Dear Drawing Students,

This list is organised into Required, Good to Have, and Fun to Have categories to suit different budgets. Please only purchase what you need — if you already have similar materials at home, bring those first.

I’ve aimed to include affordable materials suitable for beginners. While I haven’t personally tested every item below, they appear to offer good value. You’re welcome to purchase equivalent supplies from any retailer. Officeworks often has reasonably priced art materials, while specialist stores like Eckersley’s stock high-quality options at a higher price point. Online retailers such as Riot Art & Craft can also be good for affordable supplies.

For local students in Gungahlin, Homebase (next to Kmart) often has surprisingly good art materials as well.

If you have any questions about materials, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Tips:

A large art tote bag, reusable shopping bag, or zip-up portfolio bag is highly recommended. Keep all your art supplies together in one dedicated bag so nothing gets forgotten each week.
Also recommended: bring an old shirt, apron, or wear messy clothes as some activities may get creative (and messy!).
Online only items are from Officeworks, but if you’re purchasing online, Kmart will let you add them to your order, so you only have to pay shipping once.

Required Materials (~$25–30)

☐ A3 Sketchbook / Visual Diary: https://www.kmart.com.au/product/a3-visual-art-diary-black-43255016/

☐ Sketching Set (includes eraser, sharpener, charcoal, kneadable eraser): https://www.kmart.com.au/product/29-piece-sketching-set-43570362/

☐ Fine liner pens: https://www.kmart.com.au/product/9-pack-pigment-liners-43166381/

☐ Large art bag / tote

☐ Old shirt, apron, or messy clothes

Good to Have (~$36)

☐ Willow charcoal (online only): https://www.kmart.com.au/product/born-willow-charcoal-sticks-10-pack-110054440/

☐ Drawing ink (online only): https://www.kmart.com.au/product/talens-drawing-ink-11ml-black-110059755/

☐ Paint palette set: https://www.kmart.com.au/product/3-pack-paint-palette-set-43166589/

☐ Brush set: https://www.kmart.com.au/product/10-piece-artist-brush-set-43467884/

☐ Yogurt container or jam jar for cleaning brushes