To use art materials properly, consider their properties and characteristics.
Gathering supplies, setting up a workspace and being neat makes it easy to use any type of art materials. Acrylic and watercolor paints require similar setups as do pencils and drawing chalks, such as pastels. A defined workspace, planned color scheme and design, and the right surface all contribute to using art materials correctly.
Instructions
1. An organized workspace facilitates proper use of art materials.
Create a workspace. Having one specific area to work makes any activity easier, from painting to drawing. A tablecloth or protective covering ensures that art materials do not ruin work surface. Consider a floor covering if using an easel, since paint and chalk or pencil dust often falls to the floor inadvertently. Acrylics and watercolors both require an assortment of brushes handy as well as a large container of water for rinsing. Set up the work area to include a space where the art materials are out of the way but easily reachable. Cups offer the ideal container for holding water, tubes of paint, brushes, pencils and more. Towels provide an option for drying brushes or wiping smears of pencil or chalk from surfaces.
2. Set up a color scheme to keep art materials ready for the specific project.
Plan a color scheme. Setting up the colors ahead of time makes it easier to grab necessary items during the creation process. Instead of leaving all of the acrylic paints or the entire box of pastels out, reduce the clutter by selecting only the required colors. Even standard graphite pencils come in different types, so remove the soft, hard, or other variants so as not to mistakenly grab the wrong one. A palette helps organize a color scheme when using paint and sets up the needed colors before beginning the artwork. A paper plate or piece of cardboard works just as well as a store-bought palette if need be.
3. Select the right surface for the art materials.
Choose the right paper. Different papers work for different art materials, so choose the correct one to get the best results. Acrylic paper has a rougher, heavier texture, while watercolor paper is lighter and smooth. Drawing paper is slightly rough to capture the graphite and chalk bits. If using a canvas, make sure it is compatible with the selected art materials. Watercolors will roll right off a shiny canvas meant for acrylic, and pencils or chalks will not adhere to the surface.
4. Sketch the design to plan the final product.
Start slow and plan a general design. Lightly sketch the design, regardless of the art materials. Acrylic paints provide richer, opaque colors so layering them results in a less blended look if the first coat dries before the second layer is applied. Watercolors are lighter and controlled by the amount of water used, making layering multi-tonal. Pencils and pastels combine when rubbed with a finger or a blending stick, available at art and craft stores.
