My Favorite
Graphite Drawing Supplies
If you’ve ever wondered what graphite pencils, paper, sharpeners, blenders and other supplies I use in my own artwork, they’re all here!
These are the products I currently recommend based on my own experience using them for realistic colored pencil artwork.
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THE GRAPHITE BRANDS I USE
Faber-Castell 9000
This set ranges from 2H up to 8B. Faber-Castell has always been one of my top graphite choices. Never scratchy and blends smoothly.
Derwent Graphic
This set ranges from 9H up to 9B. This set has a huge range from extremely light to extremely dark pencils all in one set.
Graphite Powder
Graphite powder is great for super soft backgrounds or base layers. You will want Sofft Tools and/or Sofft Tools Sponges for applying this.
Water Soluble
The Faber-Castell Aquarelle blend with water. Use a taklong bristled paintbrush or I also like the Derwent Water Brush for smaller areas.
Graphitint
These water soluble tinted graphite pencils can be used with or without water.
Mechanical Pencil
When I want the darkest darks and super fine detail I go with any .5 mechanical pencil with Faber Castel 2B lead.
THE PAPER I USE FOR COLORED PENCILS
There are so many papers I’ve used that are quite good. These are just my everyday go-tos
Arches Hot Pressed Watercolor
This is my first choice. Smooth enough for fine blending and smooth blending but enough tooth for my pencils to stick to and get super dark. This is also my choice for all of the water soluble pencils. 140lbs.
White Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a good paper if you’re not using water. While you CAN use it with water mediums, it’s not my preference. It has an almost spongier feel compared to the Arches Hot Pressed. I like it best for dry pencils. 92lbs.
Strathmore Sketch 400
When you just want to practice but don’t want to use your more expensive papers, this is a great option. It has good tooth, you get a LOT of paper for pretty cheap. The main issue is that it is quite lightweight at 60lbs so you have to be careful to not tear it.
OTHER ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES I USE
Easel Lamp
One of the most important things in the studio is being able to see without straining our eyes! This lamp clamps right onto my easel, but they also have tabletop and floor type lamps depending on what works for your space.
Pencil Sharpeners
These handheld sharpeners are inexpensive and effective! I like to have several so when one gets dull, I can swap it out for a fresh one!
Shading Tools
This is a great set of budget friendly shading tools. Note: That sand paper stick is NOT for sharpening your shading tools, but to sharpen the tips of your pencils.
Chamois
When you have a larger area you need softly blended these chamois are a great choice!
Drawing Board
We need a drawing board for our work so we don’t ruin the rest of the paper in the pad. Get a board larger than the paper you’re working on so you have room to tape it.
Masking Tape
It’s important to use an acid-free masking tape when we tape our work so we don’t leave damaging residue on the finished art!
Drafting Brush
When you erase an area you don’t want to use your hand to wipe away the shavings. This can smudge the work or get oils from your skin on it, use this instead!
Erasers
Glassine
I use this acid-free paper under my hand to protect the work from smudges and the oils on my skin. I also place a piece between each drawing to protect them in storage or shipping.
Mat, Bag and Board
Is your art even done if you don’t mat it? These bag/backing board/mat combo sets make it easy to present your work professionally at a reasonable price.
Art Storage Box
These archival boxes are how I store most of my colored pencil drawings. I put a piece of glassine between each piece to keep them clean and smudge free. You can fit a LOT of art in these boxes!
Want to learn how I use all this stuff?
Supplies are just the beginning! Learn how to layer, blend, and use them together in my full-length colored pencil lessons.
