This guide helps new artists assemble their initial set of art supplies, covering basic tools and materials needed for drawing, painting, and mixed media. Whether you’re just starting or considering a hobby, this list provides the essentials to begin creating confidently. With clear steps and practical advice, you’ll learn what to buy, how to choose quality options within your budget, and how to avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll have a functional art kit ready for your first projects.
Get art and craft supplies delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
Caliart 176PCS Art Supplies Sketching Kit with 100 Sheets 3-Color Sketch Book
- ✔ Number of Pieces: 176
- ✔ Sketchbook Sheets: 100
- ✔ Sketchbook Colors: 3-color (white, tan, black)
Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set Sketching Kit with Sketchbook and Tutorial for Artists, Beginners, Teens, Adults
- ✔ Pencils: 76 pieces including charcoal, watercolor, oil-based, graphite, metallic
- ✔ Sketchbook: 6 x 9 inches, spiral-bound, 50 pages (white, tan, black)
- ✔ Additional Supplies: Water brush pen, erasers, blending stumps, paintbrush, case
PRINA 81 Drawing Set Sketching Kit with Colored, Graphite, Watercolor, Metallic, Charcoal Pencils, Sketchbook, Coloring Book, Gif…
- ✔ Number of Colored Pencils: 21
- ✔ Number of Graphite Pencils: 15
- ✔ Number of Watercolor Pencils: 12
Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 30-60 minutes
What You’ll Need
Tools & Materials:
- none
Knowledge:
- basic understanding of different art mediums (drawing, painting)
Set a budget before shopping to focus on affordable, quality starter supplies. Prepare a clean workspace with good lighting. Be prepared to spend around 30-60 minutes selecting and purchasing supplies.
Caliart 176PCS Art Supplies Sketching Kit with 100 Sheets 3-Color Sketch Book
The Caliart 176PCS Sketching Kit is a comprehensive set suited for beginners who want variety and portability. It includes a wide range of pencils, accessories, and a 100-sheet 3-color sketchbook, all contained in a lightweight case. Compared to smaller kits, it offers more tools for different techniques, making it ideal for those exploring multiple art styles. However, its extensive variety can be overwhelming for absolute beginners who prefer a simpler setup, and the basic tools might not satisfy more advanced artists. This kit makes the most sense for learners looking for an all-in-one starter pack that can grow with their skills.
Pros:
- All-in-one art kit suitable for artists of all skill levels
- Includes a variety of high-quality pencils and accessories
- Portable and organized in a lightweight travel case
Cons:
- Limited to basic sketching and shading tools
- Some users might find the variety overwhelming for beginners
Best for: Beginners wanting a versatile, portable sketching set with everything in one place
Not ideal for: Those seeking advanced art supplies or minimalistic starter kits
Bottom line: A comprehensive, portable starter set perfect for beginners wanting variety without complexity.
“A comprehensive, portable starter set perfect for beginners wanting variety without complexity.”
Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set Sketching Kit with Sketchbook and Tutorial for Artists, Beginners, Teens, Adults
The Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set offers a well-rounded collection of pencils—charcoal, watercolor, oil-based, graphite, and metallic—plus a 6×9 inch spiral sketchbook with 50 pages. It emphasizes eco-friendly, non-toxic materials conforming to standards, making it a safe choice for beginners. Its variety makes it suitable for multiple styles, from shading to detailed layering. The main tradeoff is the limited number of pages in the sketchbook, which may restrict extensive projects, and some tools, like pencils, require frequent sharpening, which can be inconvenient. This pick makes the most sense for beginners interested in exploring diverse techniques with a focus on safety and environmental friendliness.
Pros:
- Complete art set with a wide variety of pencils and tools
- Includes a versatile 3-color sketchbook suitable for different drawing styles
- Portable and organized in a durable travel case
- Eco-friendly, non-toxic materials conforming to safety standards
Cons:
- Some users may find the variety overwhelming for beginners
- Limited number of pages in the sketchbook for extensive projects
- Pencils may require frequent sharpening for detailed work
Best for: Beginners who want a versatile, eco-conscious art set with multiple mediums
Not ideal for: Artists seeking larger sketchbooks or very minimal kits
Bottom line: An eco-friendly, versatile starter kit that balances variety with safety and portability.
“An eco-friendly, versatile starter kit that balances variety with safety and portability.”
PRINA 81 Drawing Set Sketching Kit with Colored, Graphite, Watercolor, Metallic, Charcoal Pencils, Sketchbook, Coloring Book, Gif…
The PRINA 81 Drawing Set is a robust collection that includes a wide array of pencils—colored, graphite, watercolor, metallic, and charcoal—plus a spiral sketchbook and a coloring book. Its extensive assortment makes it suitable for artists exploring multiple techniques, from sketching to coloring and blending. Packaged in a gift-ready case, it’s perfect for gifting or for beginners who want an all-encompassing set that can handle different styles. However, the large variety can be intimidating for absolute beginners, and some users might find the quality of certain pencils inconsistent. This set is best for those wanting a comprehensive toolkit that can serve as a creative all-rounder.
Pros:
- Includes a wide variety of pencils for different art styles
- Portable case for easy transport and organization
- Comprehensive set suitable for beginners and experienced artists
Cons:
- Some users may find the variety overwhelming
- Limited details on pencil quality and durability
- Coloring book may not appeal to all artists
Best for: Beginners interested in diverse media and a gift-ready presentation
Not ideal for: Very young beginners or those preferring minimalistic kits
Bottom line: A versatile, gift-ready set ideal for beginners eager to explore multiple art forms.
“A versatile, gift-ready set ideal for beginners eager to explore multiple art forms.”
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Before You Start
Decide what type of art you want to explore most—drawing, watercolor, acrylics, or mixed media—as this influences your initial supplies. Avoid buying everything at once; focus on essential items first. Check local art stores or online shops for beginner kits or discounts to save money.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Determine your primary art medium
Choose whether you want to focus on drawing, painting, or a combination. This decision guides which supplies you prioritize. For example, if interested in drawing, start with pencils and paper; for painting, consider brushes and paints.
Tip: Start with one medium to avoid overwhelming yourself with too many supplies at once.
Check: You have a clear idea of your main art focus, with a list of essential supplies tailored to that medium.
Step 2: Select basic drawing supplies
Purchase a set of graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B), a good eraser, a sharpener, and sketching paper or a sketchbook. These tools are versatile and essential for practicing any drawing technique.
Tip: Choose a sketchbook with smooth, heavyweight paper suitable for your preferred medium.
Check: You can produce simple sketches and shading tests, confirming your pencils and paper work well together.
Step 3: Choose painting supplies based on your medium
If selecting watercolor, buy a beginner watercolor set, watercolor brushes (round and flat), and watercolor paper. For acrylics, choose a beginner set of acrylic paints, brushes, and canvas or acrylic paper. For oils, select oil paints, brushes, and suitable canvas.
Tip: Start with small, affordable sets to learn your preferences before investing in professional-grade supplies.
Check: You can create simple color washes or painted samples, showing your supplies perform as expected.
Step 4: Gather essential coloring tools
For colored art, purchase colored pencils, markers, or pastels based on your medium. For beginners, a basic set of colored pencils or markers is sufficient to experiment with color blending and shading.
Tip: Avoid very cheap or overly complex sets initially, as they can be frustrating to use.
Check: You can produce basic color sketches or shaded color samples demonstrating smooth blending and color control.
Step 5: Invest in a clean workspace and storage
Set aside a flat, well-lit area for creating art. Use small containers or pencil cases to organize your supplies. Keep your tools accessible to encourage regular practice.
Tip: Maintain a tidy workspace to prevent losing supplies and to stay motivated.
Check: Your workspace is organized and ready for art sessions, with supplies within easy reach.
Step 6: Test your supplies with simple projects
Create small exercises: sketch a simple object, practice blending colors, or paint a basic shape to test how your supplies perform. Adjust your choices if something doesn’t work well.
Tip: Use tutorials or reference images to guide your practice sessions.
Check: You produce a small completed project that demonstrates your supplies’ suitability for your skill level.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying too many supplies at once — Focus on purchasing only essential items for your chosen medium and expand your collection as your skills improve.
- Choosing low-quality supplies — Select affordable but decent quality tools; read reviews and seek recommendations to avoid frustrating experiences.
- Overloading on supplies without understanding their use — Learn the purpose of each item through tutorials or beginner guides before buying advanced tools.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Your colors look dull or uneven when painting
Solution: Ensure your paints are fresh and properly mixed. Use appropriate brushes and apply thin, even layers.
Problem: Pencils smudge easily or paper tears
Solution: Use high-quality, thicker paper suitable for your medium and sharpen your pencils regularly.
Problem: Colors do not blend well
Solution: Practice blending techniques, use compatible mediums, and work on high-quality, smooth paper or canvas.
What Success Looks Like
You have a functional art kit with basic supplies suitable for your chosen medium. You can produce simple sketches, color studies, or small paintings demonstrating your ability to use the supplies effectively. Supplies are organized, and your workspace is ready for regular practice.
Next Steps
Start practicing regularly with your new supplies. Follow beginner tutorials online to improve your skills. Gradually add new tools as you grow more confident, such as finer brushes, additional paper types, or specialty materials. Keep your supplies organized and replace items as needed. Consider joining local classes or online communities for feedback and inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on beginner art supplies?
Beginner supplies can be affordable; allocate around $50-$100 initially, focusing on quality over quantity. Look for starter kits or sales to save money.
What is the best medium to start with?
Choose based on your interest: pencils and sketchbooks for drawing, watercolor paints for light, transparent effects, or acrylics for versatility. Start with one to avoid confusion.
Can I use the same supplies for different mediums?
Some supplies, like paper or brushes, can be used across mediums, but specific paints or pencils are designed for particular techniques. Check compatibility before mixing supplies.
How often should I replace my art supplies?
Replace supplies when they are used up or no longer perform well. For example, sharpened pencils, dried-out paints, or worn brushes should be swapped out as needed.
Halloween Picks
halloween
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
