Becoming an artist is an exciting and transformative experience. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your toolkit, having the right supplies can make a significant difference in your creative process and the quality of your work.
Let’s take a look at the essential tools every aspiring artist should own and give you a quick face drawing tutorial afterwards.
Contents
1. Quality Sketchbooks and Paper
A sketchbook is your creative playground, a place where ideas are born and evolve. Quality sketchbooks and paper are fundamental because they can handle a variety of mediums and techniques without bleeding or tearing. The texture, weight, and type of paper can significantly impact your work.
What to Look For:
- Sketchbooks: Look for ones with durable binding and thick, acid-free paper. Sizes vary, so choose one that fits your preference—whether you like to work on-the-go or need a larger canvas.
- Specialized Paper: Depending on your medium, you might need watercolor paper, Bristol board, or mixed media paper. Each type caters to different artistic needs, from smooth surfaces for ink to textured papers for watercolor.
2. Drawing Pencils and Erasers
Pencils and erasers are fundamental tools for any artist. They are versatile and allow for a range of shading and detailing that is crucial for sketching and drawing.
What to Look For:
- Graphite Pencils: A set ranging from 9H (hardest) to 9B (softest) gives you flexibility. Hard pencils (H) are great for light lines and detailed work, while soft pencils (B) are perfect for shading and creating dark lines.
- Erasers: Kneaded erasers are excellent for lightening areas and adding highlights, while vinyl erasers are effective for removing large areas of graphite without damaging the paper.
3. Quality Pens and Ink
Pens and ink are indispensable for line work, inking sketches, and adding fine details. They offer precision and permanence that pencils can’t.
What to Look For:
- Micron Pens: These pens come in various nib sizes, allowing for detailed line work and consistent ink flow.
- India Ink and Dip Pens: For those who enjoy traditional inking techniques, India ink paired with dip pens offers a rich, permanent finish.
4. Paints and Brushes
For painting, the type of paint you choose can dramatically affect your work. Brushes are equally important, as they determine the application and texture of your paint.
What to Look For:
- Acrylic Paints: Versatile and fast-drying, acrylics are great for beginners and professionals alike. They can be used on various surfaces and are easy to clean up.
- Watercolor Paints: Known for their fluidity and transparency, watercolors are perfect for creating delicate washes and vibrant layers.
- Oil Paints: Offering rich, deep colors and a longer working time, oils are ideal for blending and detailed work, though they require more preparation and cleanup.
- Brushes: Invest in a variety of brush types and sizes. Round brushes are great for detail, while flat brushes are excellent for bold strokes. For each paint type, different brushes might be required, such as synthetic brushes for acrylics and natural brushes for watercolors and oils.
5. Palette and Palette Knives
A palette is essential for mixing paints, while palette knives are useful for mixing and applying paint in a variety of ways.
What to Look For:
- Palette: Choose a palette with a large mixing area. A glass or acrylic palette is easy to clean and durable.
- Palette Knives: Look for a set that includes different shapes and sizes. They are perfect for mixing paint and can be used to apply paint directly to the canvas for textured effects.
6. Easels and Drawing Boards
Easels and drawing boards provide a sturdy and adjustable surface to work on, helping maintain proper posture and perspective.
What to Look For:
- Tabletop Easels: Compact and portable, these are great for small spaces and working at a desk.
- Standing Easels: Ideal for larger works, they offer stability and can be adjusted to various heights and angles.
- Drawing Boards: These are perfect for sketching and drawing, providing a flat, sturdy surface that can be used on a table or lap.
7. Color Theory Tools
Understanding color theory is crucial for any artist. Color wheels and mixing guides help you choose harmonious color schemes and mix colors accurately.
What to Look For:
- Color Wheel: A standard color wheel helps in understanding the relationships between colors, including complementary, analogous, and triadic schemes.
- Mixing Guides: These provide recipes for mixing various hues, tints, and shades, ensuring consistency in your work.
8. Storage Solutions
Keeping your tools organized is essential for maintaining an efficient workflow and protecting your supplies.
What to Look For:
- Toolboxes: A sturdy toolbox with compartments can keep your brushes, pens, and smaller tools organized and protected.
- Portfolios and Storage Cases: These are perfect for storing and transporting your artwork safely.
9. Digital Tools
Digital tools offer new ways to create and enhance traditional artwork.
What to Look For:
- Graphic Tablets: A good graphic tablet allows for precise control and a natural drawing experience on the computer.
- Art Software: Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Corel Painter offer a range of tools for creating digital art. Free alternatives like GIMP and Krita are also excellent options for beginners.
10. Reference Materials
Reference materials are invaluable for learning and improving your skills. They provide inspiration and practical guidance on techniques and concepts.
What to Look For:
- Art Books: Invest in books that cover various aspects of art, from anatomy and perspective to color theory and techniques.
- Online Resources: Websites, tutorials, and online courses can supplement your learning and provide a wealth of information and inspiration.
Quick Face Drawing Tutorial
Drawing faces can seem daunting to beginners and even to some seasoned artists. The human face is incredibly intricate, with its unique contours, features, and expressions.
However, breaking it down into manageable steps can simplify the process and make it more approachable.
Step 1: Draw the Head Shape
Start with an Oval: Begin by sketching an oval or an egg shape. This will be the basic outline of the head. The top should be slightly wider, narrowing towards the bottom.
Step 2: Draw Guidelines
Vertical Line: Draw a vertical line down the center of the oval. This line helps ensure symmetry.
Horizontal Line: Add a horizontal line halfway down the oval. This line will serve as the guide for the eyes.
Step 3: Place the Facial Features
Eyes: Divide the horizontal line into five equal parts. Place the eyes in the second and fourth segments. The space between the eyes should be equal to the width of one eye.
Nose: Draw a short line down from the midpoint of the eyes to mark the bottom of the nose. Typically, this is about halfway between the eyes and the chin.
Mouth: Draw a horizontal line halfway between the nose and the chin. This line will be where the mouth goes. The corners of the mouth usually align with the center of each eye.
Step 4: Add the Details
Eyes Detail: Draw the shape of the eyes, adding the iris and pupil. Don’t forget to add eyelids and eyebrows above the eyes, following the natural curve of the eye.
Nose Detail: Sketch the nostrils and the tip of the nose. The sides of the nose typically align with the inner corners of the eyes.
Mouth Detail: Outline the lips along the mouth line. The upper lip is usually thinner than the lower lip.
Step 5: Outline the Jaw and Cheeks
Jawline: Draw the jawline starting from the edges of the oval down to the chin. The jawline should curve gently and connect smoothly with the chin.
Cheeks: Add the cheekbones starting from the outer corners of the eyes, curving down to meet the jawline.
Step 6: Add the Ears and Hair
Ears: Draw the ears between the eye line and the nose line on each side of the head.
Hair: Sketch the hairline and then add the hairstyle. Hair can add a lot of character, so feel free to be creative!
Step 7: Final Touches
Refine: Erase the guidelines and refine the facial features. Add any additional details such as shading to give depth to the eyes, nose, and lips.
Shading: Lightly shade the areas around the eyes, under the nose, and below the lower lip to create a three-dimensional effect.
And there you have it! A quick and simple guide to drawing a basic face. Practice makes perfect, so keep refining your technique and experimenting with different facial features and expressions. Happy drawing!
