Art supplies

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

I would like to purchase some art supplies for my child who is learning to draw. Someone told me to purchase Prismacolor pencils and Turquoise pencils. I find these to be very pricey. Does anyone know where I can purchase them for a reasonable price? Is there a type that is similar or better than these? Also, I would like to know where I can find a how to draw book for a reasonable price? Thank you in advance for any ideas.

 

[janette]

You can use coupons at Micheals and get them a little cheaper, you can also find books at the crafts stores at 50% often.

Who old is she? I've only recently started buying Prismacolor pencils for my 16yo DD, I bought the biggest set and she loves it but she was also okay with cheaper pencils for a long time. She says the Prismacolor blend better so they are better pencils but really not needed for a beginner.

 

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

My DD is 11. We also do not have a Michaels where I live only a Hobby Lobby.

 

[LilyWDW]

My DD is 11. We also do not have a Michaels where I live only a Hobby Lobby.

At 11 and learning to draw, I would first get the less expensive options. If she keeps up with it then splurge, but it's really not worth it early on. What if she decides it's not for her?

Prismacolor is what I use to do hand renders in Interior Design

 

[FINFAN]

Heres a 40% coupon for Hobby Lobby

http://www.hobbylobby.com/weekly/coupon.cfm
good thru tomorrow..they currently have certain art supplies 30% off, but colored pencils are not listed so you should be able to use the coupon. You can print out more than 1 but can only use 1 per day.
As for how to draw book. google it, you will be able to find a lot of tutorials Here is a random one I looked up:



http://www.dueysdrawings.com/drawing_tutorials.html

and you can print out ones you like, start a binder or folder of "lessons" for her, other than that there are usually Borders coupons floating around that you could use or check amazon for used books. The library may have some or even her art teacher at school.
My DD is currently a junior at Ringling College of Art and Design...she would draw with anything so no matter what supplies you get, just having anything available is great!

 

[mom2val]

Lyra colored pencils are awesome. DD loves to draw and has had her set for 4 years. They are about twice as thick as a pencil, the "lead" is kinda creamy and makes very fluid lines, they sharpen great. We ordered them online from Magic Cabin I think. Maybe $40 with tax and shipping?? Well worth the money. We have picked up how to draw books at half price books and from Barnes and Noble. I would also try amazon.com.

 

[janette]

My DD is home from school now, I asked her which of the cheaper colored pencils she'd sugggest and she said Crayola, she does not like RoseArt says their colors are duller when transfered to paper.

Hobby Lobby often has a 40% coupon and sales on art supplies.

Her favorite how to draw books were Disney there are several available at Amazon

 

[Dizneydaz]

For reasonably priced drawing books check out your local library. My DD(11 on Sunday) has enjoyed the ones we have gotten from ours for drawing cats. And they're free.

 

[akelly]

Prismacolor pencils are cheaper on Amazon or thru one of the many online art stores than with a 50% coupon at Michael's. Michael's really overprices them - I guess in anticipation of customer's using coupons.

My daughter's passion is drawing and she just started using Prismacolors at age 14. She has the regular ones (name slips my mind) and Verithins. They are really not for beginners. Prismacolor does, however, make a student set. You can find it on Amazon.

 

[azdisneylover]

I would suggest, since your child is learning the mechanics to drawing and not creating pieces, per se, investing in regular pencils with different grades, and a few kneaded erasers along with a sketch pad or two is the most important. Paper quality does make a big difference. Kneaded erasers are gentle to paper vs the standard pink eraser, plus you can manipulate them to pull off the graphite to shade. I would suggest conte to learn to draw. There are a few really great sites online that teach art. The book 'Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain' is a good book.
Let your child test out a few mediums and see what they prefer the best. Some people love working in pencil, others, pastels, still other love paints.
I say, break out the art supplies and have a wonderful time!
PS One reason people recommend Prisma is because they blend well, and with a little water on a brush, they can bleed the color to mimic water color paints.

 

[buzz5985]

Check out Overstock.com - they have a large variety of different sets.