1. 18 x 24 STRATHMORE pad

2. masonite (or other) drawing board-something rigid against which you can rest your pad-should be as big as or bigger than yr pad…you don't really NEED this.

3. a box of CHAR-KOLE brand™ stick charcoal.

4. EBONY pencils-absolutely vital- buy only EBONY. Get 5 or 6.

5. MARS plastic erasers-try and find MARS.

6. a clickable eraser (It will look like a pen. If you can't find it, ask, sometimes they are up at the counter)

7. a tackle box to keep all the little stuff in. Get your tacklebox at Academy, not the art store; it will be MUCH CHEAPER.

8. NUPASTEL soft pastels -we'll discuss this, don't buy these yet

9. A SKETCHBOOK