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Other Drawing ToolsDrawing Paper, Easels, and other Supports
Here are some of the other drawing tools that you will need to start your learning how to draw adventure: Drawing Papers Different drawing media require different papers. The best quality paper is 100 percent cotton rag, but anything labeled “archival” will last longer than you will, as long as you take care of it. Rag or archival paper should be used for “finished” drawings. Sketching should be done on something less expensive, like a sketch book or newsprint. What Paper Performs the Best? Charcoal, conté, carbon pencil and chalk pastel all work best on a toothed paper: one with a textured surface designed to catch and hold powdery drawing media. These include a variety of white, off-white or colored papers, sold loose or in large pads. But charcoal is also terrific on newsprint, which is inexpensive and great for sketching. Smoother drawing paper works well for graphite, conté, carbon pencil, and pen and ink. Specialty Papers Art supply stores also have specialty papers, such as rice paper, handmade paper, or watercolor paper. Look around, feel the papers and find the ones that appeal to you. However, be choosy, specialty papers are usually sold by the sheet and can get pricey. Sketchbooks! One of the other drawing tools that you must have is a sketchbook. If you want to learn to draw, a sketchbook is not optional. These come in a wide variety of sizes so you can find one that suits your needs. Try a small, a medium and a large to see which you’re most comfortable with. Take it with you everywhere and sketch whenever you can. Supports! Drawing Boards! Drawing boards are great in the studio or outdoors. They should be light weight and thin, but not flexible. Drawing boards are available in a variety of sizes and materials, from simple, inexpensive masonite panels you can find in a home supply store, to drawing boards from art supply stores with high tech surfaces, adjustable stands, clips and handles. We suggest that you use drafting tape to hold your paper to the surface. Drafting tape looks like masking tape but peels away cleanly. A small piece across each corner is all you need. Bulldog clips can also be used to keep your paper in place.
Drawing Board Care! Buy the best drawing board you can afford and look after it. Don’t use it for cutting on and keep it clean. Always keep the surface smooth. You must have a smooth surface underneath your paper. Easels! You don’t need an easel to draw, but if you want one, get a simple, three-legged easel that can be folded up and used for outdoor work as well as indoor. Just prop your drawing board on it. If you can’t afford to buy an easel, you can draw quite well resting your drawing board on the back of a chair or setting it on a table top. When researching all these other drawing tools that you need, make the choice that best suits your style and goals. Only you know how you want to proceed.
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