With so many different products available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Actually, you need very little to get started! This article offers practical guidance for buying drawing materials.

Preview lesson A03 - Buying Drawing Supplies

i like the way this lesson was presented :sandy2

This lesson nicely outlined what a beginning artist might need. Will go a long way to helping avoid that overwhelming feeling we novices get on entering art supply stores.

nice overview, but one question:

mechanical pencils 0.3 mm .....

0.3 mm seems a bit small, obviously you mean 3mm , did you not?

I'm pretty sure she really meant 0.3 mm, as standard mechanical pencils are usually 0.5mm. Even the tip of a normal pencil is only 1.0 mm when dull.

That's true for Mechanical Pencils that they can use much finer leads than wood pencils. I checked on mechanicals in the local supermarket and found that the standard is 0.5mm and there are also 0.7mm available. The 0.3mm is hard to find there since they are very fine and tend to break easily. People buying 0.3mm mechanical pencils at the supermarket would be awfully upset since those customers don't normally use the pencils for art projects. Because of this, the smaller 0.3mm leads are generally only found in specialized art shops or on the Internet at art supply sites.

Thank you very much - Eric and Lycaryth!
It seems so, although i was slightly irritated, because a normal pencil is a lot thicker
(normally 2mm)

now i will go shopping for the devices - you see, i am a complete beginner -
and i am motivated because of the wonderful and inspiring lessons!


thumbs up and greetings to all the nice folks here around

I found this website on Kim Komando's column. It is absolutely remarkable at how much information is here for the viewing. I just recently took a drawing class at one of the high schools and truly enjoyed every lesson. I have since taken to sketching and find it so relaxing. I look forward to learning so much more and know I will be visiting here often. Thanks for a wonderful website!!!!

I am 70 years and just starting to learn so, I was very glad to see this,
first look, at what I need so clearly depicted in illustrations. Thank you so much.

What kind of paper would be the best for graphites? I use one of 300g. But, does exist another kind that work like it but not too expensive? their value here is about 4.60 dollars and in my country thats very expensive for paper.

Three ring binders for storing completed drawings? Sounds good, but inexpensive, dollar store scrapbooks would be even better for larger drawings.

This is a great lesson! I actually printed this and took it to the art store with me.

I never would have used a kneaded eraser before reading this tutorial. Now I could not draw without it!

good leson it really helped me

:[size=5]P
Just stumbles on this site and think it is really informative.....I have just started sketching some ...and really enjoy it as a tension breaker[/[b] Hope to converse with others as I move along.

This is my 2nd day on this website and reading this article was a real joy. This was just what I needed in my early stages of drawing.
Congradulations on a super article.

It is all very nice but, if you don't mind me saying so; you didn't make it any easier.

It is not that I want you to do the work for me. I am sure I will have some "fun" looking through the Art Supply Store, but knowing what I do, I am sure they will try to sell me stuff I don't need.

Why didn't you make a simple list. I would even go further. I would publish a simple list for each step of the Lesson(s).

Something like. "Here is what you will need for this lesson(S)"
List the Items... 1 thru 10...or 11 or 12, whatever.

I was almost as confused after reading the article, as I am sure I will be going into the Art Supply Store, being a beginner, and looking for what I need.

I am sorry! This is not a complaint. Just a comment.

I find the Site fascinating. I hope to lear something I always wanted to do.

Thank you!

I knew I saw this info somewhere! I have the dummy one. It has helped improve my confidence in drawing. Thanks Brenda.

I'm a newbie on this site and in drawing as well. So i would like to ask what brands do you recommend that is worth our money?

Also, what's the difference between a sketching set and a drawing set?

thanx for your wonderful lesson, it really helped me as a beginner

Never heard of kneaded eraser, though it sounds great.
I'l try to find it.
Anyway, I'm a beginner, and have been for quite some time because I keep putting it aside just as it starts to be more interesting.
Lazy *******.
Drawing lessons here are great and I can't wait to give it a start.

excuse me i am new can you tell me were i can get some art items

Thanks for the info. Kneaded erasers I get them in Amazon.com or Stapples stores

0.3? Don't you think that's a bit too small, or frail? I use 0.5 or 0.7 for drawing, but I have special markers fro outlining that I bought from an art store that are smaller than what you just mentioned. Those are crazy!

This is an informative lesson on supplies. I wasn't aware that were so many options for smoothing supplies, and inexpensive household items could be used. This is great!

I used to love drawing many years ago and I was quite good. Unfortunately, I let certain life obstacles put the joy and relaxation of my skills on the "back burner" and I never really continued the enjoyment and challenge of drawing.

I have made a commitment to resume this past time (along with a couple of others). I find DrawSpace to be a fresh, simple and very comprehensive media to get me back up on "my horse". Thank you for the time and effort you have put into this forum.

The lessons says that the most common pencils are 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B. I'm just wondering if there is a use/need for anything outside that range? I.e.: should I get 4H, 6H as well, to have a complete set? Or is 2H just about as hard as one would need for drawing?

Personally, I most commonly use 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, and just bought an 8B because my drawings are always coming out too light. I've never needed any harder of lead than a 2H. It's very light and lasts forever.

hehe so many different pencils and materials :' well I will be using just normals pencils and paper for a while, but I will certainly consider getting something more "advanced" for later when you you I actually develop some talent

I went to a nice art store today and bought supplies, although I forgot about the sanding block. I thought about buying an easel, but the stand alone ones were a bit expensive, although if I find I like drawing I will probably go back and buy one.

I was talking about this to the store clerk, and he said that sometimes he just either tacks or pins his paper to the wall and draws on it there.

As for grades of paper, I got a smooth grade and a medium grade, along with something suitable for charcoal, although I bought only graphite pencils. I see that the paper isn't really graded according to "tooth" . . . I mean there isn't anything like a "tooth number". I wanted to get something like a "heavy tooth" but didn't see anything. I decided (along with the store clerk) to substitute that charcoal grade paper.

I sort of wanted an 11x17 paper, which I already have in the form of very ancient graphical drawing paper, because it would be easy to cut in half and fit on my printer and scan one half at a time. I'll figure out something though.

I got a break-off knife, but forgot to get the heavy paper or cardboard for the portfolio. Oh well, there's always later I guess; besides, these drawings are only for learning. I'm going to go through the lessons one by one (well, probably . . . maybe . . . I dunno . . . ).

I saw a book on drawing planets, which I found tempting, given the desire I have to work on a certain project, but it would have required the purchase of colored pencils, and I've decided to concentrate on building skill with shape, value, blending and so forth before I play around with colors.

I bought a drawing board, various erasers and a couple of sharpeners, but they didn't have replaceable blades at the store (although the sharpeners are able to take them). I suppose I can always buy them online.

I got the fixative and the store guy said I would be able to draw on it afterwards, although Brenda seems to think that won't work. I think for me, at least at the start, fixative is just something to experiment with and maybe use to stop from getting graphite all over the place.

I guess I'm set to get started. Onward to all the mistakes I can make, because that's the way to learn.

I have very limited funds at the moment, but I do have a copy of Adobe Photoshop CS. Do you think I would be able to get good enough results using that? What about one of those pads where you can draw directly onto the computer? When I start to think about always having to replenish supplies, I have no idea how I could hope to pay for it all.

Well this is my first day on this site and I just new this card board box and a Number 2 pencil wasn't gunna cut it. I guess it's off to the art store. Thanks for the great supply list as all of the info is great. Thanks again.

This lesson realy is a good guide line. I must of overlooked it. just in a hurrey to get started i guess.

Well I just got back from the art store and man I must say with all of these new supplies I look like a real drawlin kinda guy. I do see the need though and I will look forward to many hours of learning and fun.

yes, am a stingy one who doesn't like to spend much. your tutorial has helped me a great deal.

This helps in not becoming such a starving artist later on LOL

this issue is important here that one must be familiar with pencils, notebooks, books, sheets, tajalapiz, but it contains one must know how the subject of a picture to be guided so that the materials that one must take the class drawing or drawing techniques.

This article was very informing and helpful for me. I would like to know if you could edit it to say which pens would be helpful...like ballpoint finepoint, and if sharpie ultra fine point or sharpie pens are fine to use to outline pictures.

I some stuff on the list that I don't have yet. Wow how could that happen. We live in a small town now. I can find a few things 45 + minutes away at a Staples Office Supply Store. An Arts and Crafts store 1 and 1/4 + hours away. I am starting to learn to shop Amazon, but it is not the same as being turned loose in a store. Rule number 1 when going shopping at arts and crafts shop- Never never take son or hubby along.

This lesson is excellent for beginners, very helpful and informative. Thank you.

I enjoyed this section because it can be overwhelming to think what do I need. This was great to learn what is what.

very good lesson.

i wonder what i need to buy just for starting the work, pencil and eraser ?

for now i won't buy nothing until we begin to draw for real, and than i will decide.

thank you, it is the best practice to know all you will need in advance.

This lesson clearly have solved the questions that i had about materials.Thanx

I found this lesson extremely useful. It has saved me from rushing headlong into my local art store and buying a lot of unnecessary items that I may not even need. Thanks for excellent article.

I like to buy online and at local shops. For candle-making and soap making supplies I found a good online supplier that sells nice containers that work great for my crafts. They have cute little steel tins that are especially handy :-

Your guide to selection and buying is very comprehensive. My only misgiving is that I have to get a carer to do my shopping. There are no friendly retailers that allow her to bring a selection home for me to choose. I use a large superstore chain Hobbycrafts. I can get them on the web but that only allows me to see. I am not able to touch feel or try. All this of course is of no reflection upon the good works of yourselves. Just my own limitations

I´ll give some help about the brands. I had this doubt back when I bought all my stuff, the tutorial is great but I think people can get a clear idea if they know more about brands, so here I go:

1- PENCILS / MECHANICAL PENCILS

Usually artist like softer pencil, like 2B, 4B, 6B and 8B, they create smooth lines and are very usefull for shading. While Illustrators are more comfortable with mechanical pencil because they´re harder and can create very thin lines. But THAT´S NOT A RULE! You may choose whatever you find good to you! I personally love both.
You dont need to carry over 9000 pencils to be a good artist, so keep in mind what you think you´re really gonna need before going out like a shopaholic and buying all pencils from the art store.
But there are few thing you gotta keep in mind before buying your first pencil, like the wood of pencil, there are 3 kinds of materials used for making pencils:
Pencils made from Incense-cedari (a renewable resource) are a reddish brown inside with a smooth, fine grain and a visible seam. They also have that familiar cedar scent when sharpened;
Pencils made from plastic have a pinkish color with no grain or seam, because plastic composite pencils are extruded by machine.
Pencils made from tropical rainforest wood have a brownish color with little dark brown or red flecks.
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO NEVER BUY PLASTIC PENCILS! They are awful! They break very easy and are terrible to shape, pencil made from cedari are the best option!

For someone who just began to draw and are not really sure if want to keep the habit or take it very serioursly I´d advice you getting the faber castell HB, 2B and 6B pencils, this little green one:



They are cheap, the wood is good quality, and the mine is great, even if they´re not pro they are a great option for those who seek fun and dont want to spend much money. Also with only 3 kind of pencils you can start your drawing life pretty ok, and with time you may find the need of buying other kind of pencils. It´s all up to you.

If you want to spend a little more of your money you can get professional pencils from the brand called Koh-I-Noor, they are great pencils but are more expensive, since it´s an artistic line, you will probably find every size you may need, from F to 8B.
Here´s a pic of then:



You can find more usefull information about pencils researching on google or going at the library! Pencil history is really fun.
Of course there are other kinds of pencils, like watercolors pencils, pastel pencils, etc. But I´ll just keep to the basics :~

Now let´s get a vision about mechanical pencils.
They are very helpfull, some artists dont like, some love, but again, you are the most important person in your life, so you will decide whenever you like it or not.
For beginners I´d advice getting a brand called "Pentel" they have a good range price and will last for your entire life you take good care of then. Also its good for the start only getting an 0.5 or 0.7 we will discart the use of 0.3 now because you dont know yet if you´re gonna keep drawing or not. So just keep in mind that mechanical pencils CAN BREAK, so take good care of then.
Here´s a pic of a mechanical pencil:



If you´re a rich person and want to go pro, you can get mechanical pencils called Alvin Draft



Since I´m not a rich person I just ignored then and I´m very happy with my pentel yeea!

Now that´s the ending of my little vision about first buy and pencil brands, if you found it usefull just tell me so I can make a review about erasers and other artistic stuff!

I found this lesson an excellent guide, unfortunately for me living on a small Island provides the challenge of obtaining even the basic tools.

The lesson has provided me with a great idea of what I need to purchase for my beginning sessions. As a typical beginner I didn't have any idea in particular as to what all I will need to turn my little hobby into something more. From this lesson/article I have gained enough knowledge about what all comes on top of my new shopping list. I loved the way everything has been explained in details here without making it hard for the normal everyday people. Will be proceeding to the next lesson as soon as I am done with the shopping of my drawing lesson. Right now: It is time for Happy Shopping!

This quite the thorough handout. Thank you! I am so thankful that I have a launching pad to and guide that will help me tune into my artistic abilities. Thank you, once again!
-Kirk

I found this lesson very helpful indeed.

It confirmed that I am on the right path in learning how to draw, ON WHAT I SHOULD DRAW, and ultimately, reasurres me that my purchases have not been TOO exotic, or too wrong!!

As the author states, is is very easy indeed, it is very easy indeed, to be overwhelmed by the supply of materials now available, and just to keep things simple, especially in the early stages, otherwise, suffer dis-appointment.

Ginnette Hargreaves.