Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Dee
Looking for beginners art supplies? If you’re just starting out making art, it can be difficult to know where to begin. We’ve put together this list of the 22 best art supplies for beginners. Whether you’re interested in watercolor or acrylic painting or sketching with charcoal and other drawing materials, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you’ll need to get started in art, from paints and brushes to paper and canvas! So what are you waiting for? Start your artistic journey today!
**This page may contain affiliate links to products I have used or recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.**
What are the best art supplies for beginners?
If you are looking for a list of essential art supplies, look no further. This list is a comprehensive guide to all the essentials. It covers everything you would need if you want to start making your own art, whether you start painting or just want to start learning more basic skills. This list is a great place to start if you are a beginner artist.
22 Best Art Supplies for Beginners
A Color wheel
As any beginner artist knows, deciding what colors to use in a painting or drawing can be daunting. However, a color wheel can be a helpful tool for determining which colors will work well together.
The color wheel is divided into three primary colors (red, yellow, and blue), three secondary colors (orange, green, and purple), and six tertiary colors (yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet, red-violet, red-orange, and yellow-orange).
By understanding how these colors interact with each other, beginner artists can create harmonious color schemes for their paintings.
In addition, the color wheel can also be used to create contrast and visual interest. For example, by juxtaposing two complementary colors (colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel), an artist can create a vivid and eye-catching image.
Ultimately, the color wheel is a valuable tool that can help beginner artists to create more dynamic and visually appealing paintings.
Acrylic paint
Best Acrylic Paints for Beginners
Acrylic paint is a great choice for beginner artists. Unlike oil paints, acrylics dry quickly and are easy to clean up. They are also very versatile, capable of mimicking the properties of both watercolors and oils.
In addition, acrylics come in a wide range of colors, making it easy to find the perfect shade for your project.
One of the best things about acrylic paint is that it is very forgiving. Mistakes can be easily corrected with a little water or paint thinner. As a result, beginners can experiment with different techniques without worrying about making permanent mistakes.
With its many benefits, it is no wonder that acrylic paint has become one of the most popular choices among artists of all levels.
Graphite Pencils
Best graphite pencils
As any artist knows, having the right supplies is essential for creating a masterpiece.
Graphite pencils are a versatile tool that can be used for various purposes, making them an ideal choice for beginner artists.
For one thing, drawing pencils can be used for sketching out rough ideas. This is because they produce a light line that can easily be erased if necessary.
Additionally, graphite pencils can be used for shading and adding detail to a drawing. They can also be used for creating textures, such as the look of fur or hair.
As a result, graphite pencils are a versatile and essential tool for any artist, especially beginners.
[Related Article: How to Use Graphite Paper: Tips & Tricks for Perfect Transfers]
Art Pencil Sharpener
A good quality pencil sharpener is essential for any artist, but it is especially important for beginners.
You may want to invest in an electric pencil sharpener. Electric pencil sharpeners often produce a finer pencil point.
A sharp pencil will produce a clean line that is easy to control, which is essential for creating neat and tidy sketches.
In contrast, a blunt pencil will produce a broken and irregular line that can be difficult to work with.
Good quality pencil sharpeners will also help extend your pencils’ life by sharpening them evenly and efficiently.
As a result, investing in a good quality art pencil sharpener is an important step for any beginner artist.
Paint Brushes
Best paint brushes
When it comes to painting, having the right brush can make all the difference.
Beginners often make the mistake of thinking that any brush will do, but each type of brush is designed for a specific purpose.
For instance, flat brushes are great for covering large areas quickly, while round brushes are better for creating fine lines and details.
Likewise, synthetic brushes are ideal for use with water-based paints like watercolor painting, while natural bristles work better with oil-based paints.
As a result, it is important for beginners to have a range of different paintbrushes so that they can choose the right one for the job at hand.
How many brushes should a beginner painter have?
There’s no definitive answer to how many brushes a beginner painter should have. It depends on what kind of painting you’re interested in and what kinds of brushes are available to you.
A good starting point is to have a few different sizes of synthetic brushes, as they’re affordable and versatile. It’s also helpful to have a variety of brush shapes, such as round, flat, and angled.
As you become more experienced, you can start experimenting with different types of natural hair brushes, which can provide a different type of application and result.
Ultimately, the best way to figure out what works for you is to experiment and find what feels comfortable and gives you the results you’re looking for.
Canvas Boards for Beginners
When it comes to painting, canvas size is an important consideration.
While some beginners may feel overwhelmed by a large canvas, starting off with a smaller one can actually be more frustrating.
A small canvas may not provide enough space to experiment and practice different techniques, resulting in a finished product that looks cramped and unfinished.
On the other hand, beginners who start with a medium or large canvas may find it easier to express their ideas and create a more polished painting.
Ultimately, the best canvas size for a beginner painter is one that provides enough space to experiment without feeling too overwhelming.
A canvas that is 420mm x 549mm (A2) is a good option for beginner painters. It is large enough to allow for plenty of experimentation but not so large that it will be difficult to fill.
A canvas pad is a stack of portable, pre-primed canvases that are held together with an adhesive binding. This type of product is ideal for novice painters for a number of reasons.
First, it is much less expensive than buying individual canvases.
Second, it is convenient and easy to use – tear off a sheet and start painting.
Third, it eliminates the need for tedious setup and clean-up procedures, as the canvases are already pre-primed and ready to use.
You can also get a watercolor paper pad, and watercolor paint brushes if you want a surface more suited to watercolor paint.
Colored Pencils
Best colored pencils
A set of quality colored pencils is essential for any beginner artist. These colored quality drawing pencils can be used for a variety of purposes, from sketching out preliminary concepts to adding finishing touches to a painting.
In addition, they offer a wide range of colors and tones, allowing artists to experiment with different effects.
However, not all colored pencils are created equal. Some are made with cheaper materials that can break easily or produce lackluster results.
That’s why investing in a set of quality pencils will last for years and produce beautiful results is important.
With a good set of colored pencils, a beginner artist can unleash their creativity and explore the wonderful world of color.
[Related article: 31 Exciting & Thoughtful Gifts for Digital Artists]
Oil Paints
Best oil paint for beginners
When it comes to oil painting, quality definitely matters. Oil paints can be expensive, but they’re worth the investment—especially for beginner artists.
The biggest difference between student-grade and professional-grade oil paints is the pigment load.
Professional-grade paints have a higher concentration of pigment, which means they’re more vibrant and have better coverage.
They also tend to have a smoother consistency, making them easier to work with.
In contrast, student-grade paints have a lower concentration of pigment and can be more difficult to control.
So if you’re starting out, it’s definitely worth splurging on a set of quality oil paints.
Oil Pastels
Oil pastels are a versatile and forgiving medium, making them ideal for beginner artists.
Unlike other types of paints, oil pastels don’t require the use of brushes or other tools. Instead, artists can apply the pigments directly from the stick.
This makes oil pastels perfect for experimentation and for creating impromptu sketches.
In addition, oil pastels are highly pigmented and allow for bold color effects.
And because they’re made with a blend of oil and pigment, they have a smooth texture that’s perfect for blending and shading.
As a result, oil pastels offer beginner artists a wide range of possibilities for creative expression.
Chalk Pastels
Chalk pastels are a versatile and affordable medium that are perfect for beginner artists.
They can be used to create a wide variety of effects, from delicate shadings to bold, textured strokes. And because they’re water-soluble, chalk pastels are easy to clean up – no need for messy solvents or expensive equipment.
Plus, they’re portable, so you can take them with you wherever you go.
Caran DAche Neocolor 2
Caran d’Ache Neocolor II are brilliant watersoluble wax pastels. They have high pigment content and are lightfast, making them ideal for use in a variety of art projects.
The smooth, creamy texture makes them easy to work with, and they can be used wet or dry to create a variety of effects.
Caran d’Ache Neocolor II are an excellent choice for a beginner artist because they offer a wide range of colors to choose from, and they are very forgiving if you make a mistake.
The colors can be blended together to create an infinite number of hues, so you can always find the perfect color for your project.
A Sketchbook
An artist’s sketchbook is filled with drawing paper that becomes a space for experimentation, for trying out new ideas and methods without the pressure of producing a finished piece.
It’s a place to document one’s thoughts and impressions, to capture a moment or feeling that might otherwise be lost.
A sketchbook also provides a record of an artist’s progress over time. Looking back through old pages can be a valuable way of seeing how far one has come and can give insight into where one might want to go next.
[Related Article: Looking for the Best Watercolor Sketchbook?]
Blending Stumps / Tortillions
Blending stumps and tortillions are great tools to have in your art kit because they can be used for a variety of purposes.
For example, blending stumps can be used to blend pencil strokes, create smooth transitions between colors, and add shading and depth to your drawings.
Tortillions, on the other hand, are ideal for adding detail and highlights. They can also be used to create a variety of different textures.
Plastic Paint Palette
A palette is one of the most important tools for a painter, yet it is often overlooked by beginners.
A good-sized palette allows the painter to mix a variety of colors without having to cram them all together, which can lead to muddy colors.
Charcoal or Conté
Charcoal and Conté are both versatile mediums that can be used for a variety of drawing techniques.
For beginners, charcoal is a great way to get started with figure drawing. The softness of the medium allows you to quickly sketch out the basic shape of the human form without having to worry about details.
You can also experiment with different line weights to create shading and depth.
Conté, on the other hand, is ideal for still life drawings. The harder consistency of the medium makes it easier to control your lines, allowing you to capture even the smallest details.
In addition, Conté comes in a range of colors, giving you the ability to add subtle variations in tone.
Watercolor paints
Best Watercolor Paint for Beginners
Watercolor paint is a great choice for beginners for a number of reasons.
First, it is relatively inexpensive compared to other types of paint.
Second, watercolors are easy to clean up and can be used with minimal equipment.
Third, watercolors offer a wide range of colors and shades, making it easy to find the perfect color for any project.
Fourth, watercolors are versatile and can be used for a variety of techniques.
Finally, watercolors dry quickly, making them ideal for projects that need to be completed in a short amount of time.
A Variety of Erasers
An artist should have a variety of erasers because they each serve a different purpose.
A kneaded eraser, for example, can be used to lighten lines or to lift out charcoal and graphite.
A vinyl eraser is best for erasing large areas quickly, while a gum eraser is ideal for delicate work.
An artist should also have a sandpaper block on hand for buffing out graphite and charcoal strokes.
Drawing Pens / Micron Pens
One of the most important tools in an artist’s arsenal is a pen. And when it comes to pens, micron pens are some of the best.
Micron pens are known for their precision and durability, and they come in a variety of widths, allowing artists to create both thick and thin lines.
In addition, micron pens are permanent, meaning that they won’t fade over time. As a result, they’re ideal for artists who want to create long-lasting artwork.
Watercolor Pencils
Watercolor pencils allow you to get the rich color of traditional watercolors without the hassle of mixing paint.
They also give you more control over the paint, making it easier to create delicate details and gradients.
And if you make a mistake, you can simply erase it and start again.
Watercolor pencils are a versatile and user-friendly option for anyone just starting out in the world of art.
Watercolor Paper Pad
Watercolor pads are a type of paper that is specifically designed for use with water-based paints.
Unlike other types of paper, watercolor pads are heavyweight and absorbent, which prevents the colors from running and bleeding.
In addition, watercolor pads often have a textured surface that helps to create interesting effects.
Artwork Storage / Portfolio
Many beginning artists wonder if they need artwork storage or a portfolio. The answer is yes!
Here are four reasons why:
1) It protects your artwork from damage. Folding or rolling your artwork can cause creases, wrinkles, and even tears. Artwork storage or a portfolio will keep your paintings flat and safe from damage.
2) It makes it easy to transport your artwork. If you ever need to ship your paintings to a gallery or client, a portfolio will make it much easier than trying to figure out how to package them securely.
3) It keeps your paintings organized. A portfolio is like a filing system for your artwork. You can arrange your paintings by date, subject matter, or any other way that makes sense to you.
4) It shows that you’re serious about your art. Having a professional-looking storage solution for your paintings conveys that you take your art career seriously.
Art Supply Box / Container
Starting any new hobby can be daunting – there are just so many supplies and materials to choose from! And with all of the different brands and product options available, it can be hard to know where to even begin.
That’s why having a designated art supply box or container is so important for beginner artists. Not only does it help to keep everything organized, but it also means that you always have the essential supplies on hand.
Plus, it’s a great way to build up your collection of materials over time. So if you’re thinking about taking up painting or drawing, be sure to invest in a good art supply box – it will make all the difference in your creative journey!
[Related Article: Carrying Art Supplies to School? Looking for an art bag?]
What to consider when you are buying art supplies as a beginner…
Art supplies can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. There are so many different types of materials and mediums to choose from, and it can be tough to know where to start.
Here are a few things to consider when you are buying art supplies as a beginner.
One of the most important things to think about is what type of art you want to make. Are you interested in painting, sculpting, or drawing? Once you have an idea of the type of art you want to create, you can start to narrow down your choices of materials.
Another thing to keep in mind is your budget. Art supplies can be expensive, so setting a realistic budget before you start shopping is important.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment. Trying out new materials is half the fun of being an artist! So go ahead and pick up that unusual tube of paint or that weird-shaped clay tool – you never know what you might create.
Conclusion
If you have been looking for beginners’ art supplies, then I hope our list of the 27 best art supplies for beginners is helpful! If you’re just starting out in art, it can be difficult to know where to begin. With the right tools, you can create beautiful works of art that you’ll be proud of. So don’t be afraid to experiment, and have fun!
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