Online Class

Mastering Technique

Suggested Gear & Materials

You are welcome to use any pencil, paper or other gear you like. That said, for those interested, below is a listing of the gear and materials that I will be demonstrating and using in the online class.

You do NOT need to have the exact tools and brands below, but please be sure to have a drawing pencil, some kind of sharpener, kneaded eraser, blending stump, chamois towel and drawing pad or sketchbook.

Click on the links (underlined text) to view items at Amazon. You are also welcome to purchase them from your favorite art supplier.

My Drawing Gear & Materials

Pencil

I’m drawing larger these days, so I have upsized my pencil from a graphite holder to a full-sized pencil:

  • Mitsu-Bishi Uni Hi Wooden Pencil — 4B

    All of my most recent drawings have been drawn with this pencil. I love it. You can buy a box of 12 for under $20. That said, if you like using a graphite holder instead, you are welcome to use it in class.

Pencil Holder

When the pencil gets too small to hold comfortably, you can plug it into a pencil holder. Here is what I use:

Pencil and Pencil Holder

Sharpeners

When using a traditional drawing pencil, you will need at least one sharpener. Below are my choices:

  • Afmat Long Point Pencil Sharpener

    This is a larger studio sharpener that sharpens a pencil to the longest point I’ve ever seen.

  • Kum Automatic Long Point

    This is a good, inexpensive choice for a pocket-sized sharpener with casing to prevent litter.

  • Makers Cabinet Hovel Pencil Plane

    If you have the budget and love unique objects, this is your sharpener: actually a “pencil plane.” It takes skill to use it properly (I will demonstrate how I use mine in class). Do not try to sharpen a new un-sharpened pencil with this plane — best for resharpening pencils that have lost their point during use. If you buy this plane, be sure to also purchase the Hovel Base to prevent litter and some extra blades.

  • Other option: some artists prefer to use a knife to sharpen their pencils. This is fine when drawing at home and outside, but you won’t be able to use it in some settings (such as museums).

(Left) Afmat Long Point Pencil Sharpener, (Middle) Kum Automatic Long Point, and (right) Makers Cabinet Hovel Pencil Plane

Erasers

Erasers can be used for erasing, refining values, and even as drawing tools (for making light marks). Here is what I use:

Left to right: kneaded eraser, retractable eraser, and rechargeable eraser

Pens

We will NOT be using pens as part of this online class. That said, when I draw with pens, here are the kinds I use:

Top to bottom: Faber Castell PITT Artist Pen, and Sakura Sigma Micron Pen

Paper

Quality, heavier-weight paper is key to an enjoyable drawing experience and better finished drawing. Here is what I will be using in class:

  • Strathmore Series 400 Drawing Pad / 130gm (80lb.) / 24 sheets in various sizes / or Strathmore Series 400 Recycled Drawing Pad / 130gm (80lb.) / 24 sheets in various sizes

    I will be using the 9” x 12” size in class

Strathmore Series 400 Drawing Pads, regular (brown cover) and recycled (green cover)

Other Items

  • Blending stump — any brand is fine

  • Artist Chamois (pronounced “SHAM-ee”) — any brand is fine

  • Spray Workable Fixative, Matte — be sure to purchase a brand that says “Acid-Free” on the can / during class I will share some important tips on using this safely and effectively (not shown in photo below)

  • Small brush — I use a compact makeup brush to remove excess graphite or eraser shavings from a drawing

  • Small microfiber towel — to rest my hand on so I don’t smudge the drawing

  • Small pouch to hold drawing materials — any type or brand is fine (not shown in photo below)

(Top left) blending stumps, (top right) chamois towel, (bottom left) compact makeup brush, and (bottom right) small microfiber towel

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. I’ll see you online for class.

Thank you!

Richard
richard@sketchwithscott.com