7 Essentials Every Beginning Artist Should Have

If you’ve been dreaming of becoming an artist, now is the time to start. You can become the artist of your dreams with the right supplies and a little practice. Before you start, there are a few essentials every beginning artist should have in their arsenal.

This post reviews the seven essential supplies every beginning artist should have to create their best work. We’ll review the types of papers, drawing pencils, erasers, and more essentials for any beginner trying to learn to draw. We’ll also offer helpful tips for mastering these tools so you can get the most out of them. Get ready to start creating some beautiful art.

1. Supplies

Arguably the most crucial item for any artist is drawing pencils. Drawing pencils come in various grades, ranging from 9H to 9B. In addition to drawing pencils, erasers are essential for any artist. Traditional erasers are great for erasing larger portions of artwork, while kneaded erasers are better for detailed pieces.

Choosing the right paper is critical, as it can make or break your masterpiece. Bristol Vellum, or smooth surface drawing paper, is considered the best paper type. Drawing paper can come in various sizes and weights. Start with neutral-toned paper and experiment with other kinds as you progress in your art skills.

Keep your supplies organized and within easy reach when you draw. A pencil extender is a great way to store multiple pencils together and keep them within reach while being able to free up counter space at the same time. Another good option is a plastic container or box with adjustable compartments to keep your supplies neat and orderly.

2. Knowledge of Fundamentals

One of the key concepts when starting with any type of art is having a good understanding of perspective and angles. Learning to draw 3D shapes on 2D planes is essential for creating realistic images and understanding how light affects objects in our environment.

Understanding how to draw lines accurately is also important when starting as an artist. Lines determine the details in an art piece, such as shape, size, depth, texture, and more, so having an eye for detail when creating line drawings will help improve your artwork significantly.

Using light and dark colors adds texture, depth, and beauty to your art pieces. Mastering shading techniques will give you more control over the outcome of your artwork, allowing for greater creative freedom when working on more complex masterpieces.

3. Art Materials

Charcoal is the perfect medium for sketching, as it has a wide range of textures that can be achieved with just a few strokes of the charcoal stick or pencil across the paper, from bold black strokes to light grey smears. It’s versatile and easy to work with compared to other media types, such as paints or ink pens, which take longer.

Graphite is another medium for sketching that involves less mess than charcoal. It’s often easier than working with charcoal, which requires more skill to use correctly.

Inks may not be necessary for beginning artists, but if you’re looking to add some extra color to your artwork, investing in some quality pens or markers may be worth it. Ink pens come in different sizes and types, so choosing one that suits your purpose can help create stunningly detailed images.

4. Reference Tools

Getting familiar with reference images can give you an edge over other beginning artists, as it helps you understand how certain objects look from different angles before attempting them in your artwork. Reference books are also great resources that provide valuable information about professional tips and tricks on performing various art techniques.

5. Tools for Improvement

A manual pencil sharpener is necessary at some point during your artistic journey. It keeps your pencils sharper longer than electric sharpeners, which tend to dull them quickly over time. Pocket-style sharpeners give you portability and ease of use, while desk-style versions offer more stability and control during sharpening sessions.

A drawing board gives you greater control over large-scale illustrations such as maps or floor plans by providing better visibility during the creation process. It provides convenience and accuracy and saves time during longer projects.

6. Inspiration Materials

Sketchbooks and sketch pads provide invaluable inspiration. It’s where creativity strikes and ideas come alive. Investing in those, especially if they’re waterproof, ensures that nothing gets lost or damaged.

Art supplies always come in handy when ideas flow freely. Invest in materials like watercolors, pastels, colored pencils, and markers. Don’t forget about paintbrushes as they’re essential when working with paints.

7. Lighting and Work Space

Having proper lighting while working helps improve visibility and prevents eye strain over long periods. Choose warm tones over cold ones, as they soften shadows without removing details.

Keeping everything organized helps prevent unnecessary stress while creating your art pieces. Dividers help categorize material according to its purpose, and placing items back where they go saves time and energy, resulting in increased productivity overall.

Conclusion

Learning to draw is a long and rewarding process that requires patience and dedication. With the right supplies, knowledge of the fundamentals, art materials, reference tools, and inspiration materials, you are on your way to becoming a great artist. The proper lighting and workspace will ensure you can work efficiently and without distractions. If you are just starting, remember to take your journey one day at a time and practice as much as possible. Dedication and perseverance can make you the artist you’ve always wanted to be.