Get and Gather

Essential materials: get ASAP -Hardbound spiral 9”x12” drawing book- Get one labeled drawing or multimedia containing 70 to 90 lb paper -2B, 4B and 6B sketching pencils -White vinyl eraser -Glue Sticks- Get a few. You will use these to paste things in your IWB. -Black pens- All IWB text must be written in black pen. Get a few of your favorite.

Recommended: Colored Pencils Range from Crayola to high end artist quality. Pick which is best for you. Watercolors Get Prang or Crayola brands Oil Pastels I recommend Pentel, good color, low price point. Range from 12 to 36 count. Pick which is best for you. Acrylic Paints Big ranges in price and quality. I personally use inexpensive “craft” paint, often with a Mod- Podge overcoat. I recommend getting some student grade tube acrylics and some inexpensive “craft” paint and decide which you like the best. Paint brushes A variety of Taklon flat and round brushes. Brushes can be costly. You get what you pay for. Quality brushes will last you a lifetime if you take care of them. Pre-Stretched Canvas or Panels Lots to choose from. If you think this is something you would like to work on pick up a couple different types and sizes. Supports Always keep your eyes open for things to paint on and/or make art out of. Great and inexpensive supports can be found in dumpsters, thrift stores or maybe in the back of your own garage. Be creative and think outside the box! Pencil Bag Great way to keep many of the above organized and ready to use.

Tips Shop non-art stores- Walk through your local hardware store and find interesting materials to transform. My favorite is roofing paper. Yes--the stuff on top of your house! It comes in large rolls for large scale projects, it is durable and black which really makes color pop! And it is cheap!!! Be Green- Art making can be very expensive if you choose it to be so. Opt to reuse, recycle and recreate when possible. Start saving cardboard, scrap wood, old shoes, house paint, etc. Look around the house for the pencil bag you had in 3rd grade! Studio on the go- Look for a vintage hard sided suitcase at your grandma’s house, local flee market or thrift store to put all your supplies in. Bit by bit- You do not need to get everything at once (except for the essentials). Build up your materials and supplies over time. Ask for some for your birthday and the holidays.