Basic Art Supplies Every Artist Should Have

We know all about that thrill of finding the perfect art supplies—the tools that inspire your creativity and bring your ideas to life. And if you’ve ever wondered what basic art supplies should be in every artist’s toolbox, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a rundown of the essentials that every artist, beginner or pro, should own—and a couple of wish-list items for good measure!

A Trusty Pencil Set
No matter what medium you prefer, having good pencils is non-negotiable. For general sketching, an everyday HB pencil or a slightly softer 2B pencil are both versatile enough to handle most tasks. But if you want to dive deeper, add a 6B for rich shading, a 5H for delicate lines, or a water-soluble set for value studies and shading effects. A full set offers endless possibilities, and it’s the foundation for any great artwork.

The Right Eraser
Mistakes are part of the process, which is why having two types of erasers is essential:
• Kneaded Erasers: Perfect for gently lifting graphite or lightening areas without fully erasing.
• Vinyl Erasers: Ideal for clean, sharp corrections without tearing your paper. Plus, they’re long-lasting and resist graphite buildup.
And don't forget a good pencil sharpener!

Something to Draw On
A sketchpad is your portable studio. Choose lighter-weight paper for quick sketches or a heavier sketchbook for finished pieces. For mixed-media or watercolor sketches, choose sketchbook paper or pads that can handle ink or paint. And remember, drawing is a cornerstone skill—investing time here benefits every artist. We have plenty of art paper and boards to choose from, right here at Journey Art Stuff!

A Painting Surface
Watercolor artists need at least 140 lb. cold-pressed paper, available in sheets or blocks. Acrylic painters should grab panels or canvases—and don’t forget to buy extras! Having more surfaces on hand lets you experiment without fear of “wasting” materials. Check out our collection of watercolor paper today!

Palettes for Mixing Colors
Whether you’re into watercolor or acrylics, a good palette is a must. For watercolorists, choose one with wells to store colors and a mixing area that’s easy to clean. Acrylic painters can go for disposable palettes or classic options with thumb holes. Journey Art Stuff has everything you need in the palette department. Pro tip: Joe loves using a spray bottle to rehydrate dried watercolor paint—easy and efficient!

Quality Brushes
Good brushes are an investment that pays off. American Journey Interlocked Brushes (for watercolor) and NewBristle Brushes (for acrylics) are customer favorites. They’re durable, affordable, and versatile, and available in a wide variety of shapes like rounds, flats, filberts, and fans. A solid brush can last for years if cared for properly. Browse our complete selection of artist brushes on our site.

Paints That Wow
• For Watercolorists: American Journey Watercolors are formulated with the highest quality and come in more than 120 vibrant shades with many colors only available through Journey Art Stuff!
• For Acrylic Painters: American Journey Artist Acrylics offer 60 rich colors to explore. These high-quality paints make your palette pop and your creativity soar.

Our full selection of paints and painting accessories is worth spending some time looking through!

Wish-List Additions

When you’re ready to upgrade your studio, consider investing in an easel or taboret - a game-changer for versatility. Many easels adjust to any angle for watercolor or pastel and convert to a sturdy upright easel for acrylic or oil painting. Our taborets have built in easels along with plenty of storage to allow you to organize your supplies in style and keep everything close at hand.

Journey Art Stuff for ALL Your Art Supplies

This list is just the beginning of what you can explore in the world of basic art supplies. Whether you’re stocking up on essentials or dreaming of your next studio upgrade, we have what you need to bring your art to life!