Art Equipment - Resources for Artists

Drawing Boards 

Drawing board - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A drawing board (also drawing table, drafting table or architect's table) is, in its antique form, a kind of multipurpose desk which can be used for any ...

Drawing Boards - BLICK art materials

From Dick Blick Art Materials - Find all types of drawing boards, including cardboard drawing surfaces, watercolor paper stretching boards, and drafting ...

Guerrilla Painter - Watercolor Board

A high quality precision device designed to tightly stretch watercolor paper. As the screws on the edge of the board are tightened, tension is placed on the outside edges of the paper. After the paper has dried, the paper will stay flat and buckle-free during wet washes. Holds 140 lb. - 300 lb. paper. Universal tripod mount on base allows you to attach this set up to a tripod. Comfortable carrying handle. Extruded aluminum and hard board.

Faber Castell - TK System Drawing Boards

TK-System Drawing Boards made of high-impact plastic materials and are light weight and extra stable

Heaton Cooper Studio Ltd > Drawing Boards

Art shop with online purchase of art materials and art supplies. A variety of drawing boards

Ester Roi - Fine Art - Introducing the Icarus drawing Board

The Icarus Drawing Board is a portable drawing with two temperature zones - a warm zone and a cool zone

Drawing Aids 

The Color Wheel Company: Gray Scale and Value Finder

Manufacturer of Color Wheels from RBY to CMYK to web safe colors. Colot Theory tools. ViewCatcher, Watercolor Wheels, Grayscale & Value Finder, Web Wheel, and other educational materials and color mixing guides for artists, crafters, and designers.

Heaton Cooper Studio Ltd > Colour Shapers

An artists' tool, like a brush but with a rubber silicone tip Choice of firm or soft tip. Useful in watercolour for moving colour around precisely, also for applying masking fluid accurately (the firm tipped shaper is favoured for this). Durable and cleaned easily and quickly.

Heaton Cooper Studio Ltd > Stumps and Tortillons

Disposable rolled paper tools for blending pastel, charcoal and pencil work. Stumps are densely rolled, tortillions loosely.

Heaton Cooper Studio Ltd > Colour Shaper Pastel Blending Tool

Ffor good control in blending, shaping and smudging. Double-ended tool, one end chisel tip shaper, the other a spongy blender. Silicon tips simply wipe clean.

T N Lawrence & Son Ltd - Lascaux and Sennelier Fixative and spray diffuser

Lascaux and Sennelier Fixative and spray diffuser

GreatArt : drafting brush / drawing broom

Drawing Broom - Lathed wooden handle, with finest goat hair bristles. Trusted for many years and excellent value for money.

Great Art - Drawing Accessories,

Cappelletto Drawing Board, Derwent Pencil Wrap, Cretacolor Graphite Powder, Transportation Tube, Drawing Broom, Blending Sticks, Clip Compasses

Blackmouse - Variscaler

Use variscaler to improve your drawing skills, scale objects or images to fit and ensure your perspective is correct

Pencils 

The Cult Pens Guide to Mechanical Pencils

Cult Pens - The Knowledge - Mechanical Pencils

The Cult Pens Guide to Lead Hardness

Cult Pens Pencyclopedia Lead Hardness

Pencil Sharpeners 

Making a Mark: Two new electric sharpeners

My Jakar Electric Pencil Sharpener is Model 5151(V-8). Its quite big and heavy with dimensions of 3.3" x 4.3" x 6.5" and a weight of 2.5lb or 1.1kg.

Making a Mark: Two new sharpeners - from Prismacolor and Panasonic

I'd like to share the two new sharpeners I got while visiting the USA

Making a Mark: The isharpener - a USB powered pencil sharpener

When you insert a pencil, it emits flashing LEDs - yes folks, that's flashing lights - in three different colours - while you sharpen your pencil in a sharpener plugged into a USB plugged into your computer

Making a Mark: Art Equipment - and more Pencil Sharpeners

More on the subject of pencil sharpeners - a subject which absorbs many artists who use coloured pencils. I'm including this post - and any others relating to my studio/plein air tools and equipment in my new squidoo lens Art Equipment - Resources for Artists.

This post covers Faber Castell pencil sharpeners

Faber Castell - Grip system

The Faber Castell Grip pencil Sharpener has holes for fat pencils, normal pencils and coloured pencils. I use it all the time for sketching outside my home.

Artifolk - Jakar Electric Pencil Sharpener

Jakar Electric Pencil Sharpener - This electric pencil sharpener from Jakar is mains powered with an automatic stop to prevent over-sharpening and pencil waste. It is suitable for graphite and all good quality coloured pencils up to a maximum thickness of 8mm. For safety, the electric sharpener will

Artifolk - Jakar Spare Cutter Blade for Electric and Large Desktop Sharpeners

Jakar Spare Cutter Blade for Electric and Large Desktop Sharpeners - This spare cutter is for the Jakar mains powered pencil sharpener and the Jakar desktop sharpener.

Faber Castell Green Pencil Sharpening Machine

Faber Castell Green Pencil Sharpening Machine - This traditional pencil sharpener from Faber Castell comes with a desk clamp and a large receptacle for catching all the pencil shavings.

UKCPS - Sharpening Tools

This is a list of some sharpening tools that you might or might not find useful, with hopefully some indication of how they might be used and where to get them. Please bear in mind that the views expressed here are the personal views of the UKCPS webmaster, Bob Ebdon, or other named artists, and should not be attributed to the UKCPS. If you have anything you wish to add here, or correct, please contact Bob.

Great Art - Sharpeners

Aluminium Double Drum Sharpener, Elliptic Line Sharpener, Dux Graphite Pencil Sharpener, Dahle Sharpening Machine, Traditional Metal Sharpener

Erasers 

aka "rubbers" in the UK

Making a Mark: My electric eraser

Using an electric eraser for the first time is rather startling - one never knew that a small stub of eraser could move so fast - then it starts to be rather satisfying as you begin to realise that erasing marks will now become a totally different experience. No more frustration with smearing. No more holes in the paper. From now on it's clean living...........

UKCPS - Tools - Erasers

This is a list of some erasing tools that you might or might not find useful, with hopefully some indication of how they might be used and where to get them.

Staedtler - Erasers

Discover the STAEDTLER erasers with an improved formula for superb results when erasing graphite, ink and drawing ink on matt drafting film and overhead transparancies

Staedtler Mars Plastic Eraser

Premium quality - 65 x 23 x 13 mm
* For graphite on paper and matt drafting film
* For OHP pen on overhead film
* Practically residue-free erasing
* Easy to remove eraser waste thanks to minimal crumbling
* Slide sleeve for convenient handling

Cult Pens Staedtler Mars Plastic Eraser Holder

Cult Pens Staedtler Mars Plastic Eraser Holder

An eraser in pen style. High-quality Mars plastic eraser core in a plastic holder, fully-retractable on a simple ratchet mechanism. Easy, convenient and precise erasing. Replacement eraser cores also available.

Staedtler Mars Plastic Eraser - BLICK art materials

This superior quality soft white eraser removes graphite marks cleanly and completely from paper, vellum, and drafting film. Includes eraser sleeve for easy handling.

Paper Mate - Tuff Stuff

Small diameter tuff stuff mechanical pencil eraser for precision erasing. Soft & pliable - won't tear paper. For clean and precise erasing!

This is the eraser which can erase pastel on abrasive paper - recommended to me by Dianna Ponting.

Faber Castell - Erasers

High-quality erasers from Faber-Castell - including classic, combination and dust-free erasers

Artifolk - Blutak

Bostik Blu Tack is the original re-useable adhesive is the innnovative way for the artist to erase very, very precisely, moulding a fine point to dab at pastel and pencil work. Use the same technique to clean up mistakes, dirty marks and so on. The list of uses is endless.

Use it as a permanent or temporary alternative to sticky tape and drawing pins.

Erasers - BLICK art materials

An excellent range of erasing tools and materials

Great Art - Rubbers

Maped Natural India Rubber, Faber-Castell Perfection Eraser Pencil, Dust Free Eraser, Cretacolor Kneadable Eraser, Maped Kneadable Rubber, Soft Drawing Eraser

Making a Mark reviews......: Product Review: Jakar Battery Operated Eraser Pen

One of my favourite pieces of art equipment is my Jakar Battery Operated Eraser Pen. In fact I'd go as far as saying this is an essential piece of kit for me. I know I can't stop myself from stockpiling reserves against the awful day when it finally disappears from view.

Waterbrushes 

Making a Mark reviews......: Product review: Pentel Waterbrush

Technical Details:

* made in Japan by Pentel
* nylon tipped brush pen with one way valve and barrel to supply water
* barrel can be filled with plain water OR a dilute solution of any water-soluble art medium (the best being artists' inks, watercolours or gouache)
* provides a constant supply of water when the brush applied to paper; squeeze the barrel to control the flow
* Pentel Aquash comes in three sizes - fine (10mm), medium (13mm) and broad (17mm) - see Heaton Cooper website for a very good photo of the different sizes of Aquash waterbrush pen
* Derwent now supply two sizes - small and medium

Russ Stutler - Observations on the Waterbrush

Russ Stutler's observations on waterbrushes such as those made by Pentel and Kuretake, including Zig and others

Roz Wound Up: Pentel Brush Pens: The Pocket Brush and the Color Brush

I get a lot of questions about which Pentel brush pen I am using. Consequently I try to always be specific when I post a journal page using one of these tools on my website journal postings.

This post is my attempt to be even more crystal clear about these two pens and their attributes so that if you are interested in trying a brush pen you can know exactly what you are getting, and what results or working capabilities you can expect.

Brush, pen and pencil cases and containers 

Artifolk - Pro Arte Zipped Brush Cases

Pro Arte is a specialist brush manufacturer with years of development and experience behind it. These smart matt black zipped brush cases are ideal for storing all your brushes (not included).

Heaton Cooper Studio Ltd > Pen & Pencil Cases and Boxes

Pen & Pencil Cases and Boxes

Winsor Newton Signature Canvas Pencil Wrap

The carrier is made of tan-colored heavy cotton canvas and is trimmed in chocolate leather.

Drawing Accessories - Derwent Pencil Wrap - ArtiFolk Art & Craft ...

Derwent Pencil Wrap - Derwent have created a quality, stylish pencil wrap for carrying and protecting up to 30 pencils and accessories. (Not included).

Fixatives 

Great Art - Fixatives

Schmincke Aeropump, Marabu Lacquer Spray, Lascaux Fixative, Winsor & Newton Aerosol Fixative, Talens Concentrated Fixative

Fixative - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wiktionary, the free dictionary. A fixative is a stabilizing or preservative agent: ... Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixative" ...

How to Apply Spray Fixative

How to apply fixative spray - learn how to correctly apply spray fixatives to drawings - pastel, charcoal or graphite.

Krylon #1306 Workable Matte Fixative - BLICK art materials

Gives lasting protection to pencil, charcoal and chalk, yet erases easily. Clear, matte fixative is easy to work with. Dries in seconds, doesn't wrinkle, ...

UK Art Suppliers - Drawing Accessories 

Artifolk - Drawing accessories

Artists' essentials - Winsor & Newton erasers, KUM pencil sharpeners, stumps and tortillions. A wide range of sketching and drawing accessories, from Jakar battery erasers to Cretacolor putty rubbers, even a choice between Derwent and Faber Castell pencil wraps.

USA Art Suppliers - Drawing Accessories 

Drawing and Illustration - BLICK art materials

Drawing and Illustration - tools and accessories; books and videos/DVDs

The Pastel Pointers Blog - Seeing Red

Richar McKinley comments on value scales and the use of red plastic

Pastels 

Equipment used by pastel artists

Heilman Pastel box

Available in Three sizes!
All sizes have Tripod receptors!
BACKPACK Box: 10-1/2"x13"x2-1/4", 3.25 llbs
Original Box: 12-1/2"x 16"x 3-5/8", 6.5 lbs
Large Box: 14-1/2" x 17"x 3-5/8",8.75 lbs.      

Designed with input from Pastel Artists and Instructors who wanted a handy, secure box. Used and recommended by artists Albert Handell, Anita West, Richard McKinley, Maggie Price, Margaret Evans, Lorenzo Chavez, Glenna Hartmann, Stephanie Birdsall, Alan Flattmann,Richard McDaniel and many others who use it in the field and studio.               

Easels 

Great Art - Easels

Studio Easels, Tripod Easels, Portable Easels, Table & Display Easels, Storage & Display, Accessories

Paintings of France, Italy and Beyond » Plein air easels (or “gotta-have-it-itis”)

Plein air easels (or "gotta-have-it-itis")
If you're an artist, (or if you're married to one) you may by now be familiar with a common artist-borne affliction: ?gotta-have-it-itis?...........While in recovery, I thought I'd at least share some of my experiences with a few ?tools of the trade?. Who knows? Maybe it will help a fellow artist or two with their decision-making process.

I'll start with what can be one of the most expensive tools? the easel. As both a plein air and studio artist, I ?gotta have? at least a couple of versions of this item in order to more easily do what I need to do.

Paintings of France, Italy and Beyond » Plein air easels- the pochade box

Picking up on my previous post about artist easels, today I'll discuss plein air easel #2; my first pochade box. The word ?pochade? comes from the French word ?pocher? meaning ?to sketch?. Popularized in 19th century by landscape painters such as the Impressionists, a pochade box was a small wooden sketch box (sometimes called a ?thumb box?) with a hinged lid that could be held in the hand, to easily take into the field for small sketches and painting studies (pochades.) Today, what we call a pochade box comes in many different sizes beyond the tiny hand-held variety.

Paintings of France, Italy and Beyond » Soltek- the ultimate plein air easel?

Easel #3: The Soltek. All hail and bow down to the mother of all plein air easels! Okay, my Soltek has had its problems, but I still love this easel. The Soltek is a portable easel that seems to be in a class by itself. It is both ?space age? in technical design, and extremely flexible in its configuration:

Paintings of France, Italy and Beyond » Plein Air Easels- A pochade box for travel

With the airline regulations being what they are, it has become more and more of a challenge trying to figure out what items to check (if any) and what items to carry on in the ever-diminishing size of the acceptable carry on bag. While I may not be able to bring all of my art supplies with me on the plane, I prefer to have my easel in my carry-on. When traveling overseas, this sometimes means carrying my bag while running to make a flight connection, so a lightweight and compact bag becomes all the more important.

Art Fair - Print Racks / Showcases 

Ideal for displaying prints and unframed original artwork

Richeson Ambrosia Print Rack - BLICK art materials

An attractive showcase for studio, gallery, art fair - or take it anywhere. Durable and sturdy, the Richeson Ambrosia Print Rack opens to hold numerous pieces of all sizes.

The print rack is made from environmentally friendly, renewable lyptus hardwood. Assembly required.

Richeson Steel Print Rack - BLICK art materials

For organising unframed prints, posters, and paintings
Richeson's heavy-duty black steel print rack holds a large volume of matted or mounted artwork in a minimal amount of space - suitable for studio, classroom, or at an art show or gallery.

Four casters make it a breeze to move everything from one location to another. The rack is ideal for artwork up to 30" H × 40" W. Assembly is required.

Avanti Print Rack - BLICK art materials

Constructed of elm with a hand-rubbed linen oil finish. The platform is equipped with a ribbed/non-skid rubberized surface to prevent prints from shifting.

Watercolour aids 

Tynedale Fine Art Products - Keba Artmates

The Kebaartmate is a revolutionary artists' stretcher from Sweden, made from high quality lightweight anodised Aluminium, it has been carefully designed by artists' to provide an easy to use and truly practical solution to stretching all watercolour papers

Palettes 

The Robert E. Wood Palette - BLICK art materials

This large, lightweight, covered palette keeps colors moist. The Robert E. Wood palette is really two palettes in one - the cover with its four extra large wells doubles as a palette.

The interior palette has two large mixing areas and 24 deep, slanted pigment wells. It's made of durable, stain-resistant white plastic, and it's easy to clean. Dimensions are 12" × 16".

Richeson Lock Box - BLICK art materials

This is an economical, virtually air-tight palette that maintains a moist environment for partially used watercolors, oils, or acrylics for days, even weeks.

Butcher Tray Palette - BLICK art materials

These genuine Chinese trays are authentic replicas of the original American butcher trays. They have a convex center (water will run to the edge). They may occasionally have a chip on the rim, but this will not affect the working surface for the artist. Porcelain enamel over metal.

Daylight Bulbs and Studio Lighting - suppliers 

Bulbs & tubes - Daylight™ Art & Craft

Daylight bulbs and tubes for Arts and Crafts

Choosing Daylight Bulbs - (UK) Light bulbs, halogen lamps, spot lights and tubes by mail order in the UK

Light bulbs, halogen lamps, spot lights and tubes by mail order in the UK

High Definition Natural Daylight Lighting Systems from OTT-LITE Technology.

OTTLITE Natural Daylight For Everything You Do.

Broad Vs Daylight Spectrum Bulbs - Light Therapy Bulbs - Lumie

Broad vs daylight spectrum bulbs

Broad spectrum bulbs (our standard option) include wavelengths from across the spectrum and emit a warm white light. Colour temperature of around 3500K.

Daylight spectrum bulbs mimic natural sunlight so colours are more true to life. They emit cool, blue-white light. Colour temperature of around 5400K.

Daylight Lamps - Art, Crafts & Hobbies, Low Vision, Home & Office Lighting

The Daylight energy saving technology reduces eye strain and improves contrast so you can enjoy the true colours of your work and read for longer in optimal comfort.

Mount Cutters 

Lyra Framing

A range of Logan Mount Cutters available from a UK supplier (Lyra)

Lyra Framing - Cutting Mats

A range of cutting mats in different sizes

Lyra Framing - tape and blades

A range of tape and blades for Lyra mount cutters and other accessories

Plein Air Toolkits 

handprint : plein air painting kit

Plein air paint kit:
It took me many months of experimentation to settle on a field kit for painting outdoors and to take with me on vacation. Equipment choices are highly personal, and every painter has his or her unique outdoor working style and equipment requirements.

Landscapes Of The South: Blondheim Art Original Paintings

Being organized will help you with plein air painting. Over the years I have had just about every brand of French easel, pochade box, and gizmo you can imagine. It is important to decide early on what sort of set up suits your personality and your physical needs. I have severe RA and so it is very important for me to go light on equipment and materials when I'm in the field. The less I have to drag around with me the better.

Art Supplies UK the Discount Art Materials Supplier Artists umbrella at art supplies uk

Artists umbrella at art supplies uk Discount art material supplier for business schools, creative businesses and individuals.

daviddrawsandpaints: Painting 'En Plein Air'

My Outdoor Easel and DIY Easel Pal - Front View: The easel is about the cheapest I have every bought, and more importantly the lightest. It is made of something like Obechi wood which feels and looks something like balsa (ha!) but is in fact quite sturdy.

Folding Chairs and Stools - for plein air work 

Making a Mark reviews......: Product Review: Phillips De Luxe Folding Chair

A high quality sketching chair which is very sturdy and very reliable. Not cheap but well worth the investment. Lightweight and easy to carry - but you need a spare hand.

Making a Mark reviews......: Product Review: Blacks Compact Stool (for sketching)

A robust but light folding stool which is very easy to carry by hand or in a backpack.

Green & Stone Art Materials - folding stools and chairs

Green and Stone stock the Phillips Folding Chair which I use for plein air work. It's travelled very many air miles with no problem at all - except for the fact that it travelled even further than me during security alerts as it always causes interest!

Heaton Cooper Studio Ltd > Seat Easels, Chairs and Stools

Seat Easels, Chairs and Stools - including my favourite and very used Phillips De Luxe Folding Chair

Blacks - Compact ChairBLK AW06 Chairs and Stools(BLG Base Catalog)

This chair folds up and is made with a strong steel frame and polyester fabric.
- Open size 56x86x90cm high
- Folds to 14x14x90cm
- Weight 3kg
I bought mine with a black bag holdall which helps with carrying although it's not the easiest of chairs to carry.

Richeson Backpack/Seat Combo - BLICK art materials

This durable, soft-sided organizer functions as both a comfy seat and an easy-to-transport backpack. The bag is 100% canvas with a vinyl waterproof lining. Four pockets are secured by heavy-duty nylon zippers. The lightweight seat frame is made from black enameled steel tubing that opens for plein air painting or just lounging, and folds flat when you're ready to hit the road. The canvas seat is wrapped around the frame and double stitched for strength. Two adjustable straps are clipped to rings on the frame.

Artifolk - wooden tripod stool with leather seat

Artists' Wooden Tripod Stool - A handy, authentic leather seated three leg wooden artists' stool which folds flat for transportation and storage.
This has alway struck me as fine for those who are smaller and lighter!

Artifolk - folding travel chair

Artists' Folding Travel Chair - This well priced, lightweight metal artists' chair is designed for portability, but still offering comfort. The chair, including the back, folds down flat for storage and transportation.

This looks like a very cheap version of the one I use. Possibly less durable during air transport?

Artifolk

Artists' Seat Bags - Great value for money, these two artists' seat bags are both lightweight and fold flat for easy storage and transportation.

Judsons Art Outfitters - Back Pack Chair and Umbrella

(from site) Sturdy construction and reinforced legs make this a stable option for artists and outdoor enthusiasts. Padded shoulder straps and a rear storage pouch will allow you to carry this comfortable chair on your back during day trips. Supports up to 200 lbs. Seat height is 11". Folds down to 23' x 20' x 2 1/2". Weight with umbrella is 9 lbs.

Umbrella is held on by a easy adjusting clamp that can also be used in conjunction with your pochade box or french easel (see item #912, the Umbrella Hardware Mounting Kit). The umbrella is 40" high and 32" in diameter. Folds down to 28".

Judsons Art Outfitters - Roll-A-Chair

(from site)Roll-A-Chair is made of extremely strong 1" diameter aluminum alloy tubing. The seat is made from three layers of polyester fabric, making it extremely comfortable. 26½" high folded, 18½" high unfolded. Can support up to 250 lbs. Adjustable shoulder strap included. 1½ lbs.

Judsons Art Outfitters - Cooler Chair and Umbrella

(from site) The perfect answer for where to keep your lunch chilled or hot during a day of painting outdoors. The cooler may also be used to store art supplies. Supports up to 250 lbs. Seat height is 18". Folds down to 23" x 16" x 3".

Umbrella is held on by a easy adjusting clamp that can also be used in conjunction with your pochade box or french easel (see item #912, the Umbrella Hardware Mounting Kit). The umbrella is 40" high and 32" in diameter. Folds down to 28".

Heaton Cooper Studio Ltd > Phillips Bag Stool

Tubular aluminium frame, compact and easily portable with a shoulder strap.
Spacious integral bag with zipped side pocket.
Seat height 18 inch (46 cms), In green Cordura fabric

Walkstool Portable Stool - BLICK art materials

(from site) Comfortable, portable, and strong, this lightweight stool is perfectly balanced for low angle photography or remote painting.

Aluminum construction with a large mesh seat provides outstanding comfort for long periods of time. Telescopic legs make the stool easy to collapse or extend. The stool can support up to 440 lb (200 kg), with large rubber feet that prevent it from sinking into soft surfaces. It also includes a handy carrying/storage pouch and a belt loop for easy transport. It comes in three sizes offering three different heights.

Making a Mark: In praise of my sketching chairs

This post is about my two sketching chairs - I recommend both of them. People who have commented on this post also recommend some alternatives

Bags, Backpacks, Totes and Trollies 

The one bag which will carry all you need for plein air work

The Guerrilla Painter Web Site

Guerrilla Painter - Boxes; Guerrilla Box Accessories; Setup for Oils; Setup for Watermedia

Guerrilla Painter - FAQS

Explanation with pictures of set-ups for painting plein air

ArtBin Studio Pak Art Backpack - BLICK art materials

The backpack is made of durable, black polyester with padded back straps for comfort and has an easy grip handle on top. Compartments abound for brushes, markers, and other tools of the trade. Specially designed pockets stow away the essential water bottle and an iPod or MP3 player. There's even an opening to pull through the earphone cord.

Folding Chairs and Stools - BLICK art materials

Choice of 3

Artist Backpack And Seat

Artist Backpack And Seat - ARTIST BACKPACK AND SEAT

Tran Rolling Art Cart - BLICK art materials

A rolling studio to go, with places for everything and everything in its place! Four outside pouches have zippers for easy access to your most frequently used items. Inside are two removable holders that will accommodate brushes, pencils, markers, scissors, and more.

Heaton Cooper Studio Ltd > 'PastelTote' from Artbin

Made from hard wearing water-resistant dark grey nylon, 19cm wide, 22cms high, 11cms deep. Zipped front and top, containing six pastel boxes with foam inserts. Could hold up to 150 standard size pastel sticks. Carrying handle and strap.