What Art Supplies Should I purchase for my student?

CHOOSE QUALITY SUPPLIES

Art supplies, without a doubt, play a crucial role, and QUALITY should always be a top consideration. Ever experienced the frustration of using off-brand crayons where it feels like more wax than pigment ends up on your paper? It's a common issue with many subpar materials across various mediums, and unfortunately, you often get what you pay for. The quality of supplies can significantly impact the final result of your artwork.

Starting with student-grade supplies is perfectly fine for beginners. However, once you notice your student's commitment to art growing, it's wise to introduce them to higher-quality products.

Remember, investing in quality supplies is an investment in the potential of your student's artwork, leading to better results and a more enjoyable creative experience.

I have some recommendations to help you get started (with links):

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Colored Pencils
I have included several options depending on your budget.

• Prismacolor 12 Pack

• Prismacolor 24 Pack

• Prismacolor 48 Pack

• Prismacolor 72 Pack

Drawing Pencils
Your student will need a variety lead types that will give them a multitude of shades. That’s why I recommend a variety pack. Again, I have included a few options to fit different budgets.

• Staedtler Pencils 6 Pack

• Staedtler Pencils 12 Pack

• Staedtler Pencils 24 Pack

Watercolor Paints
I like travel sets that you can take on the go. It also keeps everything contained in one place. I use tube paints as well, but I would definitely start out with a travels set.

• Winsor & Newton Travel Watercolor Kit 12 Half Pans

• Winsor & Newton Tube Set 12 Tubes

Acrylic Paints
I prefer fluid acrylic paint rather than tube. They are easier to mix and blend. I have used and recommend each of these brands.

• Golden Acrylic Paint Set

• Liquitex Acrylic Paint Set

• Nova Color Paint Starter Set (Not an affiliate link)

Watercolor Brushes
Use can paint most anything with a #10 round brush and a flat brush. Cheap Joes has great brushes that are more reasonably priced.

• Golden Fleece #10 Round (Not an affiliate link)

• Golden Fleece 1” Flat (Not an affiliate link)

Acrylic Paint Brushes
I recommend a 1” flat, 1/2” flat, #2 round, and #10 round.

• Cheap Joes Acrylic Brushes (Not an affiliate link)

Art Journals
Art journals are great for daily practice. Below is what I have bought for my daughter and if you want to get fancy, I have included what I use.

• Strathmore Visual Journal 9”x12” Mixed Media Paper

• Stillman & Birn Zeta Series Soft Cover Sketchbook

I will continue to add to this list. In the meantime, I have a freebie called “How to Support Your Homeschool Art Student” that you may enjoy as well.