As a busy mom, teacher and artist, my sketchbook might as well be called my therapy book. It's a space where I can freely express myself, ground myself by drawing objects in my surroundings and experiment with various art supplies, and not to mention have a moment of alone time. Over the last 7 years of my sketchbook routine, I have discovered some truly remarkable tools that have become essential companions during my sketchbook adventures. In this blog post, I'll share my favorite art supplies that have enriched my artistic journey and added a little extra * somethin something* to my sketchbook creations.
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Stillman & Birn Soft Cover Flat Lay Sketchbooks (Beta, Zeta, or Delta series): No list of art supplies for sketchbook work would be complete without mentioning the importance of a high-quality sketchbook. Stillman & Birn Soft Cover Flat Lay Sketchbooks, available in the Beta, Zeta, or Delta series, are a personal favorite of mine. These sketchbooks are designed with artists in mind, offering heavy-duty paper that can withstand various mediums and techniques. The flat lay design makes it easy to work across pages, and the soft cover adds a comfortable and portable touch. Whether I'm using pencils, pens, watercolors, or pastels, these sketchbooks provide the perfect surface for my creativity to flourish. I tend to stick with the 5.5" x 8.5" size.
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Pentel Graphgear 1000 Mechanical Pencil: When it comes to precision and control, the Pentel Graphgear 1000 Mechanical Pencil is a true gem. Its sturdy build and comfortable grip make it perfect for sketching intricate details and achieving precise linework. With its adjustable lead hardness, I can switch between soft and hard leads, adapting to different sketching styles and subjects effortlessly.
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Faber Castell Assorted PITT Pens 8 pack : For bold, expressive lines and versatile sketching, I turn to the Faber Castell PITT Pens. Available in a range of nib sizes, these high-quality artist pens deliver consistent, archival-quality ink flow. They are ideal for both sketching and inking, allowing me to add depth and texture to my artwork with ease.
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Tombow Fudenosuke Hard and Soft Tip Pens: When it comes to calligraphy and lettering, the Tombow Fudenosuke Pens are my go-to choice. The hard tip offers precise, fine lines, while the soft tip allows for beautiful variation in stroke width. Whether I'm adding captions, quotes, or decorative elements to my sketches, these pens bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to my work.
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Tombow Dual Brush Markers: Versatility is key, and that's precisely what the Tombow Dual Brush Markers offer. With a flexible brush tip on one end and a fine tip on the other, these markers allow me to effortlessly blend colors, create gradients, and add vibrant pops of color to my sketches. The water-based ink is also a dream to work with, making them perfect for blending and layering.
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Prismacolor Colored Pencils: When it comes to colored pencils, Prismacolor is a name synonymous with quality. Their rich, creamy cores and superior blending capabilities allow me to bring my sketches to life with stunning color and depth. Whether I'm creating intricate illustrations or adding subtle shading, these pencils never fail to impress.
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Winsor Newton Travel Watercolor Palette: Watercolors have a magical quality that can transform any sketch into a vibrant masterpiece. The Winsor Newton Travel Watercolor Palette is a compact and portable set that allows me to explore a wide range of colors wherever I go. The high-quality pigments offer excellent transparency and lightfastness, ensuring that my sketches stand the test of time.
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Wooden/Ceramic Palette with Gouache Paint (Arteza & Winsor Newton Gouache): Gouache paints are known for their opaque, matte finish and vibrant colors. This wooden palette by Nailea Sarait is so gorgeous and coupled with gouache paints from Arteza and Winsor Newton, provides an incredible experience. The palette's multiple wells allow me to mix colors and experiment with different combinations, while the gouache paints offer excellent coverage and a velvety texture.
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Pentel Aquash Waterbrush: The Pentel Aquash Waterbrush is a versatile tool that combines the convenience of a brush with a built-in water reservoir. Whether I'm working with watercolors, ink, or water-based markers, this brush allows me to easily control the water flow and achieve beautiful washes, gradients, and blending effect.
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Caran d'Ache Neocolor II Water-Based Pastels: Neocolor II Water-Based Pastels are a delightful addition to my sketchbook arsenal. These creamy, water-soluble pastels glide smoothly on the page, allowing me to achieve a soft painted look, or a rougher pastel texture.
- Posca Paint Pens: Paint pens are creamy, and dreamy and mimic the look of acrylic paint but with none of the mess. I love Posca Paint Pens have found their quality to be unmatched.
Exploring the world of art supplies is a never-ending journey of discovery and experimentation. Each tool mentioned in this blog post has contributed to my sketchbook adventures in its own unique way. From tthe vibrancy of markers, to the loose layered look of the goauche paints, the possibilities are endless. Remember, the most important aspect of working in your sketchbook is just getting started. Sure, fun art supplies are fun, but the key to developing a sketchbooking habit is just getting started. And if a few satisfying and enjoyable art supplies will help ignite that fire, then I'm all for it!
So, gather your favorite tools, open your sketchbook, and let your creativity take flight. Happy sketching!