Handling of artistic materials and equipment

Understanding Different Artistic Materials

Charcoal: A versatile medium well-suited to expressive drawings and quick, loose sketches. Different types include vine and compressed charcoal.
Graphite: Standard for detailed and technical drawings – comes in a range of hardness ratings from soft (B) to hard (H).
Ink: Can be used for both drawing and painting. It’s renowned for its fluidity and rich, intense colour.
Watercolour: A transparent and often unpredictable medium, known for its fresh, light-filled result.
Acrylics: Offering bright, vibrant colours, they dry quickly and are versatile, being able to mimic both watercolour and oil paint effects.
Oil Paints: Known for their rich, buttery consistency and slow drying time, allowing for alterations and blending over extended periods.
Pastels: These come in hard, soft, and oil versions. They lend themselves to vibrant, expressive drawings.

Effective Use of Tools

Brushes: Different types and sizes are suitable for different effects and media – brush care is crucial for lasting quality.
Palette Knives: Mostly used with oil and acrylic paint for applying thick, impasto texture.
Easels: Essential for ensuring a good working posture and presenting the drawing or painting surface at the correct angle.
Printing Press: Used for printmaking processes such as etching, lithography and relief printing.
Etching Tools: Employed to make marks in a metal or waxed surface for printmaking.

Maintenance and Safety Procedures

Always clean up your workspace to prevent accidents and maintain tools and materials in good condition.
Understand the hazardous properties of materials such as toxic solvents and dusty pastels – use them in well-ventilated areas and use protective gear where necessary.
Store artwork properly to prevent damage – flat files are ideal for paper-based works, while paintings should be stored in upright position, preferably in a rack.

Versatility in Handling Media

The same material can behave very differently depending on the technique used. For example, watercolour can create delicate, transparent washes, or, when used more thickly, can give a bold, vibrant result.
Experimentation is the key to finding unique ways of using materials and equipment, helping to develop a personal style.
Understanding the characteristics of your materials can aid in the planning process, helping estimate how long it might take to complete a piece given the drying times or technical demands of the materials used.