Basic Art Supplies Every Artist Should Have

We know all about that thrill of finding the perfect art supplies—the tools that inspire your creativity and bring your ideas to life. And if you’ve ever wondered what basic art supplies should be in every artist’s toolbox, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a rundown of the essentials that every artist, beginner or pro, should own—and a couple of wish-list items for good measure!

1. A Trusty Pencil Set
   No matter what medium you prefer, having a good pencil is non-negotiable. For general sketching, a 2B pencil is versatile enough to handle most tasks. But if you want to dive deeper, add a 6B for rich shading and a 7H for delicate, light lines. A full set offers endless possibilities, and it’s the foundation for any great artwork. Check out our collection of Artist and Drawing Pencils to find the best of the best.
   
   
2. The Right Erasers
   Mistakes are part of the process, which is why having two types of erasers is essential:
   • Kneaded Erasers: Perfect for gently lifting graphite or lightening areas without fully erasing.
   • Vinyl Erasers: Ideal for clean, sharp corrections without tearing your paper. Plus, they’re long-lasting and resist graphite buildup.
   
   
3. Something to Draw On
   A sketchpad is your portable studio. Choose lighter-weight paper for quick sketches or a heavier drawing pad for finished pieces. For mixed-media work, choose a pad that can handle ink or paint. And remember, drawing is a cornerstone skill—investing time here benefits every artist. We have plenty of art paper and boards to choose from, right here at Cheap Joe’s!
   
   
4. Your Painting Surface
   Watercolor artists need at least 140 lb. cold-pressed paper, available in sheets or blocks. Acrylic painters should grab panels or canvases—and don’t forget to buy extras! Having more surfaces on hand lets you experiment without fear of “wasting” materials. Check out our collection of watercolor paper today!
   
   
5. Palettes for Mixing Colors
   Whether you’re into watercolor or acrylics, a good palette is a must. For watercolorists, choose one with wells to store colors and a mixing area that’s easy to clean. Acrylic painters can go for disposable palettes or classic options with thumb holes. Our page of painting tools and accessories has everything you need in the palette department. Pro tip: Joe loves using a spray bottle to rehydrate dried watercolor paint—easy and efficient!
   
   
6. Quality Brushes
   Good brushes are an investment that pays off. Cheap Joe’s Golden Fleece Brushes (for watercolor) and Serendipity Brushes (for acrylics) are customer favorites. They’re durable, affordable, and versatile, available in shapes like rounds, flats, filberts, and fans. A solid brush can last for years if cared for properly. Browse our complete selection of artist brushes on our site.
   
   
7. Paints That Wow
   • For Watercolorists: Cheap Joe’s American Journey Watercolors come in 128 vibrant shades, backed by our 365-day return policy.
   • For Acrylic Painters: American Journey Professional Artist Acrylics offer 60 rich colors to explore. These high-quality paints make your palette pop and your creativity soar.

Our full selection of paints and painting accessories is worth spending some time looking through!

Wish-List Additions

When you’re ready to upgrade your studio, consider these:

• Cheap Joe’s Easel Table: A game-changer for versatility. It adjusts to any angle for watercolor or pastel and converts to a sturdy H-frame easel for acrylic or oil painting.
• American Journey Taboret: Organize your supplies in style. Made from beautiful American ash, this rolling storage unit features three smooth drawers, brushed nickel pulls, and locking casters.

Shop Cheap Joe’s for All Your Basic Art Supplies

This list is just the beginning of what you can explore in the world of basic art supplies. Whether you’re stocking up on essentials or dreaming of your next studio upgrade, we have what you need to bring your art to life!