Studio Supplies
A well-organised workspace supports focused creative work. The right lighting shows colours accurately and reduces eye strain. Proper storage protects your materials and keeps them accessible. Whether you have a dedicated studio or work at a kitchen table, thoughtful setup makes practice more productive.
This section covers the supporting elements of art practice: task lighting designed for colour-accurate work, storage solutions for organising supplies, easels and drawing boards for comfortable working positions, and accessories that streamline your workflow.
Our recommendations prioritise function over appearance. Good studio supplies solve practical problems and last through years of use. We include options at different investment levels, from budget-friendly essentials to professional equipment for serious practitioners.
Top Picks for Studio
Daylight
Daylight Slimline Table Lamp
Purpose-built lighting for artists and crafters who need accurate colour rendering. The daylight-balanced LEDs help reduce eye fatigue during long drawing sessions and ensure colours appear true to life.
- Daylight-balanced LED reduces eye strain
- Adjustable arm and head for positioning
- Low heat output compared to incandescent
- Higher initial cost than basic desk lamps
- Takes up desk space
Mid to premium range, £50-100
Check pricePebeo
Pebeo Drawing Gum
Essential for watercolourists who need to preserve white areas or create hard-edged highlights. The blue tint makes it easy to see where it has been applied, and it peels away cleanly once the painting is dry.
- Easy to apply with brush or ruling pen
- Peels off cleanly when dry
- Tinted blue for visibility
- Can damage delicate papers if left too long
- Ruins brushes if not cleaned immediately
Budget-friendly, typically £5-10
Check priceStrathmore
Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Pad
A reliable workhorse for dry media sketching. The cream-coloured paper has enough tooth to grab graphite and charcoal without being too rough, making it suitable for both quick sketches and more detailed drawings.
- Excellent tooth for pencil and charcoal
- Medium weight (130gsm) handles erasing well
- Good value for the quality
- Not suitable for wet media
- Spiral binding can catch on sleeve
Budget-friendly, typically £8-15 depending on size
Check priceStaedtler
Staedtler Mars Lumograph Pencil Set
A professional-standard graphite pencil trusted by architects, designers, and fine artists. The consistent grades and smooth application make these pencils reliable for both technical precision and expressive sketching.
- Excellent grade consistency across the range
- Break-resistant through bonded lead
- Smooth lay-down with minimal wax bloom
- Premium price compared to some alternatives
- Hexagonal barrel may not suit all grips
Mid-range, typically £10-20 for sets
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is daylight-balanced lighting important for art?
Daylight-balanced lighting (around 5000-6500K colour temperature) renders colours accurately, matching how your work will appear in natural light. Standard warm bulbs can make colours appear more orange, leading to mixing errors and unexpected results when viewing work in different lighting conditions.
What is the best angle for a drawing surface?
A slight angle of 15-30 degrees reduces neck strain and provides a more natural viewing perspective. Steeper angles suit detailed work where you need to see the surface head-on. Experiment to find what feels comfortable for your working style and the media you use.
How should I store art supplies?
Keep supplies away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Store pencils and pens horizontally to ensure even ink distribution. Keep paper flat or upright to prevent warping. Good organisation saves time and helps you maintain awareness of your inventory.
Do I need an expensive easel to start painting?
A basic tabletop easel or drawing board propped at an angle works well for beginners and small to medium work. Invest in a studio easel when you regularly work at larger scales or prefer standing while painting. Stability and adjustability matter more than price for most purposes.