Art is subjective. You can create it using just about anything you can get your hands on. There are no limits where art is involved, but there are a few staples that certainly help you along the way.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting in your craft, these 7 art supplies are absolute must-haves.
Table of Contents
1. Paper
Painting and drawing get pretty hard when you don’t have something to do them on.
Paper is one of those things you should always have in your house. It has so many uses outside of art that you can’t live without it regardless if you’re doing art or not.
A sketchbook is a great place to start.
Then you can move on to thicker paper made for paint and watercolor paper that’s made just to use your watercolors on.
Any kind of paper is useful when you’re trying to create.
2. Drawing Pencils
Graphite pencils are essential for every artist.
It gets difficult to create when you don’t have anything to draw with. A good set of sketching pencils will be your best friend as you make your way through the art world.
Most sets will come with the basic pencils you need.
Basically, when graphite pencils are marked with an H they are harder and make lighter lines. When they are marked with a B they are softer and make darker lines.
You’ll definitely want a few of each kind!
3. Pencil Sharpener
Working with pencils demands a pencil sharpener.
All you really need is one of those small, handheld sharpeners to get the job done. Having that control, unlike you would get with an electric sharpener, allows you to make sure you don’t break the tips of your pencils.
Just keep the blades nice and sharp and they will serve you well.
4. Kneaded Erasers
You’re bound to make mistakes every now and then. A good eraser will save you a world of frustration.
Kneaded erasers are made specifically for the art. They don’t rip and tear at your paper, they can be molded to fit into the nooks and crannies of your drawing, and they don’t leave flakes behind.
Do yourself a favor and pick one or two up before you begin your next project.
5. Acrylic or Watercolor Paints
Learning to paint is easiest when you use either acrylic or watercolor paint.
These basic types of paint are beginner-friendly and you can find all kinds of classes to teach you the ins and outs of using them. Which one you pick depends on which look you prefer.
A set of transparent watercolors will start you off nicely.
Or pick up a pack of acrylics that has all the colors of the rainbow tucked neatly inside, along with black, white, and brown. Just make sure you get an extra tube of white for mixing colors.
6. Paint Brushes
If you’re going to be painting, getting paint brushes is a no brainer.
As a beginner, find yourself a simple set of brushes that’s made for either acrylic or watercolor paints. It will likely have all the types of brushes in it that you need.
7. Paint Palette
Squeezing out acrylic paint for easy use and mixing is so much easier when you have a dedicated area to do it.
Paint palettes are relatively cheap. Grab some plastic ones with little wells for your paint that are perfect for all of your creative experiments. Or opt for palette paper that you can throw away after using for easy clean-up.
You don’t need a fancy wooden palette to be an artist, but we won’t stop you from getting one if you really want it!
In Conclusion
Go to the store, step inside, and let your fancy take you where it will. There is an entire world of art supplies out there just waiting for you to give them a try.
Some of them you’ll love, some of them you’ll never pick up again.
And some of them are essentials.
Once you have these 7 art supplies in your studio, you’ll be all set to dive into your next project, whether it’s your first or your one hundred and fifty first. A few materials and your spirit are all it really takes to make a masterpiece.
