5 Must-Have Supplies for Your Art Room
Whether you're a veteran art teacher or just starting out, having the right supplies in your art room can make all the difference. From paints to brushes, canvases to easels, this guide will help you stock up on the 10 essential supplies you need to help your students create their next masterpiece.
Quality Paints for Your Art Room
Quality paints are a must-have for any art room. Investing in high-quality paints will not only improve the overall look of your artwork, but it will also make the painting process smoother and more enjoyable. Look for paints that have a high pigment concentration, as these will produce more vibrant colors and better coverage. Brands like Winsor & Newton, Golden, and Liquitex are known for their high-quality paints and are worth the investment.
A Variety of Brushes in Your Art Room
A variety of brushes is essential for any art room. Different brushes are designed for different techniques and effects, so having a range of sizes and shapes will allow you to experiment and create a wider range of artwork. Look for brushes made from high-quality materials like natural hair or synthetic fibers, and consider investing in a few specialty brushes like fan brushes or liner brushes for more specific techniques. Don't forget to also have a good brush cleaner on hand to keep your brushes in top condition.
I love the Royal brand brushes! They always absolutely last the longest.
Canvas or Paper in the Art Room
The choice between canvas and paper ultimately depends on the type of artwork you plan to have your students create. Canvas is a popular choice for painting with acrylics or oils, as it provides a sturdy surface that can handle heavy layers of paint. Paper, on the other hand, is a more versatile option that can be used for a variety of mediums including watercolors, pastels, and charcoal. Consider the size and style of the planned artwork as well, as canvas is often used for larger pieces while paper is more commonly used for smaller works or sketches.
In fact, I like to use large canvases for collaborative painting projects. I also really like this type of paper for almost any project. I like this off white color because it helps the pigments in the media appear more opaque.
Palette Knives in the Art Room
Palette knives are an essential tool for any art student. These versatile knives can be used for mixing paint, applying texture, and creating unique effects on your canvas or paper. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs. A small, pointed knife is great for fine details, while a larger, rounded knife is perfect for blending and smoothing. Invest in a few different sizes and experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you. There are plenty of student-quality palette knives available on Amazon.
Easels in the Art Room
An easel is a must-have for any art room. It provides a sturdy and adjustable surface to hold your canvas or paper while you work. There are many different types of easels to choose from, including tabletop easels, standing easels, and even portable easels for outdoor painting. Consider the size of your classroom and the type of art you plan to have students create when choosing an easel. A standing easel may be best for larger canvases, while a tabletop easel is great for smaller pieces or for artists with limited space. It is totally fine to expect students to take turns with the larger easels. If you can afford a tabletop one for every student, that’s great too!
Conclusion
In conclusion, stocking your art room with these 5 essential supplies will set you up for success in your artistic endeavors. From quality paints to a variety of brushes, canvas or paper, a palette, and an easel, these supplies will help your students create beautiful artwork with ease. Investing in high-quality materials will not only improve the overall look of their work, but it will also make the artistic process smoother and more enjoyable. So don't forget to add these must-have supplies to your art room and let everyone’s creativity soar!
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I’m Amanda, and I align standards and integrate content to help teachers meet the needs of the Whole Child in art class! I have yet to find a standard that I couldn’t teach through art, and I want to share it all with you.
Not sure where to start with bringing art and content together? This freebie guide is packed with 25 ideas to align your art lessons with math and ELA standards. Your students will be crafting art and practicing algebraic thinking. Win-win!
I want all students to feel successful in the art room, so I created a standards-based Daffodil Collage lesson to do just that! The lesson includes an artist study, student reflection, and more, so push your artists to their full potential.
Follow along on my Instagram page for more tips on teaching the Whole Child in the art room!
Connecting art and content together doesn’t have to be mind-boggling. I’ve made it simple with 25 math and ELA art lesson starters - for free! Plus, I included 15 worksheets for students to reflect on their art-making journey.