Making art is often regarded as a purely emotional endeavor, something that is done with the heart and by relying on the senses. While there is a kernel of truth to that statement, as artistic vision and creativity are characteristics that cannot be measured and quantified, art is very much a pragmatic process, one that requires the use of several different means and tools in order to make something authentic and bring that vision to life.
In order to ensure the success of this process, artists must be sure that they have the right tools at their disposal.
The equipment you need will depend on the type of art you’re set on creating and the ways in which you plan to approach your mediums of choice.
Drawing
Drawing is arguably one of the most representative art forms in the world. In fact, when the word “art” is mentioned, your mind will probably imagine drawing or painting. Since they are so ubiquitous in a sense, it can be easier to overlook the amount of work and effort that goes into creating a single artwork. Being aware of these factors when you look through a selection of drawings for sale can provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of the artworks and allow your appreciation for them to become more profound and complex.
If you’ve been thinking about giving drawing a try, you will have to consider the supplies you need to truly give it your best shot. Graphite pencils are a staple, and you must be sure to get them in different softness levels for all the outlining, coloring in, shading, and sketching you’ll need to do.
The softer a pencil is, the bolder the lines it makes, so an 8B, for instance, is ideal if you need to make specific areas of your drawing darker. Charcoal is perfect for use in drawings that need to be made more emotional and emotive.
Pens are needed to create crisp lines and intricate patterns, so if you need to add a lot of detailing, they’re your safest bet.
Sculpture
Sculpture is a type of visual art that operates in three dimensions, being presented in width, depth and height. Originally, sculptures were achieved via carving and were typically done in materials such as wood, ceramics, or stone, but after the birth of Modernism, the world of sculpture has been democratized quite significantly, and there is virtually no limit nowadays to the kinds of materials that can be used to create sculptures. What sets sculpture apart from other art forms is that it inhabits the same space as the viewer so that the spatial dimension is shared.
The most essential supply is the material used to make the sculpture. Any material that can be molded in three dimensions can be used, but the most important are metal, wood, clay, stone, and plaster. The most widely used metal is bronze, with the main advantage being that it is much more durable and resilient compared to alternatives such as wood. If you need to change the forms and look of the sculpture, bronze is less likely to fracture significantly.
When carving is needed, metal or abrasive tools are required in order to create the ideal shapes. For soft materials, modeling is typically the only thing required, so wax and clay will typically be made into sculptures simply by hand, although tools made from metal, plastic, wood, and even bone can be used for the finer details. Different items are sometimes assembled into a single sculpture while casting and hammering are sometimes preferred for some finishing touches.
Printmaking
Printmaking is an artistic process involving transferring images from pre-prepared plates or blocks to another surface, most typically fabric or paper.
Nowadays, printmaking has moved into the digital era and is using technology to create new artworks, but the old methods are still used and even favored by some artists.
In Europe, the prints made before 1830 are referred to as old master prints, while in Asia, China, and Japan have well-developed, ancient techniques for woodblock printing. Much as in the case of the other art forms, the tools you’ll require for printmaking will depend
You will need proper cutting devices that can cut and prepare the blocks. Because of the variations in an image, the instruments you’ll need to use must be able to chisel the material from different angles and in broader or narrower lines. Rubber brayers are a must-have for printmakers, and there are many different options to choose from. Although the tools that have plastic handles are not as aesthetically pleasing as the ones that use wood, they might be sturdier as they’re less likely to be impacted by water damage.
A high-quality press can be used for all types of prints, including woodblock, lithography, and etching. Relief printing sets and paper are needed for all printmaking techniques, and you can even consider them as a gift if you know someone who’s into printmaking.
Ceramics
Ceramics and pottery can be considered a form of sculpture as well, with the main difference being that ceramics create objects that enjoy more practical uses. In fact, you can design objects that you will be able to use in your own household by doing pottery. Stoneware clay is the material of choice for potters due to its incredible versatility and ease of use. It is the best choice for both beginners and experts and comes in a wide range of hues. Earthenware is also simple to work with, while kaolin, the material used to make porcelain, is one of the most difficult.
Having a kiln is a massive help if you’re going to do pottery, but gas-firing works as well. The only thing you should keep in mind is that you need to add low fire clay for better results. Microwave kilns are another option, but they should typically only be employed for smaller projects as they won’t be able to reach adequate temperatures for anything larger.
Making art is a way to express feelings and beliefs, and can provide the artists with a deep sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It can improve problem-solving skills, reduce stress, and even be used as a way to cope with difficult experiences in a healthy manner. However, in order to obtain the best possible results, you need to be aware of the necessity of having the right tools that will turn your creativity into something tangible.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Poglianich
Content Strategist
Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the wooden crafts and 3D product design space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.
