Art Materials & Supplies Guide

Choose the Right Materials for the Way You Create

Having the right materials can make learning and creating considerably easier.

But with so many paints, brushes, papers, pencils, canvases, tools and craft supplies available, knowing what to choose isn't always straightforward.

  • Does a beginner need several types of paint?
  • What's the difference between a round and flat brush?
  • Which paper should you use for watercolour?
  • Is canvas suitable for every type of paint?
  • What should you look for when buying drawing pencils?

The Art Materials & Supplies Guide is designed to answer these practical questions.

Whether you're starting your first art project, preparing supplies for school, developing a hobby or building a more complete creative workspace, use this guide to understand what different materials are designed for, how they behave and what to consider before choosing them.

Start With Your Medium

The easiest way to decide what materials you need is to begin with the type of artwork you want to create.

For example:

  • Drawing → Pencils, paper, erasers, sharpeners and drawing tools.
  • Acrylic painting → Acrylic paints, brushes, palette, suitable surface and water/cleaning supplies.
  • Watercolour → Watercolour paints, suitable paper, brushes and water containers.
  • Crafting → Materials and tools appropriate for the specific project.
  • Illustration → Drawing tools, paper, markers, coloured pencils or other preferred media.

Don't start by buying everything.

Start with the medium.

Then build your supplies around it.

Paint

Paint is available in many different formulations, each with different working characteristics.

Common types include:

  • Acrylic
  • Watercolour
  • Gouache
  • Oil
  • Poster paint
  • Fabric paint
  • Craft paint

The best option depends on:

  • Your surface
  • Your technique
  • Desired finish
  • Drying time
  • Opacity
  • Working method
  • Experience level

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is a versatile choice for many artists and craft projects.

It can be applied in thin layers or thicker applications and can support techniques ranging from smooth blending to textured brushwork.

Acrylic paint can be used on suitable:

  • Canvas
  • Paper
  • Boards
  • Wood
  • Other prepared surfaces

Acrylic is useful for:

  • Canvas painting
  • Decorative painting
  • Illustration
  • Craft projects
  • Mixed media
  • Classroom activities

Watercolour Paint

Watercolour is known for its transparent appearance and strong relationship with water and paper.

The paper plays an important role because the surface affects how water and pigment behave.

Watercolour is commonly used for:

  • Landscapes
  • Botanical artwork
  • Illustration
  • Sketching
  • Studies
  • Loose expressive painting

Gouache

Gouache is an opaque water-based paint that can produce strong, solid areas of colour.

It can be useful for:

  • Illustration
  • Poster-style artwork
  • Decorative painting
  • Studies
  • Graphic artwork

Because gouache can be reworked with water in some circumstances, it behaves differently from acrylic.

Oil Paint

Oil paint has a distinctive working process and generally provides a longer working period than fast-drying paints.

It is commonly associated with:

  • Portraiture
  • Landscapes
  • Still life
  • Traditional painting
  • Detailed studio work

Artists should consider the additional materials and working practices required for oil painting before getting started.

Paint Brushes

The brush you choose affects the marks you can make.

Brushes vary by:

  • Shape
  • Size
  • Fibre
  • Stiffness
  • Handle length
  • Paint capacity

Round Brushes

Round brushes are useful for:

  • Lines
  • Details
  • Small areas
  • Controlled strokes
  • Curved marks

Larger round brushes can also hold enough paint to cover broader areas.

Flat Brushes

Flat brushes provide a broad, straight-edged surface.

They are useful for:

  • Large areas
  • Backgrounds
  • Broad strokes
  • Straight edges
  • Block-ins

Filbert Brushes

Filbert brushes combine characteristics of round and flat brushes.

Their rounded edge can be useful for:

  • Soft edges
  • Rounded forms
  • Blending
  • Organic shapes

Fan Brushes

Fan brushes have bristles arranged in a spread-out shape. They can be useful for particular texture and blending effects, although the exact result depends on the paint and surface.

Detail Brushes

Small detail brushes are designed for controlled applications.

They're useful for:

  • Fine lines
  • Small features
  • Tiny details
  • Decorative work

However, using an extremely small brush for an entire painting can make the process unnecessarily slow.

How to Choose a Paint Brush

Instead of asking:

"Which brush is the best?"

Ask:

"Which brush is best for this job?"

Consider:

Size

  • Large areas require larger brushes.
  • Small details require smaller brushes.

Shape

  • Choose a shape that produces the mark you need.

Fibre

  • Different fibres have different characteristics.

Medium

  • A brush designed for one type of paint may not be ideal for another.

Surface

  • Canvas, paper and other surfaces can require different handling.

Drawing Pencils

Graphite pencils are available in different grades.

Generally:

  • H grades → harder and lighter marks.
  • B grades → softer and darker marks.
  • HB → a useful middle-ground grade.

A small range can be enough to begin learning. You don't need an enormous pencil collection to produce a good drawing.

Erasers

Erasers aren't only for correcting mistakes. They can also be used as drawing tools.

Vinyl Erasers

  • Useful for clean, controlled corrections.

Kneaded Erasers

  • Can be shaped and used to lift graphite gradually.
  • They can be particularly useful for creating highlights and adjusting tonal areas.

Precision Erasers

  • Useful when you need to remove small sections accurately.

Sharpeners

  • A good sharpener helps maintain consistent pencil points.
  • Different pencils may respond differently to sharpening.
  • For detailed work, a longer point can provide greater control.
  • For broader shading, a shorter point may be useful.
  • Avoid applying excessive pressure when sharpening delicate drawing materials.

Coloured Pencils

Coloured pencils are useful for:

  • Illustration
  • Detailed drawings
  • Colour studies
  • Botanical work
  • Portraits
  • Decorative artwork

They can be layered gradually to create stronger colour and depth.

Experiment with pressure. Light pressure allows you to build colour gradually.

Greater pressure produces stronger colour but can also reduce the texture available for additional layers.

Markers

Markers are commonly used for illustration and graphic artwork.

They can be useful for:

  • Bold colour
  • Lettering
  • Illustration
  • Design work
  • Colour studies

When using markers, consider whether the ink is suitable for your chosen paper. Some markers may bleed through lightweight paper.

Charcoal

Charcoal provides strong, expressive marks and can create deep values quickly.

It is useful for:

  • Figure studies
  • Portraits
  • Gesture drawing
  • Large tonal studies
  • Expressive sketches

Because charcoal can be easily transferred from the drawing surface, finished work may require appropriate protection depending on the material used.

Choosing Art Paper

Paper is not simply paper.

Different papers have different:

  • Weight
  • Texture
  • Absorbency
  • Surface finish
  • Durability

The best paper depends on the medium.

Drawing Paper

Drawing paper is designed for dry media such as:

  • Graphite
  • Coloured pencils
  • Charcoal
  • Pastels

The appropriate surface depends on the level of detail and technique you're using.

Watercolour Paper

Watercolour paper is designed to handle water-based painting better than ordinary lightweight paper.

It is available with different surface textures and weights.

Common surface descriptions include:

  • Hot pressed → generally smoother.
  • Cold pressed → generally more textured.
  • Rough → stronger surface texture.

The best choice depends on your technique and preferred appearance.

Sketchbooks

A sketchbook can become an artist's working laboratory.

Use it for:

  • Ideas
  • Rough drawings
  • Studies
  • Colour experiments
  • Notes
  • Composition thumbnails
  • Technique practice

Don't treat every page as something that must be perfect. The value of a sketchbook comes from using it.

Canvas

Canvas is a common surface for painting, particularly acrylic and oil work.

Canvas can vary in:

  • Size
  • Texture
  • Construction
  • Preparation
  • Format

Before painting, check whether the canvas is appropriately prepared for the medium you intend to use.

Painting Palettes

A palette provides a surface for holding and mixing paint.

You can find palettes in different materials and designs.

The important considerations are:

  • Easy cleaning
  • Adequate mixing space
  • Compatibility with the medium
  • Comfortable handling

Don't feel that you need a complicated palette setup.

A simple arrangement can be enough.

Easels

An easel can help position your artwork comfortably while working.

Different designs suit different working environments.

Consider:

  • Available space
  • Artwork size
  • Sitting or standing position
  • Portability
  • Storage

A tabletop easel can be useful when space is limited. A larger floor-standing easel may be preferable for larger work.

Craft Tools

Craft projects may require tools such as:

  • Scissors
  • Rulers
  • Cutting tools
  • Punches
  • Measuring tools
  • Modelling tools
  • Adhesive applicators

Always choose tools appropriate to the material and project.

For cutting tools, use a stable working surface and appropriate safety precautions.

Adhesives

Different projects require different types of adhesive.

You may encounter:

  • Glue sticks
  • Liquid craft glue
  • PVA-style adhesives
  • Double-sided adhesive products
  • Specialist adhesives

Before applying an adhesive to an important project, check whether it is compatible with both materials.

Craft Materials

Crafting can involve a much wider range of materials than traditional drawing and painting.

Depending on the project, you might use:

  • Paper
  • Card
  • Foam
  • Fabric
  • Beads
  • Thread
  • Wood
  • Modelling materials
  • Decorative elements

The material should serve the project rather than simply being included because it is available.

Choosing Materials for Children

When purchasing art and craft supplies for children, consider:

  • Age suitability
  • Ease of use
  • Supervision requirements
  • Material characteristics
  • Cleanup
  • Intended activity

Not every art tool is appropriate for every age group.

Sharp tools, specialist adhesives and other potentially hazardous materials require particular care and appropriate adult supervision.

Building a Beginner Art Kit

You don't need to purchase an entire art store when you're starting.

A practical beginner drawing kit could include:

  • Graphite pencils
  • Drawing paper
  • Eraser
  • Sharpener
  • Sketchbook

A basic acrylic painting kit could include:

  • Acrylic paints
  • Several brushes
  • Palette
  • Suitable painting surface
  • Water container
  • Cleaning materials

A basic craft kit could include:

  • Scissors
  • Paper
  • Card
  • Glue
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Basic decorative materials

Start with the essentials.

Add specialised tools as your skills develop.

Building a Student Art Kit

Students may need a wider range of materials depending on their course or assignments.

Before buying supplies, check the requirements of the specific class or project.

Prioritise:

  1. Required materials
  2. Frequently used materials
  3. Specialist materials

This prevents unnecessary purchases.

Building a Home Art Workspace

You don't need a dedicated studio.

A practical creative workspace can be built around:

  • A stable table
  • Good lighting
  • Storage
  • A comfortable chair
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Adequate working space

Keep frequently used materials within easy reach. Store less frequently used supplies separately.

Storing Your Art Materials

Proper storage helps protect your supplies.

Paint

  • Keep containers properly closed and stored according to their instructions.

Brushes

  • Clean them after use and store them without damaging the bristles.

Paper

  • Store paper flat or appropriately supported and protect it from moisture.

Pencils

  • Keep drawing materials organised so they aren't unnecessarily damaged.

Craft Supplies

  • Use labelled containers for small items.

Organisation also makes it easier to know what you already have.

Don't Buy Materials Simply Because They're Available

More materials don't automatically make you a better artist.

A large collection can actually make it harder to decide where to begin.

Instead, ask:

  1. What am I making?
  2. What technique am I using?
  3. What material is suitable?
  4. What quantity do I need?
  5. Will I use it again?

These questions help you build a practical collection rather than a crowded one.

Material Compatibility Matters

Before combining materials, consider whether they are compatible.

Examples include:

  • Paint and surface
  • Adhesive and material
  • Marker and paper
  • Medium and paint
  • Finish and underlying surface

If you're uncertain, test the combination on a spare piece first. This is particularly important when working on expensive or finished artwork.

Quality vs Price

The most expensive material isn't automatically the best choice for every artist.

Likewise, the cheapest option isn't always the most economical.

Consider:

Purpose

  • What are you using it for?

Frequency

  • How often will you use it?

Performance

  • Does it behave appropriately for the technique?

Durability

  • Will it last through the intended use?

Budget

  • Does it provide reasonable value for your particular needs?
  • Choose based on the job rather than price alone.

A Simple Material Selection Checklist

Before buying a new art supply, ask:

1. What will I use it for?

Identify the project or technique.

2. Is it compatible with my medium?

Check the manufacturer's information where necessary.

3. Is the size appropriate?

Don't buy a size that doesn't suit your workspace or project.

4. Do I already own something that does the same job?

Avoid unnecessary duplication.

5. Will I use it regularly?

Consider whether it is a useful addition to your kit.

6. Is it appropriate for the intended user?

This is particularly important for children's materials and tools.

Your Materials Should Support Your Creativity

Art supplies are tools.

  • They should help you turn an idea into something tangible.
  • You don't need every brush.
  • You don't need every colour.
  • You don't need the most expensive paper.

You need materials that are appropriate for what you're trying to create.

  • Start with the essentials.
  • Learn how they behave.
  • Experiment.
  • Then expand your collection as your skills and interests grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What art supplies should a beginner buy?

Start with materials suited to the medium you want to learn. A basic drawing kit can include pencils, paper, an eraser and sharpener. A painting kit should be built around the specific paint medium you intend to use.

What is the difference between acrylic and watercolour paint?

Acrylic is generally more opaque and versatile across suitable surfaces, while watercolour is typically more transparent and relies heavily on water and absorbent paper.

What paint brushes should beginners buy?

A small selection of versatile round and flat brushes in different sizes is usually more useful than buying a very large brush collection immediately.

What do H and B mean on pencils?

H grades generally indicate harder, lighter graphite, while B grades generally indicate softer, darker graphite. HB sits around the middle of the traditional grading range.

What paper is best for watercolour?

Watercolour paper is designed to handle water better than ordinary drawing paper. The ideal texture and weight depend on your technique and preferences.

Do I need an easel to paint?

No. An easel is useful but not essential. You can work on a suitable stable surface depending on the size and type of artwork.

How should I store art supplies?

Store materials according to their characteristics and manufacturer recommendations. Protect paper from moisture, close paint containers properly and clean brushes after use.

How do I choose art supplies for children?

Consider age suitability, ease of use, supervision requirements and the materials involved. Children should use tools and materials appropriate to their age and ability.

Are expensive art supplies better?

Not necessarily. The right material depends on its intended use, performance, durability and your budget. Suitable materials matter more than simply choosing the most expensive option.

How many art supplies do I need?

There is no fixed number. Start with the essentials for your chosen medium and add specialised materials when you have a clear reason to use them.