Top 10 Essential Art Supplies Every Artist Needs in Their Toolkit

October 25, 2024

This site may earn a commission (at no expense to you) if you buy something after clicking a link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Our Opinion

Top 10 Essential Art Supplies Every Artist Needs in Their Toolkit

From the desk of the "Parent Game" staff: Unveiling artistic necessities with a dash of humor!

Let’s face it: Whether you’re crafting an abstract masterpiece or pouring your heart into a watercolor landscape, every artist needs a dependable toolkit of supplies to make their visions come to life. And trust us, here at Parent Game, we know all about the importance of having the right tools at your disposal (after all, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when you hand a toddler a crayon without supervision). So, if you’re ready to elevate your artistic game (pun intended), here are the top 10 essential art supplies your toolkit simply can’t live without!

1. Quality Paints: The Heart of Every Canvas

First things first—what’s an artist without some pigments to play with? Stock up on high-quality acrylics, watercolors, or oils (we promise, you’ll deserve a mini celebration when you finally figure out how to pronounce “gouache” correctly!). Pro tip: a wide color palette will help you avoid those awkward moments when someone asks if your “abstract” painting is really just an accidental splatter of paint.

2. Brushes: The Magic Wands of Art

Just like Harry Potter needs a wand, every artist needs a good set of brushes. From flat brushes for big strokes to tiny detail brushes for all those intricate designs, ensure your toolkit includes a variety. Remember, a clean brush can save you from turning a scary-looking monster into an accidental furry pet—yikes!

3. Sketchbook: The Unsung Hero

Ah, the humble sketchbook. This is where your wildest ideas come to life (or take a permanent vacation into the land of “I’ll come back to this later”). Use it to sketch out concepts or hone your drawing skills. Also, remember that a doodle a day keeps artist’s block away—at least, that’s what we tell ourselves while doodling during staff meetings!

4. Pencils and Erasers: The Dynamic Duo

Every artist knows that a great pencil can make or break a sketch. Grab a range from harder to softer lead pencils and a quality eraser to ensure you can always correct a ‘happy accident.’ You never know when you might need to turn that “oops” into “ta-da!” while channeling your inner Bob Ross.

5. Palette: Mixing Magic

You’ve got your paints, but how do you mix them without looking like you’ve launched a colorful disaster? That’s where a good mixing palette comes in. Plus, a well-organized palette can keep your kitchen table from looking like an art class exploded (we’re looking at you, mom!).

6. Canvas or Paper: The Foundation of Your Masterpiece

What’s a painter without something to paint on? Invest in various canvases, pads, or watercolor papers depending on your medium. Just remember: You can’t paint the next Mona Lisa on your grocery list—not that we haven’t tried!

7. Tape and Stencils: The Helper Sidekicks

Sometimes, a little bit of structure is all you need. Quality tape can help achieve clean lines, while stencils can add a professional touch (because who has time to paint perfect letters?). Embrace your inner superhero as you plan out your masterpiece like a true pro!

8. Fixative: Seal the Deal

Once you’ve poured your creativity onto a canvas or paper, you’ll want to protect it from the forces of nature (and meddlesome toddlers). A good fixative spray can keep your artwork safe from smudges and stains. Think of it as the artwork’s superhero cape—minus the tights.

9. Apron: Spill-Proof Your Art

Let’s be honest—art can get messy! An apron is an artist’s best friend, protecting your outfit from splashes, spills, and the occasional “oops, I leaned too hard on the palette” moments. Bonus points if you can find one with pockets for your brushes—stylish and practical!

10. Inspiration Journal: Because Ideas Can Strike Anytime

Finally, maps to the treasure trove of an artist’s heart! An inspiration journal is crucial for jotting down ideas, concepts, or random thoughts that might be the foundation of your next big project. After all, creativity waits for no one—at least not until after coffee.

Conclusion: Buy Your Artistic Arsenal Today!

So there you have it, folks! The Top 10 Essential Art Supplies Every Artist Needs in Their Toolkit. Whether you’re a novice doodler or a seasoned Picasso-wannabe, these supplies will help you conquer the canvas like a pro. Ready to load up your cart and start creating? Just remember, art is meant to be fun—embrace the mess, and happy creating!

Now, as you gather these supplies, remember one golden rule: even the greatest artists had to start somewhere, so don’t worry if your first canvas looks more like a cat fight than a masterpiece; you’ve got this!

Products We Currently Love on Amazon

  • Acrylic Paint Set With 12 Brushes: Premium paints glide on smoothly, dry quickly and stay as beautiful as the day they were painted. Whether you’re new to acrylic painting or a seasoned artist, the paint kit will set fire to your imagination. Great acrylic paint for canvas painting, halloween decorations, pumpkin painting. The craft paint set is great to produce true, consistent shades on painting art, ideal for professional artists, young aspiring artists, painting lovers, students and kids.

  • Rich Pigments, Certified Safe & Non-Toxic: No need to worry about toxicity with our acrylic paint. The acrylic water-based non-toxic paint is Safe for all ages. The creamy consistency and high pigments offer great covering power for large areas and fine details. Blend easily and dry quickly. The fast-dry formula allows you to layer additional coats or add other elements to your work right away. Easy clean up with soap and water.

  • Premium Arts & Diy Craft Supplies. Caliart acrylic paints are versatile in canvas art, painting, scrap booking, Christmas, Halloween decorations and more. Suitable for most surfaces, including canvas, wood, rocks, painting pumpkins, stretched canvas, fabrics, stone, metal, plastic, ceramics, decorative wall, blackboard, paper, plaster. Great gift for creative adults, artists, beginners, students, kids, teens, boys and girls. Packed in a sturdy box for keeping always organized and accessible.

  • 【Professional Complete Artist Drawing Supplies Sketching Kit】Professional and Complete drawing set comes with a 100 Sheets 3-Color sketch pad, you can start drawing and sketching as soon as you open this deluxe drawing kit! This is All-in-one 176-piece drawing and sketch supplies kit for artists of all skill levels. The art set has 76-piece art tools and accessories plus a 100 sheets 3-color sketchbook, total 176 pieces!

  • 【All in one Art Kit】The Premium drawing pencils set includes 12 graphite pencils, 12 colored pencils，12 watercolor Pencils, 12 charcoal Pencils，3 white charcoal pencils, 12 metallic pencils, 3 blending paper stumps, refillable water brush pen, travel Case and more! Each pencil is marked with color name & number, and pre-sharpened. 76pcs art tools accessories plus a 100 sheets sketchpad, total 176 pcs! Perfect for drawing, sketching, shading, blending.

  • 【Extra Large Art Sketch Kit Drawing Set】These Professional art kits also include 1 sandpaper block, 1 pencil extender，1 paint brush, 1 sharpener, 1 art knife, 1 eraser pencil, 3 blending paper stumps, 1 refillable water brush pen, 1 vinyl eraser etc. The 12 premium graphite pencils are 2H、3H、4H、5H 、HB、B、2B、3B、4B、5B、6B、8B, the sketching pencils ranging in size from the thickest 8B to the finest 5H for exact drawing lines. This drawing set will be the perfect choice for you to start your art.

  • THE ESSENTIALS: This art set contains a remarkable 175 pieces-60 crayons, 24 acrylic paints, 24 oil pastels, 24 color pencils, 24 watercolor cakes, 8 brushes, 3x8-well palettes, 2 drawing pencils, 1 sharpener, 1 sandpaper block, 1 art eraser, 1 x 50 Page Drawing Pad, 1 x 24 Page Acrylic Pad+1 wooden case.

  • Unique Design&High Quality: Our gorgeous colors and design tools are neatly organized and arranged in a handy rich mahogany wood case so you can create art wherever you go. This deluxe art wooden case with removal drawer to conveniently store art supplies. Sturdy protective wood case to keep supplies organized.

  • WIDELY USE: This Color More versatile art set is perfect for both students, hobbyists who love scrapbooks and even professional drawers working on craft or construction paper, detail sketching and high-level artistic skills, it is best tools to showcase someone's awesome drawing talent.

  • WHAT YOU GET -- 72 colored pencils + 1 Soucolor pencil box. Convenient to storing and keep the color all visible, without any trouble finding the color you are looking for.

  • PREMIUM PENCILS-- 72-color art colored pencils have soft leads, easy to sharpen, they won't breaking, cracking or crumbling.

  • MULTIPLE COLOR -- 72 individual colors, rich colors provide smooth coloring, easy blending and shading, colorful illustrations Perfect for drawing, sketching, adult coloring book. Back to School Supplies, School Supplies.

  • Premium Art Drawing Supplies with Rainbow Multicolored Pencils: Set come with 12 pcs Rainbow Colored Pencils for professional artists adults teenage beginners and kids, 5mm thick and soft lead core, not easy to break, very soft, and each pencil is composed of at least three different colors, beautiful colors mixed. create lifelike artwork that seems to pop off the page

  • Complete Drawing kit and Sketch Pencils Set: 81 pack Art Pencils Set along with 21 Oil Based Colored Pencils, 15 Wooden Graphite Sketching Pencils, 12 Watercolor Pencils, 12 Metallic Coloring Pencils, 3 Charcoal Pencils, Perfect for drawing, sketching, coloring, shading, layering, and blending

  • Sketchbook kit with Unique 3-Color Sketch Pad, 6 x 9", SPIRAL BOUND, 100GSM, 50 Pages (30 pages white, 10 pages toned tan, 10 pages black), Different colors of sketch paper are suitable for different styles of drawing

  • KOUSICOO 12 Black Drawing Pens: The professional micro pen kit contains assorted types of pen tips from 0.2mm to 3.0mm, plus a brush tip. No Bleed, No Smear and Waterproof. Perfect for drawing and writing. One set of pens for all your art creation needs. Whether you are an artist or a beginner, you can easily use it. Line Width & Cap Size: 0.2mm (005), 0.25mm (01), 0.3mm (02), 0.35mm (03), 0.40mm (04), 0.45mm (05), 0.50mm (08), 0.55mm (1.0), 1.0mm (1), 2.0mm (2), 3.0mm (3), Brush (BR)

  • Waterproof Archival Pigment Ink: Don't let bleed and smudges ruin your artwork. Our archival grade ink are no bleed through, no smear, waterproof, fade resistant, quick drying, water-resistant, sun proof, photo safe, non bleeding, acid free, non-toxic, odorless and last long. Environmental friendly and conforms to ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 certificate. (Note: The ink will resist water when it's totally dry. This process usually takes a few seconds)

  • Smooth & Skip-Free Nylon Nib: Our nib is made of high quality nylon. The premium different tip sizes (needle medium thick & bursh) makes your writing extremely smooth and skip-free on journal, watercolor, trace, vellum or any other paper. (Note: To protect the extra fine point, do not press down the tips too hard while using)

  • 【 Ultimate Canvas Painting 】Unleash your creativity with this 24-pack of high-quality bulk paint canvas, offering a versatile mix of sizes for every artistic vision. With 6 pieces of each 5x7, 8x10, 9x12, and 11x14 canvases, you'll have the perfect foundation for creating textured masterpieces that are ready to showcase in your home. Whether you're working on small details or larger compositions, these painting canvases provides endless possibilities for your artistic journey!

  • 【 High Quality Canvas Boards 】 Crafted from 100% cotton, these blank canvases for painting are expertly triple pre-primed with non-toxic, acid-free acrylic gesso. They capture and preserve the natural tones of your artwork, keeping colors vibrant and brilliant over time. This white canvas provides the perfect foundation for creating lasting masterpieces!

  • 【 Durable Blank Canvas 】Built with a sturdy, warp-resistant board core, these art canvases for painting are designed to stay stable and secure, even when loaded with heavy paint. Ready to use right out of the package, they require no extra preparation—just start painting and enjoy a smooth, reliable surface that holds up beautifully, no matter how much paint you apply. This art canvas are perfect for artists who want durability without sacrificing quality

  • 【Premium Paper Quality】Professional Sketch Book Drawing Pads. Great size 5.5 x 8.5 inches for all levels of artists. 100 sheets in each sketchpad, total of 200 sheets premium small sketch pad papers at the affordable price. Nice texture for drawing, sketching. Excellent art paper book gift for who enjoys sketching, drawing, illustrating, painting, writing and creating art. Great sketchbook for using with graphite pencils, colored pencils, charcoal, pens, soft oil pastel, sketching sticks and more.

  • 【High-quality sketching drawing book pad】This sketching book paper is acid-free and PH neutral with standard-weight 68lb/100gram, which is much thicker and better than the similar sketchbook from other brands. It prevents bleeding, smudging and feathering for clean artwork. Keep your artwork looking great for years to come!

  • 【Suitable for all types of dry media】Our these premium, acid-free, natural white drawing sketching paper are suitable for all types of dry media, such as pencils, pens, crayons, charcoal, pastels and sketching sticks. NOT applicable to Alcohol markers and Watercolor pens.

  • Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Pens: Each acrylic marker come with a 1-5 mm round nib and a 1 mm fine nib. Dual tip design meets different coloring needs. The fine tip is suitable for outlining, fine line work; The brush tip works well for large areas of coloring, detailing

  • Upgraded Cotton Nibs Version: Different from ordinary push-type acrylic pens, our acrylic markers are cotton nibs, they can be used directly and dry faster. ---Note:Please tighten the cap and put pens horizontally if you don't use them

  • 24 Bright and Vibrant Colors: Rich color range means more mixability and fun. A perfect choice to design your scrapbook, bullet journal, planner, Christmas card, birthday gifts, greeting card, or any DIY crafts projects

  • Comprehensive Craft Set: This DIY craft rock coloring set includes 12 rocks, 6 standard paints, 6 metallic paints, 5 glow in the dark paints, 3 glitter glue, 4 brushes, 8 Amusing Wiggly eyes, 2 sponges, 18 transfer stickers, 32 gems, and an instruction booklet.

  • Glow in the dark: The main attraction is the glow-in-the-dark paints. When the lights go out, these paints will light up and provide beautiful designs. Imagine the look on your child's face as they watch their rock designs come to life in the dark! (Attention: Expose to a close light source for 15-30 seconds before placing it in a dark area for a better effort. The Longer the exposure, the brighter it will glow.)

  • Spark Creativity and Imagination: Our rock painting kit is crafted to spark creativity and provide hours of enjoyable activities for boys and girls aged 6-12. Using rock as canvases offers a sturdy foundation for young artists to express their imagination and create impressive artwork.

  • CONVENIENT SIZE & FUN BRIGHT COLORS - This versatile acrylic paint set includes 16 - 2 oz bottles of colorful craft paint. The colors in this kit include: White, Black, Flag Red, Jack-o-Lantern, Bright Blue, Candy Pink, Nutmeg Brown, Bright Yellow, New Shamrock, Purple Iris, Too Blue, Fuchsia, Key West, Pewter Grey, Bright Magenta, and Parrot Blue

  • MATTE FINISH - Each of these bold and bright colors dries to a brilliant matte finish - perfect for all your arts and crafts!

  • EASY & SMOOTH APPLICATION - Use on a variety of surfaces including wood, Styrofoam, plaster, terra cotta, and more. This versatile acrylic paint can easily be brushed, stamped, stenciled or sponged to your projects

  • 【Premium & Tough Material】--Extremely strong toughness and durability of this sketching paper pad allows for erasing without damaging paper surface, so it can stand up to multiple drawings without warping or penetrating. This spiral sketchbook can be used for sketching, painting and writing. Ideal for all dry media including pencil, pen, pastels, charcoal, sketching sticks, gel pen and so on. NOT applicable to markers and Watercolor pen. Sketchbook for drawing has a smooth drawing ability.

  • 【Convenient Spiral Bound】--Designed with sturdy spiral bound on the top, this art sketch pad provides better access to flipping the pages. You will have no trouble detaching paper---keeping the paper in good shape all the time, providing better drawing & writing experience. The side spiral design of spiral sketchbook 9x12 you can express yourself smoother without your wrist being disturbed during sketching on the spiral bound sketchbook 9x12. Spiral sketch book can provide convenience for you.

  • 【Compact Size with Protective Cover】--1 pack x 100 sheets 9"X12" , our art notebook is portable enough for you to carry around and easy to stash in almost all kinds of backpacks. This artist sketchpads are always ready when inspiration hits. Portable 9x12 sketchbook allows you to just carry the artist sketch pad with you when going out, don't need drawing board. The sketch books for adults help you make your drawing life funnier and happier. Start creation with scetch books for drawing now.

  • 【Professional And Complete Drawing Sketching Set】: 76 Pack Art Pencil Set Include 3 White Charcoal Pencils, 7 Black Charcoal Pencils, 2 Colored Charcoal Pencils,12 Watercolor Pencils,12 Oil Based Colored Pencils, 15 Wooden Graphite Sketching Pencils, 12 Metallic Coloring Pencils, 1 Woodless Graphite Pencil 6B, Each pencil is marked with color name and model, Perfect for drawing, sketching, shading, layering, blending, and more

  • 【Extra Drawing Sketching Supplies Kit 】: Along with 1 Refillable Water Brush Pen, 1 Vinyl Eraser, 1 Kneaded Eraser, 1 Sandpaper Pencil Pointer, 3 Paper Blending Stumps, 1 Travel Case,1 Paintbrush, All the basics drawing set in a portable zip-up case to ensure all drawing tools in organized and easy carrying. You can find the sketch kit you need at any time without clutter

  • 【Premium Drawing Kit with Unique 3-Color Sketch Pad】 6 x 9", SPIRAL BOUND, 100GSM, 50 Pages (30 pages white, 10 pages toned tan, 10 pages black), Different colors of sketch paper are suitable for different styles of drawing, one sketchbook can meet your needs for different colors of sketch paper, no need to spend more money to buy different colors of sketchbooks

  • Complete Professional Drawing and Sketching Art Set - Kalour 76 art set contains all the art pencils you need,Variety of pencil types and Vivid Color for you to do any artworks.Perfect for sketching,drawing,blending,coloring and shading.

  • Artist Pencils - This drawing set includes 65 pieces Drawing Pencils:12 Sketching Pencil,12 Charcoal Pencil,12 Colored Pencil,12 Watercolor Pencil,12 Metallic Pencil,4 pastel pencil,1 white charcoal pencil.Each pencil is marked with color name and number.our pre-sharpened art pencils for accurate visual creativity and crisp lines.Soft break-resistant cores produce incredible tone.

  • Extra Art Accessories - Professional art tools can make your art level reach new heights.Include 3 Blending Stump, Metal Sharpener, Vinyl Eraser, Pencil Extender, Sandpaper Block, Artist Brush.All basic drawing tools allow you to start creating at any time.

  • CRAYOLA AIR DRY CLAY: Includes 5 pounds of Crayola Sculpting Clay in a re-sealable bucket.

  • DIY CLAY PROJECTS: Crayola Air Dry Clay lets you use traditional clay sculpting techniques such as coil, slab, pinch, and score-and-weld. Add water to make the clay softer for ease of use!

  • USE WITH PAINT: Crayola Project Paints & Acrylic Paints work well for adding details to your air dry clay creations.

  • 【Complete ALL-IN-ONE Deluxe Wooden Art Box】Soucolor 192-pack Deluxe Art Set includes a wide range of art supplies: 60 crayons, 24 colored pencils, 24 oil pastels, 24 watercolors, 24 acrylic paints, 11 sandpapers, 8 brushes, 8-well palettes, 3 A4 canvases, 1 color wheel, 1 sponge, 1 color palette, 1 HB pencil, 1 2B pencil, 1 eraser, 30 sheets sketchbook, 20 sheets acrylic pad, 20 sheets drawing pad, 1 sharpener, 1 wooden case, 1 Gift box, perfect art kit for beginners and artists of all levels.

  • 【Deluxe Paint Set Painting Supplies: 24 Acrylic Paints and 3 A4 Size Canvas Boards Included】This deluxe painting kit includes 24 vibrant-color acrylic paints, and 3 pieces blank canvases for painting that are A4 Size 8.5x11 inches. The paint kit includes a variety of drawing and painting art materials, allowing kids, adults, teens, beginners, art students, hobbyists, boys and girls to explore their creativity and bring their artistic visions to life.

  • 【Professional Drawing Kit: 3 A4 Size 8.5 x 11.5” Drawing and Sketching Pads Included】300gsm 20 Sheets acrylic pad is textured linen surface assures the maximum adherence and layering of paint. 300gsm 20 sheets watercolor pad is fine grain easily removable pages quickly absorb water to maximize blending capabilities and clean lines with no bleed through. 100gsm 30 sheets sketch book is extremely strong toughness and long durability.

  • Reversible Tips – Reversible bullet tips allow Posca markers to last twice as long as other markers; To reveal the other side of the tips, simply pull the bullet nib out to reveal one of two sides, from 1.8mm to 2.5mm

  • Safety First – Posca markers are non-toxic, which means our pigment formula does NOT contain alcohol like other markers, each Posca marker is water-based which means it’s alcohol-free, waterproof, and still lightfast.

  • Crazy Versatile – Posca paint markers have been professionally tested and used on over 50 different surface types, which means you’re covered whether you’re using a canvas, fabric, acrylic, metal, surfboard, rocks, windshields, or anything else

  • Reversible Tips – Reversible bullet tips allow Posca markers to last twice as long as other markers; To reveal the other side of the tips, simply pull the bullet nib out to reveal one of two sides, from 1.8mm to 2.5mm

  • Safety First – Posca markers are non-toxic, which means our pigment formula does NOT contain alcohol like other markers, each Posca marker is water-based which means it’s alcohol-free, waterproof, and still lightfast

  • Crazy Versatile – Posca paint markers have been professionally tested and used on over 50 different surface types, which means you’re covered whether you’re using a canvas, fabric, acrylic, metal, surfboard, rocks, windshields, or anything else

  • Premium & Unique Shimmer Markers: KOUSICOO outline metallic pen set has 12 assorted bright colors. The double line outline pens designed with unique technology will automatically produces outlines for you to create a beautiful dual-color effect. And it can draw 3 different effects on light colored paper, black paper and smooth surface. Let's DIY unique dual-color art projects today!

  • Non-Toxic & Safety: These 2-3mm medium tip glitter markers are water-based, non-toxic, odorless, smooth flow, quick-drying, high quality certificated ink and safe for kids, girls and teens. Environmental friendly and conforms to ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 certificate. (We suggest children under 3 years old should be used under the supervision of an adult)

  • Wide Use: These sparkly outline pens can be used on almost any surface, such as rocks, wood, canvas, fabric, glass, plastic, metal, etc. It's perfect for Cristmas cards, birthday card, greeting cards, envelopes, gift tags, sign, easter eggs, christmas ornaments, scrapbook, poster. Great gift idea for Christmas, Birthday, Mother's Day, Easter Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, New Year. Both beginners and professionals can better release your creativity.

  • High Quality Watercolor Paint Set: Make your watercolor art come to life with vibrant colors. This art advantage watercolor kit was designed for both beginners and pros. These watercolor paints are ideal for coloring books, bullet journaling, sketching, lettering, and more.

  • Create On the Go: This Travel Watercolor Set gives you the ability to paint with watercolor paint at home or while traveling. Everything you need is included in this watercolor set, from the brush to the paper.

  • Elegant Design & Giftable Box: This lightweight watercolor plate set has a tin box that’s both stylish and practical. Gift these watercolors to professionals or beginners. It’s both a kids watercolor paint set and a watercolor paint set adult kit.