I'm going to just jump right in here, because there is a lot of ground to cover -
Strathmore 400 Series Bristol PadsThese come in sizes from 9"x12" to as large as 14"x17," the last time I checked. If you need larger sizes, you can usually buy them individually. For pencil drawings of people, I think the
Smooth grade is the best. Vellum
sounds like it would be smooth, but actually that grade has a bit of "tooth" to the paper.
That would be great for landscapes or something where you want a texture, but for skin tones, I prefer the smoothest paper I can get. If not the Smooth grade, then Plate is the other smooth grade that can be ordered - I think Plate is only available by the sheet, not in pads. I usually like to order by the pads, because when I have bought individual sheets, especially in the large sizes, I have to fight the curl of the paper.
Graphite pencils (I prefer
Tombow Mono Professional Drawing PencilsThese come in different hardnesses. You will only need one F and one H hardness for example, because their 'leads' are so hard they will last a long time, but you will probably need several
2B,
4B and
6B, so do yourself a favor and just go ahead and buy several of those at a time. These have been known as Japanese animation pencils. I just love them. Once you try these, you will never go back to any other pencil.
Alvin Draft/Matic PencilOr you could try any other brands, like PenTel, etc.
I'm just really picky about the quality of the graphite in the pencils I use, and I find that the better quality mechanical pencils also have the better grade of graphite. The cheapest pencils will have waxy, shiny types of graphite - and I don't like to work with them.
Natural Chamois(for blending skin tones.)You can cut the Chamois down to whatever size you like to work with. I usually cut mine into 4"x4" squares. Because it is a natural product, sometimes it can be hard or rough in texture. I prefer mine to be very soft for the smoothest skin tones. Every time I order it, I seem to be gambling on what I will get, but I save any rougher ones for artwork that needs texture, and I save the really soft chamois for skin tones. So it all gets put into service in one way or another.
Staedtler Mars Plastic Eraser (also known as a "Click Eraser")If you remember
my earlier post about how to draw animal fur or human hair, then you might recall that this eraser is useful for getting nice highlights in hair. I cut or break off the tip of the eraser and use its edge to get fine eraser lines.
Design Kneaded Rubber EraserThe kneaded rubber eraser is an indispensable tool for the graphite pencil artist. It can be used to lighten an area or line that you have made just a little too dark - it can lift off just a layer at a time. I have also shaped it to create different textures, very useful for clothing. For drawing hair, it allows you to lift out and soften larger sections for highlights. I pinch it into a fine line to do highlighting around lips, nose, and eyes.
It's an inexpensive little thing, but very useful. Buy it by the box if you know you'll be drawing a lot. You want to be able to have a new eraser handy whenever you need one, as these can get dirtied up when dropped or when used too many times (oil from hands gets on the eraser and you don't want to transfer that to your art paper.) I have read other artists complain that they don't like the kneaded rubber eraser because it dirtied their artwork. I have never had this problem, so I think some artists are just using the same kneaded eraser too much. It should be replaced early and often for best results and for it to be pliable.
Along with all this, you might want to get some Kleenex tissues (the kind without lotion) for additional blending. Also some scissors or an
X-Acto knife, if you want to cut the click-eraser.
Some artists like to work with Q-Tips and other common household items, to get textures they like. It's worth experimenting to see what you like.
Oh, I almost forgot - paper blending tools called totillions or tortillions are very useful for blending in the small areas, like around the nose and eyes. They are also very inexpensive, and worth purchasing in boxes or bundles (usually sold by the dozen.)
Bundling all these items up for a friend or family member who enjoys drawing is a nice gift idea.
You could get it all together and present it to her in something nice like these
Global Classic Leather Pencil Cases
Sometimes, the biggest challenge an artist faces is organization. Being organized means I won't get frustrated when I'm trying to draw. A beginning artist will also be very motivated by gifts of art supplies and art tools. It tells him you believe in him and his abilities.
For an artist buying supplies for herself, it is also positive self-talk, that you are good enough and believe enough in yourself to buy yourself the very best tools you can. Pencil drawing supplies are really
extremely affordable, compared to other types of art.
ORGANIZERS:
Drawer Organizer
Q-Grip Tool and Craft Grip Organizer
Best Art Organizers
Here's a portrait I did by Christmas - this photo shows it on my trusty art board. You may not be able to see very well, but the emblem on the lower right is the Auburn University Logo. The gentleman in the portrait was the recipient of the portrait gift. He is a big fan of Auburn!
