Krystan-Grace Art's Top Five Art Supplies for Drawing
Don’t you just love going to an art shop and spending hours looking at all the amazing art supplies they have? I know it’s one of my favourite past times but it can also be quite daunting when you’re not sure what it is that you’re looking for. I’ve pulled together a list for you of my favourite art supplies for drawing and where I buy them from (no paid ads, all honest opinions!) so you can try something new without the worry of not knowing what to buy!
Derwent Dark Charcoal.
https://www.derwentart.com/en-gb/v/1972/professional-products/pencils/charcoal-pencils
If you know my artwork you know I ADORE charcoal (if you don’t, check out my Instagram @krystangraceart ). Derwent Dark Charcoal is my go-to, I don’t personally use their Light or Medium charcoal because of my style of drawing but I can 100% recommend Derwent if you’re looking for a great charcoal!
CretaColor White Chalk
https://www.jacksonsart.com/cretacolor-white-pastel-pencil
I draw directly onto dark paper when I am drawing so I need a white pencil that is bright for those really white highlights. CretaColor Chalk gets the job done and blends beautifully with Derwent Charcoal.
PinkPig 19mm/Black Card 270gsm
https://www.the-pink-pig.co.uk/products/a3-portrait-display-book-economy-green?variant=936915599380
This black card is thick and has a beautiful smooth finish. I’ve been using PinkPig for my papers for years now and I’ve never been disappointed with them. Fantastic surfaces at fantastic prices.
Winsor and Newton Professional Fixative
https://www.jacksonsart.com/w-n-150ml-spray-soft-pastel-fixative-uk-only-haz
You’ve probably seen me ranting about why not to use hairspray as a fixative (if you haven’t, check out my Tiktok @krystangraceart ). This is the fixative that I have been using for charcoal drawings since I started drawing and it’s never led me wrong. Please note in the UK you must be 18 to buy this. Please educate yourself on how to use it safely as well as all spray fixatives can be bad for your health! Here’s a blog on how to use fixative safely.
Paper/Blending Stumps
https://www.jacksonsart.com/jackson-s-paper-stump-small-pack-of-6
https://www.cassart.co.uk/drawing/accessories-2/cretacolor-stumps-set.htm?nosto=searchpage-nosto-1
When it comes to paper stumps I try to buy from as many different brands as possible as they all have different tightness’s, points and paper types so they all work differently and blend differently! I use these more on my page than actual charcoal when drawing, so they’re definitely one to invest in (and super cheap too!).
Now you have some new art supplies to experiment with, get out there and make some cool new art! Let me know what your favourite art supplies for drawing are in the comments, I love hearing of new supplies!
Stay creative!
Krystan-Grace Art