Starting out as an artist can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are so many choices to make when it comes to art supplies, and it can be hard to know where to begin. However, by making smart, low-cost decisions, you can free up space in your budget for inspiration to take hold. This article will explore how you can take the first steps to becoming an artist and make the most of your resources while allowing yourself to be creative.
If you are taking your first steps on the road to becoming an artist, explore what we regard to be the 10 best art materials for new artists. This is a perfect starting point if you have the creative urge but don’t yet know where to direct that energy.
Starting from zero
These include drawing pencils, eraser, and sharpener, sketchbook, blending stumps, color pens and pencils, spray paint, color/paint set with a palette, brush and palette knife set, color wheel and paint brush cleaner, and an easel. New artists should not limit themselves to one type of art, it is the ideal time to experiment and find out what they like.
We also think those pencils are the single best place to start, so it’s worth thinking about what you should be drawing as a beginner.
Best sketchbooks for pencil and ink
If your early experiments have led you to play with pencil and ink in the same place, you will want to have a look at the best sketchbooks for both pencil and ink.
Not all sketchbooks are suitable for the combination of dry and wet media. When choosing the best sketchbook for pencil and ink, the main consideration is the thickness of the paper, as thicker paper will absorb ink better and prevent smudging. The texture of the paper is also important, as rougher paper will absorb ink quicker and dry faster, reducing smudging concerns.
Sketching with colored pencils
Colored pencils are a great art material for beginners as they are inexpensive and easy to use, requiring only a few colored pencils and some paper to get started. The colors are vibrant, pure, and permanent, making them easy to maintain and store. Sketching with colored pencils also allows for control over color and the ability to work loosely or tightly. They are versatile and convenient, allowing you to start and stop at any time with no drying time required. Our sketching with colored pencils article also gives you some basic techniques to use when creating.
Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paints are great for beginners because they dry quickly, allowing for easy corrections and layering. Additionally, they are easy to clean up and less toxic than oil paints, which makes them a safer option for novice painters.
To get you started, you might want to start following some of our hand chosen step-by-step acrylic painting tutorials for beginners to improve your skills and confidence. There are different types of tutorials available, such as books, YouTube videos, and written blogs.
Acrylic paints can be applied directly to a canvas, it is a water-based medium that dries quickly and can be used to create a variety of effects. It is a versatile medium suitable for beginners and experienced painters. To get started painting with acrylic on canvas, you will need brushes, paints and canvases. It’s recommended to use low-cost options until you understand your needs.
Art supplies for kids
Art supplies for kids can capture the imagination and encourage children to use their creativity, instead of screens. The benefits of art for children range from cognitive and emotional development to improved executive function skills. To make the most of art supplies for kids, it is best to start with the basics and then add materials based on the child’s interest and your own comfort level with making things at home.
The best art supplies for kids are those that are open-ended, simple to use, fun, and look cool when finished. Some examples include watercolor paints, finger paints, glue, tie-dye design studio, Copic markers and crayons.