Best Drawing Board Ever!! Successful Art Supplies

[@ChrisBeavenart]

All the supplies for this video and a full write up can be found here: chrisbeaven.com/tool/best-drawing-board-ever-successful-art-supplies/

[@chrischerry3109]

Another great material for a project like this is Gatorboard. It has a foam core, but also has a thin wooden veneer on both sides. It's smooth, sturdy, and lightweight.

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Thanks for the tip Chris! It's nice to see that there are other lightweight and cheap options out there.

[@sempiternalnoctis]

I didn't expected the board out of this material to be so rigid.I will give it a try given how light it is.thank you!

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Yeah it's crazy! I have built all kinds of small art supplies out of foam core. The stuff is so rigid it's the like a piece of wood that you can cut with a exacto knife. Let me know if you need any other art related help I'm here for you.

[@xiaofha]

Love this! Is it important to have a good stack of paper to prevent the clips from digging into the foam board?

[@bridgerbarksdale8204]

This was super helpful!

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Awesome! I'm excited to have helped! Did you make the drawing board? If so let me know what you think about it. Thanks for the comment!!

[@bridgerbarksdale8204]

@@ChrisBeavenart Yes I love it! I've been meaning to make one for my large newsprint format as well. It's really the best material as you said. It's amazing what a small adjustment in the studio can make on my work flow and general comfort in the office.

[@ChrisBeavenart]

@Bridger Barksdale Wonderful! I'm so glad it's working out well for you 😀

[@teressacooks7928]

I just started my art dream about 2 months ago. It dawned on me I might want to get an easel and board at this point, but I had no idea where to start. I can't tell you how incredibly helpful this was! Thank you so much😃

[@ChrisBeavenart]

That’s absolutely fantastic! I’m so glad that you’ve started your art dream and if you need any help, please shoot me a comment or go to my website and use the contact form. I started my art dream 10 years ago now and it was one the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.

[@teressacooks7928]

@@ChrisBeavenart Thank you Chris!😊

[@JoshuaJohnsonGraphic]

Nicely done, sir. I'm still rocking the masonite board, and MAN is it heavy. This would make my portfolio bag so much lighter. Thanks!

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Thank you for the compliment! Let me know if you decide to replace that Masonite board with a foam core one. I would like to know how it works for you.

[@yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh]

The foam board looks really cool!! I'm very short and I don't really have a lot of muscle mass but I do want to do more art in the future! I have one of those masonite drawing boards, accidentally took them from my drawing class, and they're really heavy to carry around even in a portfolio bag. I've been looking at easles and stuff to see which would fit best. I wanted to look around for something light and portable for either inside or outside use. But I think I'm getting closer to the kind of set up I'd use thanks to this!

[@ChrisBeavenart]

You’re welcome. I’m glad I helped.!!

[@seahorse5689]

This was a great tip! Am definitely going to try this! Thanks!

[@ChrisBeavenart]

You're so welcome!

[@rodrigosuarez252]

Thak you so much for this video!! i needed this fo so long!

[@ChrisBeavenart]

You're so welcome!

[@nikkiswenson54]

Thank you! I want to go out and buy some 1/2 inch foam board tomorrow!!

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Awesome! Let me know if you need any more help!

[@arthurcrockett4639]

I will try this right away. I have been carrying my masonite with 3 or 4 18x24 paper pads for over 30 years. It's like carrying a tree to class. I have seen foamcore in the art store that is acid free as well as being large up to 4 feet by 8 feet. I also use large construction masonite sheets 36 x 48 plus for large drawings - heavy! I also use watercolors on some drawings, so I will have to waterproof the surface I think?, (have you done this?) Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I see that you have one of the Italian easels. I have a couple myself; for over 30 years now and they are great -- heavy and collapsible.

[@ChrisBeavenart]

"Like carrying a tree." Haha that is so true! After 30 years of doing art I would love to see your work shoot me a message with any connection info you have on online. About working with wet media on the foam core board. You really don't want to get these things wet. If you do get them wet they will bow but slightly. But that bow is just annoying enough to want to replace it. If you use a Masonite board for your watercolors and you get water on the Masonite board quite often or it soaks through the paper I would suggest throwing a plastic bag or multiple sheets of paper down before watercolor painting on this board. You could try to waterproof it but the waterproofing is liquid itself and may bow the board in odd ways even if you waterproof both sides. I'm only able to work with wet media on these boards when the paper I use is fairly small and I have multiple sheets of newsprint underneath where I'm working. I also don't paint very wildly so all the water stays either on my palette or on the art. Thank you so much for the comment I hope that helps and I hope this new drawing board will help your back after 30 years of carrying a tree. Haha!

[@makingtings2802]

Greetings from Ireland. Thanks for this great video. I love your relaxed style and very practical advice. I made a foam core board after watching this and I love how light it is. Fantastic idea!

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Awesome!! I love that you are able to experience it! Give me an update after a few drawings with your honest opinion. Thanks for watching!

[@eileenjohnston6835]

Thank you so much! Great ideas!

[@ChrisBeavenart]

You're welcome! Thank you for the comment and if you need any other help with art related stuff please let me know. 😁

[@levisimpson516]

I'll give this a try, I was looking to get a drawing board, my wife runs a figure drawing class every other Wednesday. Actually, we're just north of you, up in the Skagit Valley area. :) Good stuff though man, I gave you a follow over on IG. Cheers!

[@beastlybombers]

Thank you Chris

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Anytime Dan! Let me know if you build it and how it works for you. :)

[@tonyhinesartist]

Is this type of board good for taping watercolour paper to?

[@ChrisBeavenart]

I've never tried doing that. But the one thing I do know is that masking tape, the yellow kind, sticks really well but rips paper off the top of the foam core when you try to remove it. Also, you wouldn't want to get these foam core boards wet because they will bow slightly. Yeah, probably not the best for watercolor unfortunately. Unless, you use a watercolor pad that you don't have to take to the board.

[@tonyhinesartist]

@@ChrisBeavenart Thank you!

[@lorenknowles1521]

Gator board is foamcore with thin wood layers instead of paper. Mary Whyte uses the 1/2” in her watercolor books. You can stretch the paper by wetting it and stapling it to the board.

[@gabrielbruce1977]

I wonder if a smaller one would work alongside my little leather book protector I use on my sketchbooks? I'm kind of at a premium for space with my studio set up as it is (wasn't my decision.)

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Of course! Make it yours! The only reason why I use an 18x24 drawing board is because I do a lot of figure work and I want to be able to do larger gestures and get my entire arm moving. But what is most important is that you create materials that work best for your motivation and creativity. Create something that works for you so you can't wait to start using it and continue using it for life.

[@michael7oliver]

Are the 20 or so sheets of paper left in place as part of the drawing surface?

[@ts-eu6mp]

I am sincerely digging your ideas and the presentation and all of the info. I do like this idea and ideas that keep coming. Well done. Thanks again. Terri

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Thank you Terri! I have many more ideas and videos to share let me know if you ever have any questions.

[@ronnaldaman7079]

I used to paint when younger, which was three or four decades back. Recently having decided to return to this I discovered some interesting things. Your reference to seeing someone use a brush in a certain way for a particular reason it is easy to think "I might get that brush" not as something magical (although I do think we all subscribe unconsciously to this but, because things have changed a lot (and I have forgotten a lot) On another note, having been a photographer for several decades I see a similarity of "GAS" - gear acquisition syndrome. That is not necessarily a bad thing. In the end things balance out and one settles down to a few preferred tools. And yes, a new tool can bring a certain stimulus into the picture (no pun intended) I know there is an absolutely indisputable feel to bringing a leica out and a Nikon or Large Format or pinhole; to a walkabout, streets, countryside or planned shooting. This same I believe applies to painting and probably, other artistic endeavors too. Of course there is much more to art than "just" art. Your video here is very interesting. Thanks for posting it.

[@ChrisBeavenart]

GAS, hahah, Love it! I did the same thing with my video recording equipment. Spent too much money. Thank you for the comment!

[@edbianchi8839]

Thank you practical and inexpensive!!!!!!!

[@ChrisBeavenart]

You're welcome!

[@drbettyschueler3235]

Great idea. Thank for sharing it.

[@ChrisBeavenart]

You are so welcome!

[@lluciariba5729]

This is great!

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Thanks

[@montassarzitouni454]

really helpfull thanx a lot

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Most welcome!

[@mariach46]

This is awesome! Thank you for sharing these helpful tips !

[@ChrisBeavenart]

You're welcome! Let me know if you need any more help.

[@bpwisniewski]

Thanks, Chris! So foam core is hard enough for drawing? Never imagined.

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Yep! As long as you get the thick one like in the video. Works perfectly!

[@debbeaven]

Great instructional video!

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it!

[@jamesaritchie1]

The board looks great. I'll have to give it a try. As for art supplies, I have fourteen brands of graphite art pencils, and at least two types or grades of several brands. It's insane. I've been using General's pencils since I first started drawing about fifty years ago. This was the first brand I stumbled onto, and I've always been happy with them, and have no desire to switch brands, so why do I have the irresistible urge to buy every new brand I find? Colored pencils? I have a full set of Luminance, a full set of Polychromos, and a full set of Prismacolor. So why do I keep buying every set of cheap, made in China colored pencils that shows up on Amazon, eBay, or Etsy? It goes on and on with every type of supply. My wife says I'd be a multimillionaire if I could just curb my art buying habits. Why do I do this? I absolutely MUST have anything another artist I admire has, but I'm starting to suspect that the real reason behind this is a search for magic. I'm looking for magic pencils that will draw unbelievably beautiful, angelic things while I sleep at night. That makes as much sense as why I own fourteen brands of graphite pencils when I'm perfectly happy with the brand I've been using for decades.

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Not only that I think the purchase of brand new art supplies are a bump in our motivation. Every time we get something new it keeps us in the studio using it for a little bit of time. It works in a short period of time for motivation but that can get expensive. I plan on doing a video soon about motivation and this may help you tremendously. Anyway things for sharing your decades of experience and purchasing power. :)

[@fotoalive]

I newbie the past 2 year, building up à Art studio bought all différents médium all the Best brands ! Watching tons of vidéos... Stocking up thinking if i have NO more $ ill have everything i Will ever need.. To enjoy m'y retirement ! But i keep on buying lol... HOPE to create décent Art , I see its a kind of addition for many Artist out there ! 😃 But lovi'n it ! Thank you for sharing

[@deborahjohnston2808]

Excellent

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Thank you so much!

[@dont-want-no-wrench]

we hoard supplies because we didnt get enough when we were young.

[@ChrisBeavenart]

ok

[@sharonalicea7998]

That’s so true!

[@jivka6518]

Thank goodness I was procrastinating on KZbin this evening and I cam across you…oh I had this same problem earlier today had to pick my board and it’s heavy so thanks again for the tip and yep subscribed look forward to some "why didn’t someone told me Or I think of this " 😆

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Awesome! If you make the drawing board let me know how it works for you. Thanks for the comment!

[@jetsonjoe]

great idea...thanks

[@ChrisBeavenart]

You're welcome! Let me know if I can help you in any other way.

[@ludovisian5063]

I'm making a portable drafting board made out of an oak kitchen cupboard door as I watch this.

[@nickrodis6862]

Thank you.

[@ChrisBeavenart]

You're welcome!

[@lifeismusicparnadonkers]

Cool trolley cart i love art and art suplies

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Great!!

[@lifeismusicparnadonkers]

I have a question. Do you have to put the safflower oil in you,re refrigerator wen you opend the bottle? And can you store the safflower oil in a tin paint can?Thanks for all you,re painting advice Mr Chris Beavan

[@ChrisBeavenart]

@@lifeismusicparnadonkers No, that is not necessary.

[@jackiblair7932]

Could you use this board for watercolor?

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Yes as long as you don't get it wet. It will warp if you get it wet.

[@GKganesan]

Thanks: useful

[@ChrisBeavenart]

You're welcome

[@403M4K]

good point

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Thanks!

[@akicitaa.8233]

Even better, use 1/2" Gator Foam board

[@ChrisBeavenart]

How is the gator foam better? Last time I looked at gator foam it was twice the price.

[@akicitaa.8233]

@@ChrisBeavenart It's very lightweight, but MUCH more rigid, so it's less likely to bend or get a crease, and more resistant to being incised, scraped, or otherwise marred by use.

[@ChrisBeavenart]

@@akicitaa.8233 That's wonderful to hear thank you for the information! I'll have to look up some costs for the Gator board so that anyone watching this video will have a comparison. Thanks for helping!

[@bigblue6917]

Art supplies. craft supplies, golf clubs, fishing tackle. we collect

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Haha! So true! We are in the middle of moving right now and the purge of stuff we haven't touched in years is crazy.

[@catmanbluz]

you know, us artists are at a disadvantage when it comes to keeping our art going. All that musicians need are their instruments sometimes new strings or drum skins etc. in some cases sheet music. but when we want to continue, we have to get new paper, boards, canvas and the many other tools that get used up during the creative process.

[@ChrisBeavenart]

That is true. We always need to replace and update our materials. On the bright side they are always coming out with new and updated materials and I bet that many musicians like to buy the next new mic or speaker or whatever as well. And those things are super expensive! Artists have so many options that we can create super cheap. There is also digital now, there is an expense up front but after that you can create a million canvases with tons of paint and never use anything. I think it all depends on how you look at things :) Thanks for the comment!

[@ts-eu6mp]

beneath the naked lady seems to be Brad Pitt looking up and thoughtful! Terri

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Very cool I didn't notice that.

[@ts-eu6mp]

@@ChrisBeavenart Is is Pitt? If not, who is this Pitt-twin, beside some of his children. Draw him in his different incarnations-this man is a truly fine actor and a nice person. I love the relationship he has with his make-up artist of about 30 years or so-they are like brother and sister and are so nice together. Her make-up artistry does not define her and she is so normal and so talented. He had a complete make-over of a cottage in her back yard to trick it our with everything she needed and then some with the Property Brother's Celebrity IOU. Then he decided to go further and open up the side to flow onto a very nice patio -a great indoor-outdoor area. He knew her so well that he figured what was going to mean the most to her. The storage was so cool, the furniture with several purposes, just everything was excellent and the reveal was so sweet. That speaks volumes to me. Plus, I did not like him in Thelma and Louise, but Geena Davis surely did. When asked who should they pick she said, "The blond one. DUH!" He was fun for her-more than fun but then he stole from them and I could not stand his character. Which made me realize later that he was so good that I didn't like the character he actually inhabited. My turn, Duh. He is versatile, quick, has faced his demons and is still and will always be working to live in that way and I thought he did not look too very happy many times I saw him during his last marriage. But an actor he is and a seasoned one-a fine one, with, I hope, more to do. I mean come on-he said actor's have a shelf life. I would ask him to just look at Robert Redford for a stellar example of how that is not true. Redford's son died this past year. He looked a lot like his Dad and had made a movie-a documentary-film, that came out in 2017 called Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution. It is wonderful. Mark Ruffalo, another excellent and cool person I admire did this with James Redford. It had been shelved for a couple of years but he explained that someone and something changed so he went ahead and made it! Thank heavens. Try to find it-should not be hard. There was a movie where Redford spoke not a word- an older man sailing and everything begins to go wrong when there is a violent storm and one thing after another occurs and he acts his way through everything without speaking-it is a film I admire! Then, there was this last one with Sissy Spacek where he played a true-to -life character who escaped from jails/prisons and was a bank robber and he kept on doing it, and Spacek was his special friend-charming between the two of them-and Robt. Redford pulls it off seamlessly. I hate, BTW, that Daniel Day Lewis stopped working at 60. My daughter and I both bemoaned the fact that he did not make enough films. So, that is my little tangent for now. Thanks for your lovely, lovely and evocative work and information. Blessings to all and to our poor Mother, the Earth! And ban assault weapons. Think I'd better go have a cuppa and relax! Sincerely, Terri.

[@user-bu9nb8wr6e]

We are trying to avoid hard work and save time.

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Great to hear! Any comments on the video? Did you build the board? Like the video? Let me know. Thanks!

[@johnellison3030]

The most successful artist tool you will ever buy and use. Is the one that you use after the last one you bought. Before the next one that you buy and use.

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Basically the one you're using now! Practice, practice, practice.

[@davidthompson6547]

Why do cooks have spices?

[@Michael-lq5di]

Yes we all have a lot of supplies but let us see the drawing board

[@ChrisBeavenart]

Yes, I have way too many supplies. Recently I've been cutting down to the essentials that I love.

[@bozoclown2098]

School easels suck

[@ChrisBeavenart]

yep

[@bozoclown2098]

My board set up is better. Old ways = Old results

[@ChrisBeavenart]

ok

[@cynmillar1]

Thank you, Very helpful.

[@ChrisBeavenart]

You're welcome