Art Supplies List
Best Art Supplies for Beginners
(What I actually use in my studio)
Don’t break the bank when you’re just starting out. Focus on quality, not quantity.
Many times, I complete an entire painting using only two or three brushes. While higher-quality art supplies often lead to better results, that doesn’t mean expensive always equals better. There are thoughtful, value-for-money choices, you just need to know what to look for. Below, I share some of the materials I personally use and trust.
Note: Many of my readers are outside the United States. If you are, feel free to look for similar supplies locally, using these recommendations as a guide. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Choosing to purchase through them supports my work at no extra cost to you.
Following you will find my Art Supplies list recommendations for:
1. GRAPHITE PENCILS
2. COLORED PENCILS
3. SOFT PASTELS
4. WATERCOLORS
5. ACRYLICS
6. OIL COLORS
7. MARKERS >
You can find them on Amazon but, sometimes, supplies like canvas, pads, or even paints have much better deals on Michaels, Jerry’s Artarama, Blick, or even Walmart. Do your research and decide.
ALWAYS WITH YOU ▶ Color Wheel
If you are starting out, this is a great visual to demonstrate the outcomes of mixing different colors.
● Choose a sturdy one, as you will use it a lot in the beginning.
● Color Wheel Small Color Mixing Guide (3501) by Color Wheel.
1. GRAPHITE PENCILS
(Graphite pencils and Colored pencils share a similar supplies list.)
PAPER ▶ Drawing Paper Pad
A simple drawing pad is a great place to start, especially for beginners.
I personally choose paper depending on what I’m using – lighter paper works well for graphite or charcoal, while thicker paper is better if you also want to use colored pencils.
Choose a size that feels comfortable for you. A medium size is usually practical, but smaller ones can also work well for quick studies.
✅️ I often use medium sizes like 9×12″ (22.9 x 30.5 cm), but the best choice is what feels easy for you to use regularly. If you don’t want to waste paper, then you can also buy a smaller size 6 x 8″ (15.2 x 20.3 cm). The weight of the paper may not exceed 65 lb (100 GSM).
My Top choices:
● Strathmore 100 Sheet Sketch Pad, 9×12, White
● Strathmore 400 Series Colored Pencil Pads
● Canson XL Series Drawing Paper Pad, 70 Pound, 9 x 12 Inch, 60 Sheets.
● Canson XL Series Mix Paper Pad, 98 Pound, 9 x 12 Inch, 60 Sheets.
PENCIL ▶ Graphite Drawing Pencils
Graphite pencils are a great starting point for beginners.
You’ll notice they come in different types – some are lighter (H) and some are darker (B). I like having a small mix, four to five pieces, so I can move naturally between soft shading and more precise lines.
You don’t need many to begin – just a few are enough to explore.
✅️ HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B are the pencils I constantly use.
My Top choices:
● Faber-Castell – Castell 9000 Art Set Pencil (Pack of 6)
● Dyvicl Professional Drawing Sketching Pencil Set – 12 Pieces Drawing Pencils
● Professional Drawing Sketching Pencil Set – Brusarth 14 Pieces Art Drawing Graphite Pencils
● Heshengping Drawing Pencils Sketch Pencil Art Supplies Set for Kids Adults beginners Professional Sketching Art Graphite Charcoal Blending Stump Pencils kit
● KALOUR 54-Pack Sketch Drawing Pencils Kit with Sketchbook, Includes Graphite, Charcoal Pencils and Artists Tools, Pro Art Drawing Supplies for Adults, Kids, Beginners, ideal for Sketching Shading
ERASERS ▶ Kneaded Eraser, White Eraser & Eraser Pencils
A kneaded eraser is a helpful tool for graphite drawing and sketching. Since it can be shaped by hand, it works well for precise erasing, soft highlights, and small adjustments, while staying gentle on the paper.
✅️ Some kneaded erasers can dry out over time, so I like to keep mine in its case to maintain its softness.
My Top choices:
● June Gold Kneaded Rubber Erasers (Pack of 6).
● Mr. Pen- Art Eraser Set, 12Pcs, Pencil Eraser, Artist Eraser, Art Erasers, Drawing Erasers
● Pasler® Eraser Pencils 7802 Perfection Detail Eraser Pencil with Brush and a Sharpener Perfect for Sketches and Coloured Illustrations (6- Pack)
SHARPENER ▶ Art Pencil Sharpener
A good pencil sharpener is essential for keeping your drawing tools ready. It helps create a clean point, giving you more control for both shading and detail work.
✅️ Whether you choose an electric or manual pencil sharpener, having one with a shavings container helps keep your drawing area clean.
My TOP choices:
● Faber-Castell Grip Trio Pencil Sharpener – Grey
● Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener.
RULER ▶ Rulers – Geometry set
A ruler is helpful when you need clean, straight lines in your drawing.
✅️ I usually work with a medium size, around 30 or 45 cm (12″ or 18″), depending on the piece. I prefer one that stays steady while I draw, so I can keep my lines clean and controlled. I personally use an aluminum ruler.
My Top choices:
● For a flat ruler > Alumicolor 8012 Flexible Stainless Steel ruler, measuring tool.
● For a geometry set >Mr. Pen Architectural Triangular Ruler Set with 12 Inch Triangular Scale, 11 Inch 30/60 and 8 Inch 45/90 Triangles
KEEP IT CLEAN ▶ Drafting Brush
A drafting brush is helpful for removing eraser dust and keeping your drawing clean.
Its soft bristles allow you to clean the surface gently without disturbing your work.
✅️ Keep it clean, don’t use it for other purposes (like cleaning your desk), this is a tool only for keeping your paper clean.
2. COLORED PENCILS!
(Graphite pencils and Colored pencils have a similar list. Considering this, don’t buy materials twice).
A simple drawing pad is a great place to start, especially for beginners.
I personally choose paper depending on what I’m using – lighter paper works well for graphite or charcoal, while thicker paper is better if you also want to use colored pencils.
Choose a size that feels comfortable for you. A medium size is usually practical, but smaller ones can also work well for quick studies.
✅️ I often use medium sizes like 9×12″ (22.9 x 30.5 cm), but the best choice is what feels easy for you to use regularly. If you don’t want to waste paper, then you can also buy a smaller size 6 x 8″ (15.2 x 20.3 cm). The weight of the paper may not exceed 65 lb (100 GSM).
My Top choices:
● Strathmore 100 Sheet Sketch Pad, 9×12, White
● Strathmore 400 Series Colored Pencil Pads
● Canson XL Series Drawing Paper Pad, 70 Pound, 9 x 12 Inch, 60 Sheets. ● Canson XL Series Mix Paper Pad, 98 Pound, 9 x 12 Inch, 60 Sheets.
● 40 Sheet Watercolor Paper Pad by Creatology (the paper is not that heavy for watercolor, but for drawing, it is great).
PENCILS ▶ Colored Pencils
Colored pencils’ cores are wax- or oil-based and contain varying proportions of pigments. Colored pencils vary greatly in quality and usability; concentration of pigments in the core, lightfastness of the pigments, the durability of the colored pencil, and softness of the lead are some indicators of a brand’s quality and, consequently, its market price.
● The 24 colors set is enough to start. Soft, thick cores are perfect for gradient, shading, and shadows. If you can afford to buy the set of 48, then do it.
My TOP choices: ● Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 24. ● Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils | Art Supplies for Drawing, Sketching, Adult Coloring | Soft Core Color Pencils, 48 Pack
ERASERS ▶ Kneaded Eraser & White Eraser
A kneaded eraser is a helpful tool for graphite drawing and sketching. Since it can be shaped by hand, it works well for precise erasing, soft highlights, and small adjustments, while staying gentle on the paper.
✅️ Some kneaded erasers can dry out over time, so I like to keep mine in its case to maintain its softness.
My choices: ● June Gold Kneaded Rubber Erasers (Pack of 6). ● Mr. Pen- Erasers Set, White Eraser, Kneaded Eraser, Gum Eraser (Pack of 9).
SHARPENER ▶ Art Pencil Sharpener
A good pencil sharpener is essential for keeping your drawing tools ready. It helps create a clean point, giving you more control for both shading and detail work.
✅️ Whether you choose an electric or manual pencil sharpener, having one with a shavings container helps keep your drawing area clean.
My choices: ● Faber-Castell GRIP Trio Pencil Sharpener. ● Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener.
RULER ▶ Metal Ruler – Geometry set
A ruler is helpful when you need clean, straight lines in your drawing.
✅️ I usually work with a medium size, around 30 or 45 cm (12″ or 18″), depending on the piece. I prefer one that stays steady while I draw, so I can keep my lines clean and controlled. I personally use an aluminum ruler.
My choice: ● Alumicolor 8012 Flexible Stainless Steel ruler, measuring tool.
3. SOFT PASTELS
Pastel paper, also called Ingres paper, comes in a wide range of colors and tones. Textured paper is the most popular surface for pastels. As the paper surface has sufficient tooth and can survive some rubbing and blending, it is a good choice. For beginners, I would definitely choose colored/toned paper. It sparks new creativity! Staring at a blank white sheet of paper can be overwhelming. But toned paper can help you ease up and get started.
✅️ 9 x 12″ (22.9 x 30.5 cm) is the smallest size I would suggest buying. As we cannot draw details when working on small sizes, artists use to choose big sizes’ papers, but that raises the cost too much.
I believe that, in the beginning, a rough construction paper that looks recycled (not glossy!) is a fair choice for kids. But, if you want to go large, you can buy a 12×16 pastel paper.
My choices:
● CANSON Mi-Teintes Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors 9″X12″ Fold Over (100510864)
● Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets
● Norcom Heavyweight Construction Paper Pad 10 Assorted colors 9×12 or 12×18.
Soft pastels is the most widely used form of pastel. They have a very high concentration of pigment held together by the least amount of gum binder possible. As a result, they crumble very easily, but their colors are wonderfully intense. Soft pastels are not chalks. You can use your fingers to blend or try using a q-tip or blending stick.
The drawing can be readily smudged and blended, but it results in a higher proportion of dust. Finished drawings made with soft pastels require protecting, either framing under glass or spraying with a fixative to prevent smudging; hairspray also works.
✅️ 64 colors set is a good variety as they run out fast. I suggest having them organized by putting them always in the same place they were. There are some good deals for buying a pack of two at a low price.
My choice: ● Mungyo Soft Pastel 64 Color Set Square Chalk. ● [pack of 2] Mungyo Soft Pastel 64 Color Set Square Chalk (US English Version)
ERASER ▶ Kneaded Eraser
A kneaded eraser is a helpful tool for graphite drawing and sketching. Since it can be shaped by hand, it works well for precise erasing, soft highlights, and small adjustments, while staying gentle on the paper.
✅️ Some kneaded erasers can dry out over time, so I like to keep mine in its case to maintain its softness.
My choices:
● June Gold Kneaded Rubber Erasers (Pack of 6).
● 2X Prismacolor Design Eraser, 1224 Kneaded Rubber Eraser Large, Grey.
● Faber-Castell Erasers – Drawing Art kneaded Erasers, Large size Grey – 4 Pack.
SMUDGE ▶ Paper Blending Pencil
Paper Blending Stump and Tortillion are used to blending drawings in pastels, charcoal, or graphite.
✅️ Some people love it, and some don’t. If you use it wisely, you can make a nice blending with the pastels.
My choices: ● MyLifeUNIT Paper Blending Stump and Tortillion for Student Sketch Drawing.
SPRAY ▶ FIXATIF
The spray is used to protect the artwork from smudging & dust. It also allows for easy reworking of the artwork. Artists use it always to keep their works in good condition, but I don’t recommend it for kids. Its emissions are hazardous for the lungs and the disposition of the person who smells it to use only outdoors. Young children, the elderly, and pregnant women may be more sensitive to this spray.
✅️ You may use hairspray instead, but with no oil or conditioner added. Not that good job, but good enough for our purpose.
My choice: ● Krylon K01303007 Acrylic Spray Paint Crystal Clear in 11-Ounce Aerosol)
4. WATERCOLORS
There are so many factors to consider to choose the paper for you. The first one is the texture. You choose between the hot press, cold press, and rough. I personally choose cold press papers. The rough ones are not appropriate for detailed work, and the hot press ones are the best for it, but they are very costly.
Second, it’s the quality that matters, what they are made of. The cotton-made ones are the best. The cellulose and wood pulp paper doesn’t absorb water the same way that cotton does, so you get different results when painting. Also, they will turn to yellow overages.
And last, it’s the weight. I always use 140lb / 300 gsm paper or heavier. The more water you add, the heavier the paper that you need.
● 9 x 12″ (22.9 x 30.5 cm) is a good size for beginners. Sometimes, I like to leave a white space around the theme I am drawing. If you don’t want to waste paper, then you can also buy a 6 x 8″ (15.2 x 20.3 cm) for the smaller themes.
My choices: ● Arches Watercolor Pad, Hot Press 9X12″ ● Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, 9×12″, Fold-over cover, 30 Sheets.
Watercolors are paints with water-based pigments. Pigments are colored materials from rocks, plants, or chemicals that dissolve in water. They are made in the form of cakes or tubes. The pigment is applied to the white paper. As watercolors have a transparent result, each area is painted only once and looks fresh and original rather than worked over. The best ones are high-pigmented with a great color selection that mixes well. There is no chalky or grainy feel to them after they are dry, and of course, non-toxic.
● A great color set should consist of a great but non-toxic selection and, most importantly, high-pigmented.
My choices: ● Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Compact Set, Set of 14, Half Pans ● Komorebi Japanese Watercolor Paint Set – 40 Colors – Including Metallic and Neon – Artist Quality – Richly Pigmented – MozArt Supplies ● MeiLiang Watercolor Paint Set, 36 Vivid Colors in Pocket Box with Metal Ring and Watercolor Brush, Perfect for Students, Kids, Beginners and More
We do not use white in traditional water coloring because watercolor is a transparent medium and your paper is white. Beginners often use the color white to correct or lighten parts that mistakenly have overpainted.
● A fabulous color set should consist of a great but non-toxic selection and, most importantly, high-pigmented.
My choice: ● Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint, 8ml tube, Chinese White.
BRUSHES ▶ Watercolor Flat & Round Brushes
Watercolor brushes have soft bristles, and they usually last for long. There are many sets in the market, and they usually are inexpensive. Sable and goat hair brushes are very soft, and both are popular options. Many artists also prefer soft nylon brushes for excellent control of the stroke. I actually prefer to use nylon brushes for most applications.
● I use the flat ones for larger areas, while round ones are more appropriate for detailed work.
My choices: ● Flat brushes: AOOK 10 Pieces Paint Brush Set, Watercolor Brushes Professional for Watercolor (1-Pack) ● Soucolor Acrylic Paint Brushes Set, 20Pcs Round Pointed Tip Artist Paintbrushes for Acrylic Painting Oil Watercolor Canvas Boards Body Face Rock Easter Eggs, Adult Kids Drawing Arts Crafts Supplies. ● Round brushes: Mudder 12 Pieces Artist Paint Brushes Fine Paint Brush for Acrylic Watercolor Oil Painting, Purple. ● Pentel – Aquash Water Brush Medium Point & Small Point 2 Pens Profesional Arts Value Set.
PALETTE ▶ Plastic White Palette
White plastic palettes are not always a must-have as most of the time, the watercolor set gives a surface to apply the mixture.
● Any of the palettes you will find can do the same job. Buy the least expensive.
My choice: ● Darice Plastic Palette, 10 Well.
MASKING AREAS ▶ Masking Fluid and Masking Tape
Masking fluid is a latex-based fluid applied to the surface to preserve areas of the paper or previously applied washes of color. Masking tape is used to make a straight border around our artwork.
● Before you use it, make sure the surface is clean, dry and dust-free, so that the fluid or tape sticks properly. Before you remove them, make sure that the area around them is dry.
My choices: ● Masking Fluid: Grafix WM2 White Mask Liquid Frisket, 2-Ounce. ● Masking Tape: ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape, .70 inches x 60 yards, 2090, 1 Roll
We use markers to illustrate beautiful and precise outlines. For good quality, we need the markers to be waterproof, chemical resistant, fade resistant, bleed-free, quick-drying, and ph neutral. We need a variety of markers, for bold and thin lines.
My choices: ● Sakura Pigma 30067 Micron Blister Card Ink Pen Set, Black, 8/Set
5. ACRYLICS
SURFACE TO PAINT ▶ Canvas / Canvas Paper Pad
Many artists prefer linen to cotton canvases. I prefer both. For studying acrylics, you can also try small boards or even acrylic color pads or panels. I also recommend the very affordable canvas bulk from Michaels.
● Try small sizes to begin; something between 8×10″, 9×12″, and 12×16″ is a good size.
My choices: ● Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Pad, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 10 Sheets ● Canson XL Series Oil, and Acrylic Paper Pad, Bleed Proof Canvas Like Texture, Fold Over, 136 pound, 9 x 12 Inch, White, 24 Sheets ● GOTIDEAL Canvas Panels 9×12″ inch Set of 8,Professional Primed White Blank- 100% Cotton Artist Canvas Boards for Painting, Acrylic Paint, Oil Paint Dry & Wet Art Media
Acrylic paint is a water-based medium, making them easily approachable to many artists and kids.
Thin layers of acrylic paint will dry in a half-hour, while thicker ones can take up to two hours. The weather and environmental condition play a crucial role here.
Buy the best quality materials you can afford. It’s often true that less expensive paints and brushes are harder to work with. I believe you should get basic colors to start and create others by mixing.
● I recommend buying individual paints, not a set, as most of the time, the set doesn’t include the top priority colors. If you buy a set, the following option is good enough for beginners.
My choice: ● GOTIDEAL Acrylic Paint Set, 24 Colors/Tubes (23ml, 0.77 oz) Non-Toxic
BRUSHES ▶ Brushes for acrylics
I like to use medium-hardness brushes and small sizes, as I like to detail my work.
● I use the flat ones for larger areas, while round ones are more appropriate for detailed work.
My choice: ● BOSOBO Paint Brushes Set, 2 Pack 20 Pcs Round Pointed Tip Paintbrushes Nylon Hair Artist Acrylic Paint Brushes for Acrylic
PALETTE ▶ Palette Pad / Butcher Tray / Sta-Wet Palette
Palette paper pad is the easiest way for beginners as you can toss it out when you’re done for quick and easy cleanup. A butcher tray is trendy too. Another good option is the Sta-Wet palette with a secure seal that keeps out air, and the paints will not dry out.
● I prefer to use a butcher tray or a palette paper and keep it fresh in a sta-wet palette seal. In case you run out of palettes, you can always use disposable white plates (made of plastic or paper, not foam).
My choice: ● Strathmore 365-9 300 Series Palette Pad, 9″x12″ Tape Bound, 40 Sheets. ● Enamel Butcher Tray 11×15 ● Masterson Sta-Wet Palette Seal
PALETTE KNIVES ▶ Stainless Steel Spatula/Palette Painting Knives
A palette knife is a blunt tool used for mixing or applying paint with a flexible steel blade.
● Painting with a knife can be challenging but needs a technique, so you don’t waste too much paint.
My choice: ● Arrtx 5 Pieces Painting Knives Stainless Steel Spatula Palette Knife Oil Painting Accessories Color Mixing Set for Oil, Canvas, Acrylic Painting-Arrtx ● Palette Knife Painting Stainless Steel Spatula Palette Knife Oil Paint Metal Knives Wood Handle
SKETCH ON CANVAS ▶ Charcoal sticks
We use a charcoal stick to sketch the theme on our surface. Graphite pencil is not appropriate as it eventually appears on the top.
● Charcoal sticks are very fragile, so always keep them in a sturdy case.
My choice: ● Charcoal Vine Thin Soft 6/Box
BRUSHES SOAP ▶ The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver Soap
You will need a suitable soap for cleaning, conditioning, and preserving your brushes.
● Regular soap doesn’t help here. This unique product works on oils, acrylics, and watercolors and restores the most hardened brushes to like-new conditions.
My choice: ● General Pencil Company Inc., The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver 1 Oz.
6. OIL COLORS
Many artists prefer linen to cotton canvases; I like both. For studying oils, you can also try small boards or even oil color pads or panels. I also recommend the very affordable canvas bulk from Michaels.
● Try small sizes to begin; something between 8×10″ and 12×16″ is a good size. We can proceed to larger sizes later.
My choices: ● 6 Pack 12″ x 16″ Super Value Canvas Necessities™ by Artist’s Loft®. ● Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Pad, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 10 Sheets ● Canson XL Series Oil, and Acrylic Paper Pad, Bleed Proof Canvas Like Texture, Fold Over, 136 pound, 9 x 12 Inch, White, 24 Sheets
Oil paints is my favorite of mediums, and this is because:
They get dry slowly, giving you the privilege of time for detailed work. You can work with layers as those paints have an excellent opacity. You can re-painted areas to correct details or alter the composition.
They are also very durable. Oil paintings can last longer than other media, so we see oil paintings as far back as the 13th century. Buy the best quality materials you can afford. It’s often true that less expensive paints and brushes are harder to work with. The best way is to get primary colors to start and create others by mixing. But this needs experience.
Here’s a good starting list of oil paint colors:
Titanium white, Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Red or Cadmium Red light, Carmine, Magenta, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Pthalo Blue or Primary Cyan, Viridian Green, Olive Green, Yellow Ochre, Raw Umber, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, VanDych Brown, Dioxazine Purple, Payne’s Grey, Ivory Black.
Specific pigments cost more than others (particularly cobalt and cadmium). ‘Hue’ colors are less expensive as they have less concentration of pigment.
● I recommend buying individual paints, not a set, as most of the time, the set doesn’t include the top priority colors. If you buy a set, the following options are good enough for beginners.
My choices: ● Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Colors 10 Tube Set (21 ml Tubes). ● VanGogh Basic Set of 10 Colors (20 ml Tubes)
BRUSHES ▶ Brushes for oils
I like to use medium-hardness brushes and small sizes, as I like to detail my work.
● I use the flat ones for larger areas, while round ones are more appropriate for detailed work.
My choice: ● Paint Brushes 12 Set Professional Paint Brush Round Pointed Tip Nylon Hair Artist Acrylic Brush for Acrylic Watercolor Oil Painting by Crafts 4 ALL.
SOLVENT ▶ Gamblin Gamsol & Linseed Oil
Gamsol is a non-toxic solvent for thinning mediums and general painting. It is safer for painters and the environment than turpentine and has 100% pure odorless mineral spirits. Linseed oil improves the flow of oil colors. It also increases gloss and transparency and slows drying. Odorless Turpenoid has the same painting properties and drying time as turpentine, but this solvent is free from the strong characteristic odor of traditional turpentine.
I mix Odorless Turpenoid and Linseed oil, and I get optimum results as a solvent. I use a small jar (~2 fl oz) and mix 4 parts of Turpenoid with 1 part of linseed oil. In a second jar, put a good amount of Gamsol (~5 fl oz) for cleaning the paint from your brush after each painting session.
● I prefer to use a butcher tray or a palette paper and keep it fresh in a sta-wet palette seal.
My choice: ● Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits Bottle, 4.2oz ● Winsor & Newton 3221723 Artisan H20 Med 75ml Linseed Oil, Multicolor
PALETTE ▶ Palette Pad / Butcher Tray / Sta-Wet Palette
Palette paper pad is the easiest way for beginners as you can toss it out when you’re done for quick and easy cleanup. A butcher tray is trendy too. Another good option is the Sta-Wet palette with a secure seal that keeps out air, and the paints will not dry out.
● I prefer to use a butcher tray or a palette paper and keep it fresh in a sta-wet palette seal. In case you run out of palettes, you can always use disposable white plates (made of plastic or paper, not foam).
My choice: ● Strathmore 365-9 300 Series Palette Pad, 9″x12″ Tape Bound, 40 Sheets. ● Enamel Butcher Tray 11×15 ● Masterson Sta-Wet Palette Seal
PALETTE KNIVES ▶ Stainless Steel Spatula/Palette Painting Knives
A palette knife is a blunt tool used for mixing or applying paint with a flexible steel blade.
● Painting with a knife can be challenging but needs a technique, so you don’t waste too much paint.
My choice: ● Arrtx 5 Pieces Painting Knives Stainless Steel Spatula Palette Knife Oil Painting Accessories Color Mixing Set for Oil, Canvas, Acrylic Painting-Arrtx
SKETCH ON CANVAS ▶ Charcoal sticks
We use a charcoal stick to sketch the theme on our surface. Graphite pencil is not appropriate as it eventually appears on the top.
● Charcoal sticks are very fragile, so always keep them in a sturdy case.
My choice: ● Charcoal Vine Thin Soft 6/Box
BRUSHES SOAP ▶ The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver Soap
You will need a suitable soap for cleaning, conditioning, and preserving your brushes.
● Regular soap doesn’t help here. This unique product works on oils, acrylics, and watercolors and restores the most hardened brushes to like-new conditions.
My choice: ● General Pencil Company Inc., The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver 1 Oz.
7. MARKERS
Drawing pads can be used for markers too.
● 9 x 12″ (22.9 x 30.5 cm) is a good size for beginners.
My choices: ● Strathmore 400 Series Colored Pencil Pads ● Canson XL Series Drawing Paper Pad, 70 Pound, 9 x 12 Inch, 60 Sheets. ● Canson XL Series Mix Paper Pad, 98 Pound, 9 x 12 Inch, 60 Sheets.
For good quality, we need the markers to be waterproof, chemical resistant, fade resistant, bleed-free, quick-drying, and ph neutral. We need a variety of markers, for bold and thin lines.
My choices: ● Sakura Pigma 30067 Micron Blister Card Ink Pen Set, Black, 8/Set
You don’t need perfect tools to begin. You just need to start, and allow yourself to explore.
If you’d like to explore art with guidance, you can join one of my art classes.