Art Drawing and Colouring Supplies: How to Choose the Right Materials for Every Practice

Buying art drawing and colouring supplies isn’t simply about picking the box with the most colours. A palette that’s too generous can end up gathering dust at the back of a drawer, while poorly chosen paper can limit the final result, even with quality pencils or pens.

Before you fill your basket with fine art supplies, keep three common pitfalls in mind:

• The number of colours as the main selling point: 72 pencils aren’t necessarily useful if you mainly do monochrome sketches or illustrations with a limited colour range.
• Confusing different tip types: a fine-liner pen, a brush pen and an acrylic marker don’t produce the same lines or effects, and they aren’t suitable for the same surfaces.
• Overlooking the paper: a sketchbook with too low a paper weight can buckle when it comes into contact with water, absorb ink excessively or let colours show through.

The most suitable choice therefore depends on your technique, how often you draw and the surface you plan to use.

Key criteria to check before buying

1. The tip and how the medium behaves

For art drawing, fine-liner pens of 0.4 mm are ideal for outlines, annotations, mandalas and bullet journals. A tip reinforced with a metal sleeve holds up better when used with a ruler or stencil.

Brush pens offer a variable line width depending on the pressure you apply. They lend themselves well to illustration, creative lettering and soft washes. Pigment ink pens are worth considering if you want water-resistant lines once dry, provided you check the manufacturer’s instructions.

On non-porous surfaces, acrylic markers may be more suitable. They can be used on wood, glass, ceramic, stone or metal. Always test on an inconspicuous area first and follow the recommendations for the surface.

2. Paper and weight

The paper should be chosen according to the technique you’re using:

• Around 120 gsm: pencil sketches, creative notes, roughs and fineliners with light ink coverage;
• 200 gsm: light wet techniques and travel sketchbooks;
• 300 gsm: watercolour, washes and layering with more even absorption.

Acid-free paper, and where stated, paper from FSC certified forests, is a good choice for keeping your drawings in good condition. With watercolour pencils, go for a watercolour pad or paper that’s thick enough to minimise warping.

3. The composition of the palette

For starting out with adult colouring or illustration, a selection of 12 to 24 shades is enough to experiment with blending and gradients. A larger palette becomes worthwhile if you regularly work on portraits, landscapes or highly colourful compositions.

Soft-core coloured pencils make it easier to create flat washes and smooth blends. Oil-based pencils generally offer a more even application, while soft pastels deposit a powdery material that often requires a suitable fixative. In every case, check the stated lightfastness, the type of binder and the storage conditions.

Which selection suits your profile?

Recommended for: beginners on a budget

STABILO point 88 Fineliner Pen Set – 10 Black Fine Line Markers

Why this choice suits this profile: The ten black 0.4 mm pens are ideal for first sketches, revision notes, diagrams and bullet journals, without needing to buy lots of different references.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The fine tip is reinforced with a metal sleeve, designed for use with a ruler and to reduce deformation from pressure.

Main advantage and key features

0.4 mm line, water-based ink and a barrel made from 96% bio-based plastic, according to the product sheet.

Recommended for: premium enthusiasts

Faber-Castell Polychromos – Studio Box of 36 Pencils

Why this choice suits this profile: This palette is aimed at those who create detailed illustrations, portraits or adult colouring with layered colour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 36 shades form a more structured range than a very large assortment, while the 3.8 mm core is suitable for layering.

Main advantage and key features

Oil-based cores, pigments stated as lightfast by the manufacturer and a metal storage box.

Recommended for: specific uses and heavy users

Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen with Brush Tip – 12 Pieces

Why this choice suits this profile: The flexible tip responds to changes in pressure and is suitable for illustration, lettering, portraits and lines of varying thickness.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The flexible tip lets you vary your lines with a single tool, instead of buying several pens for each width.

Main advantage and key features

Twelve portrait shades, brush tip and pigment ink stated as water-resistant after drying.

Recommended for: art students and creatives on the go

Bruynzeel Vincent Van Gogh – 24 Watercolour Pencils with Brush

Why this choice suits this profile: This compact set lets you move from dry sketching to a watercolour effect, whether in the studio, in class or during an outdoor drawing session.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The included brush means you don’t need to buy an extra accessory to activate the pigments with water.

Main advantage and key features

24 pencils, a brush and a metal box that’s easy to carry for drawing, watercolour and mixed media.

Tips for use and storage

To make your creative hobby supplies last longer:

• Close pens and markers after each session to prevent them from drying out.
• Store markers according to the manufacturer’s instructions, often horizontally.
• Keep pencils in their box or case to protect the tips.
• Store soft pastels flat and handle them in a well-ventilated space, as they produce dust.
• Use a sketchbook suited to your medium; for watercolour, choose a 300 gsm pad if you work with a lot of water.

Frequently asked questions about art drawing and colouring supplies

What materials should I buy to start art drawing?

A sketchbook, a few coloured pencils, a graphite pencil, an eraser and a set of fine-liner pens make a versatile starting kit. Add watercolour pencils if you want to experiment with washes without investing in a full palette straight away.

What paper should I use with watercolour pencils?

Choose a watercolour paper that’s thick enough, typically between 200 and 300 gsm. Acid-free paper absorbs water better and reduces buckling. Do a test if you plan to apply several wet layers.

How can I stop pens and markers from drying out?

Replace the cap firmly as soon as you’ve finished, keep them away from heat and direct light, and follow the storage position stated on the packaging. If you use them frequently, a closed case also protects the tips from dust.