Art Materials lists for session 2026/27 are available below. You may source materials at any art shop but you may wish to order your recommended art supplies from the following trusted suppliers: Where to buy:Edinburgh Art Shop (129 Lauriston Place, Tollcross)Offers a broad range of art supplies and a 10% discount for students and those on benefits (ID required). A friendly, independent store ideal for painting, drawing, and printmaking basics.Greyfriars Art Shop (20 Dundas Street and Greyfriars)Another long-standing local favourite with a wide selection of materials and framing services. Offers 10% discount for Artists Union members.Cass Art Edinburgh (16 Hanover Street, Edinburgh)Wide selection of art materials, with a 10% student discount (in-store and online) with valid student ID, plus occasional seasonal promotions.Jackson’s Art Supplies - online, free delivery over minimum spend Term 1 Beginners Darkroom Photography Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: Manual 35mm SLR analogue film camera Black and white 35mm film (ILFORD HP5 400) Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): Box of 50 sheets Ilford Multigrade Resin Coated paper, 10x8 inches, glossy (pearl or satin also suitable) 5–10 rolls of exposed 35mm black and white film (Ilford HP5 or Ilford FP4 for hand processing) 35mm negative storage sleeves Ballpoint pen Notebook Folder or box to store prints Folder or box to safely store and transport negatives Additional Course Materials: Additional costs depend on quantity of film and paper purchased Drawing Practices: Contemporary Approaches Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: Mystery objects (small in scale hand-held) Pencils such as 2H / 2B / 4B and/or a clutch pencil Pastels (oil or chalk) Marker pens – black, white and one or two colours. Sketchbook, either A5 or A4 Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): A USB memory stick Quink ink or waterproof drawing ink Water brush Grease proof paper and/or tracing paper Small tube of white oil paint Collage materials (e.g. magazine, newspaper, found papers, old books or maps you don’t mind cutting up) Additional Course Materials: Additional Costs: £30–£60, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Drawing with Chalks and Charcoal Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: Willow charcoal Compressed charcoal Charcoal pencil or Conte pencil White chalk stick Chalk pastels (black, white, grey, brown, plus a few colours or a full set such as Inscribe) Putty rubber Masking tape Hair spray or fixative Craft knife Sketchbook or A3 thick cartridge pad Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): Any additional required items will need to be purchased independently at the learner's discretion during the course. Oil pastels optional Additional Course Materials: Additional Costs: £10-30, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Introduction to Artists' Books Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: Pritt Stick Scalpel and Stanley knife Pencil Scissors Metal ruler A3 or A4 cutting mat (not essential) Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): Any additional required items will need to be purchased independently at the learner's discretion during the course. Additional Course Materials: Additional Costs: £30–£60, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Introduction to Digital Animation/Character Animation The following materials are suitable for both Introduction to Digital Animation and Character Animation classes.Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: External hard drive strongly recommended For Digital Animation only - learners can bring a sketchbook and drawing materials if they wish to sketch on paper or take notes. If learners already have software on their own device and prefer to use that, then they are welcome to do soFurther Materials Required (Learner Purchased): None required Additional Course Materials: Equipment and software will be provided by the course Introduction to Digital Photography Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: Digital Camera with memory card (Entry level Digital SLR, Digital Hybrid ‘Bridge’ camera, or Digital Compact Camera, all suitable) Additional Course Materials: None specified Introduction to Printmaking: Monotype, Linocut and Drypoint Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:Apron – low costPencilsPermanent markerBiroGloves (dishwashing or disposable)Selection of brushesEraser Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased):Any additional required items will need to be purchased independently at the learner's discretion during the course. Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £40–£90, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Jewellery Making: Sand Casting Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: Reading glasses, if required Found objects to use to make moulds for casting Notebook or sketchbook Gas lighter Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): Materials available for purchase during the course include: Copper or brass sheet, wire and tube Sterling silver casting grain, sheet, wire and tube Acrylic sheet and rods Additional Course Materials: Additional Costs: £20 - £100, depending on usage and metal prices. Life Drawing: Exploring Line and Tone Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:A1 or A2 cartridge paper - 1 sheetCharcoals - willow and compressed - 1stick of eachWhite chalkSoft putty rubberHB, B, 2B, 6B pencilsGraphite stickPencil sharpener or craft knifeMasking tapeSketchbook A3 Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased):Various drawing papersColoured Chalk pastels or conte sticksSmall bottle of black waterproof drawing inkSmall and medium brushesFixativeA3 / A4 sketchbookWhite acrylic paintSpongeApron or old shirt Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £30–£50, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Miniature Sculpture Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: Small sketchbook or notebook (A5 or A4) Pencils or pens for drawing Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): Optional pencils or pens of different weights or thicknesses for drawing onto 3-dimensional work Optional camera to document work Additional Course Materials: Additional Costs: £5 - £30, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preference. As the course develops Learners’ may wish to bring in additional materials relevant to their individual project work or to supplement the provided materials once they are depleted. Portfolio Preparation (Online) Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: Sketchbooks (A4 and A5) Drawing materials: graphite pencils/sticks, charcoal, coloured pencils, tracing paper Measuring tools: compass, ruler/steel rule Paints and colour media: acrylics, watercolours or gouache, inks, oil pastels or coloured chalks/pastels Painting equipment: brushes, palette knife, wipe-clean surface (plastic or glass), water containers, cloths/sponges/scourer Paper and card: drawing/painting paper, cartridge paper, card, thick card, cardboard Mixed-media materials: wire, string, pipe cleaners, textiles, old magazines Cutting and assembly tools: scissors, PVA glue, Pritt Stick, pegs, paper clips, bulldog clips, elastic bands Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): Any additional materials required for project development during the course Additional Course Materials: Additional Costs: £30–£60, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Portfolio Preparation: Art (Preparing an Application) Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: Sketchbook (A4 or A5) Digital Camera Pens/Pencils of your choice to draw with Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): Pritt Stick Masking Tape Additional Course Materials: Additional Costs: £30–£60, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. As the course develops Learners’ may wish to bring in additional materials relevant to their individual project work (e.g. paints and brushes) or to supplement the provided materials once they are depleted. Visual Communication: Creative Risks Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:Sketchbook / journalPencils, pens, scissors, craft knife and Pritt stick. Materials and equipment provided for students as part of the course and included in course fee:A limited supply of card, paper, tape, ink pens and other materials used for 2d and 3d workSharp knife/scissors/metal ruler/cutting mattsPVA glueFurther Materials Required (Learner Purchased):SketchbooksA choice of scrap and recyclable materials (papers, small objects, plastics, wood, textiles, etc.)Collage material (magazines, newspapers, books, wallpaper, any colour or printed paper)Additional materials based on preference such as, masking tape, gaffer tape, ink, pens, paints and brushes etc.Other materials used for 3d construction as required.Additional recommended materials and equipment students can provide:Photocopies, printed materialsA digital camera/Smartphone Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £20–£60, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Wire Jewellery / Jewellery and Silvermithing: Foundation / Beyond the Basics The following items are suitable for all the Jewellery classes exclusing Sandcasting which has slightly different requirements, see below.Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:Reading glasses (if required)Apron to protect your clothes from chemicals (please wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty)Shoes with closed toes (no open toed sandals or similar)OptionalSketchbookPencils / drawing equipmentLighter / stove lighterThin paintbrushPermanent Marker - Ultra Fine Tip Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased):The following materials are available to buy in class during the course, and will be invoiced at the end of the course based on your usage. Copper/brass - sheet, wire & tube.Sterling silver - sheet, wire & tube.Additional silver may be required depending on your personal project, however details of what would be required based on your piece will be discussed in class and information given on where to order if you need to purchase direct from the supplier. Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £5–£100, depending on individual selection of materials. Term 2 Character Animation for Beginners / Intro to Digital Animation The following materials are suitable for both Introduction to Digital Animation and Character Animation classes.Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: External hard drive strongly recommended For Digital Animation only - learners can bring a sketchbook and drawing materials if they wish to sketch on paper or take notes. If learners already have software on their own device and prefer to use that, then they are welcome to do soFurther Materials Required (Learner Purchased): None required Additional Course Materials: Equipment and software will be provided by the course Developing Artists' Books Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:Pencils, scissors and Pritt stick. Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased):2mm Greyboard (A2)BookclothBone folder (useful but not essential)Paper (can be recycled paper e.g. envelopes, brown bags etc.) Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £30–£60, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Images and Ideas Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: Range of drawing materials, e.g. pencils, conté, charcoal, fibre pens, dip pens Any collected visual research, including photographs, magazines, drawings, sketches, and studies from previous classes Craft knife and scissors Masking tape Pritt Stick Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): A4 or A5 sketchbook (hardback, not soft cover) Additional drawing materials Starter set of acrylic paints including red, blue, yellow, white, and black At least three hog hair or acrylic brushes PVA glue Cartridge paper Assortment of collage materials such as papers, fabrics, wrappings, and newspapers Bottle of black drawing ink Digital camera Photocopying as required Additional Course Materials: Additional Costs: £30–£60, depending on individual selection of materials, brand preferences, and photocopying requirements Introduction to Drawing with Ink and Wash Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:Dip or scratch pens (nibs can be purchased separately)Black waterproof drawing inkBrown or sepia drawing inkColoured drawing inks – a couple of bright colours2–3 soft wash brushes (flat/chisel shapes, synthetic or natural)Masking tape rollSketchbook or drawing pad A3, thick smooth cartridge paperOptional additional papers (recycled, brown, packing)Pencils and rubberPipette or ink dropperOptional drawing tools: pens, coloured pencils, pastels, charcoal Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased):Any additional required items will need to be purchased independently at the learner's discretion during the course. Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £30–£60, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Introduction to Illustration Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:A4 sketchbookA selection of drawing materials (e.g., pencils, dipping pen, fine-liners, or colour pencils – according to student preference) Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): Students are expected to purchase additional tools and materials during the course, including:A4 sketchbook (ongoing use) A selection of drawing materials (e.g. pencils, dipping pen, fine-liners, colour pencils, or watercolours according to student preference) Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £30–£60, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Introduction to Printmaking: Woodcut, Etching and Aquatinting Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: Apron, old shirt, or overalls Pencils Biro Permanent marker Gloves (dishwashing or disposable) Selection of brushes Sketchbook Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): Optional additional items that learners may find useful include: Sketchbooks and/or collected visual material Previous prints made in class or at home Plain large tissue paper Etching or drypoint needle Clean Tetrapak cartons Shiny card Etching paper, if pursuing drypoint or etching in more detail Additional Course Materials: Paper is provided by the course. Recommended general kit: A2 portfolio Apron Pencils Permanent marker Biro Gloves Selection of brushes Eraser Craft knife or scalpel Scissors Glue stick Masking tape Additional Costs: Variable, depending on optional specialist materials purchased Introduction to Sculpture Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:Sketchbook / journal, pencilExamples of any materials / objects that interest you. Materials and equipment provided for students as part of the course and included in course fee:A limited supply of card, plaster, wire and clay and other materials used for 3d constructionAccess to basic tools for making small sculptures in a range of mediaSharp knife / scissorsPVA glue Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased):SketchbooksA choice of scrap and recyclable materials (papers, small objects, plastics, wood, textiles, buttons, beads, etc.)Other adhesives and tape such as super glue, masking tape, gaffer tapeOther materials used for 3d construction as required.Protective clothingAdditional recommended materials and equipment students can provide:A digital camera/Smartphone Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £20–£60, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Wire Jewellery / Jewellery and Silvermithing: Foundation / Beyond the Basics The following items are suitable for all the Jewellery classes exclusing Sandcasting which has slightly different requirements, see below.Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:Reading glasses (if required)Apron to protect your clothes from chemicals (please wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty)Shoes with closed toes (no open toed sandals or similar)OptionalSketchbookPencils / drawing equipmentLighter / stove lighterThin paintbrushPermanent Marker - Ultra Fine Tip Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased):The following materials are available to buy in class during the course, and will be invoiced at the end of the course based on your usage. Copper/brass - sheet, wire & tube.Sterling silver - sheet, wire & tube.Additional silver may be required depending on your personal project, however details of what would be required based on your piece will be discussed in class and information given on where to order if you need to purchase direct from the supplier. Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £5–£100, depending on individual selection of materials. Life Drawing: Light and Proportion Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:A1 or A2 cartridge paper - 1 sheetCharcoals - willow and compressed - 1stick of eachWhite chalkSoft putty rubberHB, B, 2B, 6B pencilsGraphite stickPencil sharpener or craft knifeMasking tapeSketchbook A3 Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased):Various drawing papersColoured Chalk pastels or conte sticksSmall bottle of black waterproof drawing inkSmall and medium brushesFixativeA3 / A4 sketchbookWhite acrylic paintSpongeApron or old shirt Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £30–£50, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Mixed Media: Exploring Materials and Processes Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:A4 or A5 hard backed sketchbook,black drawing ink,old wax candle,rags.marker pen (any colour),thick cheap wax crayons,old 1 in household paint brush,craft knife,old newspapers and masking tape. Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased):basic drawing medium including coloured pastels and coloured oil pastels and watercolour, gouache, acrylic paint,glue or acrylic medium matt, gum Arabic watercolour medium,collage paper (wallpapers, newspaper cuttings, fragments of old paintings, drawings and collages, rice paper, tissue paper, baking parchment),fabric off cuts – any kind of woven cloth (opaque as well as transparent), canvas (raw as well as primed and tinted),plastic sheet A3 (for mono-printing and drawing support),tools for scraping, rolling, rubbing, scratching, dripping, splashing, spraying, cutting, painting, and drawing (scraper, roller, craft knife, palette knife, plastic pipette). Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £30–£60, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Visual Communication: Process Over Product Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:Sketchbook / journalPencils, pens, scissors, craft knife and Pritt stick. Materials and equipment provided for students as part of the course and included in course fee:A limited supply of card, paper, tape, ink pens and other materials used for 2d and 3d workSharp knife/scissors/metal ruler/cutting mattsPVA glueFurther Materials Required (Learner Purchased):SketchbooksA choice of scrap and recyclable materials (papers, small objects, plastics, wood, textiles, etc.)Collage material (magazines, newspapers, books, wallpaper, any colour or printed paper)Additional materials based on preference such as, masking tape, gaffer tape, ink, pens, paints and brushes etc.Other materials used for 3d construction as required.Additional recommended materials and equipment students can provide:Photocopies, printed materialsA digital camera/Smartphone Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £20–£60, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Term 3 Character Animation for Beginners Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:A4 sketchbookA selection of drawing materials (e.g., pencils, dipping pen, fine-liners, or colour pencils – according to student preference) Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): Students are expected to purchase additional tools and materials during the course, including:A4 sketchbook (ongoing use) A selection of drawing materials (e.g. pencils, dipping pen, fine-liners, colour pencils, or watercolours according to student preference) Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £30–£60, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Coastal Drawing and Painting Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:Sketchbook (hardback A4 or A3)Drawing board, approx. A2Masking tape / bulldog clipsGround sheet (optional, available from tutor)Several sheets of white cartridge paper, cut to A3/A2Mid-toned paper (e.g., sugar paper)Graphite pencils (2B, 4B)Plastic rubberCharcoal sticks (willow, hard compressed, or conte)Range of chalk pastelsRags or kitchen rollRange of brushes (pointed/round, sizes 2–10)Water pot or jam jarPalettes (wood, plastic, or jam jar lids)Oil paints and/or acrylic paintsBlack ink / dip penPalette knifePainting surfaces (primed card, canvas, MDF board)Mediums and solvents if using oil paint: linseed oil, turpentine or safe alternativeMediums for acrylic paint: retarder or slow-drying mediumAdditional student-provided materials during the course, depending on personal choices, quality of materials, and optional extras.Foldable stool (optional)Easel (optional, portable)Hairspray / fixative optional) Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): Any additional required items will need to be purchased independently at the learner's discretion during the course. Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £30–£60, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Creative Rings and Bangles Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:Glasses for close-up work (if required) – already owned / low/no costPermanent marker pen or pencilApron (Optional)Sketchbook (Optional)Research materials for personal projects (books, images, online resources) Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased):Metals for rings/bangles (copper, brass, or silver)Findings and extra components (clasps, jump rings)Protective equipment, if preferred, beyond what is provided (gloves, apron) Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £20–£90, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Digital Photography Project Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:Please do not purchase a new camera just for this course, but ideally you should have a digital SLR (DSLR) camera, which gives you full manual control for focusing, shutter speeds, aperture and ISO settings. A standard 50mm lens is all you require, or a zoom lens that includes a 50mm focal length. You may have other lenses too; these will give you a greater range of possibilities, but they are not necessary to take or complete the course successfully. You can still take the course and gain a range of knowledge without a fully manual DSLR camera with these features such as a Digital Hybrid ‘Bridge’ camera, or Digital Compact Camera, however you will not be able to put into practice everything that is being taught and get the most from the course.No further materials required. Foundation Painting Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:Sketch pad A2Assortment of small sheets of paper – brown and/or other wrapping types, colour paper, newspaper, etc. (if desired)Pencils (HB, 2B, and /or 4B and/or 6B)Willow charcoal (medium)Soft pastels (24 or 36 or 48 half sticks of assorted colours - Inscribe brand recommended)Putty rubber and a pencil eraserMasking tapeSpray fixative (a cheap hairspray is a good alternative)Protective clothing Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased):Sugar/pastel paper A2 (mid-tone blue/green-grey)Assortment of other collected and/or prepared paper (if desired)Inks, assorted ink pens, resist wax/crayon and pointed round soft paintbrush (if desired)Scissors (if desired) Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £50–£80, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Low Tech Printmaking Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: Apron, old shirt, or overalls Pencils Biro Permanent marker Gloves (dishwashing or disposable) Selection of brushes Sketchbook Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): Optional additional items that learners may find useful include: Sketchbooks and/or collected visual material Previous prints made in class or at home Plain large tissue paper Etching or drypoint needle Clean Tetrapak cartons Shiny card Etching paper, if pursuing drypoint or etching in more detail Additional Course Materials: Paper is provided by the course. Recommended general kit: A2 portfolio Apron Pencils Permanent marker Biro Gloves Selection of brushes Eraser Craft knife or scalpel Scissors Glue stick Masking tape Miniature Sculpture Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: Small sketchbook or notebook (A5 or A4) Pencils or pens for drawing Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): Optional pencils or pens of different weights or thicknesses for drawing onto 3-dimensional work Optional camera to document work Additional Course Materials: Additional Costs: £5 - £30, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preference. As the course develops Learners’ may wish to bring in additional materials relevant to their individual project work or to supplement the provided materials once they are depleted. Preparing a Portfolio for Art School Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:Sketchbook A4 or A5Charcoal (Compressed & Willow)White chalkEraserRange of pencils (2B–6B)Graphite stick (4B)Oil bars (clear)Masking tapeSmall set oil pastelsQuink InkBallpoint pen and 2 coloured marker/highlighter pensColoured pencilsDrawing papers (cartridge paper, newsprint, one-sided card)Acrylic paint: Cadmium Red & Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre, Black, Large pot of White (≥250ml)Bristle brushes (various sizes, e.g., square or round 2–10)1” and 2” household paint brushesRags or spongesDigital camera (for documenting work) Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased):Any additional required items will need to be purchased independently at the learner's discretion during the course. Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £60–£90, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Printmaking for Beginners: Collography Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: As for Introduction to Printmaking: Woodcut, Etching and Aquatinting Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): Optional additional items that learners may find useful include: Sketchbooks and/or collected visual material Previous prints made in class or at home Plain large tissue paper Etching or drypoint needle Clean Tetrapak cartons Shiny card Etching paper, if pursuing drypoint or etching in more detail Additional Course Materials: Paper is provided by the course. Recommended general kit: A2 portfolio Apron Pencils Permanent marker Biro Gloves Selection of brushes Eraser Craft knife or scalpel Scissors Glue stick Masking tape Street Photography Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class:DSLR camera or equivalentLens (50mm recommended)Storage medium (SD or CF card)USB cable for transferring imagesFully charged batteries and cleared memory card Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased):Any additional required items will need to be purchased independently at the learner's discretion during the course. Additional Course Materials:Additional Costs: £20–£50, depending on individual selection of materials and brand preferences. Watercolour for Beginners Essential Items Learners are to Bring to First Class: Watercolour paints-pans or tubes (small box sets of 12 half pans such as Daler Rowney or Windsor and Newton are good, and portable) Range of watercolour brushes (including one flat wash brush) A5 or A4 watercolour pad Small sponge or sponge piece Resists such as masking tape, masking fluid, a candle/tealight or wax crayons Pencil Pot or jar for water Small palette Further Materials Required (Learner Purchased): Any additional required items will need to be purchased independently at the learner's discretion during the course. Additional Course Materials: Sheets of watercolour paper A3 optional for larger scale works Additional costs depend on individual selection of materials and brand preferences £20-40 This article was published on Tuesday 26 August 2025