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What are the best art supplies for a intermediate artist.
#fine-art #art #creative
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Jennifer’s Answer
I don’t know what your medium is, but with paints-try to buy the best art supplies you can afford because quality makes a difference. In some parts of the country there are creative reuse shops-thrift shops for artists. Many artists buy stuff, don’t use it and end up donating it. Craigslist often has easels and tables for cheap. Maybe try hosting an art supply swap.
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Ellen’s Answer
Hi David
Good question...but it depends. It depends on what type of art you like to do. I sense that you are feeling your current art supplies are not advanced enough for you, or you feel you need to become a little more sophisticated about your art material choices to improve your artwork.
Often students start out with the cheapest art supplies they can find, which is reasonable, considering that students are often on strict budgets. Many art suppliers sell art materials in "student" and "professional" grades. For example, in paint, the "student" grade has more filler and less pigment, while the "professional" grade has less filler and more pigment. Of course, the professional grade paints will be more expensive, but the colors will be brighter, and they paint will last longer. Papers also differ; the more expensive art papers, loose and in pads, are "acid-free", meaning they will not yellow as quickly as papers that are not listed "acid-free". Of course, the acid-free papers are more expensive, but they are usually worth it, especially for finished drawings or artwork you wish to sell. There are other variables with all sorts of art supplies, these are just a few examples.
So, you might want to upgrade the art materials you like using in terms of quality. The Crayola brand of art materials are great for kids in school, and a lot of art teachers use this brand because it is economical for the classroom. Other brands are more expensive, and will be of a better quality in terms of use and durability. For example, in my work I sometimes use colored pencils, and recently I switched to a more expensive brand called Derwent because they (supposedly) do not fade in exposed sunlight. Generally, I have found that the more expensive "professional grade" art materials, such as paper, printing inks, paints, color pencils, markers, are easier to use, last longer and are more durable that their less expensive counterparts.
Someone has already mentioned some online sources of art materials, which is an excellent resource for you. I suggest you go "shopping" on the websites and look up art materials that you like to use, and see what other brands are out there. Read the reviews, they are often pretty educational. The most expensive materials may not be the best for you, so, if you can, order a few of them just to try out. I would also talk to your art teachers for advice, they might have some favorite brands that they could recommend and show you. If you have a bricks and mortar art store near you, pay it a visit and ask the store clerks for advice; tell them you want to upgrade your art materials and ask for their suggestions.
Best wishes. I hope this helps!
Good question...but it depends. It depends on what type of art you like to do. I sense that you are feeling your current art supplies are not advanced enough for you, or you feel you need to become a little more sophisticated about your art material choices to improve your artwork.
Often students start out with the cheapest art supplies they can find, which is reasonable, considering that students are often on strict budgets. Many art suppliers sell art materials in "student" and "professional" grades. For example, in paint, the "student" grade has more filler and less pigment, while the "professional" grade has less filler and more pigment. Of course, the professional grade paints will be more expensive, but the colors will be brighter, and they paint will last longer. Papers also differ; the more expensive art papers, loose and in pads, are "acid-free", meaning they will not yellow as quickly as papers that are not listed "acid-free". Of course, the acid-free papers are more expensive, but they are usually worth it, especially for finished drawings or artwork you wish to sell. There are other variables with all sorts of art supplies, these are just a few examples.
So, you might want to upgrade the art materials you like using in terms of quality. The Crayola brand of art materials are great for kids in school, and a lot of art teachers use this brand because it is economical for the classroom. Other brands are more expensive, and will be of a better quality in terms of use and durability. For example, in my work I sometimes use colored pencils, and recently I switched to a more expensive brand called Derwent because they (supposedly) do not fade in exposed sunlight. Generally, I have found that the more expensive "professional grade" art materials, such as paper, printing inks, paints, color pencils, markers, are easier to use, last longer and are more durable that their less expensive counterparts.
Someone has already mentioned some online sources of art materials, which is an excellent resource for you. I suggest you go "shopping" on the websites and look up art materials that you like to use, and see what other brands are out there. Read the reviews, they are often pretty educational. The most expensive materials may not be the best for you, so, if you can, order a few of them just to try out. I would also talk to your art teachers for advice, they might have some favorite brands that they could recommend and show you. If you have a bricks and mortar art store near you, pay it a visit and ask the store clerks for advice; tell them you want to upgrade your art materials and ask for their suggestions.
Best wishes. I hope this helps!