Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
Do you get overwhelmed trying to decide which art supplies to buy?! You're not alone. There are so many options to choose from, and most people don't know where to start. Today, I am listing the basic drawing and painting supplies that I use on a regular basis, and that I would recommend to people wanting to try out watercolor and drawing. Start with paint, a choice of paper and a paintbrush. You do not need to get everything all at once! I like to teach people to have a foundation in drawing as well, so if you are able, the pencils, sharpener and kneaded eraser are wonderful. However, if you just plan to focus on watercolor to start with, your standard pencil with eraser will work. People make art with just about anything and everything you can imagine--including food and trash--so don't get too hung up on your supplies. The important thing is just to get started!
Also, the more you paint and draw, you will come up with your own favorites!
Drawing pencils come in several varieties of lead softness. I mostly use the 4B and 6B, with some 8B and 9BXXX thrown in. However, you may find that you like the other pencils in this set more--so I think that this is a great starter pack. However, if you are on a super tight budget, you could get away with just the 4B, 6B and 8B.
I love kneaded erasers. You can sculpt them into just about any shape you need to erase. You can dab them on the paper, and they will pull up unwanted pencil marks. They also don't leave any annoying pieces of eraser on your paper!
This one has worked well for several years now, without fail! Having a good point on your pencil makes a huge difference in my sketches!!
4. Speedball Travelogue Sketchbook:
I have the 5 inch x 5 inch version, and I love how portable it is, and that I can use it for drawing or add some watercolor. I wouldn't want to use this for pieces that I intend to add to my Etsy shop, or that I want to be "finished" pieces, but for an affordable day-to-day sketchbook that is easy to cart around, I love it.
5. Strathmoor watercolor paper:
This Strathmoor watercolor paper block has been great. It isn't as high quality as a 100% cotton paper, but I can still paint something that I would hang on the wall using this paper.
6. Fabriano Artistico Extra White is my absolute favorite paper to date. I have the hot press (which I love for my pencil portraits), but am going to try cold press next time--I like the look of the watercolor on the more textured cold press paper, so that is what I am recommending. This is the most expensive paper that I own, but drawings and watercolor look wonderful on this paper! However, if I am just testing out an idea, or color combinations, I will opt for my less expensive paper instead.
7. Princeton Heritage Round #6 Brush:
I have not tested a huge range of brushes yet, but I do really enjoy the feel of this brush, and it's ability to give me a very thin line of paint, or a thicker line, depending on how I hold the brush.
8. Princeton Heritage Round #16 Brush:
I am currently sampling a less and more expensive larger (size 14 and size 16) round brush, so I will report back ASAP! However, in the meantime, this is the same brand and type brush that I use for my #6 round brush, so I would feel confident recommending this one as well.
9. Koi Pocket Field Sketch Box (12 colors)
This sweet little box has been a great starting kit for me. It has most of the colors that I might want. It has gotten where I am so far with my watercolor journey, so I love it!
Gouache is not necessary if you are just needing the very basics, but I do like to have it! It is one way to put white on top of watercolor to add a highlight, or perhaps fur or whiskers. I like to add droplets on top of a dark background to make a sky-like effect (the gouache specs look like stars).
Disclaimer: I have linked Amazon items and will receive a small commission if you purchase through these links. However, I would definitely recommend going to your local art supply store OR Artist and Craftsman Supply (they can ship to you!) first. If you are in the Louisville area, you can visit an Artist and Craftsman supply store, or go to Preston Art Center. It's so fun to get to see the supplies in person, AND the staff is very helpful!
I hope this helps-- No matter what art supplies you have, go ahead and get drawing or painting today :)