Creating art is an excellent way to express yourself and explore your creativity. However, for beginners, it can be overwhelming to figure out what art supplies you need. With so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine what is essential and what is not. In this article, we will provide a beginner’s guide to art supplies, including everything you need to know.

Paper

Paper is the most basic and essential art supply that every artist needs. It comes in various types, including drawing paper, watercolor paper, sketching paper, and more. The type of paper you choose will depend on the medium you plan to use. For example, watercolor paper is thicker and can hold more water, making it suitable for watercolor painting.

Pencils

Pencils are another fundamental art supply that every artist needs. They come in different grades, ranging from hard (H) to soft (B). The harder the pencil, the lighter the mark it makes, while the softer the pencil, the darker the mark it makes. It is recommended to have a set of pencils with different grades to achieve a range of values in your artwork.

Erasers

Erasers are essential for removing mistakes and cleaning up your work. There are several types of erasers, including kneaded erasers, vinyl erasers, and electric erasers. Kneaded erasers are pliable and can be shaped into different forms, making them suitable for precision erasing.

Paints

Paints come in various types, including watercolor, acrylic, and oil paints. Watercolor paints are transparent and can be easily mixed with water, while acrylic paints are opaque and dry quickly, making them suitable for quick projects. Oil paints take longer to dry but offer a range of color and texture options.

Brushes

Different types of brushes are available for different painting techniques. For example, round brushes are suitable for fine details, while flat brushes are suitable for broad strokes. It is recommended to have a set of brushes with different sizes and shapes to achieve a range of effects in your artwork.

Palette

A palette is used to hold and mix paint. It can be made of plastic, glass, or ceramic. Plastic palettes are the most affordable and easy to clean, while glass and ceramic palettes are more durable and suitable for heavy use.

Canvas

Canvas is a popular surface for painting. It comes in different sizes and shapes, including stretched canvas, canvas boards, and canvas paper. Stretched canvas is the most popular and comes ready to use.

Drawing Tablets

Drawing tablets are a digital art supply that allows artists to create digital artwork. They come in various sizes and offer a range of features such as pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and programmable buttons. Drawing tablets are suitable for artists who prefer digital art or want to combine digital and traditional techniques.