Essential Tools and Equipment for Artists' - Painting and Drawing Aides

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, having the right tools can make all the difference in bringing your creative vision to life. At ARTdiscount, we are passionate about supporting artists with high-quality materials and expert advice. This guide covers the essential tools and aides every artist should consider for painting and drawing. Just click the links on the images for more information.

1. Easels: Your Workstation Companion

An easel is a must-have for any artist, providing a sturdy and ergonomic surface to work on. Easels come in various types to suit different needs, and as they are a big purchase your easel should last for many years:

• Studio Easels: Perfect for larger canvases and studio work, offering stability and adjustability.

• Table top Easels: Compact and portable, ideal for smaller spaces and detailed work.

• Plein Air Easels: Designed for outdoor painting, combining portability with functionality.

Pro Tip: Look for easels with adjustable angles to reduce strain on your neck and back while working.

 

 

2. Drawing Boards and Clipboards

For artists who prefer drawing on loose sheets, a sturdy drawing board is essential. They provide a flat, portable surface and are often equipped with clips to hold your paper in place.

• Lightweight Clipboards: Great for quick sketches or working on the go.

• Drafting Boards: Larger and more stable, ideal for technical drawings and detailed illustrations.

 

3.Brush holders and storage

The right brush can transform your painting experience so it is essential that they are stored effectively.

 

 

4. Palettes: Mixing Magic

A good palette is essential for mixing paints. Options include:

• Wooden Palettes for oil paint: Classic and durable, offering a smooth mixing surface.

• Plastic Palettes for Watercolour and Gouache: Lightweight and easy to clean, great for beginners.

• Stay-Wet Palettes for Acrylics: Keep acrylic paints moist for longer periods.

• Ceramic Palettes for Watercolour and Gouache paints:Predominantly used for watercolour, ceramic palettes provide a great mixing surface whilst retaining their white surface which rejects staining.

 

 

5. Pencil storage 

Proper storage of sharpened pencils is essential for maintaining their quality and usability. When stored carelessly, the tips can break, dull, or smudge nearby surfaces, leading to frustration and wasted time. Keeping them in a protective case or pencil holder ensures they remain sharp, clean, and ready to use when needed. Organized pencils not only save effort but also prolong their lifespan, making them a small yet vital part of efficient creativity and productivity.

 

6. Rulers, templates and Stencils for drawing and graphic design.

Rulers, templates and stencils are indispensable tools in a designer's toolkit, offering precision and efficiency in creating clean, consistent designs. Rulers ensure accurate measurements and straight lines, crucial for layouts, technical drawings, and detailed sketches. Stencils provide uniform shapes and patterns, saving time while adding a professional touch to designs. Together, they enhance creativity while maintaining accuracy, making them vital for both beginner and experienced designers.

 

 

7. Erasers and Sharpeners

Every artist needs reliable tools for corrections and maintenance:

• Kneaded Erasers: Perfect for lifting graphite and charcoal without damaging the paper.

• Electric Erasers: Precise and efficient for detailed work.

 

8. Sharp Blade or Electric Sharpener: Keep your pencils sharp for fine lines.

1. Swann Morton ACM No. 2 Handle with No. 2 Blade & Guard

2. Swann-Morton No. 3 Graduated Stainless Steel Scalpel Handle

3. Swann Morton Non-Sterile Surgical Scalpel Blades

4. Derwent Twin Hole Battery Operated Pencil Sharpener

5. Derwent Super Point Manual Sharpener

6. Derwent Twin Hole Pencil Sharpener

 

9. Small Accessories for the studio

• Mahl Sticks

• Wedges 

• Sponges

• ARTdiscount Drawing Board Clips - Set of 4 - Metal

 

10.  Palette Knives

An artist's palette knife is a versatile tool used for mixing, applying, and sculpting paint. Its flat, flexible blade allows for smooth blending of colours on a palette, while its edge and tip can create bold textures and sharp lines directly on the canvas. Some artists use it to scrape away layers of paint for unique effects or to clean the palette efficiently. Beyond practicality, the knife enables dynamic, expressive strokes, adding depth and dimension to artworks.

11. Storage and Organization

Keep your tools in top condition with proper storage:

• Art Boxes: Portable and compact, perfect for storing smaller tools.

• Paint Racks: Store and organize your paint tubes for easy access.

• Storage Bags:Great for transporting your precious artwork and sketchbooks whilst travelling.

 

Whether you’re building your first art kit or expanding your collection, ARTdiscount is here to help you find the best tools for your creative journey. Explore our range of art supplies and let your creativity flourish!