Drawing Tools
Making art is a fantastic way to express your creativity, but to do so, you need the right tools! Drawing tools give you the power to create whatever you can imagine, from hyper-realistic graphite masterpieces to abstract art spray-painted on a wall. They come in all shapes and sizes, so it can be hard to narrow down what you need. In this article, you’ll learn the basics of drawing tools and how to use them to get great results.
Pencils
Pencils are perhaps the most common drawing tool, and for good reason. They’re versatile and easy to find, and you can use them to make a wide variety of marks. Graphite pencils come in different “hardnesses” (measured by the number “H”). A higher H number indicates a softer lead, which will produce a darker mark. Pencils are great for rendering realism and shading.
Erasers
Drawing is all about experimenting and correcting mistakes–and that’s where erasers come in. They help you draw lines with more control and accuracy, since you can easily erase any mistakes. Kneaded erasers are the most popular kind. They’re like a soft, malleable piece of clay that can be shaped into different forms. Kneaded erasers are great for removing pencil or charcoal marks.
Charcoal
Charcoal is a soft, black, dust-like material that produces very intense, dark lines and shading. It’s like a pencil, but it produces a much softer, thicker line. Charcoal comes in many forms, including pencils, sticks, and blocks. It’s great for quick sketches and flourishes, but it can sometimes be messy, so be sure to wear gloves when you’re using it.
Paint
If you want your artwork to really stand out, then you need paint! There are many types of paint to choose from, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, and spray paints. You can use paint to achieve a wide range of effects, from vibrant, saturated colors to muted, watery washes. Plus, it’s great for painting in layers and building up depth.
Brushes
To use paint effectively, you need the right brushes. Each type of brush is designed for different kinds of strokes, from thin, precise lines to broad, sweeping brushstrokes. Natural brushes are made from animal hair, while synthetic brushes are made from synthetic fibers. Experiment with different brush types and find out which works best for you.
Markers and Pens
Markers and pens are a great way to sketch quickly and precisely. Markers usually come in sets of various colors, while pens generally come with a single color in either a fine-tipped or chisel-tipped form. They can be used to create vibrant, graphic artwork or detailed drawings.
Paper
Nobody can draw without paper–it’s the canvas that your art is created on! Paper is available in a variety of textures, sizes, and weights. You can choose paper that’s best suited for sketching or painting. Some papers are even made for using specific kinds of drawing tools, like charcoal or pastels.
Pastels
Pastels are pigments that come in stick form. They’re like a cross between chalk and paint, and can give your artwork an interesting, textured look. You can use them to create vibrant colors, soft washes, and smudgy lines. They’re also great for blending and adding gradients to your artwork.
Felt-tip Pens
Felt-tip pens are perfect for graphic artwork and creating lettering. They produce a consistent, bold line and come in a variety of colors and sizes. They’re also great for filling in larger areas and creating abstract shapes.
Palettes
If you’re using paint or pastels, then you’ll need a palette to mix your colors on. A traditional palette is round or rectangular and usually made of wood, but you can also find plastic and metal options. Just be sure to get one with multiple mixing wells.
Blending Tools
Blending tools are great for adding texture and softening your artwork. You can use a rag, paper towel, sponge, or even your fingers to blend charcoal, pastels, paints, and other pigments. Blending tools are also great for removing excess pigment and adding texture to the paper.
Conclusion
Drawing tools are an essential part of any artist’s arsenal. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, having the right tools can make all the difference in the quality of your artwork. With the right tools and knowledge of how to use them, you’ll be making beautiful pieces of art in no time.
Drawing on a Tablet
You might be wondering why we didn’t include drawing tablets in the list of drawing tools. While the tools you use to draw on a tablet are different than those used on paper, it’s a great way to create digital artwork. Digital tools offer features that aren’t available with traditional drawing tools, such as layers, rich colors, and precise control. Plus, they’re great for adding effects like filters and textures.
Drawing on a Computer
Much like a tablet, you can use a computer to create digital artwork. There are tons of painting and drawing software available, from professionals like Photoshop and Illustrator to free programs like Krita and Paint.NET. Digital drawing is often quicker and easier than traditional art, and you get access to a wide range of powerful tools.
Types of Art Supplies
Your drawing tools are only part of your art supplies. You’ll also need things like paints and inks, various types of paper, specialist tools like chisels and magnifiers, and art supplies like sketchbooks and aprons. And don’t forget to stock up on other general art supplies like erasers, pencils, and even water bottles.
Choosing the Right Drawing Tools
The right drawing tools can make all the difference in the quality of your artwork. Consider what kind of artwork you want to create and what tools you already have. If you’re just starting out, you don’t need expensive tools. Just grab a few basic items like a pencil, eraser, and paper and practice your skills until you’re ready to upgrade.
Making art is a fantastic way to express your creativity, but to do so, you need the right tools! Drawing tools give you the power to create whatever you can imagine, from hyper-realistic graphite masterpieces to abstract art spray-painted on a wall. They come in all shapes and sizes, so it can be hard to narrow down what you need. In this article, you’ll learn the basics of drawing tools and how to use them to get great results.
Pencils
Pencils are perhaps the most common drawing tool, and for good reason. They’re versatile and easy to find, and you can use them to make a wide variety of marks. Graphite pencils come in different “hardnesses” (measured by the number “H”). A higher H number indicates a softer lead, which will produce a darker mark. Pencils are great for rendering realism and shading.
Erasers
Drawing is all about experimenting and correcting mistakes–and that’s where erasers come in. They help you draw lines with more control and accuracy, since you can easily erase any mistakes. Kneaded erasers are the most popular kind. They’re like a soft, malleable piece of clay that can be shaped into different forms. Kneaded erasers are great for removing pencil or charcoal marks.
Charcoal
Charcoal is a soft, black, dust-like material that produces very intense, dark lines and shading. It’s like a pencil, but it produces a much softer, thicker line. Charcoal comes in many forms, including pencils, sticks, and blocks. It’s great for quick sketches and flourishes, but it can sometimes be messy, so be sure to wear gloves when you’re using it.
Paint
If you want your artwork to really stand out, then you need paint! There are many types of paint to choose from, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, and spray paints. You can use paint to achieve a wide range of effects, from vibrant, saturated colors to muted, watery washes. Plus, it’s great for painting in layers and building up depth.
Brushes
To use paint effectively, you need the right brushes. Each type of brush is designed for different kinds of strokes, from thin, precise lines to broad, sweeping brushstrokes. Natural brushes are made from animal hair, while synthetic brushes are made from synthetic fibers. Experiment with different brush types and find out which works best for you.
Markers and Pens
Markers and pens are a great way to sketch quickly and precisely. Markers usually come in sets of various colors, while pens generally come with a single color in either a fine-tipped or chisel-tipped form. They can be used to create vibrant, graphic artwork or detailed drawings.
Paper
Nobody can draw without paper–it’s the canvas that your art is created on! Paper is available in a variety of textures, sizes, and weights. You can choose paper that’s best suited for sketching or painting. Some papers are even made for using specific kinds of drawing tools, like charcoal or pastels.
Pastels
Pastels are pigments that come in stick form. They’re like a cross between chalk and paint, and can give your artwork an interesting, textured look. You can use them to create vibrant colors, soft washes, and smudgy lines. They’re also great for blending and adding gradients to your artwork.
Felt-tip Pens
Felt-tip pens are perfect for graphic artwork and creating lettering. They produce a consistent, bold line and come in a variety of colors and sizes. They’re also great for filling in larger areas and creating abstract shapes.
Palettes
If you’re using paint or pastels, then you’ll need a palette to mix your colors on. A traditional palette is round or rectangular and usually made of wood, but you can also find plastic and metal options. Just be sure to get one with multiple mixing wells.
Blending Tools
Blending tools are great for adding texture and softening your artwork. You can use a rag, paper towel, sponge, or even your fingers to blend charcoal, pastels, paints, and other pigments. Blending tools are also great for removing excess pigment and adding texture to the paper.
Conclusion
Drawing tools are an essential part of any artist’s arsenal. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, having the right tools can make all the difference in the quality of your artwork. With the right tools and knowledge of how to use them, you’ll be making beautiful pieces of art in no time.
Drawing on a Tablet
You might be wondering why we didn’t include drawing tablets in the list of drawing tools. While the tools you use to draw on a tablet are different than those used on paper, it’s a great way to create digital artwork. Digital tools offer features that aren’t available with traditional drawing tools, such as layers, rich colors, and precise control. Plus, they’re great for adding effects like filters and textures.
Drawing on a Computer
Much like a tablet, you can use a computer to create digital artwork. There are tons of painting and drawing software available, from professionals like Photoshop and Illustrator to free programs like Krita and Paint.NET. Digital drawing is often quicker and easier than traditional art, and you get access to a wide range of powerful tools.
Types of Art Supplies
Your drawing tools are only part of your art supplies. You’ll also need things like paints and inks, various types of paper, specialist tools like chisels and magnifiers, and art supplies like sketchbooks and aprons. And don’t forget to stock up on other general art supplies like erasers, pencils, and even water bottles.
Choosing the Right Drawing Tools
The right drawing tools can make all the difference in the quality of your artwork. Consider what kind of artwork you want to create and what tools you already have. If you’re just starting out, you don’t need expensive tools. Just grab a few basic items like a pencil, eraser, and paper and practice your skills until you’re ready to upgrade.
