Category: Materials and Tools

You want to learn about using graphite powder for big shading and tone work. Graphite powder can turn simple pencil marks into wide, soft shades that look amazing. You can make this graphite dust with a nail file or fine sandpaper and an ordinary pencil. It’s easy! Getting it right takes some practice, though. Using…

Mechanical pencils and traditional wooden pencils are like two different tools in an artist’s kit, each with its own perks. Think of mechanical pencils as the modern crew, made from plastic and metals, ready to offer that sharp line every time without sharpening. They come in types like the Pentel Graph Gear 500, famous for…

Keeping your art tools clean and well-kept is a big deal. Imagine, your pencils, pens, and brushes will last longer and work better. This guide shows you how to do just that. You’ll learn the right ways to clean each tool. For example, using mild soaps for brushes or special cleaners for pens makes a…

You love drawing, but keeping those drawings safe can be a challenge. Fixatives are like magic sprays that protect your artwork from smudging and dust. There are two main types: workable fixatives let you keep drawing on top, while final fixatives seal the deal for good. Using brands like Daler Rowney Perfix or Winsor &…

Did you know artists have used easels since ancient times? Imagine back to the days of Egyptians and a man named Pliny in Rome around the 1st century. They saw how useful these stands were for art. Fast forward to today, and using drawing boards and easels is still a big deal for creating art.…

Drawing on the right kind of paper can make your art stand out. This article talks about different papers you might use, like sketch, charcoal, pastel, mixed media, and toned papers. Each type has its own best use based on things like if it’s acid-free, its texture, and how heavy it is. Sketch paper is…

Markers have been around since 3200 BC, starting with the Ancient Egyptians. Today, you can choose from alcohol-based markers like COPIC and WINSOR & NEWTON to water-based ones such as Tombow Dual Brush Pens and oil-based options too. Each type has its own special use in art, whether you’re making professional-looking drawings or just starting…

Oil pastels are a delightful art medium that originated for children in Japan. Renowned artist Pablo Picasso and the company Sennelier improved them in the 1940s. These sticks are vibrant because they combine pigment with wax and oil. Some can even blend with water. You can perform fun techniques like layering, blending with your fingers…

Watercolor pencils are a fun mix of colored pencils and watercolor paints. They let you draw with control and then add water to make your art look like a painting. You’ll need some good watercolor pencils, paper made for watercolors, brushes, water, and tissue to start. There’s also a trick to using them: first drawing…

Artists often need a little help to make their drawings look just right. That’s where lightboxes and projectors come in, shining bright lights to trace and refine artwork. Think of LED lights making everything clear on a lightbox or zooming up an image with a projector. People like Amy Gardner Dean share how these tools…