Supply List for Beginner Drawing Students
Are you just starting out on your Drawing journey? Here are some recommended supplies for you!
This list includes affiliate links, so I may earn commissions on any purchases you make.
Vine Charcoal for gestural sketching
Ebony pencils for sketching
Stump for blending
PRO ART Artist Tape Roll for crisp, straight borders
Drawing Boards for easy set-up. These are lightweight and portable so your studio can be wherever you are. Buy a board whose shortest dimension is large enough to fit your longest dimension of your drawing paper.
Strathmore Newsprint Pad, 18"x 24" for warming-up in a low-stakes setting
Strathmore Drawing Pad, 14"x17” so you can have a smooth and sturdy substrate to work on.
Foam Shapes so you can set up your own Still Life and draw directly from observation, instead of using reference photos. Remember, when you are drawing, you are flattening the 3D world into two dimensions. A camera does that work for you, which is why in some ways drawing from photos seems easier. In my experience, drawing from life is better and more rewarding. It is a little more challenging, which means it has more to teach us and we get more out of it. The goal is learning to see, not getting it ‘right’ or ‘perfect’ each time. Get some foam shapes and set them up.
*note - foam shapes can be expensive online. You can try your local craft store or dollar store and you might find some of what you need.
**Is your sphere rolling away? I like to put a little Fun Tak on the bottom so it stays in place.
An easel or a table so you can prop your drawing board.
Ink-based Media
India ink - purchase some brushes, and a heavier weight paper for this. India ink will cause your drawing paper to buckle.
These are your most basic materials to get started. Comment below and let our community know how your drawings are going! Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait to see what you make! Remember to tag @artfuleducational on Instagram and I will give some feedback on your work.