Top 10 Art Supplies

Top 10 Art Supplies from more than a decade and a half of reviewing art supplies. No matter what kind of art you do your going to need to art supplies. With so many options out there, I wanted to narrow things down to the best of the category and save you time. I would love to hear from you about your favorite art supplies, so feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments section below. Don't forget to check out my other video reviews for an in-depth look at all the supplies I covered in this video.
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[@thefrugalcrafter]

On mechanical sharpeners, I find that I get way less waste and breakage with an electric sharpener, especially with soft colored pencils. The only pencils I don't use with an electric is a pastel pencil. I am sure I have a poor technique with handheld sharpeners, but I also think they go dull quickly, and it's hard to find replacement blades, so there is a lot of plastic waste. Anyway, that's my experience:)

[@greyedgrl2]

I have to say I love how active you are in the community. There are many creators that do this strictly for the money and it shows. As a bit of an art video addict, I see you commenting and interacting with so many creators(not just large ones) and your enthusiasm, grace and expertise is always apparent.

[@owingsart]

Hi Lindsay - I know a LOT of people who prefer mechanical sharpeners so you're definitely not alone. I'm sure there are controversial choices in my top ten and sharpeners can be a tough one, and erasers. People seem pretty adamant about sharpeners and erasers. I just don't have the heart to stick a precious pencil into a wood grinder. :-)

[@violettahaven3706]

Seems, to me anyway, the electric pencil sharpeners take away more of the wood while indexing the pencil faster. I've measured from end to tip of the lead on new pencils I've sharpened by hand, and by machine, they seemed to end up being the same length. Maybe this is a good video idea for you guys. I'd watch it. 😊

[@owingsart]

@@violettahaven3706 Interesting. It could be a good comparison. I fear honestly though that I have a predisposed bias against the machine sharpener which would influence my outcome. Maybe best left to a neutral third party. I’m reminded though that like everything else, it usually comes down to personal preference and experiences.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

@@owingsart 😆

[@johnk3137]

A Dixon Ticonderoga was a staple of my childhood.

[@marykayparker4144]

The lovingly way you handle penicils is a reminder to care and appreciate my supplys just a more.

[@owingsart]

I love pencils. ;-)

[@ninner196]

@@owingsart for sure ! Don’t we all? Thank you for your videos. We all talk shop.

[@hansendesigns]

Blick has the caran d’ache museum aquarelle open stock (single pencils) for sale online

[@humanthetooth]

We have many similar tastes in art supplies! One product you didn't include that I think deserves a spot is the T'GAAL pencil sharpener. It features a dial for pencil length, allowing for a blunter shorter shape for softer pencils like Prismacolor, all the way to a very sharp and narrow taper for harder leads. The range is labeled 1 to 5 but the dial is analogue; I usually have my Polychromos sharpened between 3 and 4 on the dial. It's also very affordable at around 6 USD and Daiso sells a dupe for 100yen (1.50USD)

[@owingsart]

Thank you! I'll have to look it up.

[@goat8477]

I just love product reviews. Collecting art supplies is a hobby in itself. Thank you for presenting your own 'harvest' :-) I am lucky to currently live in Switzerland and my trips to the local art supply store equals a day at the spa in terms of the relaxation and happiness factor. Schmincke is not cheap here either (depending on the pigment a 15 ml tube can go from 12 to 19 swiss francs) but the effort and expertise that goes into a decent paint is well worth it. I guess I am going to stock up before I move back.... I like the Van Gogh (Talens) too. For the price, which is half of what Schmincke asks, it seems to me a good value (very low frustration factor...)

[@essietangle9931]

Well, now that we are coming out of winter maybe we can get outside with some of our favorite supplies ❤️👩🏻‍🦳🎉

[@laurawaldie456]

Thank you for your review video, Marty. I particularly like these longer format videos. I learn so much from you. You introduced me to Caran d'Ache a few years ago. Best money I've ever spent on art supplies!

[@owingsart]

Wow! Thank you so much for the kind comments. Caran D'ache is really an outstanding art supply manufacturer. Their factory is more like a magical workshop. :-)

[@samsmith8547]

One of my favourite art supplies are the Derwent water soluble graphite pencils. I enjoy the faber castel water soluble ones also

[@owingsart]

I'm also a fan. Just so hard when you have to narrow things down.

[@loveandlife4222]

I have and love the escoda versatil brush but my favorite brush I’ve ever used is escoda reserva. I know it’s natural hair but it is a beautiful fine brush. Everything paints on so smoothly and beautifully! I don’t have a problem with natural hair brushes so I bought a couple of them to use for my most important paintings. I must say that I agree with you on much of what you say in this video. You certainly know what you’re talking about. Nice job!

[@keysersoze375]

Whooa a Kohinoor metal tri sharpener classic!!

[@TheGypsyChic1]

Lovely to see a video from you again, Marty! We share many of the same favorites!

[@owingsart]

Really appreciate the kind words and I'm glad we share some faves. I also subbed to your channel.

[@TheGypsyChic1]

@@owingsart I'm very glad I found your channel early on after discovering art supplies. Thank you, that is so kind of you! I discovered art supplies as a crafter. I was in a big rush to find the best brands to not waste time with inferior products. I've sold off my entire craft room to reinvest in really nice art supplies, thanks impart to your reviews. I started drawing again in 2022, and now I'm trying to improve my art skills. But, I still find myself distracted and curious if a more affordable options work for newbies. 💗

[@AL-lz1hb]

Not many people talk about whittling your pencils. My Grandad was a master at getting the point just right with a knife. Very pleasing. And useful for me! I channel my inner Grandad sometimes (how you do?) and the main thing achieved is a bit of a mess on the carpet. Do we think the knife is not sharp enough? Or is the workman blaming his tools again? Do you have a video on how to get the various points? Sharps and shaped? I wonder when I watched him working, was I too distracted with the picture and sense of watching him working? Artists are very interesting how they are when they create; how they get lost and seem to be some place else; Sublime.

[@owingsart]

David Rees - An excellent pencil sharpener. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZLFgJmkl7hnirMsi=FZfqGQ56juVF4bo8

[@AL-lz1hb]

@@owingsart Thanks. I loved it.😊 It was so inspiring, I wrote a pome. 🥳 Oops just realised the response should have been, I sharpened my pencils. That didn't happen. Sorry about that.🤭

[@owingsart]

@@AL-lz1hb No worries. 😃

[@Wendy8888]

Fun video Marty. I was kinda shocked by you reviewing 142 different sketchbooks. Whoa! 🤯

[@owingsart]

🙂I have enough sketchbooks around here to fill the rest of my years. It might be an addiction. 🤣

[@berolinastrassmann]

Thanks, Marty for this condensed "Favourites" list. I appreciate that you put years of experience behind your choices. Your admiration of Caran d'Ache quality resonates with me as well. It's always money well spent and I am never disappointed. I would rather save up or avoid buying cheap stuff, to st for the kick of a new thing, and buy a quality product that will keep me happy for a long time. Same thing happens with Schmincke Horadam Aquarell paints. I'd rather have fewer tubes (and learn to mix) than have a bunch of cheap stuff or convenience two or three pigment mixes. Thanks for your review of lead holders, i don't know much about them and found it very interesting.

[@Charlotte-sq8cq]

Thank you for a great video. My list would be similar. I have used A LOT of erasers through the years but for several years now I have used the Pentel Hi-Polymer Ain Soft eraser. It never damages paper. You can press it to the paper to soften a line as with a kneaded eraser. It removes the pencil lines without any effort. When people borrows mine they are always impressed. I have stocked up to last for ages.

[@kstutz230]

Very helpful! Loved your side comments.

[@warbaby1975]

I love my Caran daches. There is no problem finding the caran dache Museums in open stock rather its Blick, Jacksons, Amazon, or art stores (besides places like Micheals, Hobby Lobby). I love using the Museums for underpaintings as a watercolor medium then go over the drawing with the Caran dache Luminance colored pecils. These two compliment each other brilliantly. I feel like using this combination put my artwork at a whole different level. same with Albert Durer watercolor pencils used with the Polychromos (watercolor pencils used first as underpainting).

[@owingsart]

I also love the Albrecht Durer wc pencils. It was hard to make a choice and they're right up there for sure. Thanks for sharing how you use the CD Museums in your work, I never thought of that.

[@warbaby1975]

@@owingsart I was experimenting with the Prismacolor Premier colored pencils with the Prismacolr Premier markers lastnight. Lay down the marker work first then go over it with the Prismacolor colored pencils OMG! what a big difference. Keep in mind that Prismacolor and Copic markers are not lightfast though.

[@shadowguard3578]

This was a very interesting and useful video. You had a ‘best’ art supply in each of your categories rather than having a list of best art supplies without any categories. Thank you.

[@owingsart]

Hey thanks much!!!

[@shadowguard3578]

@@owingsart you’re welcome!

[@ninner196]

I love the combination of the Polys, Caran de’ache Luminance, the Pablos and some Lightfast 😊 But I find the museum aquarelles leave an initial mark that is permanent so I love the FC brand.😊

[@user-mq4dx3wp2l]

thank you, confirmed some of my findings BUT opened a wider field to investigate. awesome!!!

[@susanwildt6535]

I agree wholeheartedly with your choices. Most of them are my favorites. Thanks for sharing. Glad you chose the Grafwood Caran d’Ache pencil. They are wonderful.

[@tinakoyama8258]

Thank you for this! Beautifully videographed, in addition to useful content. (Just wanted to mention that the ArtGraf pencil is made by Viarco of Portugal, not Caran d'Ache.)

[@pekingduck15]

I’d be interested to know the colors in your watercolor and gouache palette 😊

[@owingsart]

I should do a video then. :-)

[@impish22]

how fun, been waiting for this one Marty

[@autumnrain1892]

I don't like real fur brushes either. I have used both. I just don't see the point of real. Having a half second more painting time doesn't justify the need to me. 😂 Loved the vid.

[@LaraCroft2169]

If you don’t have one get an ebony pencil by Prismacolor. One of my favs.

[@didiirwin]

Ooh! Thank you for this suggestion!

[@ninner196]

If you love the Ebony pencils then you would love the Staedler Lumigraph pencils that are matte, awesome for sketching without the back glare 😊

[@carolsuepope2837]

Wow! Fancy coffee machine! I was so excited to see a video go up! I loved it! I use most of what you recommended, thanks to your videos! Yer the best man! ❤😊

[@owingsart]

My wife's coffee machine. :-)

[@Mintzoid]

for artists who want to draw at any angle something you cant do with the fine microns unless its a felt or brush pen my favorite Zebra Mackee Wet-Erase Double-Sided Marker - Extra Fine / Fine - Black for its .9 side and yes i do like it more than the tombows shown here which arent bad either but i want a pen that gives me the same line every time without too much variation . This pen is different from the non wet erase version the non wet erase version is much thicker and can be compared to a sharpie i wouldnt use that for drawing on smaller pages so be careful when buying. jetpens doesnt offer this pen anymore and its hard to find on amazon so idk where to get it anymore. every good pen is made in japan lol. Another pen you probably cant get anymore the very one jean giraud moebius used the conte france sergent major no.2500 nib is something im hoping to use one day.

[@JC-il4or]

Great vid!! I love my Albrecht Durer, but when I indulge, it's Caran d'ache Museum Aquarelle. Thank you for this comprehensive video!!

[@owingsart]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@arcuda2001]

that was hysterical with the kids cheering at the end 🤣🤣🤣thanks for these reviews, Marty !! Norakag 😬😬

[@owingsart]

😂

[@pokey3010]

Excellent info thank you so much.

[@owingsart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nicolemitchell446]

A coffee machine? Art necessity? Yeah, that makes sense! 😂

[@annenglish2935]

Shout out to The Frugal Crafter and Steve Mitchell, MoW!!!❤😂🎉

[@thefrugalcrafter]

This makes me want to did through my graphite pencil stash!

[@owingsart]

I think we should take bets on how many you have in your stash. :-)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

@@owingsart 😆 and sorry for the typos, I hadn't had my coffee yet.

[@owingsart]

@@thefrugalcrafter LOL, I read them like you meant em. 🙂

[@sharpmountaingames9303]

I really enjoyed listening to you talk about supplies. You kept me company as I sat and drew with a Dollar Tree ballpoint, dabbing it on a rag as I went. (I have no class.) But thanks for the company.

[@owingsart]

Ha! In the hands of the right person a dollar tree ballpoint is an instrument of mass creation. 🙂

[@nellgwenn]

I wish you would have talked about papers. Archival drawing papers.

[@33Jenesis]

I use General’s sketch and wash #588, caran d ache white pastel pencil, cretacolor artist’s deepblack pencil, metropolitan fountain pen with carbon ink, micron brown and blue fine point pens, Pentel Multi 8 mechanical pen, sakura gelly roll white 8 and 10, and Dr. Ph Martin’s bleed proof white.

[@kashfiahare3190]

Thank you Marty! Appreciate your reviews, they guide me quite a bit. I purchased the Charlie we palette based on your review 😊

[@suel4269]

Charlie We palette? Is it for watercolor? I can’t find it.

[@kashfiahare3190]

Haha, pardon the autocorrect 😊 Charlie Lee of course!

[@owingsart]

Wow! Thanks for giving Charlie a chance to build you an absolutely awesome work of art. I hope you love it. Have you used it in the field yet? I love using this easel and get so many comments and compliments on it.

[@kashfiahare3190]

I’ve only tried it in my house, it’s been raining a lot here in California. I need to figure out a way to access my brushes easier, I keep fumbling in my backpack. I wish there was a tripod tray for all the extra supplies.

[@joykruczay]

Superb information, photography and voice over. I subbed immediately. One thing to note - even though they are named "lead holders", there is no lead in pencils. It is a common error that is used commonly. Peeps say "lead pencil" all of the time. You frequently referred to the graphite as lead, which is misleading. I know you strive for accuracy, and your viewers may believe "if Marty says it, it must be true." Thanks again, and here's hoping we all live long enough to use up our art supplies!

[@owingsart]

I really appreciate that. Also the trust, which I try never take for granted. You're right about the, "lead pencil". :-)

[@MDCampbell]

Another fun video to explore a whole array of products, most of which I use myself! First, I must argue that Caran D'Ache does not make a bad product, well, I bought their Studio Gouache set and was very disappointed at the lack of pigment info, consistency between colors, and overall output of the product. With that name and that price I expected a LOT more. Second, while I love the FC Polychromos, the best colored pencils in the world cannot be purchased anymore, but do still exist: *Spectracolor.* Lastly, while I appreciate the Sakura Micron pens are a favorite, you really owe it to yourself to give the Copic Multiliner plastic body pens a try. They are a direct side-by-side match to the Micron pens and at the same price point. The metal body Copics are a luxury pen and work the same way, but it should be noted that the metal body Copic Multiliners _no longer support replaceable nibs or ink cartridges._ The company dropped this a few years ago and literally ruined the product for a lot of people. Again, if you use the plastic Copic Multiliners against the Sakura Microns, I can almost guarantee you'll understand the difference. Cheers to you and thank you for the fun review on all these fabulous items! Glad to see this video today! Cheers! ~ Mark

[@owingsart]

Hi Mark - All great points and really good tips here. I need to try the new Copic Multiliner plastic body. I didn't know they dropped the metal body at Copic and the replaceables, that's a really shame. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and advice. Hope you are well my friend.

[@xargothunter5746]

Great video. Art Grib has been discontinued for a good while since Faber Castell replaced them with the Goldfaber line. :)

[@cowbutt6]

There is a Chinese-made brand that mimics the look of the pencils and tin so closely that I'm amazed Faber-Castell haven't had them taken off the market.

[@xargothunter5746]

@@cowbutt6they might have sold the rights to them. It has happened before. Or they do not care as the line is discontinued.

[@lynnstlaurent6789]

@@cowbutt6I bought them on a whim bc the Faber Castell are out of reach for a medium I just play around with. I haven’t used them yet but it’s crazy how close the packaging is. The Art Grip is still available on Amazon. I bought some oil based coloured pencils for $10. They don’t compare to polychromos but are great for experimenting and having fun.

[@lisathaviu1154]

A lot of those lead holders have sharpeners in the thingie at the end.

[@franciscocastro7916]

Nice vid, very interesting. I’ll stay tuned. Greetings from Madrid.

[@jamesgsr8587]

Great video!

[@ms.rocketscience4924]

I loved that the first thing was the coffee machine😀 Essential supply for getting the creative juices flowing. I always learn something useful from your videos and they are a pleasure to watch when I get a quiet moment to myself. I have been wanting to try the Hahnemuhle sketchbooks and since you and Steve Mitchell recommend them they must be great. The search for the grail sketchbook is real.🤓 As is the perfect sharpener - that is a rabbit hole for sure! Thanks for taking the time to produce your videos and share your expertise.😘

[@owingsart]

Thank you for taking the time to watch. Hard to go wrong with Hahnemuhle. Most German and Japanese art supplies are pretty awesome. Thanks for leaving a note here.

[@ntaylo6299]

Nice. Appreciate.

[@thesilverpen]

Good review of supplies, i been loving faber-casteel, but you bring some others to my intetest.

[@liddlealice431]

Thanks for the video Marty. I've been following for a few years and it's always been a pleasure watching your videos. I started collecting art supplies in 2017 and the first thing I purchased was the full 120 Faber Castell Polychromos set. To this day they remain my favorite pencils, despite me owning the Luminance and Holbein sets too. I love how they can keep such a sharp point, how well they layer on paper and how sturdy they are. The Caran D'ache Museum Aquarelle pencils are a joy to work with, I'm lucky enough to find them open stock at some local shops, but I've been thinking of giving the FC Albrech Durer a try too to supplement colors that are missing. I only have one tube of Holbein Gouache but the consistency is very creamy, I can't remember if you tried them, but Lefranc Bourgeois Linel gouache is also very good, but the Holbein beats pretty much every other brand when it comes to color variety,as they offer some very unique and vibrant convenience colors.

[@owingsart]

Hi There - Thank you very much for the kind words and your thoughts on the supplies. I haven't used the LeFranc Bourgeois, but I'll have to check it out. Agree with all you said. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@eltrym]

Thanks Marty! I'm new to your channel but will scroll through your content. I was particularly interested in your rating of the Escoda brushes because I live in Spain! ❤

[@owingsart]

Welcome aboard! I love Escoda brushes.

[@Donna_G]

When I got back into watercolors many years ago, I bought a set of 15 ml tubes from Daniel Smith when the company had its online store. The brushes that I purchased were recommended by Susie Short. They just have the Daniel Smith name on the handle and they have a silver-colored handle. I've used them for years. I have a few Langnickel brushes and some brushes that are branded Simply Simmons. I don't have any favorites; but, I do have a least favorite. It sheds worse than my dog. As far as watercolor paints go. I've liked Daniel Smith paints from the moment I tried them. I also like Qor watercolors.

[@owingsart]

Definitely Qor is up there for me as well and I have them on my top 10 watercolors. Solid paints. Hard to beat Daniel Smith.

[@lesleyegbert4807]

Hey, thanks for including pencil sharpeners. I've been having a hard time finding a good sharpener for my specific situation and I hadn't come across the alvin model. I'll be giving that one a try.

[@owingsart]

Thank you!

[@sarahmitchell9247]

Thank you

[@katjathefranknfurter2374]

To be fair to Schmincke: a watercolour painting is actually called an Aquarell in German. So it's the language, not just being fancy... 😊 Maybe because we're so close to France. We only use the German term "Wasserfarben" to describe the very low grade of watersoluable paints kids use in school from class one onwards.

[@KitsuneHB]

Nice overview! About erasers I prefer and can highly recommend the R20 made by Edding - it is also perfect for erasing colour pencils. I also like to use Tombow Erasers.

[@owingsart]

Great suggestion!

[@phillblake6829]

The black version of the mars eraser is even better

[@owingsart]

I should give it a try.

[@catbraunwell6450]

I have recently discovered the “General’s Sketch & Wash pencil…. It’s fabulous!

[@owingsart]

And affordable.

[@sophiaannelizabeth]

We have many of the same preferences 😊

[@miguelmartinespejoramirez3311]

I will try Holbein gouache. I thought you were going to choose Schmincke but that’s the way it is.

[@miguelmartinespejoramirez3311]

My experience with electric sharpeners is good but I trust mechanical ones more. My favorites are Kum and Maped but my Peruvian brand Vinifan (made in China) are good too for big thicker pencils. Prismacolor sharpener is also very good for Prismacolor colored pencils.

[@owingsart]

Thanks for the tips!

[@gloriamoline678]

I've been using Kuratake pan paints. Like them alot. Have you tried them?

[@owingsart]

I have used them yes. They're okay and I used them for a few sketches, but found them to be a little chalky for my tastes. It's been a while though, maybe they've improved.

[@IllustrationsByPete]

Thanks for sharing Marty! I didn't see a Stillman and Birn on your desk. I do enjoy the Hahnemuhle 100% cotton. It's a great book. Hey years ago you were going to do a project with S&B. I think it was before they were sold. Can you share any info on that? I was just curious about what it involved.

[@owingsart]

Hi Pete - I still use the Stillman & Birn sketchbooks which are among my favorite in the non-100% cotton category. They’re especially nice with gouache and ink washes. I did a small collaboration with S&B, but as you mentioned they were sold and went in a different direction. As you know I didn’t want to take any official endorsements or sponsorships. That’s all changed in our business so much and I don’t blame those that do. I have the luxury of not needing outside money because I work a full time job right now, but I’ll be retiring soon. I’m hoping that people will subscribe to a membership and help support the channel like they would with public radio or tv, so I can remain independent and not have to rely on sponsors or endorsements. That said, I don’t blame those who do and I never say never, because well you gotta eat and pay the bills. Sorry that’s more than you asked, but I wanted to explain in more detail.

[@IllustrationsByPete]

@@owingsart I hope retirement treats you well my friend. Can't wait to see what you do once that schedule is freed up. 👍🏻

[@owingsart]

@@IllustrationsByPete Thanks Pete. Hoping it’ll be a fun and creative as I can make it.

[@askialuna7717]

I like the relaxing Coffee in the beginning. 🙂

[@fhcreates]

DS all the way

[@owingsart]

Never a bad choice.

[@pesto12601]

That Hahnemuhle sketch book acts more like cellulose than cotton.. definitely not the highest quality cotton for sure.. spend a bit more and stick with the arches!

[@owingsart]

That might be your experience, and I'm sorry to hear it. Knowing how both papers are manufactured and what goes into that helps, and for sure the Arches is awesome, but the Hanhnemuhle is just better in my opinion. It might come down to the way it is used and how you use it, whether for mixed media, charcoal, ballpoint, watercolor, oil paints or ink washes. I'm not a sketchbook snob though and I use plenty of cheaper sketchbooks that are just fine for certain kinds of media. That said, the Hahnemuhle is far from a alpha-cellulose book in my experience. Even the Hahnemuhle alpha-cellulose books don't behave like a typical or cheaper cellulose book. Just my opinion.

[@waymire01]

I own a lot of watercolor pencils. I regret buying the Museum Aquarelles. First they are way too expensive for what they are. They also have a very limited color range. I'd rather have my Albrecht Durers any day. I have no issue paying for quality, but I see very little difference in pigment quality comparing the two side by side in a finished work, and with almost twice the colors at half the price.. it's a no brainer. I also own the Supracolor and while they are just shy of the AD in performance, I still reach for them more than the Museums. All those beautiful olive greens and cool browns from the Supras are lovely. The FC grip pencils are not artist quality, or even student quality (that would be the Goldfabers), they are a children's supply and shouldn't be in the same consideration. Additionally, the Museum Aquarelles ARE easily available open stock from major art suppliers both in the US and Europe.

[@owingsart]

It’s good to have these opinions.

[@piusschroh6361]

Have you tried A Gallo from Italy?

[@owingsart]

I have not. I will search it up now though.

[@user-xt5ef4md2y]

I have a 48 pcs sketch set And i have sketch book i want

[@shadowguard3578]

Your art supply roll was very useful and very importantly, it looked lightweight. I’m not keen on heavy art supply bags or anything like that.

[@owingsart]

Thank you! It is super lightweight because I often have to hike or trudge through wild terrain and I don't like carrying anything I don't need.

[@shadowguard3578]

@@owingsart 👍☺️

[@yashcommonman]

plz make video on only animal cruelty free best art materials...very very hard to find

[@nancyrolfe3033]

Marty, I would like to send a “thank you “ but I couldn’t get it to process as it says it was turned off?? If you have a physical address I’d love to send you a little something! Plus, I have some doubles of Schmincke pans that I know you’d put to good use!! Blessings, Nancy Rolfe

[@owingsart]

Hi Nancy - Here is a link that should work. I'm sorry you have trouble: www.buymeacoffee.com/owingsart

[@KateTheSleepyTeacher]

I used to by Luminanace but I really dislike them. They are scratchy and not easy to sharpen. My leads just continually break. I’m a polychromos gal :)

[@owingsart]

That's too bad Kate, and surprising to hear. Do you remember what paper you used them on or if they all performed that way? I think Polychromos are fantastic.

[@KateTheSleepyTeacher]

@@owingsart I don’t actually. My polychromos preformed great so it could just be user error (Is that a thing with colored pencils?).

[@greekveteran2715]

There are WAY better pencil sharpeners. KUM Masterpiece, KUM Longpoint automatic, M+R Pollux, M+R Round Brass 602. are only some of them. Faber Castell Aquarelle, is a very underrated pencil indeed. I'd also agree on Faber Castell TK9400 (I prefer TK4600 but they are very similar). I made another comment with a list, of supplies you really have to try, Some of them are inexpensive some not as much. Cheers

[@owingsart]

Thanks very much. Excellent list on the sharpeners.

[@sodoffbaldrick]

your pencil collection needs some Japanese pencils, like mitsubishi hi-uni or kita-boshi

[@owingsart]

I have some Mitsubishi but not kita-boshi.

[@annenglish2935]

I watched a Caran D'Ache tutorial that said their Museum Aquarelle pencils were legally watercolor... in other words, you could enter a painting done with them in a watercolor exhibit!!! Can anyone verify this??? Thanks 😊

[@ninner196]

Yes! If it is a transparent wc contest then no gouache including titanium white. A little note- contests should not be used to gear how good or terrible one’s work is. In my humble opinion they are a complete waste of time and subjectively judged. Commissions and word of mouth carry far heavier weight. My work has been entered ( without my knowledge) since I was 5yrs old and people can become disappointed and their own worst enemy if you believe what opinionated judges do. It is not worth it. ;)

[@isirat4268]

Mhm so much disireable stuff 😅. Now that I have discovered Michael Harding watercolors for me I really have to be thoughtful of my finances 😂

[@stfdeshields5667]

How do I contact you about questions from a book purchase?

[@owingsart]

You can DM me on Instagram.

[@chiraagkeisham4703]

I am not a guy who just collects art supplies, me -😅😅

[@owingsart]

😄😘😉

[@psterud]

I have to stop at the 26-minute point and say something, which is this: People can easily get caught up in the materialism of art supplies. There's something alluring about having the best stuff, in the hopes that having the best stuff is going to achieve the best results. And that's not true. A real artist can take the absolute worst tools and still make a great piece of art. He or she can take the bottom-shelf hobbyist paint and brushes and paper from a convenience store and still make a masterpiece. Do I want to have great tools? Yes. Do I need great tools? No. I only need something that allows me to express myself, which is nearly everything. Do the pencils and pens work? Good. Do the acrylics and oils and pencils and pastels have color? Good. I can work with that. For new artists watching this video, don't get caught up in gear. It's nice that this person is showing you the good stuff, but it's not necessary to have all the best stuff. Like he says, you can do incredibly fine and expressive art with a single ballpoint pen that was made for writing, not drawing.

[@owingsart]

For sure and I'm far from an art supply snob so totally appreciate what you're saying. The humble #2 pencil can be an instrument of mass creation in the right hands. This video was all about the top art supplies. I have tons of videos that review affordable and low cost art supplies that do a tremendous job. Thanks for the notes and for watching.

[@psterud]

@@owingsart Cool. This was my first video of yours. I had to click on it because of the title. It's a balanced and informative video. I just don't like how especially new artists can get caught up in the consumerism game more than the act of making art, thus my comment. Keep up the good work. I appreciate it.

[@catbraunwell6450]

Your lighting in this video makes it difficult to see sometimes.

[@owingsart]

I’ll work on that.

[@greekveteran2715]

Best sketching/drawing supplies (dry medium): Best Paper for drawing: Hahnemuhle Dessin 150gsm/Arches Watercolor Hot Pressed Best Mechanical pencil: Pentel Graphgear 500 (0.5mm) Best Wooden Graphite pencils: Faber Castell (9000/Pitt matt/Aquarelle), Staedtler Mars L. Best Charcoal pencils: General's (Best white charcoal too!) Best Lead Holder for drawing: Faber Castell TK9400/TK4600 +TK9071 leads Best Lead holder for sketching: Koh-I-Noor 5340 Best Kneadable eraser: LYRA Best Erasers: Faber Castell Dust Free 187120/Tombow Mono Plastic/Tombow Dust Catch Best Fine detail eraser: Tombow mono Zero 2.3mm Best Colored pencils: Faber Castell Polychromos/Caran D'ash Luminance Best Sharpeners: KUM Masterpiece/KUM Automatic longpoint/M+R Round Brass Best Sketchbook for dry media: Canson 180 Artbook/Canson Universal/Hahnemuhle 120gr Best Paper for Polychromos: Fabriano Artistico Hot Pressed Best Sanguine/Sepia pencils/leads: Koh-I-Noor Red chalk/Conte Sanguine Best Paperstump for blending: Conte a Paris (the older ones,they are still in stock here and ther

[@owingsart]

That's a nice list for sure.