6 Must-Have Art Supplies for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on a journey as an aspiring artist is an exciting and fulfilling endeavor! The world of art is a boundless realm of self-expression, creativity, and imagination, and whether you’re delving into painting, drawing, or exploring other artistic mediums, having the right tools is essential to bring your visions to life.

For beginners, stepping into an art supply store can be overwhelming with the vast array of options available. The variety of brushes, paints, papers, and other materials can leave you feeling unsure of where to begin. That’s why we’ve curated a list of six must-have art supplies specifically tailored for beginners! These essential art supplies not only provide a solid foundation for your artistic journey but also offer versatility and ease of use. From sketching to painting, each supply has been carefully selected to empower you to express your creativity, learn new techniques, and refine your skills.

A High-Quality Sketchbook

A sketchbook is an indispensable companion for every aspiring artist. It serves as your personal playground, providing a safe space to experiment, practice, and bring your ideas to fruition. A sketchbook encourages exploration and frees you from the fear of making mistakes. It allows you to sketch, doodle, and jot down ideas, fostering your artistic growth and serving as a visual diary of your progress. One of our favorites is the Art Sketchbook from Moleskin.

Things to Look for in a Sketchbook:

1. Paper Quality: The quality of the paper is crucial for a sketchbook. Look for acid-free and archival paper, which will resist yellowing and deterioration over time. The weight or thickness of the paper is also important, as heavier paper tends to handle wet media better.
2. Surface Texture: Consider the texture of the paper’s surface. Smooth paper is suitable for detailed work and works well with pens and markers, while rougher or toothed paper is better for media like charcoal or pastels, allowing for better adherence and blending.
3. Size and Format: Determine the size and format that best suits your needs. Sketchbooks come in various sizes, from small pocket-sized ones to larger ones for more elaborate works. Consider the portability and the type of art you plan to create.
4. Binding: Pay attention to the binding of the sketchbook. Spiral-bound sketchbooks allow you to open the pages flat and flip them easily, making them convenient for sketching. Hardcover sketchbooks provide sturdiness and protection but may not lay completely flat.
5. Permanence and Archiving: If you intend to keep your sketches as a long-term record or plan to use certain media that require protection, choose a sketchbook that offers archival properties to preserve your artwork.

Graphite Pencils

Graphite pencils, with their varying degrees of softness, are the foundation of drawing – they allow for precise lines, shading, and intricate details. Graphite pencils are the go-to tool for honing your drawing skills. They provide versatility, allowing you to create a wide range of tones, textures, and gradations. With graphite pencils in hand, you can bring your subjects to life and develop a keen eye for observation. A good brand to start with if you’re trying things out is the Faber-Castell 9000 Graphite Sketch Pencil.

Things to Look for in Graphite Pencils:

1. Graphite Grades: Graphite pencils come in various grades, ranging from hard (light) to soft (dark). The grading system typically uses a combination of letters and numbers, such as 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, etc. Harder pencils (H range) produce lighter and finer lines, while softer pencils (B range) create darker and thicker lines. Consider the range of grades you’ll need for your artwork and select a set or individual pencils accordingly.
2. Pencil Quality: Look for high-quality pencils from reputable brands. Cheaper pencils may have inconsistent lead quality, leading to scratchy or uneven lines. Brands like Faber-Castell, Staedtler, Derwent, and Tombow are known for their reliable graphite pencils.
3. Lead Breakage: Consider the durability of the pencil lead. Weaker or poorly bonded leads tend to break more easily, which can be frustrating during the art process. Opt for pencils with strong leads that are less prone to breakage, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted drawing.
4. Comfort and Grip: Pay attention to the pencil’s design and grip. The shape and size should feel comfortable in your hand, allowing you to draw for extended periods without discomfort or fatigue. Some pencils have ergonomic grips or features that enhance comfort and control.
5. Sharpening: Consider the ease of sharpening the pencils. Pencils with a harder lead can be sharpened to a finer point, while softer pencils may require more frequent sharpening. Additionally, check if the pencils are compatible with standard pencil sharpeners or if they require specific sharpening tools.
6. Smudging and Erasability: Evaluate how well the graphite smudges and erases. Some pencils are specifically designed for smooth blending and smudging, while others have erasers attached to the end. Depending on your artistic style and techniques, choose pencils that offer the desired level of smudging and erasability.

A Watercolor Set

A watercolor set consists of pigments that can be mixed with water to create delicate and translucent washes of color. Watercolors offer a magical and expressive quality to artwork. They teach you the art of patience, control, and the beauty of spontaneity. With watercolors, you can explore the vibrant world of painting and learn how to manipulate hues and create stunning visual effects! We have an awesome post on Our Top Picks for Watercolors at Every Price Point to help you find one that fits your budget, but if money isn’t an issue, one of our favorites is the Prima Marketing Prima Confections Watercolor Pans.

Things to Look for in Watercolor Sets:

1. Quality of Pigments: Look for watercolor sets that contain high-quality pigments. Professional-grade watercolors typically have a higher pigment concentration, resulting in more vibrant and lightfast colors. Artist-grade watercolors from reputable brands such as Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith, Schmincke, and M. Graham are known for their quality.
2. Lightfastness: Check the lightfastness rating of the watercolors. Lightfastness indicates how resistant the pigments are to fading when exposed to light. Choose colors that have a high lightfastness rating (usually indicated by a star or a rating system), as they will retain their vibrancy over time.
3. Range of Colors: Consider the range and variety of colors in the set. Look for sets that offer a good selection of colors to provide versatility in your artwork. Some sets may include essential colors for mixing a wide range of hues, while others may have specific theme-based or limited palettes.
4. Transparency and Opacity: Watercolors can be transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque. Transparent colors allow light to pass through, creating luminous effects, while opaque colors are more solid and cover underlying layers. Consider your artistic style and preferences when choosing the transparency and opacity of the watercolors in the set.
5. Mixing and Blending: Evaluate the ease of mixing and blending the colors. Watercolors should blend well with each other to create smooth transitions and gradients. Look for sets that offer colors that mix harmoniously and allow for easy color transitions.
6. Pan vs. Tube: Watercolors come in both pan and tube forms. Pan watercolors are dry cakes of pigment that can be activated with water, while tube watercolors are wet and can be squeezed onto a palette. Pan sets are convenient for outdoor or on-the-go use, while tube watercolors offer more control over color intensity and can be rehydrated as needed. Consider your preferences and usage when deciding between pan and tube watercolors.
7. Lightfast Palette: Some watercolor sets are specifically marketed as lightfast palettes, ensuring that all the colors in the set have high lightfastness ratings. If preserving the longevity of your artwork is important, consider investing in a lightfast palette.

An Acrylic Paint Set

Acrylic paints are versatile and quick-drying, making them an excellent choice for beginners. They can be used on various surfaces, from canvas to wood, allowing you to experiment with different textures and styles. Acrylic paints provide a gateway into the realm of painting. With their vibrant colors and forgiving nature, they allow you to layer, blend, and explore different techniques! Acrylics enable you to express your emotions and ideas with boldness and confidence. A great option for beginners is Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint.

Things to Look for in Acrylic Paint Sets:

1. Quality of Paint: Look for acrylic paint sets that contain high-quality paints. Professional-grade acrylic paints typically have a higher pigment concentration, resulting in more vibrant and long-lasting colors. Brands like Golden, Liquitex, Winsor & Newton, and M. Graham are known for their quality acrylic paints.
2. Color Range: Consider the range and variety of colors in the set. Look for sets that offer a good selection of colors, including primary colors and a range of shades, to provide versatility in your artwork. Some sets may have a specific theme-based palette or limited color options, so choose according to your artistic needs.
3. Lightfastness: Check the lightfastness rating of the acrylic paints. Lightfastness indicates how resistant the pigments are to fading when exposed to light. Choose colors that have a high lightfastness rating, as they will retain their vibrancy over time. This is especially important if you plan to display or sell your artwork.
4. Transparency and Opacity: Acrylic paints can have different levels of transparency and opacity. Transparent colors allow underlying layers to show through, while opaque colors provide solid coverage. Consider your artistic style and preferences when choosing the transparency and opacity of the paints in the set.
5. Consistency and Texture: Acrylic paints come in different consistencies, such as heavy body, soft body, or fluid. Heavy body paints are thick and retain brushstrokes, making them suitable for impasto techniques, while soft body and fluid paints have a smoother consistency and are easier to blend and layer. Choose a set that offers the consistency that aligns with your preferred painting style.
6. Drying Time: Acrylic paints dry relatively quickly, but the drying time can vary depending on the brand and specific formulation. Consider the desired working time you need for your artwork. Some sets may include paints with extended drying time or retarders to slow down the drying process, giving you more time for blending and manipulation.
7. Coverage and Layering: Evaluate the coverage and layering capabilities of the acrylic paints. Look for paints that provide good coverage with fewer layers, allowing for efficient painting. The ability to layer the colors without muddying or losing vibrancy is also essential for achieving depth and complexity in your artwork.

Soft Pastels

Soft pastels are dry pigments in stick form, renowned for their vividness and ability to create rich, textured effects. They offer a tactile and immersive experience and encourage you to work with your hands, blend colors, and create stunningly expressive artwork. With soft pastels, you can explore the interplay of light and shadow and capture the essence of your subjects in a distinct and captivating manner. We’ve put together a guide to The Best Pastel Sets for Creating Vibrant Art, which you can check out to see which set would fit your new practice. However, if looking for a quick suggestion, the Sennelier Extra-Soft Full Stick Pastels are a favorite of many artists.

Things to Look for in Soft Pastel Sets:

1. Softness and Texture: Soft pastels vary in their softness and texture. The softness of the pastel affects how easily it transfers onto the paper and how smoothly it blends. Softer pastels are easier to apply and blend, while harder pastels provide more control and crisp lines. Consider the level of softness you prefer for your artistic style.
2. Quality of Pigments: Look for soft pastels that contain high-quality pigments. Professional-grade pastels often have a higher pigment concentration, resulting in vibrant and lightfast colors. Brands like Schmincke, Sennelier, Rembrandt, and Unison are known for their quality soft pastels.
3. Lightfastness: Check the lightfastness rating of the pastels. Lightfastness indicates how resistant the pigments are to fading when exposed to light. Choose pastels that have a high lightfastness rating to ensure your artwork retains its vibrancy over time.
4. Color Range: Consider the range and variety of colors in the set. Look for sets that offer a good selection of colors to provide versatility in your artwork. Some sets may have a specific theme-based palette or limited color options, so choose according to your artistic needs.
5. Binder: Pay attention to the binder used in the pastels. The binder affects the hardness, texture, and adherence of the pastel to the paper. Common binders include gum arabic, gum tragacanth, and methyl cellulose. Experiment with different binders to find the one that suits your preferences.
6. Dust and Fixatives: Soft pastels produce dust particles when used. Consider whether you prefer pastels that have less dust production or if you’re willing to work in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, consider using fixatives to preserve and protect your finished pastel artworks.
7. Packaging: Soft pastels can be sold in individual sticks or in sets. Sets provide a convenient way to start your collection or ensure color harmony. Individual sticks allow you to select specific colors and replace them as needed. Consider your preferences and budget when deciding between sets or individual pastels.

Quality Brushes

Quality brushes are essential tools for applying paint, creating texture, and adding details to your artwork. They provide precision, control, and versatility in your strokes. Investing in quality brushes ensures that your artistic vision is translated onto the canvas with finesse, enabling you to explore a wide range of techniques and achieve desired effects. A good brand for new artists to try out is the Arteza Paint Brushes Set.

Things to Look for in Paint Brushes:

1. Brush Types and Shapes: Different brush types and shapes are designed for specific techniques and purposes. Common brush types include round, flat, filbert, fan, and rigger brushes. Each shape has its own characteristics, such as creating precise lines, broad strokes, blending, or detailing. Consider the types of brushes that will best suit your artistic style and the techniques you commonly use.
2. Bristle Material: The bristle material affects the performance and durability of the brush. Natural bristles, such as hog or sable hair, are commonly used for oil painting, while synthetic bristles, such as nylon or taklon, are popular for acrylic and watercolor painting. Natural bristles are often more expensive but offer excellent paint absorption and a softer touch, while synthetic brushes are more affordable and can be suitable for various media.
3. Brush Size: Brushes come in various sizes, indicated by numbers or measurements. Larger brushes cover larger areas, while smaller brushes allow for finer details. Consider the size range that will be most useful for your artwork and choose a set or individual brushes accordingly.
4. Handle Length and Shape: The handle length and shape can impact your comfort and control while painting. Longer handles provide more reach and are ideal for easel painting, while shorter handles offer better control for close-up work or painting on a tabletop. Additionally, some brushes have ergonomic or shaped handles that enhance grip and reduce hand fatigue.
5. Quality and Durability: Look for high-quality brushes that are well-constructed and durable. The brush hairs should be securely attached to the ferrule (the metal or plastic part that holds the bristles) and resist shedding. Quality brushes tend to have better paint application, retention, and longevity. Trusted brands like Arteza, Winsor & Newton, Princeton, Da Vinci, and Escoda are known for their reliable brush quality.

Final Thoughts

As a new artist, having the right art supplies is crucial for your growth, exploration, and artistic development. Each of the six must-have art supplies discussed above serves a specific purpose in nurturing your skills and unleashing your creativity. From sketching and drawing to painting and adding intricate details, these supplies are your trusted companions on your artistic journey. Embrace them, experiment with them, and let them empower you to express your unique artistic voice! Remember, as a beginner, it’s not just about the destination but also the joy of discovering new techniques, honing your skills, and expressing yourself authentically through art. So, equip yourself with these essentials and embark on an exciting artistic adventure filled with endless possibilities.