I often get questions about the art supplies I use. In this post, I am sharing some of my favorite and most often used supplies!
Having the right tools at your disposal can help you bring out the best artistic vision in you. It’s good to experiment and learn what mediums and materials work best for you, but if it helps to get started, here are some of my favorites.
Scroll down to find links to everything!
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1 - SKETCHBOOKS
Let’s start with sketchbooks!
I love archival-quality sketchbooks, preferably 180 GSM paper, for practicing my ink drawings. Archival quality is an especially permanent, durable acid-free paper, allowing for a long life expectancy when kept in controlled conditions.
Even though the paper is thinner than watercolor paper, I find that it works perfectly for my sketching and experimenting purposes. I prefer A5 size sketchbooks that are small enough to throw into a bag that I’m carrying so I can work on my sketches in my free time or if something inspires a new idea while I’m traveling. Here are the links to some of my favorite sketchbooks.
For my watercolor and ink drawings, I love to use cold-pressed watercolor paper, preferably 300 GSM paper. You can even use this paper for your acrylic paints or oil pastels.
Here are the links to some of my most used watercolor papers.
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2 - TECHNICAL PENS
Black illustration pens are another perfect tool for my ink drawings. I sketch in pencil first and then go over the lines I’m sure about in ink. These are sets that each contain 6 different sizes. It’s great to play around with all of them and see which line weights you like best for your drawings.
I love to use sizes 05,03 for outlining the sketch and 01,005 for adding fine shading details in my illustrations. Here are the links to some of my favorite fine-liner pens.
3 - WATERCOLORS
I love to add color to a drawing with watercolors. Sometimes I even enjoy painting freely with watercolors in my sketchbook without drawing the design in pencil or ink first.
You don’t need lots of colors to get started, it’s good to start with a few and learn how to mix colors. You can always upgrade to a larger set later or buy some more colors of your choice.
I often use Brustro's watercolor sets, they are an excellent brand. My other favorite brand for watercolors is Faber Castell. I find these to be pocket friendly and good to start with.
Here are the links!
4 - WHITE PEN
A white pen is a really fun way to add accents or designs on top of your watercolor painting or areas that are colored in black ink. It takes your drawings to the next level. I also love making drawings in white ink on other colored papers.
5 - BRUSHES
If you chose watercolor painting, three types of brushes you’ll need include:
A size 6 liner brush for small detail painting.
Size 8 or 10 round brush for general-purpose painting.
Medium-sized flat brush for washes.
Though I have a large collection of paintbrushes, there are a few favorites that I use almost every day. I’m including links to brushes that I get the most questions about.
6 - PENCILS
Even if just doing painting, drawing the subject before starting to paint is necessary. This is particularly why a set of reliable pencils is a must-have for any artistic work.
I prefer to use mechanical pencils. They give a fine point for drawing and save me from having to carry around a sharpener or spend time sharpening.
My favorite size for very fine sketching, 0.3
7 - ERASER
The kneaded eraser, also known as putty rubber, is a tool for artists.
This extra-soft Kneadable Eraser is an indispensable tool when working with Pastel, Charcoal, or Graphite products. It absorbs the chalk dust by blotting and wiping the surface, without damaging the drawing paper.
8- WASHI TAPE / MASKING TAPE
Washi tape is amazing. It sticks well but can also be removed from almost anything without causing damage. I love using this tape for taping lines when I’m making artwork but also for taping drawings or inspiration into my sketchbook.
I hope this list of some of my favorite supplies is helpful for you! What would be on your list of favorite supplies? Comment and let me know!
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