MATERIALS NEEDED
You don't need expensive art supplies to complete these lessons. Most of what you'll need can probably be found around the house. A few simple materials, a little time, and a willingness to give drawing a try are all you need to get started.
For this lesson, you'll need:
1 classic Coca-Cola bottle, empty and clean
9" × 12" white construction or drawing paper
12" or 15" ruler
No. 2 pencil
Eraser
Tip: A traditional glass Coca-Cola bottle works especially well because its distinctive curves, reflections, and transparent surface make it an interesting drawing subject.
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For your still-life arrangement, gather:
1 tall bottle — a wine bottle works especially well
1 medium-sized drinking glass — a stemmed glass is ideal
1 round piece of fruit, such as an apple, orange, or lemon — real or artificial
1 bunch of grapes — real or artificial
9" × 12" white construction or drawing paper
12" or 15" ruler
No. 2 pencil
Eraser
Don't worry about finding these exact objects. Similar household items will work just fine. The important thing is to have a variety of shapes, sizes, and heights to make your still life interesting.
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You'll need:
9" × 12" white construction or drawing paper
12" or 15" ruler
No. 2 pencil
Eraser
Fine-tip colored markers
The markers are especially useful for filling the small, tight spaces in your design and adding the strong colors
and contrasts that make Optical Art so striking.
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Keep this one simple. You'll need:
9" × 12" white construction or drawing paper
12" or 15" ruler
No. 2 pencil
Eraser
And that's it! You don't need professional art supplies or expensive equipment. Cartooning is about
imagination, expression, and having fun with a pencil.
Use what you have. These lessons aren't about owning the "right" art supplies. They're about learning to look, experiment, and enjoy drawing. If you don't have exactly what is listed, something similar will usually work just fine.