Affordable Art Supplies for Beginners (Pencil Pen Ink Watercolor)

[@aprilstark8887]

Love the way you explain why you recommend one product over another. Thank you!

[@teohyc]

+April Stark Thanks :-D

[@vwood2]

Your black and white sketches are beautiful. These are great tips for beginners. Sepia ink is also a really nice way to begin drawing, and the pictures can take on an old masters / vintage feeling.

[@peggy8519]

Wow. I never heard of water soluble graphite before. Thanks for the recommendations!!

[@teohyc]

+Peggy Yang There are two types. The powdered form and pencil form. It's easier to use the powdered form.

[@macgurrl]

Thank you for doing your videos, I find them very informative and engaging.

[@teohyc]

+macgurrl Thanks :-)

[@derrickcaudillo256]

I actually recently found out that Pilot makes 2 basic fountain pens under $15. One has a fine nib that goes for around $12-13 USD and the other one has a medium nib for around $11-12 USD. A lot of the reviews recommend buying Pilot's Con 50 ink converter for the pens since the default one is just a squeeze converter, and that goes for around $6-7 USD, but in total you can get a nice, basic fountain pen for around $20 USD. I have the fine nib one, but I may also buy the medium nib one at some point as well. The pen is really good for drawing and writing, and I use the pen for both. The only con is that that the ink it comes with is not waterproof so you can either burn up the ink in the disposable cartridge you get with the pen, which is quite large, and refill it with waterproof ink, or you can go straight for the converter if you choose to purchase it. I am mainly a digital artist, but I am trying to work with more traditional mediums again, and I think this Pilot pen is a good fountain pen for beginners. I was thinking of doing a review on it soon.

[@benfazio3233]

You are one cool dud. You have presented very useful information in a clear and precise manner. You videos are appreciated.

[@teohyc]

+Ben Fazio Thank you 😊

[@moouse805]

For a small channel you have a very detailed and informative way you explain things. You hit all the main points of a product very well and that's very nice to see this type of quality content. Keep up the good work

[@teohyc]

+Imbetweenjobs Thanks 😁

[@ukpaul9221]

Many thanks for such affordable good sense without so much of the razzmatazz that some artists seem addicted to. You are a terrific good help for beginners. Every good wish from the UK

[@jadensifuentes]

you're so adorable and your videos are so informing thank you for making them :)

[@NotOrdinaryInGames]

Bombay Black is the ink I use with all of my brushes! It is SOOO good (and so dark and shiny).

[@anthonymccarthy4164]

I learned to draw in ink with dip pens which were extremely cheap though tricky to use. I agree with the remark about using sepia ink as an alternative to black. Black and white is OK but can look kind of dead unless you're really good with it. This is another great video.

[@AndiLeeF]

Great info! Love your sketches! I've been trying to get the nerve to sketch in pen and didn't know which uni ball to get. Now I know!

[@haicautrang5304]

In America, Uniball has the Vision Elite with the white body used to not use waterproof ink. I liked how it was so water soluble so I used that to get ink washes. It was kind of hard to get them to be even though.

[@teohyc]

+Rebecca Nelson Oh, maybe they upgraded it to pigment ink recently. They are now great for watercolour sketching.

[@Jennifer-wr9si]

Your videos are so helpful! I love drawing with graphite but am now moving away from it toward ink as I hate applying fixative to my sketchbooks...

[@33Jenesis]

I love using white charcoal pencils on black paper. Switching perspective is a great way to get better at light and shadow, dimension, and perspective.

[@michelletulumello661]

I didn't know about the water soluble graphite that is so neat! Can you erase it with a regular eraser after you put it down with a wet brush? I wonder what kind of effect that would have?

[@teohyc]

+michelle tulumello They are quite permanent after they dry, difficult to erase.

[@annhoung9800]

very helpful info. thx for sharing!

[@Fazendinha_TAS]

I really appreciate you put such amazing work like this one. Thank you! Would you say this list is still up to date or would you consider revisiting it with any other new product you came across over the years after the video was published in 2016? Happy holidays :)

[@teohyc]

It's still applicable unless the prices have increased significantly.

[@Fazendinha_TAS]

Teoh Yi Chie thank you!

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

I would go with Higgins Black India Ink myself. Perfect for washes.

[@jjkmc4373]

thanks! was looking for a review like this :)

[@michelleruiz8320]

I'm starting with watercolor and your channel is so helpful now that I'm buying pro supplies. Thank you, for helping and for the birds on your videos

[@teohyc]

+Michelle Ruiz Thanks. Have fun making art.

[@magdalenalewczuk9996]

This graphite paste hing in a jar look quite interesting. I have't seen it before.

[@teohyc]

+Magdalena Lewczuk It's Artgraf water soluble graphite. www.parkablogs.com/content/review-viarcos-artgraf-watercolour-graphite-set

[@magdalenalewczuk9996]

Thanks!

[@Victoria-so1in]

AHHHH I NEED THESE! sketching has always been my favorite part in drawing. getting these would be perfect for shading!

[@shaymaorabi7902]

This have been very helpfull .. thank you very much

[@nicoleauld9536]

Thank you the video was extremely helpful! Love all what you have recommended for beginners!

[@jluiscc25]

For fountain pens under 20 you have pilot metropolitan at 18usd or less, any jinhao less than 10usd and any of them you can use cartridges or bottle of fountain pen ink

[@manettle]

I've found several Chinese brands of fountain pen on ebay that you can get for under $2 US. I am no expert, but I have found them to be smooth and pleasant to use.

[@teohyc]

Those pens are good. It's not that difficult to manufacture a decent and affordable fountain pen nowadays.

[@lorijones9579]

Well done! I've just started watching your videos and enjoy them very much. You explain things very nicely. Thanks for doing this!

[@teohyc]

Thanks 😀

[@noralebihan6306]

Love your videos ! Keep up with the good work !

[@teohyc]

+Nora Le Bihan Thank you 😁

[@xingyuzhou1891]

Fountain pens can be cheap too. The Pilot Penmanship is 10 USD, and the matching converter is about 5 USD. The Tachikawa School G is 7 USD, and can be eyedropper converted. Noodler's Ink offers some very black waterproof inks such as the Noodler's Eel Black at 3 fl oz for 13 USD.

[@Vikifox_]

I own the Winsor & Newton Watercolour set and its really great! I love it and was a great way to start with watercolour.

[@redforrori]

Awesome :) Thanks!

[@teohyc]

+Rori Rants Thanks :-D

[@That_Girl_7_11]

You always give out such good advice,.... Thank you Teoh!

[@teohyc]

+AllyKatPerth Thanks :-)

[@amysamin]

This was very helpful, thank you!

[@monkfan72]

Platinum Preppy is an affordable fountain pen. It comes in multiple colors and you can convert it into an eyedropper pen when the ink inside is used up. They run between $3 and $6, depending on where you buy them.

[@greggibson6504]

So helpful! THANK YOU.

[@daphneho9489]

Oh, also, could you do a tutorial on your black and white pieces you showed at the end of your video?

[@teohyc]

+Daphne Ho Sure. But I won't know when I will get to make a proper video for it.

[@patricia9]

I use a brush pen for inking . I bought my brush pen from Daiso Tampines and Its really nice . Its like a expensive brush pen and has a nice quality as well 😱

[@teohyc]

+PATTY_PAT_ Is there a brand for the brush pen? I'm amazed that Daiso can sell so many things at $2.

[@patricia9]

+Teoh Yi Chie Sorry I can't read Japanese 😂 But yeah Im surprised that Daiso has brush pens there are different brands on the shelf for calligraphy. But I chose the black and gold one . And surprisingly the quality is good ✖️

[@matylda4925]

I love how you said staedtler pretty much correctly ☺️ Its German and its pronounced shtadler.dont ask how I know,I just do 😂😂😂

[@teohyc]

+Heoya Chan I'm glad at least I got one pronounced correctly. LOL

[@師太滅絕]

For beginner, isn't gouache a lot easier than watercolor? Even acrylic is easier too.

[@martynsnan]

Thanks for the video Teoh. As someone else has spotted, one can use cheap non-waterproof gel pens or even everyday ball point (e.g. Biro, Bic) pens. A damp brush will then produce shading either from the drawing itself or directly from the tip of the pen. Some erasers for pencil can be expensive but Blu Tack (the name varies between counties) might be a cheaper option than kneadable erasers. It's really effective so it helps to practice with it on scrap paper before using it on your artwork..

[@teohyc]

+martynsnan Be careful of ballpoint or other gel pens because their ink may not be lightfast. The ones in this video are lightfast and cheap, which is why I recommend them.

[@martynsnan]

+Teoh Yi Chie You're right, of course. I mostly tend to make a sketch as a prelude to painting the picture at home. Your excellent sketchbooks are plein air artworks and certainly require the best materials. At those times when I want a permanent sketch, I use similar equipment to you.

[@srivirao]

good video. thank u for much info

[@teohyc]

+Vidya B Thanks :-D

[@sariaryou2272]

nice sketches

[@paintwithayesha5062]

10 dollars means 1000 and some rupees it is a big amount for me 😑

[@TheHandmadeChic]

i used to draw just using pencils but i never tried shading. i will definitely get the pencil you suggested in this video. I always learn new things from your channel

[@ss45247]

Very informative. Thank you

[@TheRealMythril]

Can you help please? What type of ink should you use to refill cartridges in the Pentel Brush Pen?

[@teohyc]

+The Real Mythril You can try either Noodlers Black, Platinum Carbon or Sailor KiwaGuro.

[@matylda4925]

You can use yigeme Chinese Ink! It's great since its waterproof!

[@susannoguchi5789]

Teoh - I love the tip about starting with black & white to learn values ... never heard that before and it makes perfect sense. I think it will also help with my watercolour learnings progression. Thanks!

[@thetwelve5922]

A video that everyone needs!!

[@flumberrr]

Hi Teoh, really enjoyed the video, thank you for your recommendations :) Just wondering if you have ever tried Daiso inks/ brush pens? Daiso sells sumi ink in 180ml bottles and is very affordable, so I thought it would be interesting to hear your thoughts on Daiso art products for beginners! Thanks again!

[@teohyc]

+flumberrr I've not tried that ink before. I suppose they are for calligraphy and brush work and should not be used in pens or even brush pens. Sumi ink is typically ground from ink sticks.

[@flumberrr]

+Teoh Yi Chie oh yes it's stated to be for calligraphy use on the bottle. Thanks for informing! I was gearing more towards using it to practise drawing with dip pen/ paintbrushes or filling it into an old waterbrush to use as a brush pen

[@kellytanner5565]

Have you ever used Daler Rowney watercolors? I've found them very bright and strong compared to other student grade watercolours, and they're rather inexpensive :)

[@teohyc]

+Kelly Tanner You mean the tubes? I've the Aquafine pan set and I find them to be difficult to dissolve. Perhaps the tubes are better.

[@kellytanner5565]

+Teoh Yi Chie I use the tubes in my own pans (I actually use bottle caps) and they don't dry out and crack very much, and they go on paper well

[@teohyc]

+Kelly Tanner Good idea! Haven't seen people use bottle caps to hold paints before. :-D

[@drJohnPDX]

Thanks for the great videos Teoh. What paper would you recommend for watercolor?

[@teohyc]

+John O'Neill For beginners, you can start with Daler Rowney Aquafine watercolour paper. The good quality paper are from Arches, Fabriano.

[@philiplockwood255]

Thank you Teoh, enjoyed that video and once again you have taught me a few things,... bless you,.. Mr Blue : ) ☆

[@surveyguyor8958]

Teoh. I am not noticing adds. Has something happened to your monetization? or maybe it's just something with older videos??

[@teohyc]

Not sure about that. There should be ads running. Or maybe there just aren't any ads for this video.

[@allenadriano9128]

Can you please give the link of the items? I would very appreciate that.😊

[@Kolomy24]

Your videos are very informative.I watched some of them multiple times)

[@sassyraggs3763]

I love your explanations. You answer all my questions. Excellent!

[@deeb.9250]

Very helpful thanks! Even if the vid is 2years old still helpful!!

[@marianasouza5421]

this was awesome, thanks!!

[@teohyc]

+Mariana Souza Thanks :-)

[@PuppetMaster8707]

I think just a good ole #2 pencil is good cheap start with learning to draw thats what I did before investing in a pencil set

[@ratherbfishing455]

I still use Ticoderoga. Sorry if it's spelled incorrectly.

[@natalienok408]

Your video is awesome! I'm stuggling between Cotman and van Gogh. Which one would you recommend? Thanks!

[@teohyc]

+n chow I've no experience with van Gogh. So probably go for Cotman, or the White Nights watercolour 12 pan, whichever is cheaper or the box design you like.

[@alistewart3451]

You might want to look at the video review of Van Gogh watercolor on Owings art. He does a very thorough review. I have Cotman and Van Gogh, and the Van Gogh paint is my preference. I'm probably going to sell my Cotman field set, or just pull the pans and replace with better paints.

[@teohyc]

Ali C I think I might have a van Gogh watercolor box set somewhere that I haven't got the chance to use yet. LOL. Anyway, I use whatever brands that are easiest to buy here in Singapore.

[@alistewart3451]

+Teoh Yi Chie I would love to know what you think of the VG paint. :-)

[@paulvirgona4901]

I’ve really been enjoying your videos since I subscribed last week. I actually began drawing a couple of years ago and then I stopped so I am basically starting over and I love it more. Just a couple of questions. Are you familiar with Mont Marte? Do you thinks worth practicing with? They are very cheap and they have a huge range in my local bargain shop. And, is any kind of eraser okay for beginners too? Thanks, Paul.

[@teohyc]

I've not used Mont Marte before so I can't say much. As for erasers, the Pentel soft plastic Hi Polymer erasers are nice. Check Amazon for reviews

[@katsmith8263]

👍👍👍thank you

[@amirahmeow]

hello! i'm a singaporean as well and i'd like to ask where can i get those watercolors from? popular? artfriend? would really appreciate your reply !:)

[@teohyc]

+amirahmeow Watercolours, Artgraft watersoluble graphite are from Amazon. Pens, ink and pencils can be found at ArtFriend. You can try eBay also.

[@amirahmeow]

+Teoh Yi Chie that was fast ! Thank you !

[@mysummertouch]

Thank you very much for this video, I appreciate your work!

[@teohyc]

+mysummertouch Thanks 😊

[@limdec7289]

Thanks for explaining it so well! Great job!

[@MaryPoggemann]

I need to tell you how much I enjoy your videos! You do such a great job of explaining the various products and how to use them. Your sketches are beautiful! Because of your teaching I went out and bought the Cottman student grade paints yesterday. I have a question... when you are preparing your watercolor chart how do you decide how much color to pick up on your brush from each palette to make the mixes?

[@teohyc]

+Mary Poggemann Well, the short answer is I go through all the colours to create the chart. The long answer is check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/epa1kmx_i75pabc

[@14xx07]

Omy!! You are sooooo helpful!!!!! Totally subbed and recommending u to my friends! :D Cheers and thanks a lot! :D

[@teohyc]

+Sarah Ng Thanks! :-D

[@yutongluo5694]

Hello, love your videos, very informative and interesting! I have a question. Can I use the Indian ink to replace black watercolor? how are they different?

[@teohyc]

It's a difficult question. The first thing that comes to mind is you can't mix black ink with watercolour. But black watercolour doesn't work well when mixed with other colours too.

[@deeb.9250]

BTW u can buy dropper at any pharmacy, Watson, guardian... It will screw on any regular sized medicine bottle.

[@teohyc]

Thanks for the tip

[@noorienora9876]

Well done! I am trying to build a low cost travel kit for beginners & iam glad i found your video. It taught me a lot. The reviews link is a very nice touch. Thanks

[@teohyc]

Thanks :-D

[@chlt1811]

where can I find and buy these things in Singapore? (sometimes I have chances to go to Singapore for work trip). Thanks!

[@teohyc]

+Chi lương thị hương You look for them at ArtFriend or Straits Commercial art store, located at Bras Basah Complex and near it. Do a search on Google Maps. They do not stock all the products I've mentioned though.

[@mahimakejriwal4167]

hi ! Can you suggest me what which set is better ? koh i noor watercolor wheel or Sakura 24 watercolor pocket set ..

[@teohyc]

+Mahima Kejriwal If you can, get the Prima Marketing's Tropicals watercolour set or the Winsor Newton Cotman 12 half pan set. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXmac4Z7o6aKeNU

[@kymrhymer]

Gotta get the water soluble graphite in the tin......Found it on Amazon..yaaaa

[@teohyc]

+kym rhymer That's great. :-D

[@SoojArt]

awesome, might look for those winsor and newton watercolors. do you know anything about gouache?

[@teohyc]

+SpiralHero Hi, I don't use gouache so can't say anything much.

[@higherground711]

Seems like you keep getting better with your reviews. :-) I'd like to request that you review a couple of items when you have the time to do so. I know you review lots of things so there's no rush. -First item Dawler Rowney cartridge pads. Of particular interest to me are the fine grain heavy weight and the smooth heavy weight pads. They seem to be made in the UK and the only places I can find them is on Amazon and Jackson's Art Supply. Both would be coming from over seas. -Second item Crescent RENDR sketchbooks. The claims are that there is no show through to the other side of a sheet and no bleed through to the next sheet. I've seen videos of them in action and reviews of them. I'd like to see a review of them by you as your reviews are unbiased, to the point and reliable. They come in lay flat, 8 x 8 square spiral bound, hard bound and in large drawing pads. Here's the web site crescentartists.com/rendr-paper/rendr-no-show-thru-paper.htm and Amazon has the full product line. I have a suggestion for you and anyone else who frequents your channel. I was in Wal-mart a few days ago picking up food for our Pekingnese/Yorkie dog. I saw these dog waste bags which were very reasonably priced and picked up a package of them. You can them in packs of 8 rolls for $5 or 6 in the United States. The bags are 1 gallon, 9 x 12inch size. The rolls are 1.5 x 2.5inch size. There are generally 15 to 20 bags per roll. And no one has to know its doggy bag either as you can get them in solid colors and non transparent. The point here is I'm quite certain I'll generate trash when I go out this Spring and Summer to try my hand at drawing and sketching. Scrap sheets of paper, empty drink bottles and moist wipes for cleaning my hands, these things are usually always with me anyways. If there's not a trash bin around, I can just tear off a bag and dump it when I do get to a trash bin. I won't litter so for me these are a good option.

[@teohyc]

+James Barton Hi, I've actually reviewed the Daler Rowney Heavyweight paper before on my blog. You can check it out at www.parkablogs.com/picture/review-daler-rowney-heavyweight-220gsm-and-fine-grain-heavyweight-200gsm As for the Crescent RENDR sketchbook, I'll put that on my shopping list but it will probably take months before I can actually review them because I'm slow when it comes to reviewing sketchbooks. Thanks for the portable trash bin idea. Haha. I'm from Singapore and we have trash bins like every 500 metres so finding places to throw things is usually not a problem.

[@higherground711]

I read the review of the cartridge pads. Very informative as always. As for the Crescent RENDR sketchbooks, I understand completely. Good to do a thorough review. In Dayton Ohio litter is a huge problem. There are trash bins, but not like you mentioned in Singapore.

[@elisaramos1055]

I love your videos, it always help me so much. A hug from brazil

[@teohyc]

+BigMouth Lisa Thanks 😀

[@Aclan-jd7mz]

actually cotman is not a cheap water color . right?

[@teohyc]

+david navoa It's quite cheap compared to other student quality paints. And definitely cheaper compared to artist quality. I recommend the WN sketcher box that is under $20.

[@Aclan-jd7mz]

+Teoh Yi Chie yeah ur right. i have fullpans of w&n cotman 24studio set so i can practice and practice and to be honest i like to mix so i only want 24 rather than 40s

[@JacopoMoruzzi]

Your water soluble graphite drawings are really nice!

[@teohyc]

+Jacopo Moruzzi Thanks. They are more fun to use than actual graphite.

[@pixelposy]

Thank you so much for this information! Very helpful!

[@teohyc]

+pixelposy Thanks :-D

[@sooyaa311]

is the watersoluble graphite is still erasable when you put water on it? great video btw

[@teohyc]

+Mark Alinea The watersoluble graphite is quite permanent, very difficult to even erase.

[@4740rocky]

Really enjoy all your videos. Will you be in Manchester in July

[@teohyc]

+Bob laine Thanks. :-D Probably

[@waco7169]

hey teoh!😄 there is a cheap fountain pen fore 6$ in singapore you can find it in onekm!

[@teohyc]

There are also some cheap ones on eBay. The China made ones.

[@daphneho9489]

Great video, v informative! Do you have any recommended sketchbooks for beginners as well? Any that I can find in singapore?

[@teohyc]

+Daphne Ho You can get the Stillman & Birn sketchbooks from Arters.com.sg www.parkablogs.com/picture/stillman-and-birn-sketchbooks-first-impression

[@daphneho9489]

+Teoh Yi Chie Great, thanks! Will keep this in mind (:

[@vinodnaik4067]

Thanks for thevideo

[@car5522]

Woah! I love your grayscale drawings! They are beautiful!

[@teohyc]

Thanks 😊

[@car5522]

Teoh Yi Chie Teoh Yi Chie You're Welcome. And as I watch your other videos, I am really amazed by your landscape drawings. Could you possibly do a sketchbook tour of all those wonderful paintings? Because I was watching your video about sketchbooks and I was practically drooling at the beauty. And I swear I am not trying to flatter you.

[@ivylee5914]

Thanks for your clear explanation.

[@teohyc]

+ivy lee Thanks 😁

[@jaimecarras6024]

your black and white sketches are great!

[@teohyc]

+Jaime Carrasco Thank you. Heheh. :-)

[@karenforshner1979]

good info

[@cdnichols51]

Love your videos; you do a really great job.

[@teohyc]

+cdnichols51 Thank you very much :-)

[@daisy3690]

ty !

[@LovkynaPeral]

thank xyou for that video

[@teohyc]

+LovkynaPeral Thanks! :-)

[@Ryan98391]

Pilot Varsity fountain pens are affordable.

[@teohyc]

+Ryan Williams They are not waterproof though. My favourite disposable pens now are the Uniball Air and Uniball Signo Gelsticks (extremely inexpensive).

[@Ryan98391]

In that case a Platnium Preppy with an ink converter and Noodler's bulletproof fountain pen ink black.

[@TvJRB]

Excelent, Thanks

[@teohyc]

THanks :-)

[@nerfsquirrel8201]

How do you get your graphite tips to be so long

[@teohyc]

+nerf squirrel I sharpened them with pencil sharpener.

[@nerfsquirrel8201]

Teoh Yi Chie do you use the staedtler one that you showed in this video

[@X3MiniDoraemon]

hi! thanks for the video! :) where did you get the winsor and Newton watercolor? did you get them at artfriends and how much was it in sgd? :o

[@teohyc]

+X3MiniDoraemon I bought mine from Amazon USA. They have free shipping for purchases over USD $125 to Singapore. Otherwise, the shipping is around USD $10 which I think is not worth is because the box set is under USD $20. It would be better value to get White Knights 12 pan watercolour set from eBay instead.

[@X3MiniDoraemon]

+Teoh Yi Chie I see.. so you can't get one locally? :(

[@teohyc]

+X3MiniDoraemon Local only stock Daler Rowney. Or if you're really serious about watercolour, just get an empty box and individual tubes of colours. See this review www.parkablogs.com/content/colours-pick-12-pan-watercolour-palette Although I really recommend the White Knights set because it's really worth the money. But the Winsor Newton set is more compact. Check out this online store also arters.com.sg/store/

[@X3MiniDoraemon]

+Teoh Yi Chie ahhh I see!! thank you so much for your infos ;_; I'll check them out thanks! :D

[@D.S.Moon98]

X3MiniDoraemon they sell the winsonr and Newton set on Amazon for $11. I just bought it 2 weeks ago.

[@snups_48]

Merci pour cette vidéo !

[@teohyc]

+Une inconnue Thank you 😊

[@leslieamano1612]

honestly, twenty dollars is a lot!!!

[@patricia9]

It's only SGD tho 😂

[@leslieamano1612]

PATTY_PAT_ wut is dat? Is that like money from another country?

[@teohyc]

+Leslie Amano SGD is Singapore dollar.

[@leslieamano1612]

Teoh Yi Chie oooooooh

[@Epiphany_Beats]

9.48 variations of shit?

[@Wzxxx]

I have searched for this gel pen but I think there might other name for this in EU or it is not availabe

[@teohyc]

Sometimes pens go by different names. Search Jetpens.com or eBay