Figure Drawing basic tools:

While some artists may have favorite tools they use for figure drawing and have all varieties of mediums, some people may have never done figure drawing and don't even have the basics. That is OK! Figure Drawing requires only a few items that we consider "basic essentials", and I recommend you have at least these when you attend the sessions. As your skill and confidence grows, so will your mediums and tool kits.

• • PAPER: 18 x 24 inches is highly recommended. Why so big, you ask? Well, figure drawing is a skill that is terribly difficult to do on a small scale or on small paper/sketchbooks. There is a fluid and relaxed drawing method that cannot be achieved when drawing small. If you really want to learn and excel in this genre please bring large paper, as it WILL make a huge difference in how you learn and advance. Sketch paper pads are cheaper than Drawing pads and usually have more sheets in the pad as well. You can find these at all art/craft stores, and even WalMart has them for fairly cheap. And of course... online. You can also use newsprint but it is a terrible way to learn a new craft, as it is rough and basically recycled garbage paper. (It is Ok to use with charcoal but not fun with pencils) Note: using a small pad or small drawing surface will make your figure drawing experience far less fun and far less educational, as it goes against all the principles of the expression of the genre.

• • PENCILS: You can use almost any type, brand, style, or color. You may have a dozen #2 yellow graphite pencils tucked away in your kitchen drawer that have been there for 20 years... bring them! They are fine to start with. If you do decide to buy, or already have drawing pencils, awesome... I recommend you leave any of the "H" pencils at home because they will actually hold you back when learning to draw figures. If you order or buy graphite pencils I recommend you get at least one of each B, 2B, 4B, and maybe a 6B or 8B. This refers to the hardness ("H") or softness ("B") of the graphite, and the higher the number the harder or softer the lead  Hint: B pencils give darker wider lines. They are available in sets or individually, and you do NOT have to get expensive pencils! I use cheap ones most of the time and have no issues.

• If you opt for color pencils or want to get these in addition to the graphites, well, even the cheapest pencils seem to work just fine. You can get better ones as you increase your skill level, and seeing what others use is also a good way to learn about the options. I personally use Prismacolor Verithin pencils, and recommend them highly!

• • ERASER: 2 different erasers are recommended... a white rubber eraser is perfect for graphite on sketch/drawing paper, and a kneaded eraser is highly recommended as it works as a balance to the graphite tone skills you will learn. These are cheap and in every store that sells art supplies. They will almost certainly NOT erase color pencil, as they are not designed to remove waxy pencil marks..

• • BLENDING STUMPS: These look like paper pencils or cigars with pointed ends. They are often sold in packs of various sizes, but you really only need the ones that are at least as thick as a pencil, and one that is as thick as your thumb. Some places sell them individually. They are invaluable as you learn about tone, shading, and other techniques. These are at your typical art stores as well, usually right near the pencils. They may have a flat little wooden paddle looking thing with the pack... that's good. If not then see if they have those sanding pads nearby. Grab one, as that is how we sharpen the blending stumps!

• • LARGE DRAWING BOARD: is recommended to attach your large pad or individual sheets (so it obviously needs to be as big), and give a supportive backing whether you are at an easel drawing, or sitting, as well as transporting. That pad will flex and bend in half otherwise, and there is no joy in trying to draw on a paper that won't hold still!

• PAPER PORTFOLIO CASE: If you can carry all your paper/drawing board in one of these cheap paper carrying portfolio you minimize the risk of damage and loss of your drawings and the pad$ of paper you transport, either carrying in bad or windy weather, or in your vehicle. This inexpensive paper carrying case will save you a LOT of money in wet, damaged, bent, wrinkled paper and pads... ask me how I know!

Other than that, artists use an endless list of drawing materials and often enjoy the variety of results, and you can as well. Charcoal, conte crayon, regular crayons, pen and ink, ball point pens, markers, felt tips, paint pens, etc. Different color paper and textures, are options, and endlessIt would be best to attend the class a time or two before you go spend money on tools you may not love, but the basics listed above will set you on your way to having a great learning experience and help you build confidence and skills.

If you have further questions about supplies feel free to contact the studio.