Top 8 Art Supplies for Back to School Supply List
- Sketchbooks and Drawing Paper
- Pencils, Pens and Erasers
- Colored Pencils and Markers
- Paints and Brushes
- Canvas and Paper
- Pastels and Charcoal
- Ideas Older Kids
- Miscellaneous Tools
As the back-to-school season approaches, students and parents alike are gearing up for a new year. For many, this time of year brings excitement about fresh notebooks and crisp pencils, but for art students and budding creatives, it’s also an opportunity to stock up on essential art supplies. Whether you’re an at home educator preparing for a new class or a student ready to dive into creative projects, having the right art supplies can make all the difference. At Grow Creative, we believe that children should use quality art supplies and be instructed in how to properly care for them and use them well.
Here’s a guide to some of our must-have art supplies that will help you tap into creativity this school year:
1. Sketchbooks and Drawing Paper
A good sketchbook is the cornerstone of any artist’s toolkit. Look for one with high-quality, acid-free paper that can handle various mediums. A sketchbook with thick, textured pages is perfect for pencil, pen, and even light watercolor. For larger projects or detailed work, consider getting a pad of drawing paper with a heavier weight.
Our picks : Sketchbook, Construction Paper
2. Pencils, Pens and Erasers
A range of pencils is essential for any artist. Start with a set that includes different grades of graphite, from soft (6B) to hard (4H). This variety allows for different levels of shading and detail. Don’t forget quality erasers—both kneaded and vinyl erasers are useful for different tasks. Kneaded erasers are great for lifting graphite without damaging the paper, while vinyl erasers can remove marks more aggressively.
Our Picks : Drawing Pencils, Muji Pens, Triangle Eraser, Kneaded Eraser
3. Colored Pencils and Markers
Colored pencils offer a versatile medium for adding vibrant colors and fine details to your work. Look for sets with a broad range of colors and good pigment quality. For a different approach, markers can provide bold, vibrant hues and are available in various types like alcohol-based or water-based. Alcohol-based markers are great for blending and creating smooth color transitions.
Our Picks: Colored Pencils, Markers, Fine Line Markers
4. Paints and Brushes
For those who love painting, selecting the right paints and brushes is crucial. Watercolors are a popular choice for their transparency and ease of blending, while acrylics offer vibrant colors and a fast-drying, versatile medium. If oil painting is your preference, make sure to have a good selection of oil paints and a variety of brushes suited for different techniques. Invest in brushes with different shapes and sizes to handle everything from fine details to broad strokes.
Our Picks: Watercolor, Acrylic Set, Watercolor Brush Pack, Enamel Mixing Tray
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5. Canvas and Paper
For painting, you’ll need a sturdy surface to work on. Canvases come pre-stretched and primed, ready for acrylic or oil paints. We like board canvas as well - this saves a lot of space and can be stored much easier. Watercolor paper is designed specifically to handle wet mediums without warping. Choose paper with a high weight and texture suited to your painting style.
Our Picks: High Quality Watercolor Paper, Board Canvas
6. Pastels and Charcoal
Pastels offer a unique texture and color payoff that can be different from other mediums. Soft pastels provide a rich, blend-able color experience, while oil pastels are more creamy and can be used with a range of techniques. Charcoal is excellent for sketching and creating dramatic, high-contrast images. It comes in various forms such as compressed, vine, and pencil.
Our Picks : Pastels, Charcoal Crayons, Graphite Pencils
7. Ideas Older Kids
As kids get older, it's fun to introduce them to different techniques and supplies alongside the classics. Here's a few things to try.
Our Picks : Gelli Printing, Paper Making Kit, Natural Dyes
8. Miscellaneous Tools
Don’t overlook the importance of a few miscellaneous tools that can enhance your creative experience -- and make it just a bit more fun!
Spray Fixative: Helps to preserve your finished work and prevent smudging (Pastels, Charcoal, Pencil)
View Catcher : Fun for a seeing a landscape or object differently (Think Georgia O'Keeffe!)
Color Wheel : Such a great teaching tool for learning about colors and their relationship to each other
Final Thoughts
Equipping yourself with the right art supplies is a fantastic way to start the school year on a creative note. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, having high-quality materials at your disposal can inspire and elevate your work. So, as you prepare for the upcoming school year, make sure to stock up on these essentials and get ready to unleash your artistic potential. Happy creating!