Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, choosing the right drawing and sketching tools is essential for achieving the results you want.
In order to help you make the best choices for your needs, this article will discuss different types of materials available and offer tips on how to select the right tools.
Drawing Pencils
Drawing pencils are the primary tool used for sketching and drawing.
The most important thing to consider when selecting a drawing pencil is the hardness of the lead. The harder the lead, the lighter the line it will produce. The softer the lead, the darker the line it will produce.
The hardness of the lead is indicated by a number, with higher numbers indicating harder leads and lower numbers indicating softer leads.
A pencil with a lead hardness of 2H to 4B is usually sufficient for general purpose drawing. However, if you think you’ll do a lot of erasing, you may want to use a harder lead, such as a 6H because it’s lighter and easier to erase.
For more detailed work, you may need to use pencils with harder or softer leads. Harder leads, for example, are better for fine lines, while softer leads are better for darker shading.
When it comes to choosing the pencil brand, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some companies, such as Faber-Castell, are known for the high quality of their products, while others, such as Prismacolor, offer a wide range of artists’ supplies.
Graphite Pencils
Graphite pencils are the most common type of drawing and sketching tools.They come in a variety of grades, from 6B to 9H.
To find a good quality graphite pencil, look for one that has a well-centered lead and smooth coating. The wood casing around the lead should also be of good quality, with no cracks or splits.
Charcoal
Charcoal is another popular drawing and sketching material that comes in sticks and pencils. It is softer than graphite and leaves a darker mark, making it ideal for sketches that require a lot of shading. Like graphite pencils, charcoal comes in a range of grades, from soft to hard.
Charcoal can be used for both dry and wet media. When using it dry, simply draw or sketch as you would with a graphite pencil. For a more intense effect, however, you can dampen your paper and then draw with the charcoal. The mark will be much darker and easier to blend if you wish to create a softer look.
Eraser
An eraser is an essential tool for any artist, as it allows you to correct mistakes and lighten areas of your drawing. When choosing an eraser, look for soft and pliable ones, as these are the easiest to use. Avoid hard and brittle erasers , as they can damage your paper.
When it comes to the size, a small eraser is generally more versatile than a large one. However, if you do a lot of detailed work, you may find that a larger eraser is easier to use.
Paper
The type of paper you use for your drawing will depend on the medium and the level of detail your work requires.
For pencil sketches, a standard sketchbook or drawing pad is sufficient.
If you are using charcoal or other dry media, however, you may want to use heavier paper that can hold up to the erasing and blending.
When it comes to wet media, such as watercolors or inks, you will need to use heavyweight paper resistant to curling and buckling. Watercolor paper is specifically designed for this purpose and comes in a variety of textures and weights.
Those who want to create quality sketch characters should use paper with a smooth surface so that the lines show up well. The weight of the paper is also important as it shouldn’t be too thin or too thick. Additionally, the right type of paper can make a big difference in the overall look of your sketches.
Brushes
While brushes are not essential for every type of drawing, they can be very useful for certain mediums, such as watercolors.
When selecting a brush, the most important thing to consider is the size and shape of the tip. For example, round brushes are good for general-purpose painting, while flat brushes are better for creating sharp lines.
The type of brush hair you opt for is also important, as natural bristles are usually better for water-based mediums than synthetic ones. For oil-based paints, however, synthetic brushes are often the better choice.
When it comes to the size of the brush, it is generally best to choose one that is proportional to the size of your paper. A smaller brush is usually sufficient for smaller papers, while for larger papers, you may need a larger brush.
Paints
When it comes to paints, there is a wide range of options available, from watercolors to oils. The type of paint you use will depend on the project you are working on and your personal preference. For general purpose painting, however, acrylics are a good choice.
Acrylics are water-based paints that come in a wide range of colors. They are easy to use and can be mixed to create custom colors. In addition, acrylics dry quickly, making them ideal for projects that need to be completed in a short period of time.
Oils, on the other hand, take longer to dry, but they provide a richer color and smoother finish. Oil-based paints are also more forgiving than other types of paint, making them a good choice for beginners.
When it comes to watercolors, there are two main types: tube and pan. Tube watercolors come in a small, concentrated form and must be mixed with water before use. On the other hand, pan watercolors are already diluted and come in a small, portable case.
Both tube and pan watercolors have their own advantages and disadvantages. Tube watercolors are generally more pigmented, but they can be more difficult to control. Pan watercolors, on the other hand, are easier to use, but they may not provide as much color.
Choosing the right paints for your project will largely depend on your personal preference. Watercolors, for example, are often used for more delicate work, while acrylics or oils are better for bolder projects.
What Tools Should Beginners Use?
If you are just starting out, the most important thing is to find a medium that you are comfortable with. Once you have found a medium that you like, it is time to start exploring different types of available tools.
As a general rule, however, it is best to choose a few basic tools and then add more as you become more comfortable with your chosen medium. For example, a beginner who is just starting out with watercolors may want to choose a small set of pan watercolors and a few brushes. As you become more familiar with the medium, you can add more colors and brushes to your collection.
The same principle applies to other mediums as well. If you are just starting out with traditional sketching, you may want to choose a small set of colors and a few different pencils. Then, as you become more comfortable with the medium, you can add more colors and pencils to your collection, as well as try a different paper.
Conclusion
There is no one “right” way to start drawing or sketching. The most important thing is to find a medium that you are comfortable with and then experiment with the different types of tools that are available. As you become more familiar with your chosen medium, you can add more colors, brushes, and pencils to your collection.
Author Bio
Travis Dillard is a business consultant and an organizational psychologist based in Arlington, Texas. Passionate about marketing, social networks, and business in general. In his spare time, he writes a lot about new business strategies and digital marketing for Seo Turnover.
