The Best Art Supplies for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Starting your art journey is an exciting step, but with so many materials available, it can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need to buy everything at once. With a few quality supplies, you can begin exploring your creativity without stress.
This guide will help you understand which basic art materials are best for beginners. Whether you’re interested in drawing, painting, or mixed media, these tools will give you a solid foundation to get started.
1. Sketchbook
A good sketchbook is a must-have for any beginner. It gives you a space to experiment, make mistakes, and grow your skills. Look for a sketchbook with:
- Medium to heavy paper (around 100–160 gsm)
- Spiral or stitched binding
- Acid-free pages (so your work lasts)
You can use it for pencil sketches, doodling, basic ink drawings, and even light watercolor work.
Tip: Choose A4 or A5 size so it’s easy to carry around.
2. Pencils
Drawing pencils come in different types, from soft (B) to hard (H). For beginners, a simple set with a range of 2H to 6B is enough. Here’s what the labels mean:
- H pencils – Lighter and good for fine lines
- B pencils – Darker and better for shading
Start with a few options like HB, 2B, and 4B for a balance of line and shadow.
3. Erasers
You’ll definitely need a good eraser or two:
- Rubber eraser – For full erasing of pencil marks
- Kneaded eraser – Soft and flexible, great for lightening specific areas without damaging the paper
4. Sharpener
A simple manual sharpener will do the job, but make sure it’s sharp and doesn’t break your pencil tips. Some artists prefer a small metal sharpener or a container-style one to keep shavings tidy.
5. Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are a fun and easy way to add color to your drawings. Start with a basic set of 12 or 24 colors from a good brand. Look for pencils that are:
- Smooth to use
- Easy to blend
- Break-resistant
They’re great for sketching, shading, and learning about color mixing.
6. Pens and Fineliners
Black ink pens or fineliners help you create bold lines and outlines. They’re perfect for line art or combining with watercolors later.
Start with a waterproof pen (like 0.3mm or 0.5mm tip) for smooth, clean lines. You can also try brush pens for a more expressive feel.
7. Paints
If you want to explore painting, you can choose from several types:
Watercolors:
- Easy to use and clean
- Great for soft, transparent effects
- A basic set of 12 colors is enough for beginners
Acrylics:
- Bright, bold colors
- Dry quickly
- Can be used on paper, canvas, or wood
Gouache (optional):
- Similar to watercolors, but more opaque
- Good for layering and corrections
Choose the medium that feels most exciting to you.
8. Brushes
Start with a small set of basic brushes in different shapes and sizes. Look for:
- Round brushes – Good for detail and lines
- Flat brushes – Best for filling large areas
- Filbert brushes – A mix between round and flat
If you’re using acrylics or gouache, go for synthetic bristles. For watercolors, soft natural bristles are better.
9. Palette
A palette is where you mix your paints. A plastic or ceramic palette with multiple wells is affordable and easy to clean. If you’re using watercolors, you can even use a simple plate at first.
10. Water Container and Rag
These are often forgotten but very useful:
- Water jar – For rinsing brushes
- Old cloth or paper towel – To wipe excess water or paint
11. Optional: Canvas or Mixed Media Paper
Once you’re comfortable, you might want to try canvas panels or special mixed media paper. These are thicker and can handle paint better than regular sketchbooks.
Budget Tips for Beginners
- Start small: Buy just a few items and see what you enjoy.
- Use student-grade materials: They’re more affordable but still good quality.
- Look for art supply bundles: Many stores offer beginner kits that include pencils, paints, brushes, and a sketchbook.