I am excited to announce the launch of my first coloring book, Historic Sites of Canada. This book was inspired by my love of architecture and years of working in the construction industry as an engineer.
After creating my coloring book, I took a real hard look at my art supplies and thought it would be helpful to highlight the basic supplies and tools that I recommend to get started on your coloring journey.
When it comes to coloring pencils there are hundreds of options out there. My recommendations below are specifically intended for the beginner. This is exactly what you might need to get started with adult coloring books. I wanted to keep this short and focus on the few key supplies you need to be properly equipped without breaking the bank.
- Colored pencils – You can spend hours researching the pros and cons of different colored pencils. The different cores, different brands etc. If you are at the stage of your coloring journey to upgrade your pencils, I highly recommend going to an art supply store and testing out different pencils for yourself, everyone has a different preference. However, if you are at the beginning of your coloring journeyI recommend the Crayola Colored Pencils. (US, CAD)
- Pencil Sharpener – I have a preference for a classic manual sharpener over electric. I like the Staedtler sharpener, it’s durable, compact and affordable. (US, CAD)
- Pen-Style Thin Eraser – These high-quality erasers (US, CAD) are perfect for removing the fine details that a classic eraser is just too clunky to handle..
- Blender Pencils – A simple way to make your colored drawings come to life and look professional is seamlessly blending colors. To be honest, when I first started drawing I would just use ripped up small pieces of paper to blend colors. These affordable blender pencils (US, CAD) are excellent for softening your hard edges from coloring.
- Black Pen – Black pens are used to go back over the coloring page lines to clean up a completed piece. I am a big fan of the Micron pens (US, CAD). I like having an assortment of different thicknesses so I can choose the one that’s just right for the piece I am working on.
- White Pen – I discovered white gel pens only a year ago. If this is also new to you, you have no idea what you are missing. White pens allow you to add white detail on top of colored pencil, giving it that added special touch. I recommend these gelly rolls in the variety size pack. I personally use the 08 size the most but it’s always nice to have options. (US, CAD)
Happy coloring!