Paper
Buy single sheets of the following drawing papers.
Rives BFK or Canson paper—used for charcoal, conté. For Canson paper, experiment with some mid-tone papers in a couple of colors (gray, blue, beige).
Or buy a Drawing or Charcoal pad that indicates it’s appropriate for charcoal. Paper should not be super smooth. (It won’t hold the charcoal.)
Newsprint or inexpensive sketch pad – used for warm-ups
Pencil sharpener that catches shavings – make sure it has openings to fit both conte pencils and charcoal pencils.
Charcoal – vine charcoal sticks (get medium and soft). Charcoal drawing pencils: soft, medium and hard. Compressed charcoal sticks. Also get white charcoal pencils.
Conté pencils: sanguine, black and white, optional
Kneaded eraser
Chamois cloth
Clips and clamps to hold paper on board
Cheap bristle brush – flat, can be used, mid-sized – 2 to 3”
Paper towels or rags
Masking tape
Where to purchase:
Plaza Art Materials in Fairfax -- sign up for their card (free) to get discounts and coupons via email.
The Art League store (Alexandria, VA -- in the Torpedo Factory)
Michael’s -- should be okay for these supplies
Online:
(I think it’s easier to purchase drawing supplies in person.)
