"Learning to draw is really a matter of learning to see - to see correctly and that means a good deal more than merely looking with the eye"
PENCILS
Welcome to the world of artistic expression through pencils! Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, the humble pencil is a versatile tool that holds the power to bring your ideas to life. With a rich history dating back centuries, artists' pencils have evolved into an array of types and grades, each offering unique qualities that cater to various styles and techniques. From delicate lines to bold strokes, the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.
Whatever pencil you desire, ARTdiscount will have one for you.
PENS
Artist pens are not just tools; they are conduits of inspiration, merging the tactile elegance of traditional drawing with the precision and convenience of modern design. With their rich pigments and versatile tips, artist pens empower creators to capture emotions, ideas, and scenes with remarkable detail.
PASTELS
Pastels are seen as one of the quickest ways of working with colour in little time, using a textured pastel paper will allow your pastels to cling to the surface and be vibrant. Pastels are ideal for creating gradients and fades, simply smudge them together using your fingers or purchase a blending tool to allow you to be more precise.
There is a range of different pastels available, from pastel pencils to wax pastels. Often, people use soft pastels when they intend to blend. Hard pastels allow you to create detail and work well alongside soft pastels to add dimension. Apart from oil pastels, all pastels are water-soluble.
INKS
Ink has been around for a very long time and it holds it’s popularity. Drawing Inks, Calligraphy Inks and Derwent Inktense Pencils are amongst our customer’s favourites. Ink is often used to write or draw with a pen, brush or quill. More commonly we sell small detail brushes alongside ink for mixed media purposes or calligraphy.
Ink in pencil form combines the brilliant intensity of pen and ink with the versatility of line and wash. Needing advice on what ink to start with? Use our free chat feature!
Paper is so much more than just a surface to write or paint on
PAPER & PADS
Paper is so much more than just a surface to write or paint on; ensuring you have the right paper for the medium you are using is essential. For example, if you’re using pens or makers you will need a bleed-proof paper. Textured paper is better for pastels and pencils, as it allows the colour to sit in the grooves. For pens you would need a smooth surface and if you want your colour to pop, a bright white surface. At ARTdiscount you can find mixed media paper as well, this holds application of paint and other mediums whilst staying looking sturdy and flat. Using the wrong paper will allow curling and transferring of ink.
From Sketchbooks to Mixed Media pads, ensuring you’ve ordered the correct one for you is important. Until you delve into the world of pads, you won’t realise the vast variety. The ARTdiscount hard back and wire bound sketchbooks hold cartridge paper, which is lovely for drawing or calligraphy. The paper is thick and has little texture.
