My Must Have Art Tools: The Essentials for Every Artist

After years of experimenting with different art tools, I’ve finally found my go-to selection - the ones that consistently deliver the best results. Whether you're a portrait artist, a crafter, or someone who just loves to create, these are the tools I swear by and highly recommend. Let’s dive into my top picks for every artist!

1. Faber Castell Pencils -For Precision and Vibrancy

Faber Castell pencils have been my number one choice for adding those intricate details to my art. Their vibrant colours glide smoothly on paper, making them perfect for layering and blending. I especially love them for creating realistic fur textures in my animal portraits. With options like the Polychromos artists’ pencils for rich, permanent colours and the Albrecht Dürer watercolour pencils for extra versatility, these pencils cover all your creative needs.

2. Bio White Gel Pen - For Fine Details and Highlights

When it comes to adding those tiny but important details, the Bio White Gel Pen is my absolute favourite. It’s perfect for creating fine hairs or adding reflections to portraits, giving them that extra level of realism. The fine tip makes it ideal for those tiny details, and the gel dries quickly, which is essential when layering over other materials. It’s the perfect pen to add those final touches to complete a piece.

3. Silhouette Cameo Cutting Machine - For Precision Paper Cutting

For anyone who’s passionate about paper crafts, the Silhouette Cameo Cutting Machine is a total game-changer. This digital cutting tool offers incredible precision and even allows you to reposition your paper while it's still in the machine. While I enjoy hand-cutting most of my work, there are moments when certain pieces can be tricky or repetitive - and this machine is a huge time-saver in those cases. Not only does it cut paper with ease, but it can also handle a variety of materials, emboss, and offers many other amazing features!

4. Winsor and Newton Watercolour and Gouache Paints - For Stunning Watercolours and Bold Gouache Pieces

If you love to work with paint, then you need Winsor and Newton paints in your collection. Their watercolours are perfect for layering over pencils, providing a subtle, transparent wash that lets your pencil details shine through. For bolder, more opaque colour, their gouache is a dream! It gives you vibrant, solid colours that really pop, and it’s incredibly versatile for a range of artistic styles.

Final Thoughts - Must Have Art Tools

I hope you enjoyed my list of must-have art tools! These are my personal favourites that I use day in and day out to bring my creations to life, and I can’t imagine working without them. But I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting tools to try!

What are your go-to art supplies? Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, I’d love to hear what tools you can’t live without. Let me know in the comments — I’m always up for trying new products!

Thanks for reading!

Gemma ❤

www.paperpawtraits.co.uk