The Absolute Basics: Art Supplies for Beginner Artists
Do You Need Fancy Art Supplies?
If all you have is a #2 graphite pencil and any blank paper—that’s enough! You truly don’t need fancy supplies to begin. You can learn a great deal and achieve excellent results with the most basic tools. Don’t let a lack of expensive materials hold you back from creating.
Why Upgrade Beyond #2 Graphite?
That said, if you do have access to more art supplies (or you want to treat yourself!), it’s worth experimenting with different tools. Here’s why:
Graphite pencils can be a bit limiting. It’s challenging to achieve deep, rich blacks with just one pencil.
Graphite = Shiny. Graphite’s reflective finish can make it tough to judge your darks and lights accurately.
More Materials = More Expressive Mark Making. Different pencils offer different textures and possibilities!
My Favorite Drawing Pencils
Let me introduce you to a few of my all-time favorite drawing pencils. Each offers a great range of values and its own unique qualities.
1. Derwent Drawing Ivory Black 6700
Texture: Smooth, buttery, and satisfying to use.
Sound: Even the sound on paper is pleasant (if you draw often, you know what I mean!).
Material: A wax-based core that glides beautifully and provides a consistent tone.
2. Conte à Paris Pierre Noire (2B) / France / 1710
Texture: Drier than the Derwent but creates stunning, deep blacks.
Material: Blend of carbon and black chalk.
Tip: These pencils are thick and may need a larger sharpener or a blade. They can break if dropped, so handle with care!
3. Wolff’s Carbon Royal Sovereign (6B)
Texture: Smooth, with less shine than pure graphite.
Material: Carbon-based core.
Practicality: Thinner and less fragile than the previous two—any standard sharpener will work.
4. Blackwing 206
Texture: Exceptionally smooth, almost like painting with a brush.
Material: Graphite and wax blend.
Opinion: These are a bit pricier and can be polarizing, but they’re worth a try if you want something different.
Want to See More?
I’m a bit of a pencil hoarder! If you'd like me to share more from my collection in a future post or video, let me know in the comments.
Let’s Talk Paper
Newsprint:
My top choice for practice.
Inexpensive, so you won’t worry about “ruining” it.
It is not archival (it yellows and fades), but it is perfect for warm-ups or rough sketches.
Printer Paper:
Acceptable for practice or exercises.
Use whatever you have on hand.
Sketchbooks:
Great if you like keeping your drawings together.
I personally use loose sheets at home but switch to sketchbooks when I’m on the go.
Other Helpful Tools
You’ll need a sharpener or a small blade to keep your pencils in shape. That’s it—no need for fancy accessories at this point.
What NOT to Worry About Right Now
Believe it or not, you don’t need an eraser for the first few lessons! That’s right—no stress about making “mistakes.” We’ll focus on loosening up and getting comfortable with drawing instead.
Final Thoughts
To get started, all you need is a pencil, some paper, and a comfortable place to sit and draw. That’s it! I’ll update this post as I introduce more materials throughout the course.
Remember: It’s not about having the fanciest tools—it’s all about making the most of what you have!
Share your favorites!
Please share some of your favorite tools in the comments.