As an aspiring artist, walking into an art supply store can feel overwhelming. You are faced with shelves of pencils, paints, brushes, and canvases that can leave you feeling like a child in a candy store, except instead of being excited about the candy, you’re wondering which ones to choose. The fact is, you don’t need all of it at once. A few key pieces will get you started on the right path, no matter what you’re working on. Let’s get started and go through the basics.
Sketch Book
The sketchbook is the playground of the artist. It is where ideas are generated, scribbles are transformed into works of art, and errors are converted into opportunities for growth. Select a sketch book with paper that is of good quality and suitable for your art form. If you are working with pencils or pens, smooth paper is ideal. However, if you are using charcoal or pastels, textured paper is more suitable. A sketch book that is spiral-bound is convenient for turning pages easily, while a hard-bound sketch book exudes a sense of durability and professionalism. Your sketchbook is your artistic diary, and it does not have to be perfect; it simply has to be yours.
Alcohol Markers
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Alcohol markers are a total game-changer for anyone who loves vibrant colours and smooth blending. Unlike water-based markers, these tools use alcohol-based ink, which dries quickly and can be layered on top of each other without smudging. Whether you’re a designer, illustrator, calligrapher, or just a person who loves to scribble, alcohol based brush markers have plenty to offer.
One of the biggest advantages of alcohol markers is blending. You can achieve seamless gradients, multi-toned highlights, and deep shadows with ease. The ink flows smoothly, so you won’t get those streaky lines that water-based markers are notorious for. This makes them ideal for creating fashion illustrations, comic art, or even detailed calligraphy.
Comfort is essential when you’re working on a project for hours, and alcohol markers are designed with this in mind. Many of them come with ergonomic grips and triangular bodies, so they fit comfortably in your hand and won’t roll away from you in the middle of a sketch. It may seem like a small thing, but trust me, it makes a huge difference.
Another benefit is their ability to be used in multiple ways. They should be used on marker paper for the best results, but they can also be used on smooth cardstock. Layering is also simple. It involves using light colours first and then progressing to darker colours. You can also use a colourless blender marker to create highlights.
Of course, quality is also important. Cheap markers may dry out quickly or have problems with ink flow, while high-quality markers produce bright and long-lasting colours.
The best part? Alcohol based brush markers are fun to use. They invite you to experiment, whether you’re shading a portrait or creating a logo. They’re fast, colourful, and easy to work with, making them an essential tool for any artist looking to add some punch to their artwork.
Graphite Pencils
Graphite pencils are the workhorses of drawing. They vary in hardness, from hard (H) to soft (B), allowing you to control light sketches or dark shading. A set from 2H to 6B will provide you with what you need. Hard pencils are best for fine lines and details, while soft pencils are ideal for shading and texture. They are cheap, versatile, and must-haves in every artist’s arsenal.
Erasers
Erasers are not only for correcting mistakes but are also useful tools for artistic creation. A kneaded eraser can be moulded to erase graphite lightly, ideal for highlights. A vinyl eraser is more robust, ideal for corrections. Having two or more erasers in your arsenal will give you the freedom to correct and create.
Brushes
Brushes are an extension of your hand while painting. Round brushes are all-purpose, flat brushes are great for broad strokes, and detail brushes allow you to work the details. Synthetic brushes are inexpensive and long-lasting, but natural bristles hold more paint. A small collection of different brushes will provide you with endless possibilities without overwhelming you.
Paints
Paints are what bring colour to life. Acrylic paints are great for beginners, dry quickly, and are versatile. Watercolours are fragile and translucent, great for layering. Oils are rich and slow-drying, allowing you to blend and add depth. Begin with a starter kit of primary colours and mix your own hues; it’s cheaper and will teach you more about colour theory
Canvas
Canvas is where your ideas will take centre stage. The pre-stretched canvases are very convenient, and canvas boards are very affordable and easy to store. They also come in different sizes so that you can either do small studies or go big with your artwork. Painting on canvas is different from painting on paper because it absorbs paint differently and gives your artwork a professional finish.
So the next time you enter an art store, don’t panic. Pick up the basics, trust your creativity, and remember that art is not about having all the tools; it’s about making the most of what you have.
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