Starting out as an artist can feel both exciting and overwhelming. When you’re just beginning, it can be hard to know what you actually need and what’s just extra. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best traditional art supplies for beginners, from pencils and sketchbooks to paints and brushes.
Whether you’re interested in drawing, painting, or just experimenting to find your style, these essential tools will help you build a strong foundation without over complicating your setup.
Let’s dive in and explore the must-have art supplies that will make your creative journey easier, more enjoyable, and full of possibility.
Sketching Essentials
Every artist should start with the basics. Drawing is the foundation of all traditional art. Having the right materials makes a big difference. Here are the essentials I recommend starting with:
Pencils
A simple set of graphite pencils is every beginner’s best friend.
When you buy pencils, you’ll notice they have a number and letters, such as 2H, HB, 2B, etc. The letters refer to how hard or soft the pencil lead is. H means harder (lighter lines) and B means softer (darker lines). You don’t need a full 12-pencil set to start — just a small range is perfect for practice.
I like to keep a few different grades on hand: an HB for light sketching, a 2B for general drawing, and a 6B for darker shading.
You can also try mechanical pencils if you prefer consistent sharpness, especially for detailed work, but wooden pencils give you more control over line weight.
Erasers
Erasers are more than just mistake-fixers, they’re tools for refining and even drawing highlights.
A kneaded eraser is soft and flexible, great for gently lifting graphite without damaging your paper. You can shape it to erase small areas or lighten shadows. A vinyl eraser is firmer and perfect for completely removing darker marks. I usually keep both handy.
Sketchbooks & Paper
Your paper choice can completely change how your sketches feel. A smooth sketchbook is great for pencils and ink, while a textured drawing pad gives your lines a bit more character. If you plan to use different mediums — like ink, watercolor, or markers — go for a mixed media pad.
For beginners, I recommend something around 9″ x 12″, spiral-bound so it lays flat. Don’t worry too much about getting “premium” paper right away; consistency matters more than fancy materials.
Sharpeners
It might sound minor, but a good sharpener really matters! A handheld sharpener is portable and easy to control, while an electric sharpener gives you a perfect point quickly (great if you sketch a lot). Keep your blades clean so they don’t chew up your pencils, it’ll help them last longer.
Texture & Inking Tools
Once you’re comfortable with pencils, it’s fun to start exploring tools that help you add more contrast, texture, and personality to your work. Texture and inking supplies open up a whole new world of expression. When it comes to traditional art supplies for beginners, these tools are some of the most fun to explore.
Fine liners and Ink Pens
If you love clean outlines or detailed illustrations, fine liners are a must. They come in various tip sizes (like 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 mm), allowing you to vary your line weight for depth and interest. I personally like Micron and Faber-Castell Pitt pens because they’re waterproof and won’t smudge when you layer over them with markers or watercolor.
You can also experiment with brush pens, which have flexible tips that let you create both thin and thick lines. Great for calligraphy or expressive sketches.
Charcoal and Graphite Sticks
If you enjoy loose, bold sketching, charcoal is a beautiful medium to play with. It’s perfect for capturing movement and light quickly, especially for figure drawing or dramatic shading. Just be prepared, it can get messy! Keep a piece of scrap paper under your hand while you work, and fix your drawings with a workable fixative spray to prevent smudging.
Graphite sticks are a cleaner alternative that still allow for broad strokes and rich tones.
Blending Tools
Learning how to blend your values smoothly can make your drawings look more polished and professional. Blending stumps (also called tortillons) are tightly rolled paper tools that let you soften edges without smearing with your fingers. I also use tissues or cotton swabs for larger areas. They’re inexpensive and easy to control.
A quick tip: try not to over-blend. Leaving a bit of visible texture keeps your drawings lively and full of character.
Painting Supplies
Painting is a fun way to add color, depth, and creativity to your work. The best traditional art supplies for beginners in painting don’t have to be expensive or complicated. Just a few essentials can get you started.
Paint Types
There are several types of paint to choose from, and each has its own feel and learning curve:
- Acrylics: Fast-drying, water-based, and versatile. Perfect for beginners because they’re easy to clean up and work on many surfaces. My personal favorite.
- Watercolors: Transparent and delicate, great for soft washes and layering. They require some practice to control the flow and blending.
- Gouache: Similar to watercolor but opaque, making it easier to correct mistakes.
- Oils: Rich and buttery, but slower to dry and need more materials (solvents, mediums). Best to try after you’ve practiced with water-based paints.
For beginners, I usually recommend starting with acrylics or watercolors because they’re forgiving, easy to manage, and don’t require extra chemicals.
Student-Grade vs. Professional-Grade Paint
So when it comes to paint, you of course don’t need the most expensive options at first. Student-grade paints are perfect for beginners. They’re more affordable, easy to use, and still produce vibrant results.
- Student-grade paints: Slightly less pigment, sometimes a little less smooth, but ideal for learning techniques like blending, layering, and color mixing.
- Professional-grade paints: Higher pigment concentration, smoother consistency, and longer-lasting colors. These are best when you want richer tones or more permanence once you’re confident in your skills.
Beginner-friendly brands:
- Acrylics: Liquitex Basics, Arteza
- Watercolors: Winsor & Newton Cotman, Van Gogh
- Gouache: Arteza Gouache, Winsor & Newton Designer’s Gouache
Start with a small set and focus on experimenting with techniques. You can always expand your palette as you grow. I even recommend starting with just the primary colors so you can learn how they interact with each other and get creative. And go read my beginner’s guide to painting with colors to learn more!
Brushes
A few basic brushes can cover most painting needs. Look for:
- Round brushes for detail and thin lines.
- Flat brushes for bold strokes and filling larger areas.
- Filbert brushes for soft edges and blending.
Synthetic brushes are usually cheaper and work well for beginners, but natural bristles give more texture and are great if you plan to paint long-term.
However, if you choose to experiment with watercolor, make sure you get watercolor brushes, specifically. They have soft, delicate, and absorbent, designed to hold water and pigment.
Canvas & Paper Options
Choosing the right surface is key:
- Canvas panels or stretched canvas are perfect for acrylics and oils.
- Watercolor paper should be at least 140 lb (300 gsm) to prevent warping.
- Or, if you’re truly just starting out, just get a small sketchbook with mixed media paper. It’s great for experimenting without committing to a full canvas.
Palettes & Mixing Tools
A palette is where you mix colors and experiment with shades.
- Plastic palettes are lightweight and easy to clean.
- Glass or ceramic palettes are durable and don’t stain as easily.
- Disposable palettes are perfect if you don’t want cleanup stress.
I also recommend palette knives for mixing or applying thick paint textures — they’re inexpensive and fun to play with.
Budget-Friendly Tips to Get Art Supplies for Beginners
Starting out in traditional art doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few smart strategies, you can build a solid collection of art supplies for beginners while staying budget-friendly.
Start Small
You don’t need every brush, pencil, or paint color at once. Begin with the essentials: a few pencils, a basic paint set, a sketchbook, and a small selection of brushes. As you practice and discover which mediums you enjoy most, you can gradually add more specialized tools.
Cheap Supplies Are Perfect to Start
Remember, student-grade paints and brushes are great for beginners. They’re cheaper, durable, and forgiving while you learn. Even off-brand supplies bought online are great to start. Just find something with good reviews that’s within your price range.
The tools don’t make the artist.
You can upgrade to professional-grade tools later, once you’re confident in your techniques and ready for more.
Look for Sets
Buying small sets is often more affordable than purchasing each item individually. For example, a 12-color acrylic or watercolor set gives you a wide range of colors without spending a fortune. Many sketching sets come with pencils, erasers, and sharpeners bundled together — a great value for beginners.
Shop Smart
- Check local art stores for sales and clearance items.
- Explore online retailers like Amazon, Michael’s, or Blick Art Materials, for good deals.
- Don’t be afraid of second-hand supplies, especially easels, brushes, or palettes — just make sure they’re clean and usable.
Practice Over Purchase
Ultimately, the best investment is time spent practicing. Even with a small, simple set of tools, consistent practice will improve your skills far faster than buying every new supply on the market. Focus on learning and experimenting, and your collection can grow naturally over time.
Art supplies for beginners don’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. The most important tools aren’t always the most fancy ones, they’re the ones you actually use and enjoy.
