The Best Art Supplies for Young Artists: Essentials for Creativity

Introduction

If you’re looking for the best art supplies for young artists, you’re in the right place. This guide is designed especially for parents, teachers, and caregivers of young artists who want to nurture creativity and skill development in children. Choosing the right initial art supplies gives young artists a good start in their creative journey and can make a big difference in how much they enjoy creating. The right materials not only keep their imagination flowing and their skills growing, but also help build confidence and encourage exploration. Whether your little one is just starting out or already loves to draw and paint, having the right tools is essential for supporting their artistic growth.

Non-toxic materials are essential for young artists to ensure safety and enjoyment, so it’s important to select supplies that are both safe and suitable for children.

We hope these recommended art supplies will inspire creativity and bring joy to every young artist.

Why Do Good Supplies Matter ?

When kids have access to decent quality supplies, they get to explore colours, textures and shapes in a way that’s actually fun. Plus, using the right tools helps them learn new skills like mixing colours, blending shades and making patterns – it’s not just about making art, it’s about building confidence and nurturing their creativity.

While it might seem like a good way to save money, parents should avoid buying cheap box sets of art supplies, as these often contain low-quality materials that can actually hinder a child’s creative development. Investing a bit more in quality art supplies pays off in the long run, since better materials last longer and support young artists as they grow.

Which Paper is Best for Young Artists ?

Paper is the foundation of most art projects, so getting the right kind is a no-brainer. Drawing and watercolor paper come in various sizes to suit different projects and preferences. Drawing paper works well for pencils, crayons and markers. If your little one is keen on painting, especially watercolour painting, you should look for watercolour paper. Cold press watercolour paper is a popular choice because it’s got a lovely texture that holds paint really well without being too rough. It’s a great option for kids who want to experiment with different painting techniques.

Choosing the right pad—such as a sketch pad, watercolor pad, or mixed media pad—depends on the type of art your child enjoys. Selecting the appropriate surface, like a textured watercolor pad or a smooth drawing pad, can make a big difference in the final artwork.

Making Ideas Come to Life with Drawing Tools

Coloured pencils and crayons are old favourites for young artists. They’re easy to use, fun and perfect for everything from doodling to detailed drawings. Encourage young artists to experiment with different drawing tools and techniques to find the idea that inspires them most. Graphite pencils in varying grades provide the best control for artistic drawing. Colored pencils require more precision than crayons and are great for blending and shading. Prismacolor Premier colored pencils offer a smooth, rich laydown of pigment, making them a great choice for older children interested in detail. If you want more control and bolder colours, markers are a versatile addition. Pens, such as fineliner pens or gel pens, are also great for adding fine details to drawings, and a smooth drawing experience with these tools can enhance the quality of the artwork. Chunky crayons or jumbo colored pencils are easy for small hands to grip, making them ideal for younger children.

A diverse range of accessible supplies like crayons, washable markers, thick oil pastels, and various paints fosters children’s art skills and enjoyment. When choosing, make sure to go for non-toxic markers and crayons – you know, for peace of mind.

Watercolour pencils are another fun tool to add to the mix. They let kids draw with colour pencils and then blend the colours with water to get some really cool effects. It’s a neat way to combine drawing and painting in one go.

Bringing out the Big Brushes and Paints for Watercolour Fun

Watercolour brushes come in all shapes and sizes—it’s great to have a few different ones, including small, medium, and large brushes, so your kids can experiment with thin lines, wide strokes, and everything in between. Large-grip brushes are easier for little hands to maneuver, making them a great choice for younger artists. When they’ve got good brushes and decent quality watercolour paper, they can see their colours mix and flow in a really magical way.

Tempera paint is another favourite among young artists. It dries fast, is easy to clean up and comes in loads of bright, vibrant colours. Tempera paints deliver a vibrant, opaque finish and are fast-drying, making them essential for young artists. It’s perfect for all sorts of crafts and projects, from simple paintings to more textured work. Washable tempera paint is especially great for beginners, while high-quality watercolors offer richer pigment for more advanced young artists. Watercolors are also a popular choice, offering a wide range of blending and layering possibilities for creative exploration.

Acrylic paint is another option; it dries quickly and cannot be lifted once dried, which makes it a different experience from watercolors. Oils are a traditional painting medium as well, and while they are less common for young children, they offer unique qualities for older or more advanced artists.

Developing Skills with Watercolor Pencils

If you’re after a brilliant and dead-simple way to get the kids into art, then watercolor pencils are a top pick. These clever little tools are a cracking combination of coloured pencils and watercolor painting all rolled into one – you can draw fine lines just like with regular pencils, then grab a wet brush and watch the magic happen as everything blends into gorgeous, painterly effects. For little ones who love to have a go at different things, watercolor pencils open up a whole world of creative possibilities right there at the kitchen table.

When you’re picking out watercolor pencils for the kids, you’ll want to look for non-toxic ones that can handle plenty of bashing about and play. Sets with loads of different colours are brilliant – gives the young artists the freedom to have a proper go at colour mixing and create their own unique shades. Brands like Faber-Castell, Derwent, and Caran d’Ache are known for being top quality and lasting ages, so they’re a smart choice whether you’ve got beginners or kids who’ve already got the hang of things.

• Faber-Castell
• Derwent
• Caran d’Ache

To get the best results, you’ll want to pair those watercolor pencils with cold press watercolor paper or some sturdy drawing paper. Cold press paper, with its lovely gentle texture, helps keep the colours nice and vibrant and lets everything blend smoothly without the paper going all wonky. Starting with light layers and gradually building up the colour is the way to go – this keeps the paper from getting too soggy and makes sure the colours stay bright and clear. Get the kids to try different pencil strokes, like hatching or cross-hatching, to add some proper texture and patterns to their paintings.

Watercolor pencils are also dead good for mixed-media projects. The kids can use glue sticks to pop on cut-out shapes or mix their watercolor drawings with regular coloured pencils for extra detail and shading. This sort of creative mucking about not only makes their art look brilliant but also builds up their confidence and gets their imagination going.

For teachers and parents, watercolor pencils are just the thing for getting little ones interested in art and helping them pick up new skills. Whether your child’s just starting to draw or already loves having a go at painting, these pencils give you loads of opportunities for fun, learning, and creative expression. With the right supplies and a bit of encouragement, every young artist can knock up vibrant, one-of-a-kind paintings that’ll have the whole family chuffed to bits.

To help young artists further develop their skills and understanding of different mediums, including watercolor pencils, consider enrolling them in an art course or workshop designed for beginners.

Exploring Mixed Media: Combining Materials for Unique Creations

Mixed media art is a fantastic and versatile addition to any young artist’s toolkit, opening up a world of creative possibilities. By combining different art supplies—like watercolor paper, colored pencils, oil pastels, and tempera paints—kids can experiment with vibrant colors, textures, and techniques to create truly unique mixed media projects. This approach not only encourages creativity but also helps children develop fine motor skills as they cut, glue, layer, and draw.

For younger children, starting with construction paper, glue sticks, and safety scissors is an essential part of the process. These basic art materials make it easy for kids to explore their ideas and express themselves, whether they’re making collages, layering paints, or adding details with markers and pencils. Mixed media projects are a great way to support kids who love art, giving them the freedom to experiment and discover their own style.

Teachers and parents can inspire young artists by providing a good stock of supplies and resources—think watercolor paper for painting, canvases for more advanced projects, and a variety of tools like brushes, markers, and oil pastels. Having access to different materials encourages kids to try new techniques, such as layering, collage, stamping, or stenciling, and helps them build confidence in their creative abilities.

One of the best things about mixed media art is its adaptability. Whether your child is just starting out or already obsessed with art, there’s always a new technique or material to try. Encourage kids to experiment with color mixing, texture, and composition, and watch as their passion for art grows. Not only is mixed media fun, but it also gives children the chance to create artwork that’s as unique as they are.

So, if you’re looking to inspire creativity and support your young artist’s journey, mixed media is a wonderful way to fill your art table with inspiration. With the right art supplies and a little imagination, kids can create colorful, one-of-a-kind masterpieces that showcase their skills and ideas. Give it a try—your child’s next favorite project might be just a glue stick and a splash of paint away!

Glue, Scissors & Other Craft Supplies – The Fun Stuff

Essential Craft Tools

Art isn’t just about drawing and painting – glue sticks and safety scissors are essentials for cutting, pasting and putting together all sorts of creative projects. Glue sticks or non-toxic liquid glue, child-safe scissors, and stickers are great for crafting. Stickers and colorful paper add fun details that can turn a simple drawing into a full-on masterpiece.

Many craft kits come filled with a variety of materials, making them perfect for creative projects.

Having a good supply of glue sticks makes it easy for kids to work on collages and mixed media crafts. Safety scissors help little hands cut out shapes and patterns without worrying about hurting themselves.

Many art supplies are available in a convenient package, making them easy to gift or store.

Keeping Art Supplies Organised

Storage Solutions for Art Supplies

Getting your art materials organised helps your kids focus on creating rather than hunting for supplies. Using bins, baskets or a small bag to hold pencils, markers and brushes keeps everything tidy and ready to use. Blue Ginko Caddies are perfect for storing markers, pencils, scissors, and glue on an art table or desk. Having a dedicated art table or corner makes a big difference too – it gives your kids a special place to create and store their work.

Encouraging Creativity in Kids and Families

Art is a brilliant way for kids to express themselves and share their ideas. Many art supplies and projects are enjoyable for adults as well, making art a fun activity for all ages. It’s also a great way for families to spend quality time together trying out new projects and crafts. Whether it’s drawing, painting or making simple crafts, having the right supplies on hand means there’s always something fun to do.

This is the perfect moment to encourage creativity in your family by providing quality art supplies. Supporting your child’s artistic journey can lead to success in both creative expression and family bonding.

Tips for Choosing Supplies That Fit Your Child

Every young artist is different – some like drawing detailed pictures, others prefer bold colours and messy painting. Here are some tips to help you choose the right supplies:

• Look for supplies that match your child’s interests and skill level.
• Try different types of supplies to find the perfect fit.
• Check for non-toxic labels and recommended ages.
• Buying sets with a variety of tools can help stock up a supply kit.

Art supplies also make excellent gifts for creative children, whether for holidays, special occasions, or just because. A set of quality art supplies is a thoughtful birthday present that can inspire a child’s artistic passion.

Growing a Collection That Grows with Your Artist

As your child’s skills develop, their art supplies can grow too. Adding sketchbooks, watercolour pencils and more advanced brushes gives them new ways to create. Keeping a collection of supplies ready to go means your young artist can always try new projects.

As their interests and skills develop, parents and young artists can shop together for new art supplies to expand their collection.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best art supplies for young artists doesn’t have to be a difficult challenge. With a few key tools like good paper, colourful pencils, safe paints and craft basics, kids have everything they need to enjoy art and develop their skills. Many of these art supplies are perfect for school projects and classroom use, making them practical for both home and school environments. Creating a space for art and keeping supplies organised makes the whole process even more fun. Most of all, the right supplies help kids feel free to imagine, create and share their unique ideas every single day. Remember, there is no wrong way to be creative—encourage kids to explore and experiment freely.