December 2013

via elizagera

via elizagera

Ever wanted to try calligraphy, but didn'tknow which pen to use? ArtSnacks has got you covered. The Zig Calligraphy Pen has a 3-millimeter tip for clean strokes and even cleaner letters. Not into calligraphy? Try this pen for doodling purposes.

CATALYST CONTOUR

Prepare for a very different painting experience with the Catalyst Contour by Princeton Brush. This wedge pushes paint around a surface with ease, and creates shapes you wouldn't get with a regular brush. Use this tool to experiment with painting, wheel-throwing, or foodcrafting.

WINSOR & NEWTON ARTIST ACRYLIC PAINT

Winsor & Newton have taken acrylic paint to a new level. The Artists’ Acrylic line of paints remain brilliant and bright from wet to dry finish. This paint also dries a little bit slower– so you’ll get more time to mix colors on the palette, as well as on the canvas. Try pushing your acrylic paint around with the Catalyst Contour.

LETRASET FLEXMARKER

It’s important to know how to have fun with your art supplies. The Letraset FlexMarker can help you do just that. With one chisel tip and one flexible brush tip, you can create different stamps and patterns. Fun is endless with this marker!

GENERAL’S® BIG BEAR™ PENCIL

This month, we’ve got another staple to add to your toolbox–General’s® Big Bear™ Pencil. This pencil provides an extra smooth sketching experience in an inky black color. Your sketches will become one with the paper.

November 2013

One product that we are thankful for this November is the Tombow Dual Brush Pen. The brush tip is flexible for making intricate shapes, but strong enough for a heavier stroke. The fine tip works great for consistent lines, graphics and tighter drawings.

KOH-I-NOOR MEPHISTO MECHANICAL PENCIL

Sometimes, it’s nice to take a break from a wood pencil and switch to a mechanical pencil–especially one like the Koh-I-Noor Mephisto Mechanical Pencil. Wrap your fingers around a comfortable rubber grip for an excellent drawing experience.

ALUMICOLOR 3000 SERIES 6” TRIANGULAR SCALE

When mastering a perspective drawing*, a straight edge is in order for those linear lines. Reach for the Alumicolor 3000 Series 6” Triangular Scale when drawing skyscrapers and alleyways. Pairing this scale with the mechanical pencil will become second nature. 

*Not sure about perspective drawing? Check out this video: http://bit.ly/prspect

PALOMINO BLACKWING 602

The final product in the Palomino family is the smooth Palomino Blackwing 602. The lead in this cedar pencil makes for a darker black than your average pencil, even with less pressure. Based on its velvety drawing texture, firm weight, and ease of use, it’s no wonder why the offical slogan is “Half the Pressure, Twice the Speed.”

THE ZIG DRAWING PEN

Are you making all of your holiday cards this year? The Zig Drawing Pen will help with this task. The ink is a water-based pigment, non-bleeding, photo-safe and odorless. Its best uses include outlining, crosshatching, stippling, and writing that thoughtful message on your cards. When this pen hits the paper, creativity is endless.

October 2013

photo via avacmartinez

photo via avacmartinez

Looking for a new doodling material that dates back to the 23 B.C.? Higgins’ Non- Waterproof Black Ink writes clean and is fadeless for the best ink experience with dip pens or brushes. Get ready to get your ink on!

GRUMBACHER ACADEMY MULTIMEDIA BRUSHES

Allow us to introduce you to your new go-to paint brush: the Grumbacher Academy Multimedia Brushes. You’ll get years of use with this brush and timeless lines with every shape you make. This brush is ideal for filling in large areas; try it out with the Higgins ink!

LIQUITEX PAINT MARKER

It’s time for an alternative kind of painting experience. The Liquitex Paint Marker has brilliant water-based color that dries permanently. This marker is great for covering large-scale artwork, outlining murals, and other mixed-media purposes.

TOMBOW MONOTWIN OIL-BASED TWIN MARKER

When you are ready to trace the pencil lines on your latest illustration, reach for the Tombow MONOTWIN Oil-Based Twin Marker. The matte-finished body has a non-slip feel, so your outlining will be accurate every time. Don’t forget to sign your name in the corner–your signature will love this pen, too.

KOH-I-NOOR WOODLESS COLORED PENCIL

Warning: you may get confused when looking at this pencil. The fact that the color pigments aren’t wrapped in a wooden casing may throw you off! The Koh-I-Noor Woodless Colored Pencil consists of color pigments, special oils, and binders to create a solid colored pencil with dense strokes. The more you use it, the more you’ll love the woodless feel.

September 2013

Photo via mallypikachu

Photo via mallypikachu

The MONO Zero Eraser by Tombow has a sweet pen-style grip that won’t ruin your artwork while using it. Thanks to its clever shape and body, it won’t bend or flop around while you are trying to get rid of those un- wanted marks. This eraser is a great addition to any architect’s or illustrator’s toolbox.

KOH-I-NOOR TRIOCOLOR PENCIL

Our friends at Koh-I-Noor have made coloring with a pencil fun again, thanks to the Triocolor Pencil. The easy-to-hold triangle helps make your coloring experience more pleasureable while the thick, artist-grade leads allow you to shade with just one pencil by changing the pressure of your coloring.

STABILO PEN 68

If you want a marker that can double as a pen, the Stabilo Pen 68 can do just that. As a “Staff Favorite,” this pen has the iconic striped Stabilo body, with a 1-millimeter bullet tip for a perfect line every time.

KURECOLOR TWIN S MARKER

Durable. Vibrant. Professional. All strong words to describe the Kurecolor Twin S Marker. For aspiring designers everywhere, these markers will bring your artwork to life, whether you are drawing on glass, acetate, metal, or photo paper.

CHARTPAK BLENDER MARKER

This marker is magical–no joke. The Chartpak Blender Marker has a translucent chisel tip that delivers a clear mark on any surface. You can use this marker for pushing colored ink back inside the lines of a drawing, creating an ombré effect within bright colors, or for transferring laser-copied art on to fabrics. So magical.

August 2013

Photo via miloshkisplosh

Photo via miloshkisplosh

As the newest addition to the Palomino family, the Blackwing Pearl shines with a bright white coat. What makes this pencil different from the other Blackwing pencils? The Pearl is classified as having a medium weight (whereas the original Blackwing is the softest, and the Blackwing 602 is the firmest). This legendary pencil continues to win the hearts of artists everywhere.

MONO SAND ERASER

An eraser that erases ink? Now that’s useful. The MONO Sand Eraser by Tombow clears away excess ink marks from your ballpoint and rollerball pens, and most markers. Caution: rubbing too hard will tear the paper.

FINECOLOUR SKETCH MARKER

Here’s another great twin-tip marker to add to your art box. The Finecolour Sketch Marker gives a bold stroke with even mark, and
offers two different shaped nibs for your drawing pleasure. This marker is perfect for beginners of graffiti beginners, illustrators, and print designers.

SARGENT ART SQUARE CHALK PASTELS

Get ready to get your hands dirty and your creative juices flowing. Sargent Art Square Chalk Pastels are thick to touch, soft to draw with, and easily blendable. When you have finished a drawing using the pastels, spray your artwork with an adhesive (try hairspray), to keep the pigments from brushing off on to anything.

July 2013

A drawing pencil shouldn’t be loaded with bells and whistles–that’s why there’s the MONO Drawing Pencil by Tombow. Its sleek and simple design will provide hours of doodling pleasure. Your crisp lines will be smear-proof, especially when a pack of these pencils come in a variety of point strengths. (Our favorites: 6H, HB, 4B.)

ZIG CLEAN COLOR REAL BRUSH MARKERS 

Unlike other “brush-tip” markers, the Zig Clean Color Real Brush Marker actually has
a bristle tip! It’s filled with a water-based dye makes it perfect for blending with water. This marker is great for illustrating and cartooning.

PRISMACOLOR PREMIER DOUBLE ENDED ART MARKERS

Primarily used for illustration, Prismacolor Premier Double Ended Art Markers provide top-quality hues. When coloring, apply in layers, using the different tips of the marker. You’ll create shadows and textures throughout your artwork. Voilà!

MOLESKINE VOLANT MINI PLAIN NOTEBOOK 

See someone you want to draw? Have a great idea? Keep one of these Moleskine Volant Mini Plain Notebooks on hand at all times! The Moleskine was a beloved notebook of famous artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, and will be by you. Quick! Write that down…

LEPEN POROUS POINT MARKER PEN

Here’s a pen that will certainly get people talking. Besides having a fun-to-pronounce name, the LePen has a chic body and fray- proof tip that dispenses a vivid color with every stroke. So, when someone asks you what pen you’re using with your Moleskine, you’ll be happy to show it off! 

June 2013

Interested in creating intricate typography or colorful accents for your drawings? The Zig Memory System Brushables Marker is perfect for those fine details. You’ll notice that the colors on each side are different: one tip is a true color pigment brush, while the lighter tip is a pigment tint brush. This marker will provide clean lines and bold features with every stroke.

FABER-CASTELL PERFECTION ERASER PENCILS 

If you were to cross a pencil with an eraser, you’d get the Faber-Castell Perfection Eraser Pencil. (Pretty cool, right?) With a rubber eraser core, it can get rid of your smallest mistakes in the corners of your drawings. You can even sharpen it with a regular round pencil sharpener. 

PANTONE UNIVERSE TWIN MARKERS 

Amazon Block
Search for an Amazon product to display. Learn more

We love Pantone–and you will to! The Pantone Matching System has turned its best and brightest colors into a dual-tip marker for your drawing pleasure. Both sides of the marker are different shapes, and create a true Pantone color with every line. 

FORESTCHOICE CARPENTER PENCILS 

Carpenter pencils are not just for the wood shop anymore. The ForestChoice Carpenter Pencil is one of the best kept secrets in the drawing world. To use, hold the pencil closer to the tip (on its flat end side) using an overhand grip (see diagram). This will create a thicker sketch line–good for shading, carving out shadows, and gesture drawing in sketchbook. 

IRWIN CARPENTERS PENCIL SHARPENER 

With a great carpenter pencil, you must have a great carpenter pencil sharpener. The Irwin Carpenters Pencil Sharpener holds a stainless steel blade that give you a fresh cut everytime. Plus, the top of the sharpener has a small patch of sandpaper–handy for finishing the edge of the graphite.

May 2013

photo via mickeycrandall

photo via mickeycrandall

Edgar Degas and George Seurat were notorious for using pastels. Now it’s your turn to show off your skills. Conté Pastel Pencils work best on rough paper surfaces, bringing texture to your artwork. Try this pencil to practice your crosshatching technique.

PIGMA MICRON PEN

Looking for sleek lines, crisp details, and a satifying drawing experience? This is your pen. The Pigma Micron Pen is “the King” of drawing pens, found in the pocket of all artists. It’s filled with high-quality archival ink, doesn’t smear when dry, and doesn’t leak through your sketchbook. All hail the Micron!

RICHESON PLASTIC PAINTING KNIVES 

Used for mixing colors or making dynamic shapes on canvas, the Richeson Plastic Painting Knife is not your everyday tool. If you’re looking to change up your painting routine, this knife can give your artwork a more organic feel. These plastic knives are safe, durable, and easy to clean after a painting session. 

LIQUITEX BASICS ACRYLIC PAINT

Acrylic paint is a water-based mixture known to dry fast on all types of surfaces. Try the Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint with the painting knife for a more prominent stroke and fiery color. Andy Warhol loved using Liquitex paints, and so will you. 

UNI-BALL KURU TOGA MECHANICAL PENCIL

If you’re into mechanical pencils, here’s a must-have new tool for your drawing sessions. The Uni-Ball Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil has a twisting mechanism that rotates the lead as you lift off the page, to keep the lead consistently sharp (Confused? See our helpful little diagram, below.). This starter kit comes with extra lead and erasers, too.

 

April 2013

tumblr_inline_mkhe7l6feb1qz4rgf.jpg

Made a mistake with your charcoals or pastels? General’s Tri-Tip Soft White Eraser is exactly what you need to clear those unnecessary lines and mistakes. It erases smoothly on every surface, from fine fibers to tough construction papers. 

Caran d’Ache Fancolor Colored Pencil Kit

A pencil that doubles as watercolor paint? Now that’s cool. Fill in a doodle using a  Swiss-made Caran d’Ache Fancolor Colored Pencil, then brush it over with a wet  paintbrush. You’ll instantly have a vibrant watercolor painting, made with the pigments of a colored pencil.

General Pencil Peel & Sketch Charcoal

Charcoal is infamous for being messy, so we found a charcoal pencil that’s clean and fun to use instead. General’s Peel & Sketch Charcoal is one that you can physically peel as you wear down the tip. No need to sharpen or store in a separate bag – the pencil is designed to live with your other drawing utensils in perfect harmony.

Spectrum Noir Marker Sets

If you’ve been looking for a special marker for your comics, caricatures, or fashion sketches, this is the marker for you. The Spectrum Noir Marker will make your art bold, vibrant, and clean with every mark. The best part about these pens? They have a broad chisel tip on one side and a fine line tip on the other. 

Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner Marker Pen

Try mixing up your usual fine line pens with this Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner Marker Pen. The shape of this pen is similar to your everyday pencil, giving you a comfortable drawing experience.

March 2013

tumblr_inline_mifd67ZNes1qz4rgf.png

This matte black finish pencil, makes a soft, dark line great for sketching. The  Palomino Blackwing is the modern version of the Eberhard Faber Blackwing 602, which was said to be “the best pencil ever.” Chuck Jones, Oscar-winning animation director, used this pencil for creating shows like Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry.

Sharpie Brush Tip Permanent Markers, 12 Colored Markers (1810704)

Artists always have a reliable Sharpie in their back pocket. Trust us – this will be your new favorite Sharpie. By adding pressure with your hand, you can control of the width of your lines, making them more intricate.

Spangle Green Mini-Jumbo Triangular Learning Pencils

For those of you who tend to lose things, say hello to the Spangle Mini Jumbo Size Learning Pencil. Made of basswood with a triangular shape, it will never fall off the table. We have a feeling this will be your next go-to pencil, since it will always be in the same place you left it.

Reeves Gouache Artist Paints - 12ml Tubes

Gouache paint is the opaque version of watercolor paint. Reeves Gouache Artist  Paints have high-quality pigments that create a consistent matte finish on a variety of surfaces. These are great for bringing ink illustrations to life with vibrant color.

Solo Horton Camel Hair Watercolor Brush, size 2

With great gouache, you’ll need another reliable tool: a Solo Horton 2108 Professional Quality watercolor brush. This brush is short in size, but has a soft-haired tuft for fine strokes. The round brush shape is ideal for a watercolor artist to master the challange of staining and layering the paint.

Featured by: