I didn’t get around to writing a Christmas gift list last year.  I apologize; time got away from me.  I have already had a couple of requests this year, so here it is.

Good, quality materials are so important, and I am thrilled when parents ask me for advice.

Don’t waste your money on poor quality materials.  This is one area where you really do get what you pay for.

That being said, you don’t have to spend a fortune!  Check out my list from a few years ago here.  There’s a lot of good ideas there, but I have more!!  I have tried to include supplies for a wide range of students.  I know some of you have kids from pre-school to high school.  Please pay attention to my age recommendations.  I’m sure you like your carpet the color it is! ; )

I understand that art supplies are expensive.  If nothing else, get good paper.  Good art on copy paper is so sad.   Decent drawing paper is cheap.  Start there and add where you can. You don’t need all this stuff!

Sketchbooks – I know this was on my last list, but I still love Canson XL Multi-media sketchbooks.  They come in a variety of sizes and take both dry and wet media.  I use these myself.  Any Age

Drawing Paper – Blick 80 lb Sulphite paper.  Be sure to get 80 lb, and keep lots of this stuff on hand!  You never know when inspiration will strike!  It is inexpensive.  You just need to figure out storage as it doesn’t come in a pad with a cardboard back.  Totally worth the savings, and you will end up with a gallery of spontaneous art.  Any Age

Watercolor Paper – Strathmore 200 Series Student Watercolor Paper Pad.  You can do watercolor and gouache on sulphite paper, however, you will get better results from paper meant to take water media.  I have not personally tried this paper, but Strathmore is a great brand, and the reviews are excellent.  I buy watercolor paper in bulk in an amount that just doesn’t make sense for the home user.  Any Age

Pencils – I rarely use pencils in class.  It encourages a lot of erasing and detail too early in the process.  However, I do understand that pencils are the drawing utensil of choice at home.  I recommend mechanical pencils.  They are always sharp.  I would buy extra erasers, though.  They use those up quick!  Now, if you really have a kid that wants to draw in pencil and is ready for shading, these are great!  I also really like Ebony pencils for drawing. If your artist does a lot of sketching, they will need a good eraser.  I like this set.  It gives them a variety.  Any Age

Drawing Crayons – For younger kids, I really like big, chunky black crayons for drawing.  I buy theses.  You can sharpen them with a crayon sharpener.  I use the one that comes with the Stabilo 3 in 1 pencils below.

Colored Pencils – Prismacolor are the best.  They have rich colors and blend easily.  I do recommend getting their sharpener to extend the life of the pencils.  They wear down quickly in electric sharpeners.

Sharpies – I know parents are scared of giving kids permanent markers.  I get it.  But, they really are the best when your kids want to paint watercolor on top of a drawing.  If the ink is not permanent, the lines will blur.  : (  If your kids are in my class, they are used to using Sharpies.  For younger kids, I would keep an eye on them just to be sure.  (OK, just to be safe, watch all kids with Sharpies! )  Parental Discretion

Micron Pens – If you have a detail oriented older child, I can solidly recommend Micron pens. Pitt pens are another great option.  Age 10+

Oil Pastels – In class, I usually use Sakura Cray-Pas Junior.  They are great and a solid choice for home use.  If you want to step up a bit, the same brand carries Cray-Pas Expressionist.  I have a set of these.  They are thicker, slighter higher in pigment, and slightly smoother.  If I only had to buy for home, I would opt for these.  A set of 25 is only $9.99.  If you have a young artist that loves oil pastels, I would consider looking at Sennelier.  They are a huge step up but very pricey.  I have a small set.  They are like “butta.” : )  Any Age

Markers –  There is absolutely nothing wrong with Crayola markers.  If your kid is happy with Crayola markers, don’t change.  Good markers are expensive.  Prismacolor, Copic, etc…  My last list recommended Tombow markers.  I still love those.  Prismacolor markers very good.  My daughter, who works very seriously in marker, loves Copic Sketch markers.  I will warn you.  They are crazy expensive.  Keep in mind, though, that they are refillable.  When they run out, you can buy re-fills.  You can even replace the tips/nibs.  This is really only practical if your child is serious about doing artwork in marker.  This is what professional use.  Crayolas – Any age, Copics – 10+ 

Tempera Paint – I know many of you send your kids to me to avoid mess at home.  If this is you, skip to the next item. : )  Tempera is messy, but it is very easy to clean from a solid surface floor or table.  Just saying’  Kids will drop brushes full of paint.  Kids will knock over paint containers.  You just have to expect that.  OK, so now, if I haven’t scared you away!  Tempera is a wonderful medium to use with kids.  It is quite forgiving, meaning, they can wait for a mistake to dry and paint over it.  It’s all “fixable.”  I love it, but I have to admit it is the least home friendly. If you are an adventurous mom and want to give it a shot, get some paper plates and buy this set. If you are more cautious but still want to paint in tempera, consider this set.  It is tempera paint in a dry cake.  Just add water, and it’s almost as good as liquid.   Any Age with Parental discretion

Watercolor – Prang is great for pan watercolor.  It is inexpensive and allows for easy color mixing.  However, we use liquid watercolor in class often.  I love the intense color and instant color/pigment ratio it offers.  The brand I use really doesn’t have a small enough amount for home use, but I have used one that is equally good.  Sargent Art Watercolor Magic Liquid Watercolor.  This set is in a small, home use size.  They are amazing!!I  The pigment is intense.  You need to add water to it.  Have to warn you, though, this can be more staining than tempera.  It is so worth it though!   Any Age with Parental discretion

Stabilo 3 in 1 Pencils – I love these things!!!  I know that they are expensive, but I can tell you that they are well worth it!!  They are chunky pencils that color more like a crayon.  The cool part is that when you add water with a brush, they turn into a paint, like tempera.  Most kids love these, and they last forever.  I have dropped them and expected breakage, but they are like rocks, so solid.  I truly wish I had these when my kids were little. If you are concerned about mess but still want to give your kids the painting experience, these are a great choice.   Here is the link.  Any Age

Acrylic – Liquitex Basics – I have used a lot of different acrylic paints.  They can get quite expensive.  For a student, I think Liquitex makes a great product at a fair price.  Be sure to buy gel medium to dilute your paints. Age 10+

Brushes – Royal Langnickel is still my favorite brand; they just last.  Here is a great set for younger ones. I spend more on brushes than any other expense.  If you want to paint at home, buy good brushes.  Toss the garbage that comes with a set.

Hopefully, you will find this list helpful.  If you are looking for something that didn’t make this list, email me.  I’d be happy to help.