Drawing Curriculum 1: Supplies

This video is part 1 in a Drawing Curriculum designed for self-taught artists. (Watch Part 2 & Part 3)

This discussion provides an insight into the immense range and types of drawing media.

Including: charcoal, colored pencils, graphite, erasers, pastels, pens, markers, scratchboard, inks, drawing surfaces, drawing accessories, smudging tools, surfaces, and sketchbooks.

Art Supplies: Oil Pastel Drawing

Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artists Lauryn Welch and Cat Huang.

color ebook

Video Walkthrough

  • It’s easy to be suspicious of “new” art supplies on the market, but keep an open mind!
  • There is a lot more to graphite supplies than you think, see all the different forms graphite comes in.
  • Charcoal is really great for loosening up your drawing style.
  • Some supplies you can skip, or buy in a very cheap version.
  • Work with an “army of erasers.” Each eraser has it’s own special talent, unique to itself.
  • Working with the wrong paper can sometimes get in the way of having a good experience with a medium.
  • Drawing with markers is a great entry point for painting.
  • Working with a drawing material you can’t erase can get you to really deal with your drawing.
  • Other supplies are worth paying for if you can.
  • Soft pastels, oil pastels, crayons, and colored pencils vary tremendously from brand to brand.
  • Get recommendations from other artists on what specific brands are like.
  • There is no brand that is “the best,” it comes down to personal preferences.
Song Kang, dip pen & marker drawing
Dip Pen Drawing with Ink & Markers

Art Supplies

Clara Lieu
Watercolor in Utah: Goblin Valley & Mushrooms

Artists Mentioned

  • Chris Ofili
  • Alan Lee
  • Julie Mehretu
  • Frank Auerbach
  • David Alfaro Siqueiros
  • Hokusai
  • Francisco Goya
  • Daniel Zeller
  • Casey Roonan

As a free educational source, Art Prof uses Amazon affiliate links (found in this page) to help pay the bills. This means, Art Prof earns from qualifying purchases.