10 Must-Have Art Supplies for Beginners

Since the beginning of time, art has been man’s companion and past time. Through art, we understand our ancestors and the civilizations before us. We can discern insights, emotions, motivations, thoughts, and inspirations through art. Art is all around us.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artist looking to expand your skills, having the right art supplies is crucial. And it’s just your luck that you’re here—we aim to inspire and point you to the right direction of high-quality art supplies that will inspire your artistic journey.

Artists' Gouache Set - Strolling Through New York

Let your passion and love for the arts begin today! Join us as we answer your burning questions, from ‘What are art supplies?’ to the must-have supplies for beginners. We even listed some easy art ideas for beginners like you to inspire your artistry and creativity even more.

What Are Art Supplies?

Art supplies encompass diverse materials and tools that artists utilize to bring their creative visions to life. These supplies are the building blocks of artistic expression, allowing artists to explore various mediums and techniques.

From paints to pencils, papers to surfaces, and stationery tools, art supplies are the essential elements that facilitate the artistic process. They come in different forms, each serving a specific purpose in creating artwork.

Paints enable artists to add colors and textures to their canvas, while pencils provide the foundation for sketches and drawings.

Papers and surfaces offer a platform for artistic exploration, providing a suitable backdrop for various mediums. Stationery tools, such as brushes, erasers, and rulers, assist in achieving precision and detail.

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Art supplies are not just materials; they are the catalysts that ignite the imagination, allowing artists to express their emotions, perspectives, and stories through their chosen medium.

Whether it’s painting, drawing, or mixed media, art supplies are the tools that empower artists to transform their ideas into tangible works of art.

What Art Supplies Do Beginners Need?

Entering the world of art as a beginner can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience!

The sheer variety of art supplies available can often feel overwhelming. And that’s why we are here to guide you through this exciting journey. We have carefully curated a list of essential art supplies crucial for every beginner and their artistic arsenal.

1. Canvas or Paper

When it comes to art supplies, there are a few must-haves that every beginner should consider.

Among them, canvas or paper is a fundamental and indispensable art supply for artists of all levels. Whether you’re into painting, drawing, or mixed media, having a reliable canvas or paper is essential for your creative endeavors.

Classic Crest Solar White Cardstock

Canvas and paper provide a blank surface to unleash your artistic expression. They serve as the foundation for your artwork, allowing you to explore various mediums and techniques. By investing in quality canvas or paper, you provide yourself with a reliable and inspiring foundation to confidently embark on your artistic journey.

2. Erasers

An eraser may seem like a humble and overlooked art supply, but it is an absolute must-have for every beginner artist. Whether sketching, drawing, or working with other mediums, the eraser plays a crucial role in your creative process.

Erasers allow you to correct mistakes, add highlights and details, blend and smudge, explore mixed media, and build confidence as a beginner artist.

3. Brush

A brush is an essential art supply for beginners, as it allows you to apply paint or other mediums with precision, explore various painting techniques, express your creativity, and venture into different art and craft projects.

DIY Watercolor Brush Marker

By selecting brushes of good quality, you can enhance your artistic journey and achieve the best results in your artwork.

4. Pencils

A pencil is an essential art supply for beginners due to its versatility, control, and accessibility. It is a starting point for learning and honing your drawing skills, allowing you to explore different techniques and effects.

With a pencil, you can freely express your creativity, capture inspiration on the go, and pave the way for further artistic exploration.

5. Colored Markers

Colored markers are an essential art supply for beginners due to their vibrant colors, convenience, versatility, and ability to provide precision and control.

They offer a user-friendly approach to incorporating color into your artwork without extensive preparation or cleanup.

Artist Markers Shades of Purple Set

With colored markers in your art supply collection, you have the tools to unleash your creativity, add visual impact to your creations, and embark on a colorful artistic journey.

6. Colored Pens

Colored pens are a must-have art supply for beginners due to their versatility and vibrancy. They are very convenient to use, too! They offer a wide range of artistic possibilities, allowing you to express your creativity confidently.

With colored pens in your art supply collection, you can enhance your artwork, add vivid details, and unlock new dimensions of creative expression.

7. High-Quality Pens

High-quality pens, whether they be gel pens or fine liners, are a must-have art supply for beginners due to their reliable performance, durability, versatility, and superior ink quality. They provide a consistent and smooth drawing experience, allowing you to exercise greater control over your artwork.

Investing in quality pens can enhance your artistic expression, explore a broader range of techniques, and create stunning artworks that stand the test of time.

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8. Alcohol Inks

Alcohol inks are must-have art supplies for beginners due to their versatility, vibrant colors, unique effects, and compatibility with various surfaces and other art supplies. They allow artists to explore and experiment with different techniques, textures, and substrates.

By incorporating alcohol inks into your artistic practice, you can unleash your creativity, add visual interest to your artwork, and embark on a journey of discovery and self-expression.

9. Watercolor

Watercolor is a must-have art supply for beginners due to its transparency, forgiving nature, portability, and versatility.

Fine Watercolor Brushes

It provides a delightful painting experience that encourages experimentation, exploration, and the development of your artistic skills. With watercolor, you can capture the beauty of light and color, create stunning washes and textures, and express your unique creative voice.

10. Mixed Media Palette Knife Set

A mixed media palette knife set is an art supply that every beginner artist should consider adding to their collection.

With its versatility, texture-building capabilities, and ability to create unique effects, a palette knife set offers exciting possibilities for artistic exploration.

Mixed Media Palette Knife Set

With a palette knife set in your art supply collection, you can embark on a creative journey filled with experimentation, expression, and the discovery of your unique artistic style.

Which Art is Best for Beginners?

Choosing an art medium largely depends on personal preferences and interests. However, some art forms are particularly beginner-friendly:

1. Drawing and Sketching - Pencil drawing provides a strong foundation for beginners as it allows them to explore shapes, shading, and proportions.

It is a versatile medium that encourages the development of observation skills and attention to detail.

Monochrome Shading Pencils

Pencil drawings can range from simple sketches to intricate and realistic renderings, making it an ideal choice for artists looking to refine their skills and capture the essence of their subjects.

2. Watercolor Painting - Watercolor painting is another art form that is highly recommended for beginners.

Watercolors offer a forgiving and fluid medium that allows for experimentation and exploration. The transparent nature of watercolors enables beautiful blending and layering of colors, creating soft and subtle washes.

This medium is known for its ability to capture light’s luminosity and delicate nuances, making it a popular choice among artists seeking to convey mood and atmosphere in their artworks.

With watercolors, beginners can explore a wide range of techniques, from wet-on-wet washes to dry brush effects, while enjoying the unpredictable and spontaneous nature of the medium.

3. Marker Art - For those looking for simplicity and versatility, marker art is an excellent choice. Markers offer a straightforward approach to creating vibrant illustrations, doodles, or even hand-lettering.

Artist Markers Red Cosmos Set

They are easy to use and provide immediate results, making them beginner-friendly. With many colors and tip options, markers allow for bold, expressive lines and intricate detailing. They are trendy among artists looking to create eye-catching designs, comic book-style illustrations, or decorative lettering.

Ultimately, beginners should explore different art mediums to find the one that resonates with their creative vision and allows them to express themselves most effectively.

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Where to Buy Art Supplies for Beginners

As a beginner artist, equipping yourself with the right art supplies is essential for unlocking your creative potential.

The good news is there are plenty of brands and stores that provide an extensive range of high-quality art supplies, and they cater to beginners and experienced artists alike! If you’re just falling in love or rediscovering your passion for art, building your supplies is a fine gift and investment for yourself.