Choosing the Right Art Supplies for Beginners

Starting with the Essentials

As a beginner, you don't need every tool in the art store. Focus on quality basics that will serve you well as you develop your skills. A smaller collection of good-quality supplies will always outperform a large collection of poor-quality materials.

Pencils: Your Primary Drawing Tool

Pencils are the foundation of drawing. Understanding the grading system and choosing the right pencils will significantly impact your artwork.

Understanding Pencil Grades

Pencil grades range from hard (H) to soft (B), with numbers indicating intensity:

• H Pencils (Hard): 9H to H - Create light, precise lines. Good for initial sketches and technical drawing
• HB: The middle ground - balanced hardness and darkness
• B Pencils (Soft): B to 9B - Create dark, rich lines. Excellent for shading and expressive drawing

Essential Pencil Set for Beginners

Start with these five pencils that cover most drawing needs:

1. 2H: For light construction lines and initial sketches
2. HB: For general drawing and medium tones
3. 2B: For darker lines and basic shading
4. 4B: For rich, dark tones and expressive marks
5. 6B: For the darkest values and dramatic contrasts

Recommended Brands

• Faber-Castell 9000: Excellent consistency and quality
• Staedtler Mars Lumograph: Smooth application and durability
• Derwent Graphic: Good value for beginners

Paper: The Foundation of Your Drawing

The right paper can make a significant difference in your drawing experience and results. Different papers serve different purposes, and understanding these differences will help you choose wisely.

Paper Weight and Texture

• Weight: Measured in grams per square meter (gsm). Heavier paper (180gsm+) handles erasing and layering better
• Texture: Smooth papers work well for detailed work, while textured papers add character to shading

Types of Drawing Paper

Newsprint (45-48gsm)

Inexpensive paper perfect for practice sessions, gesture drawings, and initial sketches. Not suitable for finished work but excellent for building skills.

Medium-Weight Drawing Paper (90-140gsm)

The workhouse of drawing papers. Good quality, affordable, and suitable for most drawing techniques. Perfect for beginners developing their skills.

Heavy-Weight Drawing Paper (180-300gsm)

Premium paper for finished artwork. Handles multiple layers, heavy shading, and extensive erasing without deteriorating.

Recommended Paper Sizes

• A4 (210 × 297mm): Perfect for sketchbooks and practice
• A3 (297 × 420mm): Good for more detailed work and studies
• 9" × 12" (229 × 305mm): Popular size for drawing pads

Erasers: More Than Just Mistake Fixers

Erasers are creative tools that can add highlights, create textures, and refine your drawings. Having the right erasers in your kit is essential.

Types of Erasers

Kneaded Eraser

Soft, moldable erasers that can be shaped for precise erasing. They lift graphite without damaging paper and can create subtle highlights.

White Vinyl Eraser

Clean, non-abrasive erasers that remove marks completely without smudging. Excellent for clean-up and precise corrections.

Gum Eraser

Soft erasers that crumble as they work, taking graphite particles with them. Gentle on paper and good for large area corrections.

Pencil Erasers

Precise erasers in pencil form, perfect for small details and adding fine highlights to your drawings.

Blending Tools: Creating Smooth Transitions

Blending tools help create smooth gradations and professional-looking shading effects.

Essential Blending Tools

• Blending Stumps (Tortillons): Tightly wound paper tools for precise blending
• Chamois: Natural leather for smooth, even blending over large areas
• Tissue Paper: Inexpensive option for basic blending
• Cotton Swabs: Good for small areas and detailed blending work

Additional Essential Tools

Mechanical Pencils

Consistent line width and no need for sharpening. Start with 0.5mm for general use and 0.3mm for fine details.

Rulers and Measuring Tools

• 18-inch ruler: For measuring and drawing straight lines
• Proportional divider: For scaling and measuring proportions
• Curve ruler: For drawing smooth curves

Pencil Sharpeners and Knives

• Quality handheld sharpener: For maintaining pencil points
• Craft knife: For custom pencil points and precise sharpening
• Sandpaper block: For fine-tuning pencil points

Building Your First Art Kit

Basic Starter Kit ($50-75 AUD)

• Set of 5 pencils (2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)
• A4 drawing pad (90gsm, 50 sheets)
• Kneaded eraser
• White vinyl eraser
• 2 blending stumps
• Basic pencil sharpener

Intermediate Kit ($100-150 AUD)

Add to the basic kit:

• Additional pencils (4H, 8B)
• A3 drawing pad (140gsm)
• Newsprint pad for practice
• Pencil eraser
• Gum eraser
• Mechanical pencil (0.5mm)
• 18-inch ruler
• Craft knife
• Sandpaper block

Shopping Tips for Beginners

Where to Shop

• Art Supply Stores: Best selection and expert advice
• Online Retailers: Competitive prices and convenient delivery
• University Bookstores: Often have student discounts
• Discount Stores: Good for practice supplies like newsprint

Money-Saving Strategies

• Buy individual pencils rather than large sets initially
• Start with student-grade materials and upgrade as you progress
• Buy paper in bulk once you know your preferences
• Look for back-to-school sales and art store promotions
• Join loyalty programs for regular discounts

Common Beginner Mistakes

What to Avoid

• Buying too much too soon: Start small and add tools as needed
• Focusing on brand names: Good technique matters more than expensive tools
• Ignoring paper quality: Poor paper can frustrate even skilled artists
• Using only one pencil: Variety in your pencil grades improves your work
• Cheap erasers: Poor erasers can damage paper and ruin drawings

Caring for Your Art Supplies

Storage and Organization

• Keep pencils in a pencil case or roll to prevent damage
• Store paper flat in a portfolio or drawer
• Keep erasers clean and wrapped to prevent contamination
• Replace blending tools when they become too dirty

Maintenance Tips

• Clean erasers regularly by gently rubbing on clean paper
• Keep pencil points sharp for consistent line quality
• Replace tools when they no longer perform effectively
• Protect drawings with fixative spray when complete

When to Upgrade Your Supplies

As your skills develop, you'll naturally want better tools. Signs it's time to upgrade include:

• You're creating work you want to preserve long-term
• Your current tools limit your artistic expression
• You're consistently practicing and improving
• You understand the differences between supply qualities

Conclusion

Remember, the best art supplies are the ones you'll actually use. Start with quality basics, learn to use them well, and gradually expand your collection as your skills and interests develop. The joy of drawing comes from the process and practice, not from having the most expensive equipment.

At Esagibelle Drawing Courses, we provide all necessary materials for our classes, allowing you to try different brands and types before making your own purchases. Our instructors are always happy to provide personalized recommendations based on your artistic goals and budget.