Gen X’s Guide: Top Edu Art Supplies Ranked!

Welcome to the ultimate Gen X guide, where we delve into the world of educational art supplies that can truly elevate your creative journey. Whether you are a seasoned artist looking to inspire the next generation or an educator striving to bring the best tools into the classroom, this article has got you covered. We've ranked the top must-have art supplies based on their quality, versatility, and capacity to engage the creative minds of learners.

1. High-Quality Colored Pencils

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

For anyone serious about art, Prismacolor Premier colored pencils are the gold standard. Their soft, thick cores are perfect for layering, blending, and shading. These pencils come in a wide range of vibrant colors, which are both lightfast and rich in pigment. They're a fantastic tool for teaching the subtleties of color theory and encouraging experimentation.

2. Versatile Watercolor Set

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Sketchers' Pocket Box

Ideal for artists on the go or in the classroom, the Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolor set offers excellent quality at an affordable price. The high pigment concentration delivers great clarity and performance. This compact set comes with 12 high-quality colors and a brush, all wrapped up in a durable, pocket-sized case.

3. Durable Sketchbooks

Strathmore Series 400 Sketch Pads

Sketchbooks are the diaries of the artist’s soul, and Strathmore sketch pads are some of the best. With a fine-tooth surface that holds up well with erasing and layering, these pads are suitable for both classroom lessons and personal exploration. Their durability ensures that students can look back on their progress for years to come.

4. Reliable Graphite Pencils

Faber-Castell 9000 Art Set

Graphite pencils are a staple, and the Faber-Castell 9000 Art Set offers the precision and consistency that artists of all levels need. The pencils range from a light 2H to a deep, dark 8B, providing enough range for detailed line work and full-tone studies. They're also break-resistant, ensuring longevity and uninterrupted creativity.

5. Quality Acrylic Paints

Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Tube Set

Liquitex BASICS is known for its quality at an affordable price. This set provides students with a range of vibrant colors that can be used straight from the tube or mixed to create custom hues. They offer excellent coverage and a satin finish, making them perfect for a variety of surfaces and mixed-media projects.

6. Multi-Purpose Modeling Clay

Sargent Art Plastilina Modeling Clay

Modeling clay is a tactile delight for artists young and old. The Sargent Art Plastilina clay is non-toxic, non-hardening, and reusable, making it perfect for endless sculptural explorations. It's available in multiple colors and is fantastic for teaching sculpture techniques or just having fun shaping and creating.

7. Comprehensive Markers Set

Copic Sketch Markers

For illustrators and graphic designers in training, Copic Sketch Markers are the dream tool. Though on the pricier side, their refillable ink and replaceable nibs make them a long-lasting investment. The dual tips offer great flexibility, and the alcohol-based ink provides smooth coverage without damaging the paper.

Conclusion

In the realm of educational art supplies, the choices are as diverse as the artists who use them. The above items are thoroughly vetted by Gen X connoisseurs of creativity and stand as our top recommendations for anybody looking to inspire or be inspired. With these tools in your arsenal, the journey through art education is not only possible but also bound to be prolific and profoundly enjoyable.