Walking into an art supply store for the first time can feel like drowning in choice. Graphite hardness grades, watercolor versus oil base, paper weight and texture — the variables pile up fast, and the wrong pick drains your budget before you’ve drawn a single line.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent thousands of hours dissecting beginner art kit specifications, cross-referencing pigment density data, and analyzing aggregated buyer feedback to separate real value from colorful packaging.
This guide cuts through the noise to help you land the best art supplies for beginners — a complete set that balances material variety, build quality, and ease of use so you can focus on learning technique instead of hunting for missing tools.
How To Choose The Best Art Supplies For Beginners
Not every art kit delivers the right mix of mediums. Beginners need a core set of graphite pencils spanning multiple hardness grades, a few charcoal sticks for dramatic contrast, watercolor pencils to experiment with wet techniques, and enough colored pencils to explore blending without drowning in 150 identical hues. Ignore the total piece count and focus on medium diversity.
Pencil Lead Grade Range
A proper starter set should include at least three graphite grades: a hard H pencil for fine lines, a mid-range HB for general sketching, and a soft B pencil for deep shading. Sets that only offer one grade force you to buy separate pencils before you learn what you prefer. Check the description for explicit grade labeling — cheap kits often omit this detail.
Paper Quality and Color Variety
A sketch pad with at least 100 GSM paper prevents bleeding when you activate watercolor pencils. Three-color pads (white, toned tan, black) are valuable because they teach you how different paper bases affect perceived value and contrast. A single white-paper-only pad limits your exploration of negative-space drawing techniques.
Storage and Portability
Zippered nylon cases with elastic bands or individual slots keep pencils from rattling and breaking during transport. Beginners often carry their kit to classes or outdoor locations, so a case that fits a sketch pad inside is a hard requirement. Cases with loose gathering pouches lead to lost components and frustration.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KALOUR 206 Drawing Set | Premium | All-in-one variety | 206 pieces, includes watercolor cakes | Amazon |
| PANDAFLY 80 Drawing Set | Mid-Range | Detailed sketching | Includes kneaded eraser & sandpaper pointer | Amazon |
| Drawdart 76 Pack | Mid-Range | Complete starter kit | 76 pieces, 3-color sketchbook & watercolor pad | Amazon |
| PRINA 81 Drawing Set | Mid-Range | Rainbow pencil exploration | Rainbow multicolored pencils included | Amazon |
| Daerthotk 100 Art Supplies Kit | Value | Budget all-rounder | 100 pieces, includes sponge blending tools | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. KALOUR 206 Drawing Set
The KALOUR 206 set is the most comprehensive beginner kit on this list — 206 pieces that span graphite, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, metallic, and oil-based colored pencils alongside 24 watercolor cakes. The inclusion of a 50-page three-color sketchbook, a 20-page coloring book, and 15 watercolor postcards gives a new artist structured practice material instead of just loose paper. The step-by-step drawing tutorial is a genuine teaching aid, not a throwaway pamphlet.
Each pencil core is break-resistant and richly pigmented, laying down smooth color without scratchy resistance. The pastel and charcoal pencils allow broad value studies, while the fine graphite pencils handle detail work at HB and 2B grades. The watercolor cakes activate easily with the included brush pen, letting beginners test wet-media techniques without buying a separate pan set.
The black nylon zipper case uses individual elastic loops to secure every tool — nothing rattles loose or shifts during transport. At this piece count, the KALOUR 206 delivers the widest variety of mediums in a single organized package, making it the strongest foundation for anyone exploring multiple drawing and painting styles.
What works
- Massive 206-piece count with graphite, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, and metallic pencils
- Includes 24 watercolor cakes and a brush pen for wet-media experimentation
- Three-color sketchbook (white, toned tan, black) teaches contrast and value perception
- Durable zipper case with individual elastic loops prevents tool damage during travel
What doesn’t
- Case dimensions (8.4 x 2.2 x 11.4 inches) may not fit in smaller backpacks
- No standalone graphite pencil grades labeled beyond HB range on the set
2. PANDAFLY 80 Drawing Sketching Kit
The PANDAFLY 80 set stands out for the accessories that advanced beginners need but most kits omit: a kneaded eraser, a sandpaper pencil pointer, a vinyl eraser, a white gel pen, a marker pen, and three paper blending stumps. These are the tools that unlock subtractive drawing techniques, precise highlights, and smooth gradient transitions — skills that separate basic coloring from real sketching progression.
The 80-piece medium range includes 15 graphite pencils, 12 watercolor pencils, 12 oil-based colored pencils, 12 metallic pencils, and 12 charcoal pencils (white, black, and colored). The 100 GSM three-color sketch pad (white, toned tan, black) and a separate heavyweight 300 GSM watercolor pad (12 sheets) give you two different paper textures for dry and wet work. The refillable water brush pen is a practical addition for activating watercolor pencils on the go.
All items pack into a portable zippered nylon case. Some user feedback notes that the zipper can catch if forced past the fabric edge, but the case itself keeps the sketch pad and watercolor pad stored together — a convenience that many kits sacrifice. For the beginner focused on developing shading and blending technique, this kit supplies the precise hardware to do it.
What works
- Kneaded eraser, sandpaper pointer, and blending stumps enable professional shading techniques
- Separate 300 GSM watercolor pad included for wet-media practice
- Refillable water brush pen for convenient on-the-go watercolor activation
- Well-organized zippered case accommodates both sketch pad and watercolor pad
What doesn’t
- Zipper can catch or break if handled roughly during packing
- No rainbow or specialty colored pencil options in the set
3. Drawdart Art Supplies Drawing Pencils Set
The Drawdart 76-piece kit hits the sweet spot of price and completeness for absolute beginners who want to test multiple mediums without a large upfront investment. The pencil selection covers white charcoal, black charcoal, colored charcoal, watercolor, oil-based colored, metallic, and graphite — plus a woodless 6B graphite stick that lays down thick, smudgeable tone for quick value studies.
The 5.5 x 8.5-inch three-color sketchbook (ivory white, toned tan, black) and the watercolor pad are properly sized for a portable setup. The paper is acid-free with a neutral pH, which matters if you plan to store or sell artwork long-term. The charcoal pencils produce rich darks with minimal dust, and the watercolor pencils activate well with a wet brush despite being on the softer side — good for beginners who may press hard unintentionally.
Non-toxic certification (ASTM D-4236 and EN71) makes this a safer option for younger users aged 9–12, though the set also satisfies adult hobbyists. The strong zippered case uses elastic loops to organize each pencil type. Some users note the sketch paper is on the thinner side (below 100 GSM), which may buckle slightly with heavy water applications, but for dry sketching and light washes it holds up well.
What works
- Excellent medium diversity with charcoal, watercolor, metallic, and graphite in one case
- Woodless 6B graphite stick for broad, expressive shading work
- Non-toxic and ASTM/EN71 certified, safe for younger teens
- Portable zippered case with organized slots for each pencil category
What doesn’t
- Sketch paper is thinner than 100 GSM; may buckle with heavy watercolor washes
- No blending stump or kneaded eraser included for advanced shading
4. PRINA 81 Drawing Set Sketching Kit
The PRINA 81 set earns its spot through a unique differentiator: 12 rainbow multicolored pencils, each composed of at least three different colors in a single core. These pencils produce blended strokes that shift between hues as you draw, creating lifelike gradients without manual layering. It’s a fun discovery tool for beginners who want to see immediate color mixing results without understanding color theory first.
Beyond the rainbow pencils, the set includes 21 oil-based colored pencils, 15 graphite sketching pencils, 12 watercolor pencils, 12 metallic pencils, and 3 charcoal pencils. The oil-based colored pencils lay down waxy, opaque color that blends smoothly — ideal for coloring book work. The inclusion of a mandala-style coloring book and a drawing tutorial on how to draw flowers provides directed practice for new artists who may not know what to sketch.
The 6 x 9-inch spiral-bound three-color sketch pad (100 GSM, 50 pages) is slightly smaller than the competition but still adequate for practice sketches. The portable travel case uses elastic loops to hold everything. A minor drawback is that some users reported a broken pencil core on the first sharpen, but the general feedback praises the color variety and overall build. This set is best for the beginner who values color exploration over technical shading tools.
What works
- Rainbow multicolored pencils produce blended color shifts for instant gradient effects
- Mandala coloring book and flower drawing tutorial provide structured practice
- Oil-based colored pencils offer opaque, blendable coverage for coloring book work
- Portable zippered case keeps all 81 pieces organized and protected
What doesn’t
- Isolated reports of pencil lead breaking during first sharpening
- Sketch pad is smaller (6 x 9 inch) compared to some competitors
5. Daerthotk 100 Art Supplies Drawing Kit
The Daerthotk 100-piece kit packs a surprising amount of value for its price point. The set includes 14 graphite pencils, 24 oil colored pencils, 12 watercolor pencils, 12 metallic pencils, 3 charcoal pencils, a three-color sketch pad, a coloring book, and 20 sponge replacement heads (10 oval, 10 pointed) with two sketch wipe scrapers — blending tools that are rare in entry-level kits. These sponges allow beginners to smudge and soften graphite and charcoal lines for realistic texture work.
The 5.8 x 8.5-inch three-color sketch pad is spiral-bound with 120 GSM paper — thicker than the Drawdart and PRINA options, which helps with watercolor pencil activation and eraser abuse. The oil-based colored pencils lay down smoothly and don’t feel waxy or hard. The watercolor pencils activate cleanly with the included water brush, though the water brush quality is basic.
The cartoon-image zippered case might feel less professional than the PANDAFLY or KALOUR options, but the internal organization — elastic loops for pencils and a mesh pocket for small accessories — is functional. A few user comments mention that the zipper feels less robust compared to higher-tier sets. For budget-conscious beginners who want the largest piece count and dedicated blending tools, the Daerthotk 100 delivers capable hardware at a low entry cost.
What works
- 120 GSM sketch pad paper handles water and erasing better than thinner alternatives
- Sponge blending heads and scrapers enable texture and gradient techniques
- 100-piece count offers excellent variety for the price point
- Water and oil-based colored pencils activate and blend smoothly
What doesn’t
- Cartoon-styled case may feel less serious for adult users
- Zipper quality does not match premium kits; may wear with heavy use
Hardware & Specs Guide
Graphite Pencil Hardness Scale
Graphite pencils are graded from 9H (hardest, lightest line) to 9B (softest, darkest line). HB sits in the middle. Beginners need at least one H, one HB, and one B pencil to practice varying line weight and shading transitions. Sets that only offer HB restrict your ability to develop contrast control.
Paper Weight (GSM) and Media Compatibility
Paper weight, measured in grams per square meter (GSM), determines how much moisture and erasing the sheet can handle. Dry pencil work needs at least 80 GSM. Watercolor pencil activation requires 120 GSM minimum — thinner papers buckle and tear. A three-color pad (white, toned tan, black) also trains you to work with value perception on different backgrounds.
FAQ
What is the difference between watercolor pencils and colored pencils?
How many graphite pencil grades does a beginner actually need?
Should I buy a kit with a sketchbook or buy supplies separately?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most beginners, the best art supplies for beginners winner is the KALOUR 206 Drawing Set because it provides the widest medium variety — graphite, charcoal, pastel, watercolor cakes, oil-based colored, metallic, and watercolor pencils — all organized in a sturdy case with a three-color sketchbook and tutorial. If you want precise shading tools and blending accessories, grab the PANDAFLY 80 Drawing Sketching Kit. And for the tightest budget with solid paper quality and sponge blending tools, nothing beats the Daerthotk 100 Art Supplies Drawing Kit.