Art Materials

Art Materials 

You can get very far without purchasing formal art supplies.  However, when you are ready to purchase art supplies here is a list: 

Each list of supply adds onto the previous year.  Think of each list as adding to your arsenal of art tools, you will reuse them several times.

We work hard to keep the art supply list short, affordable and easily stored.  Please reach out if you have any questions.  These links are for your convenience.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Basic Art Supplies - Level I

 These supplies are used from here forward.  So it is worth buying good art supplies when necessary. Each set costs on average about $30/set. 

 In the list below, we chose the cheapest items when possible, and quality items when necessary. The product brand does affect the quality of most items such as pencils, paper and kneaded erasers. There are some items that the brand of product does not matter, such as block erasers and blending stumps.  

  • Paper:
    Sketchbook     : 9 x 12 inches Sketch Book, Top Spiral Bound Sketch Pad, 1 Pack 100-Sheets (68lb/100gsm), Acid Free https://amzn.to/47QsHHr
  • Pencils: Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set - 6 Graphite Pencils (2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B) This is a good quality pencil set that also has a nice range of soft dark pencils and hard fine pencils. https://amzn.to/4dhjxon
  • Kneaded Eraser: Faber-Castell Erasers - Drawing Art kneaded Erasers, Large Size Grey - 4 Pack: Believe it or not, the brand of the kneaded eraser does matter.  Cheaper no-name brands get dirty faster and turn into the consistency of silly putty. The Kneaded Erasers that we recommend will last much longer: https://amzn.to/4ddfycm
  • Block Eraser: Hi Polimer White Block Eraser: 2 pack
    https://amzn.to/3ZwjQIw
  • Sharpener: Hand held sharpeners are very useful to have in your pencil kit. If you already have one, then skip this item.
    https://amzn.to/4gqeKUe
  • Blending Stumps: Are optional and any brand can be purchased for this item.  They are nice additions to your art kit and are used in the class videos - so sometimes they are desirable.  Remember you can use an eraser to clean them when they get dirty.
    https://amzn.to/47BmbUP
  • lasenersm 1 Piece 24 Slot Canvas Pencil Roll Up Case: Optional, Any pencil case will work, but a Pencil Roll is a nice way to store pencils and gives the ability to add additional pencils in the future.
    https://amzn.to/3BeIPWU
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Drawing From Nature

Art Supplies Level II

Level II Supplies add onto Level I Supplies.  

In this list you will find art materials which incorporate white chalk, toned paper and graphite powder.  These new materials make your drawings really POP!  Also included are tools to draw from life such as lit magnifying glasses, taxidermies bugs and a human skull - all great things for improving your drawing.

  • Toned Paper:  
    Sketchbook: Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad, Toned Tan, 5.5x8.5 inch, 50 Sheets.  
    https://amzn.to/3ZxqPRv
  • White Chalk Pencils: https://amzn.to/3BlzbBz
  • Graphite Powder: Optional, Graphite Powder is fun but also messy.  Make sure to use a very little bit.
    https://amzn.to/4dcABf5
  • Plastic Human Skull Model: Optional: We strongly recommended purchasing a plastic human skull for drawing the head in four perspectives.    https://amzn.to/3XPUzYu
  • Magnifing Glass: Optional. Our course encourages drawing directly from life.  Here is the link for the magnifying glass: https://amzn.to/3BnB2Wz
  • 1 Real Cicadas Beetle Specimem Taxidermy Dead Dried Bug Specimens: As previously stated, we encourage drawing from life.  IF you choose to use real bug specimens they can be purchased or you can catch small bugs and euthanize them in a jar with nail polish remover dabbed on a cotton ball.  The other option of course is using reference photos. 
  • 1 Real Stag Beetle Specimem Taxidermy Dead Dried Bug Specimens: As previously stated, we encourage drawing from life.  IF you choose to use real bug specimens they can be purchased or you can catch small bugs and euthanize them in a jar with nail polish remover dabbed on a cotton ball.  The other option of course is using reference photos. https://amzn.to/4eaxTrW
  • Animal Skull: Deer or Cow skulls seems to easier to come by then you would expect.  Many people know a hunter or friend that has a skull they can borrow. If you cannot find one to borrow, we recommend using a photo reference. If you want to purchase one, Etsy is likely the place to look.  This is a favorite drawing activity.
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Painting From Nature

Level III

If you'd like to experiment with painting from nature we suggest using Gouache Paint.  The supplies average about $50-$80 in total.   

It's important to remember that painting is still drawing, only with paint.  If any logistics prevent you from purchasing the painting set, just keep drawing with graphite and refining your skills. You will improve just as much as an artist.  Don't ever let supplies stop you from drawing. The most important thing is to keep drawing and build your skill. 

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