1.2: Materials
- Page ID
- 439830
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Course Materials
For this course, the only required materials are paper, a pencil, and a pen. All other supplies are optional. You may use additional materials if you already have them or if they help you complete your project, but they are not required and will not automatically improve your grade.
Your grade will be based on how well you follow the assignment directions, apply the drawing concepts, show effort, complete your work, and demonstrate growth.
Paper
All paper needed for this course is provided in each packet. You may use the paper included in the packet, or you may choose to use your own art paper if you feel it works better for the material or technique you are using.
There are advantages to trying different types of paper. Thicker paper can be helpful if you erase often because it usually holds up better. Thinner paper can also be useful because it has a different look and light quality that can change the overall feeling of the artwork.
You are welcome to experiment with different papers if you have access to them, but it is not required. The paper provided in your packet is enough to complete the assignments successfully.
Pencil
A pencil is required for this course. Any pencil will work, so please do not feel that you need to purchase special drawing pencils.
One of the most common pencils is an HB pencil. This type of pencil is easy to find and works well for general drawing. HB pencils are a little harder, so they may not blend as easily or create very dark shading, but they are still useful for sketching, outlining, and building basic drawings.
If you happen to have drawing pencils, you may notice that each pencil creates a different effect. A 4B or 6B pencil is softer and can be helpful for creating darker shading and richer values. A 2H pencil is harder and can be useful if you like drawing with more precision or lighter lines.
Mechanical pencils are also allowed. They can be helpful for clean, consistent lines, especially if you like detail. The most important thing is to use the pencil you have and learn how to control it. With practice, any pencil can be used to create strong drawings.
Pencil Sharpener
You will need a way to sharpen your pencil for this course. This can be a pencil sharpener, a handheld sharpener, or another method that works safely for you.
This course includes many drawing assignments, so please plan ahead. Keeping your pencil sharpened will help you create cleaner lines, add details, and work more comfortably.
Eraser
Erasers are helpful, but they are not required for this course. An eraser can be useful when you are adjusting a line, correcting a mistake, or refining part of your drawing.
Erasers can also be used as drawing tools. Instead of only removing mistakes, you can use an eraser to pull out highlights, lighten areas, or remove parts of shading to create contrast and detail.
You may choose how you would like to use an eraser in this course. Some artists erase often as they work, while others prefer to keep their original lines as part of the drawing process. Either approach is acceptable.
Blending Tools
Blending tools are not required, but they can be helpful. Blending can soften pencil marks, smooth shaded areas, and create gradual transitions from light to dark.
You may hear that artists should not use their fingers to blend. However, many artists do use their fingers at times. The challenge with using your finger is that your hands have natural oils. These oils can get onto the paper and may change the color or texture of the surface. This is something to be aware of, but it will not be a major focus when I am grading your work.
If you would like to use a blending tool, there are many simple options you may already have. A small piece of cloth can be folded, rolled up, or wrapped around your finger to help blend an area of your drawing. You can also use a tissue, toilet paper, or paper towel. These materials can create a similar effect, although some may not last as long, so you may need more than one piece throughout the semester.
Blending tools are optional. You may choose to use them if they help you create the effect you want in your artwork.
Pen
You will need a pen for this course. Any pen that you would normally write with will work, so you do not need to purchase a special art pen.
Pens come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, and line widths. Some pens create thin, clean lines, while others create darker or thicker marks. I encourage you to experiment with the pens you already have to see which one feels most comfortable for you.
Pen can be a great drawing tool because it helps you practice confidence with your lines. Since pen marks cannot be erased easily, you will learn how to make thoughtful choices, build texture, create patterns, and use techniques such as hatching and cross-hatching.
Additional Supplies
You are welcome to use any additional supplies that you already have for this course. However, please remember that your grade is not based on how many extra materials you use.
The focus is on learning how to use the materials you choose with skill and intention. Whether you are using only pencil and pen or adding other materials, what matters most is how you develop your ideas, practice the techniques, complete the assignments, and show growth in your artwork.