Artist Tools | Art Moments

Artists have many tools at their disposal, both traditional and digital. Here is an overview of many of these artist tools, with links to much more detail about each and examples of their use.

Traditional Tools

Paintbrushes

Used for applying paint or ink to a surface, available in various sizes and shapes.

Pencils

Used for drawing or sketching, available in various grades of lead hardness. Visit Yonderoo for a complete guide on the best drawing pencils for artists.

Markers

Used for drawing, coloring, or writing, available in a wide variety of colors and tip sizes.

Alcohol-based markers – these markers use an alcohol-based ink that dries quickly and is waterproof, making it ideal for coloring and illustration work. They can blend easily and smoothly, making them popular for creating gradients and shading. Examples of alcohol-based markers include Copic markers, Prismacolor markers, and Winsor & Newton markers.
Water-based markers – these markers use a water-based ink that is easy to blend and create washes of color. They are often used for calligraphy, lettering, and mixed media work. Examples of water-based markers include Tombow Dual Brush pens, Staedtler Triplus Fineliners, and Faber-Castell PITT artist pens.
Oil-based markers – these markers use an oil-based ink that is permanent and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including glass, metal, and plastic. They can create fine lines and opaque color, making them ideal for labeling and signage work. Examples of oil-based markers include Sharpie oil-based paint markers and Sakura Solid Paint Markers.
Paint markers – these markers use a paint-based ink that is opaque and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, paper, and wood. They can create fine lines and bold, opaque colors, making them ideal for mixed media work, graffiti, and street art. Examples of paint markers include Molotow ONE4ALL markers and Posca paint markers.
- Fine tip paint markers (gallery of examples)
Brush markers – these markers have a flexible brush tip that can create a variety of line widths and shapes. They are often used for calligraphy, lettering, and brush painting. Examples of brush markers include Tombow Fudenosuke brush pens and Pentel Sign Pen Brush Tip.
Chalk markers – these markers use a water-based ink that is designed to be used on non-porous surfaces, such as glass or chalkboards. They create a bright and opaque line that can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth. Examples of chalk markers include Chalkola chalk markers and Posca chalk markers.

Pens

Used for writing or drawing, available in various types such as ballpoint, gel, or fountain.

Ballpoint pens – these pens use a small ball bearing to transfer ink to the paper, creating a smooth and consistent line. They are often used for writing and sketching. Examples of ballpoint pens include the Pilot G2 and the Bic Cristal.
Fountain pens – these pens use a nib to transfer ink to the paper, creating a line that varies in width depending on the pressure applied. They are often used for calligraphy, lettering, and drawing. Examples of fountain pens include the Lamy Safari and the Pilot Metropolitan.
Gel pens – these pens use a gel-based ink that is known for its smoothness and vibrancy. They are often used for coloring, drawing, and writing. Examples of gel pens include the Uni-ball Signo and the Sakura Gelly Roll.
Brush pens – these pens have a flexible brush tip that can create a variety of line widths and shapes. They are often used for calligraphy, lettering, and brush painting. Examples of brush pens include the Tombow Fudenosuke and the Pentel Pocket Brush.
Technical pens – these pens use a fine point tip to create precise, clean lines. They are often used for technical drawing, drafting, and illustration. Examples of technical pens include the Rotring Isograph and the Staedtler Mars.
Marker pens – these pens use a felt or brush tip to create bold, opaque lines. They are often used for coloring, drawing, and lettering. Examples of marker pens include the Sharpie and the Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen.
Calligraphy pens – these pens are specifically designed for calligraphy and have a variety of nibs to create different line widths and styles. Examples of calligraphy pens include the Manuscript Calligraphy Set and the Speedball Calligraphy Kit.

Charcoal

Used for drawing or sketching, available in sticks or pencils.

Vine charcoal – This is the most commonly used type of charcoal. It is made from natural grape vines, and is soft and easy to blend. It is available in thin or thick sticks, and is ideal for sketching and drawing.
Willow charcoal – This type of charcoal is similar to vine charcoal, but is made from willow twigs. It is slightly harder and darker than vine charcoal, and is often used for shading and tonal work.
Compressed charcoal – This is a denser form of charcoal that is compressed into sticks or blocks. It is darker and less brittle than vine or willow charcoal, and is ideal for creating bold, dark lines and large areas of shading.
Charcoal pencils – These are pencils that are made from compressed charcoal. They are available in various grades of hardness, and are useful for creating precise lines and detailed drawings.
Powdered charcoal – This is finely ground charcoal that is available in loose powder form. It is often used for creating soft, delicate shading, and can be applied with a brush or a cloth.
White charcoal – This is a type of charcoal that is made from compressed white chalk. It is used to create highlights and add contrast to drawings.
Colored charcoal – This is a type of charcoal that is mixed with pigments to create a range of colors. It is used for adding color to drawings and for creating unique effects.

Oil paints

Used for painting, available in tubes or jars, and require solvents for cleaning.

Artist-grade oil paints: These are the highest quality oil paints available, made with high pigment concentration and mixed with high-quality binders. They are known for their excellent color saturation, lightfastness, and durability. Some popular brands of artist-grade oil paints include Winsor & Newton, Old Holland, and Rembrandt.
Student-grade oil paints: These are less expensive than artist-grade paints and are designed for beginner and intermediate artists. They have a lower pigment concentration and are often mixed with lower quality binders. Some popular brands of student-grade oil paints include Daler Rowney, Winton, and Blick Studio.
Water-soluble oil paints: These oil paints are designed to be thinned and cleaned up with water, instead of solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits. They are a great option for artists who prefer to work without strong chemical odors or for those who work in small spaces. Popular brands of water-soluble oil paints include Winsor & Newton Artisan and Holbein Duo Aqua.
Alkyd oil paints: These are fast-drying oil paints that are mixed with alkyd resins. They dry more quickly than traditional oil paints and have a harder, more durable finish. Alkyd oil paints are often used by artists who prefer to work quickly or who need their paintings to dry more quickly. Some popular brands of alkyd oil paints include Winsor & Newton Griffin Alkyd and Gamblin FastMatte.
Open or slow-drying oil paints: These oil paints are designed to dry more slowly than traditional oil paints, allowing artists to work with them for a longer period of time. They are often used by artists who prefer to blend colors or who work on large, complex compositions. Some popular brands of open or slow-drying oil paints include Winsor & Newton Artisan and Golden OPEN.

Acrylic paints

Used for painting, available in tubes or jars, and can be cleaned up with water.

Artist-grade acrylic paints: These are the highest quality acrylic paints available, made with high pigment concentration and mixed with high-quality binders. They are known for their excellent color saturation, lightfastness, and durability. Some popular brands of artist-grade acrylic paints include Golden, Liquitex, and Winsor & Newton.
Student-grade acrylic paints: These paints are less expensive than artist-grade paints and are designed for beginner and intermediate artists. They have a lower pigment concentration and are often mixed with lower quality binders. Some popular brands of student-grade acrylic paints include Blick Studio, Liquitex Basics, and Winsor & Newton Galeria.
Heavy body acrylic paints: These are thick and buttery acrylic paints that retain brushstrokes and texture. They are often used for impasto techniques and are a popular choice for artists who prefer a thick, expressive paint. Some popular brands of heavy body acrylic paints include Golden Heavy Body, Liquitex Heavy Body, and Winsor & Newton Artists’ Acrylics.
Fluid acrylic paints: These are thin and runny acrylic paints that are often used for pouring and other fluid techniques. They are highly pigmented and are designed to flow easily across a surface. Some popular brands of fluid acrylic paints include Golden Fluid Acrylics, Liquitex Professional Soft Body, and Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylics.
Acrylic ink: These are highly pigmented acrylic paints in a liquid form, often used for fine art and illustration work. They are available in a wide range of colors and can be applied with a brush, pen, or airbrush. Some popular brands of acrylic ink include Liquitex Professional Acrylic Ink, Daler Rowney FW Acrylic Ink, and Golden High Flow Acrylics.
Acrylic spray paint: These are acrylic paints in aerosol form, often used for street art and large-scale murals. They are available in a wide range of colors and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including walls, metal, and wood. Some popular brands of acrylic spray paint include Montana Gold, Liquitex Professional Spray Paint, and Krylon Artist Spray Paint.

Watercolors

Used for painting, available in tubes or pans, and require water for dilution and cleaning.

Artist-grade watercolors: These are the highest quality watercolors available, made with high pigment concentration and mixed with high-quality binders. They are known for their excellent color saturation, lightfastness, and transparency. Some popular brands of artist-grade watercolors include Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor, Schmincke Horadam Aquarell, and Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors.
Student-grade watercolors: These paints are less expensive than artist-grade paints and are designed for beginner and intermediate artists. They have a lower pigment concentration and are often mixed with lower quality binders. Some popular brands of student-grade watercolors include Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor, Reeves Watercolor, and Daler Rowney Aquafine Watercolor.
Pan watercolors: These watercolors are dried into small cakes or pans, and are activated with water before use. They are a popular choice for traveling or painting outdoors, as they are easy to transport and use. Some popular brands of pan watercolors include Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor, Koi Watercolor, and Prima Marketing Watercolor Confections.
Tube watercolors: These watercolors come in tubes and are squeezed out onto a palette before use. They are often preferred by artists who require larger quantities of paint or who want to create custom mixes. Some popular brands of tube watercolors include Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor, Schmincke Horadam Aquarell, and Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors.
Liquid watercolors: These are highly concentrated watercolors in a liquid form, often used for calligraphy, lettering, and other fine art applications. They are available in a wide range of colors and can be mixed with water to create custom shades. Some popular brands of liquid watercolors include Dr. Ph. Martin’s Radiant Concentrated Watercolors, Ecoline Liquid Watercolors, and Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Markers.
Gouache: Gouache is a watercolor paint that is made with a higher pigment concentration and mixed with white pigment to create an opaque, matte finish. It is often used for illustration work and can be reactivated with water even after it has dried. Some popular brands of gouache include Winsor & Newton Designers’ Gouache, Holbein Artists’ Gouache, and M. Graham Gouache.

Pastels

Soft pastels: These are the most common type of pastels used by artists. They are made of pure pigment and a small amount of binder, which makes them soft and easy to blend. Soft pastels are available in a wide range of colors and are ideal for creating delicate, detailed artwork. Some popular brands of soft pastels include Rembrandt Soft Pastels, Sennelier Soft Pastels, and Schmincke Soft Pastels.
Oil pastels: These pastels are made of pigment, wax, and oil, which gives them a buttery texture that can be blended and mixed easily. They are often used for drawing, sketching, and creating impasto effects. Oil pastels are available in a wide range of colors and are resistant to smudging and fading. Some popular brands of oil pastels include Sennelier Oil Pastels, Holbein Artists’ Oil Pastels, and Caran d’Ache Neopastels.
Hard pastels: These pastels are made of the same materials as soft pastels, but with a higher ratio of binder. This makes them harder and more resistant to breaking, but also less blendable. Hard pastels are ideal for creating sharp lines and edges, and are often used for underpainting and detailing. Some popular brands of hard pastels include Faber-Castell Polychromos Pastels, Cretacolor Carre Pastels, and Conte a Paris Pastel Pencils.
Pan pastels: These pastels are similar to makeup powders and come in pans that can be applied with a sponge or brush. They are highly pigmented and can be blended and layered easily. Pan pastels are ideal for creating soft, atmospheric effects and are often used for landscape and portrait work. Some popular brands of pan pastels include PanPastel Colors, Rembrandt PanPastels, and Sofft Tools.
Pastel pencils: These are pastels in pencil form, which makes them easy to use for drawing and sketching. They are available in a wide range of colors and can be blended with a finger or a blending tool. Pastel pencils are ideal for creating detailed work and for adding highlights and details to pastel drawings. Some popular brands of pastel pencils include Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils, Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils, and Derwent Pastel Pencils.

Clay

Used for sculpting, available in various types such as earthenware, stoneware, or porcelain.

Earthenware clay: This is a low-fire clay that is porous and not very durable. It is often used for making decorative objects, such as pottery, figurines, and sculptures. Earthenware clay is available in a range of colors and textures and can be glazed for a glossy finish.
Stoneware clay: This is a high-fire clay that is dense, strong, and durable. It is often used for making functional objects, such as plates, bowls, and mugs. Stoneware clay is available in a range of colors and can be glazed for a variety of finishes.
Porcelain clay: This is a high-fire clay that is translucent, smooth, and delicate. It is often used for making decorative objects, such as vases, figurines, and jewelry. Porcelain clay is available in a range of colors and can be glazed for a glossy finish.
Polymer clay: This is a type of clay that is made of a synthetic plastic material. It is often used for making jewelry, sculptures, and small decorative objects. Polymer clay is available in a wide range of colors and can be baked to harden it.
Air-dry clay: This is a type of clay that dries naturally in the air, without the need for firing. It is often used for making small decorative objects, such as figurines and ornaments. Air-dry clay is available in a range of colors and textures and can be painted after it has dried.
Paper clay: This is a type of clay that is made of paper fibers and a clay binder. It is often used for making lightweight sculptures and decorative objects. Paper clay is available in a range of colors and can be painted after it has dried.
Oil-based clay: This is a type of clay that does not dry or harden, making it ideal for creating maquettes, sculpting and mold-making. It can also be used in animation and prop making. Oil-based clay is available in a range of colors and textures, and can be easily reworked and reused. Some popular brands of oil-based clay include Monster Clay, Chavant NSP, and Roma Plastilina.

Pottery wheel

Used for shaping clay into pottery, available in various sizes and types.

Electric pottery wheels: These are the most common type of pottery wheels used by potters. They are powered by an electric motor and are controlled by a foot pedal. Electric pottery wheels are ideal for beginners as they are easy to use and can be adjusted to different speeds. Some popular brands of electric pottery wheels include Shimpo, Brent, and Skutt.
Kick wheels: These pottery wheels are powered by a foot pedal and are operated by the potter’s own foot. They require more skill and practice to use than electric pottery wheels but are preferred by some potters for their tactile and responsive feel. Kick wheels are also ideal for potters who prefer to work without electricity or who work in a remote location.
Mini pottery wheels: These are small, tabletop pottery wheels designed for small-scale pottery projects. They are often used by hobbyists or students who want to learn the basics of pottery without investing in a larger pottery wheel. Mini pottery wheels are available in electric and manual versions.
Modular pottery wheels: These are pottery wheels that can be customized and configured to fit the specific needs of the potter. They allow potters to add or remove components, such as a splash pan or a motor, and can be upgraded over time. Modular pottery wheels are ideal for potters who want flexibility and versatility in their pottery wheel.
Portable pottery wheels: These are lightweight and compact pottery wheels that can be easily transported. They are often used by potters who work in multiple locations or who travel to craft shows or art fairs. Portable pottery wheels are available in electric and manual versions, and some are battery-powered.
Electric kick wheels: These pottery wheels combine the convenience of an electric motor with the tactile feel of a kick wheel. They are powered by an electric motor but are controlled by a foot pedal, allowing potters to adjust the speed and control the wheel with their foot. Electric kick wheels are a good choice for potters who want the best of both worlds.

Canvas

Used as a surface for painting, available in various sizes and types, such as stretched or unstretched, linen or cotton.

Stretched canvases: These are the most common type of canvases used by artists. They are pre-stretched over wooden frames and are available in various sizes and depths. Stretched canvases can be primed with gesso or left unprimed, and can be used with oil, acrylic, and other painting mediums.
Canvas boards: These are canvases that are mounted onto a rigid board, such as cardboard or Masonite. They are lightweight and easy to transport, making them a popular choice for outdoor painting or for painting en plein air. Canvas boards are available in various sizes and can be primed with gesso or left unprimed.
Canvas rolls: These are un-stretched canvases that come in rolls, allowing artists to cut and stretch their own canvases to the desired size and shape. Canvas rolls are available in various weights, textures, and colors, and can be primed with gesso or left unprimed.
Canvas pads: These are pads of canvas sheets that are bound together, similar to a sketchbook. They are a convenient option for artists who want to experiment with different sizes and surfaces. Canvas pads are available in various sizes and can be primed with gesso or left unprimed.
Linen canvases: These are canvases that are made from linen, which is a more durable and stable material than cotton. Linen canvases are known for their smooth, even texture and are often used by professional artists for their high-quality finish. They are available in various sizes and can be primed with gesso or left unprimed.
Synthetic canvases: These are canvases that are made from synthetic materials, such as polyester or nylon. They are lightweight, durable, and resistant to shrinking and warping, making them ideal for large-scale paintings. Synthetic canvases are available in various sizes and can be primed with gesso or left unprimed.