Drawing supplies
Pad of good drawing paper (minimum 18” x 24”): Drawing paper is the foundation of any drawing. It should have a smooth surface that allows for easy pencil or charcoal application without too much tooth (texture) that might interfere with fine details. A larger size like 18” x 24” provides ample space for experimentation and larger compositions. Brands like Strathmore and Canson offer reliable quality. Alternatives: Students can opt for cheaper alternatives like store-brand drawing pads, but they should ensure the paper is of sufficient quality to handle various drawing mediums without tearing or buckling.
Pad of newsprint or craft paper (minimum 18” x 24”): Newsprint or craft paper is ideal for quick sketches, gesture drawings, and practicing without worrying about wasting expensive paper. It’s cheaper than drawing paper and encourages students to sketch freely without inhibition. Alternatives: Students can use recycled paper or even old newspapers for practice sketches if they’re extremely tight on budget.
Toned paper (blue, gray, earth colors, 3 pieces): Toned paper adds depth and atmosphere to drawings, especially when working with charcoal or white pencils. It can enhance contrast and help students explore different tonal ranges. Alternatives: Students can make their own toned paper by using inexpensive colored construction paper or by tinting white paper with diluted acrylic paint.
Tracing paper (budget grade, can be shared): Tracing paper is useful for transferring sketches or refining compositions without damaging the original drawing. It’s lightweight and translucent, allowing for easy tracing and experimentation. Sharing one pad among students can reduce costs. Alternatives: Students can use thin parchment paper or even wax paper as a cheaper alternative for tracing.
Sketchbook (no larger than 9” x 12” and no smaller than 5”x7″): A sketchbook provides a portable space for students to jot down ideas, observations, and quick sketches wherever they go. The size restrictions ensure it’s convenient to carry around. Alternatives: Students can use any blank notebook or even make their own sketchbooks by binding loose sheets of paper together.
X-Acto knife: An X-Acto knife is essential for precise cutting and detailing, such as sharpening pencils or creating intricate paper stencils. It’s a versatile tool that can aid in various aspects of the drawing process. Alternatives: A sharp utility knife or a razor blade can serve as a budget-friendly alternative.
Sandpaper block or fine sandpaper (medium grit 150 or 220): A sandpaper block is used for sharpening pencils and charcoal sticks to achieve a fine point or edge. It’s an essential tool for maintaining drawing implements. Alternatives: Students can use sandpaper sheets or emery boards as a substitute for a sandpaper block.
Graphite pencils (4H, 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B or full set): Graphite pencils come in different hardness grades, ranging from hard (H) to soft (B), allowing for varying degrees of line darkness and texture. A variety of grades enables students to achieve a wide range of effects in their drawings. Alternatives: Students can purchase individual pencils of the most commonly used grades (HB, 2B, 4B) rather than a full set to save money.
Charcoal pencils (hard, medium, and soft): Charcoal pencils offer rich, deep blacks and are ideal for expressive and dramatic drawing. Different grades of charcoal pencils provide varying levels of darkness and control. Alternatives: Students can use compressed charcoal sticks or vine charcoal as a cheaper alternative to charcoal pencils.
Charcoal white pencils (at least 2): Charcoal white pencils are used for adding highlights and lighter tones to charcoal drawings. They provide contrast and can enhance the three-dimensional quality of the artwork. Alternatives: Students can use white conte crayons or white chalk pastels as substitutes for charcoal white pencils.
Erasers (Kneaded eraser and White Vinyl Eraser): Kneaded erasers are pliable and can be molded into different shapes for precise erasing and lifting off graphite or charcoal. White vinyl erasers offer more aggressive erasing power and are useful for larger areas. Alternatives: Students can use regular rubber erasers as a substitute for white vinyl erasers, although they may leave more residue.
Workable fixative: Workable fixative is sprayed on finished drawings to prevent smudging and protect the artwork from dust and fading. It allows students to continue working on their drawings without worrying about damaging them. Alternatives: Students can use hairspray as a budget-friendly alternative to workable fixative, although it may not be as effective or archival.
Plastic box for supplies: A plastic box provides a convenient storage solution for organizing and transporting art supplies. It helps students keep their materials organized and protected from damage. Alternatives: Students can use any sturdy container or even repurpose household items like shoeboxes for storing their art supplies.
Optional – blending stumps: Blending stumps are used for smudging and blending graphite or charcoal to create smooth gradients and transitions. They can add depth and dimension to drawings. Alternatives: Students can use rolled-up paper or their fingers as a budget-friendly alternative to blending stumps.
