuring its longevity.
38. Spray Bottles (for water misting)
Spray bottles are useful for adding a fine mist of water to a painting or drawing, helping to create special effects, or to control the drying time of certain media. They can also be used to wet paper or to clean brushes.
39. Gouache Paints
Gouache paints are similar to watercolors but are opaque rather than transparent. They are often used for illustrations, posters, and graphic design projects. Gouache paints can be found in tubes or pans and can be mixed with water for different effects.
40. Watercolor Pencils
Watercolor pencils are similar to regular colored pencils but can be activated with water to create a watercolor effect. They are versatile and can be used for both drawing and watercolor painting too.
41. Calligraphy Pens
Calligraphy pens are specialized pens used for writing in decorative or stylized lettering. They come in a variety of nib sizes and shapes, allowing the artist to create a range of lettering styles.
42. Dip Pens and Nibs
Dip pens are another type of specialized pen used for calligraphy, drawing, or writing. They consist of a handle and a removable nib that is dipped in ink before each use. Dip pens come in a variety of nib shapes and sizes, allowing for a range of line widths
Sculpture and Modeling Clay Supplies
When it comes to creating three-dimensional artwork, having the right materials is essential. Sculpting and modeling clay supplies are a must-have for any artist interested in creating sculptures, figurines, and other forms of three-dimensional artwork.
These supplies can range from different types of clay to specialized tools used to shape and mold the clay. Whether you’re an experienced sculptor or just starting out, having the right supplies on hand can help you bring your artistic vision to life. In this list, we’ll explore some of the essential sculpture and modeling clay supplies that every artist should have in their toolkit.
43. Modeling Clay or Polymer Clay
These are necessary art supplies for sculptors, model makers, or anyone interested in creating three-dimensional artworks. Modeling clay is usually soft and pliable, while polymer clay is firmer and can be baked in an oven to harden. They can be used to make sculptures, figurines, and other small-scale artworks.
44. Sculpting Tools (For Clay)
These are necessary art supplies for sculptors, model makers, or anyone interested in creating three-dimensional artworks. Modeling clay is usually soft and pliable, while polymer clay is firmer and can be baked in an oven to harden. They can be used to make sculptures, figurines, and other small-scale artworks.
45. Air-Dry Clay
Unlike modeling or polymer clay, air-dry clay does not need to be baked in an oven. It dries and hardens on its own when exposed to air. It is a versatile material that can be used for sculptures, pottery, and other small-scale artworks.
46. Cutting Mats
Cutting mats are necessary art supplies for artists who frequently use blades and knives. They protect the work surface from damage and provide a self-healing surface that can be cut into without leaving permanent marks. They are also helpful for measuring and aligning artwork.
47. X-Acto Knives or Craft Knives
These knives are essential for artists who need to make precise cuts and details in their artwork. They can be used for a variety of tasks, such as cutting paper, cardboard, or other materials.
48. Stencils
Stencils are a useful tool for artists who want to add repeating patterns or designs to their artwork. They are made of durable materials, such as plastic or metal, and can be used multiple times. They are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and designs.
Wrapping Up
Having these supplies on hand can make it easier for beginners to explore different techniques and styles, experiment with new mediums, and develop their skills as artists. However, it’s important to remember that art supplies can be expensive, and not all items on this list may be necessary for everyone. It’s always a good idea to start with the basics and build your collection over time as you discover your preferred mediums and techniques.
In addition to investing in art supplies, beginners may also want to consider taking classes or workshops to learn from experienced artists and receive guidance on their creative journey. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, having the right tools and resources can make all the difference in your artistic endeavors.
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