Best Drawing Tools for Starting Artists

Embarking on your artistic journey is an exciting adventure filled with creativity and self-expression. As a starting artist, having the right tools can make a significant difference in your experience and growth. Whether you're sketching, doodling, or working on more detailed pieces, the right drawing tools can enhance your skills and bring your artistic visions to life. In this article, we’ll explore the best drawing tools for starting artists, offering insights into their uses and benefits. We'll also answer some frequently asked questions to help you make informed choices as you build your art supplies.

Essential Drawing Tools for Beginners

1. Pencils

Pencils are the foundation of any artist’s toolkit. They come in various grades, which determine the hardness or softness of the graphite. Here’s a breakdown:

HB Pencils: These are standard pencils suitable for everyday drawing and writing. They offer a balance between hardness and softness.
H Pencils: These pencils have harder graphite, producing lighter lines. They are ideal for fine details and initial sketches.
B Pencils: These pencils have softer graphite, creating darker, richer lines. They are perfect for shading and creating bold marks.

Recommended Brands:

Faber-Castell
Staedtler
Derwent

2. Erasers

Erasers are essential for correcting mistakes and refining your drawings. There are different types of erasers, each serving a specific purpose:

Kneaded Eraser: This soft, pliable eraser can be shaped to erase small details or lift graphite without damaging the paper.
Vinyl Eraser: This white eraser is durable and effective at removing graphite cleanly.
Gum Eraser: This soft, crumbly eraser is gentle on paper and works well for removing light pencil marks.

Recommended Brands:

Prismacolor
Staedtler
Faber-Castell

3. Sketchbooks

A good sketchbook is essential for practicing and experimenting with different techniques. Consider the following when choosing a sketchbook:

Paper Weight: Look for paper that is at least 80 lb (120 gsm) to prevent bleed-through and handle various media.
Texture: Smooth paper is ideal for fine details, while textured paper provides a better grip for pencils and charcoal.
Size: Choose a size that fits your needs, whether it’s a portable A5 for sketching on the go or a larger A4 or A3 for detailed work.

Recommended Brands:

Strathmore
Canson
Moleskine

4. Sharpener

A good sharpener is crucial for maintaining the fine point of your pencils. There are two main types:

Manual Sharpener: Simple and portable, these sharpeners come with one or two holes for different pencil sizes.
Electric Sharpener: These offer quick and consistent sharpening, ideal for studio use.

Recommended Brands:

Staedtler
X-ACTO
Faber-Castell

5. Drawing Pens

Drawing pens are great for line work, detailing, and inking. They come in various tip sizes and types, such as:

Fineliner Pens: These have precise, consistent lines, ideal for detailed work.
Brush Pens: These pens have flexible tips that mimic the feel of a brush, allowing for varied line thickness.
Technical Pens: These pens offer consistent ink flow and are used for precise technical drawings.

Recommended Brands:

Sakura Pigma Micron
Uni Pin
Staedtler Pigment Liner

6. Colored Pencils

Colored pencils add vibrant hues to your drawings. They come in various qualities, from student-grade to professional-grade. Look for colored pencils with high pigment concentration and smooth application.

Recommended Brands:

Prismacolor
Faber-Castell Polychromos
Derwent Coloursoft

7. Blending Tools

Blending tools help create smooth transitions and gradients in your drawings. Essential blending tools include:

Blending Stumps: These are tightly rolled paper tools that blend graphite and charcoal smoothly.
Tortillons: Similar to blending stumps but smaller, ideal for detailed blending.
Blending Brushes: Soft brushes can be used to blend pastels and charcoal gently.

Recommended Brands:

Pro Art
Conte
Faber-Castell

8. Charcoal

Charcoal is perfect for creating dramatic, expressive drawings. It comes in various forms, such as:

Vine Charcoal: Light and easy to erase, great for initial sketches.
Compressed Charcoal: Darker and richer, ideal for deep shadows and bold lines.
Charcoal Pencils: These offer the control of a pencil with the richness of charcoal.

Recommended Brands:

Generals
Winsor & Newton
Derwent

9. Ruler

A ruler is essential for drawing straight lines and measuring proportions accurately. Transparent rulers are especially useful as they allow you to see the lines beneath.

Recommended Brands:

Westcott
Staedtler
Fiskars

10. Fixative Spray

Fixative spray is used to protect your finished drawings from smudging and fading. There are two main types:

Workable Fixative: Allows you to continue working on your drawing after application.
Final Fixative: Used to protect the finished piece permanently.

Recommended Brands:

Krylon
Winsor & Newton
Grumbacher

FAQs About Drawing Tools

1. What is the best type of pencil for beginners?

HB pencils are a great starting point for beginners as they offer a balance between hardness and softness, making them versatile for various drawing techniques.

2. How do I choose the right sketchbook?

Consider the paper weight, texture, and size. An 80 lb (120 gsm) paper weight is suitable for most media, while smooth or textured paper depends on your preference. Choose a size that fits your drawing habits, whether for portability or detailed work.

3. Are expensive art supplies worth it?

While professional-grade supplies can offer higher quality and better results, starting with affordable, student-grade supplies is perfectly fine for beginners. As you progress, you can invest in more expensive tools.

4. How do I sharpen charcoal pencils without breaking them?

Use a manual sharpener or a craft knife to carefully sharpen charcoal pencils. Avoid using too much pressure, and rotate the pencil gently to maintain control.

5. Can I use regular paper for drawing?

While regular paper can be used for practice, investing in a good quality sketchbook or drawing paper ensures better durability and allows for a wider range of techniques.

6. How do I prevent my drawings from smudging?

Use a fixative spray to protect your finished drawings. Workable fixative allows you to continue drawing after application, while final fixative provides permanent protection.

7. What’s the difference between fineliner and brush pens?

Fineliner pens have precise, consistent lines ideal for detailed work, while brush pens have flexible tips that allow for varied line thickness, mimicking the feel of a brush.

8. How do I blend colors with colored pencils?

Use a colorless blender pencil or a blending stump to smooth out transitions. Layering and blending different colors gradually can also achieve a seamless effect.

9. Do I need special erasers for different types of drawing?

Different types of erasers serve different purposes. Kneaded erasers are great for lifting graphite without damaging paper, while vinyl and gum erasers are effective for removing larger areas of pencil marks.

10. How should I store my drawing tools?

Store your drawing tools in a cool, dry place. Use pencil cases or art supply organizers to keep everything in order and prevent damage to delicate tools like pencils and pens.

Sample Drawing Exercise: Still Life with Basic Tools

To help you get started with your new drawing tools, here’s a simple still life drawing exercise. This exercise will help you practice using pencils, erasers, and shading techniques.

Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing a Still Life

Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need an HB pencil, an eraser, a sketchbook, and a few simple objects to draw (e.g., a mug, an apple, and a book).
Set Up Your Still Life: Arrange your objects on a table. Make sure they are well-lit, with clear light and shadow areas.
Outline the Objects: Lightly sketch the basic shapes of each object with your HB pencil. Don’t worry about details at this stage.
Refine the Shapes: Go over your initial sketch, refining the shapes and adding more details. Pay attention to the proportions and relationships between the objects.
Add Shading: Identify the light source and begin shading the objects. Start with the midtones and gradually build up the darker areas. Use your eraser to lift highlights where needed.
Blend and Refine: Use a blending stump or tissue to smooth out the shading and create seamless transitions. Add final details and refine the shapes as needed.
Review and Adjust: Step back and review your drawing. Make any necessary adjustments to improve the overall composition and shading.

By following these steps, you'll create a simple yet effective still life drawing that helps you practice your skills and become more comfortable with your drawing tools.

Conclusion

Starting your artistic journey is an exciting time, and having the right drawing tools can make a world of difference. From pencils and erasers to sketchbooks and blending tools, each item in your toolkit plays a vital role in your creative process. By understanding the uses and benefits of these tools, you can make informed choices and build a collection that supports your growth as an artist.

Remember, practice and experimentation are key to improving your skills. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques, explore different mediums, and push your creative boundaries. With the right tools and a passion for art, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, expressive drawings.

With these insights and recommendations, you’re ready to embark on your artistic journey. Whether you’re sketching simple still lifes or working on more complex pieces, the right drawing tools will help you bring your creative visions to life. Happy drawing!