Art Materials, Tools, Equipment and Their Uses for SS 1

Art Materials, Tools and Equipment

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. identify common art materials;
2. explain common art tools;
3. discuss art equipment;
4. discuss the purposes of art tools;
5. explain the importance of art equipment;
6. care and maintenance of tools and equipment.

Visual arts involve creating beautiful and expressive works using various elements. To bring artistic ideas to life, artists rely on specific items that fall into three main categories: art materials, art tools, and art equipment. Understanding these categories and how to use and care for them is fundamental for any visual artist.

What Are Art Materials?

Art materials are the substances or raw components that artists use to create their artworks. These are the items that are consumed or transformed during the art-making process, becoming part of the finished piece.

Common art materials include:

1. Drawing Papers: These are sheets of paper of various textures, weights, and colours, used as surfaces for drawing, painting, and other graphic works. Examples include cartridge paper, watercolour paper, and newsprint.
2. Clay: A natural, earthy material that becomes plastic when wet, allowing it to be moulded and shaped. It is used in sculpture and pottery to create three-dimensional forms.
3. Paints: Pigments mixed with a binder, used to apply colour to a surface. Different types of paints include watercolour, oil paint, acrylic paint, and tempera paint, each with unique properties and drying times.
4. Fabrics: Textiles like cotton, silk, or canvas can be used as surfaces for painting, printing, or creating textile art.
5. Sketchbooks: Books containing blank pages, often used for preliminary sketches, ideas, and practice drawings.

What Are Art Tools?

Art tools are handheld instruments that artists use to manipulate or apply art materials. Unlike materials, tools are generally reusable and do not become part of the artwork itself, but rather help in its creation.

Common art tools include:

1. Rulers: Straight-edged instruments used for measuring lengths and drawing straight lines.
2. Spatulas: Flat, flexible blades, often with a handle, used for mixing paints, applying thick layers of paint, or sculpting clay.
3. Brushes: Instruments with bristles attached to a handle, used for applying paint, ink, or other liquid media to a surface. Brushes come in various shapes and sizes for different effects.
4. Pencils: Writing and drawing instruments with a graphite or charcoal core encased in wood, used for sketching, drawing, and shading.
5. Palettes: Flat surfaces, often made of wood, plastic, or ceramic, used for holding and mixing paints.

Purposes of Art Tools

Each art tool serves a specific purpose, making the art-making process more precise, efficient, or expressive:

1. Rulers: Used to ensure accuracy in measurements, create straight lines for architectural drawings, geometric patterns, or framing.
2. Spatulas: Ideal for mixing colours on a palette without contaminating brushes, applying thick, textured paint directly to a canvas (impasto technique), or shaping and smoothing clay in sculpture.
3. Brushes: Used to apply paint smoothly, create different strokes (broad, fine, textured), blend colours, and add details. Different brush types are suited for specific paint media and effects.
4. Pencils: Primarily used for sketching initial ideas, outlining compositions, creating detailed drawings, and adding tonal values through shading.
5. Palettes: Provide a clean, flat surface for artists to squeeze out paints and mix them to achieve desired colours and shades before applying them to the artwork.

What Is Art Equipment?

Art equipment refers to larger, more substantial items or machinery that provide support, structure, or a controlled environment for the artist and their work. Equipment is typically stationary or semi-stationary and is essential for certain art processes.

Common art equipment includes:

1. Easels: Upright stands, usually made of wood or metal, designed to hold a canvas or drawing board at a comfortable working angle for painting or drawing.
2. Drafting Tables: Large, adjustable tables with a smooth surface, often used for technical drawing, architectural plans, or large-scale artworks. They can be tilted and raised to suit the artist’s posture.
3. Kiln: A special oven used for firing clay objects at high temperatures. Firing hardens the clay, making it durable and permanent, and can also be used to fuse glazes onto pottery.

Importance of Art Equipment

Art equipment plays a crucial role in facilitating the creation of artworks, providing stability, comfort, and specialised functions:

1. Easels: They hold the artwork securely at eye level, allowing the artist to step back and view the piece from a distance, which is essential for assessing composition and colour balance. They also provide ergonomic support, reducing strain during long painting sessions.
2. Drafting Tables: These tables offer a large, stable, and adjustable surface, which is vital for precision work in technical drawing and large-format art. The ability to tilt the surface helps prevent back strain and allows for better visibility of the drawing.
3. Kiln: The kiln is indispensable for ceramic artists. It transforms fragile, air-dried clay into strong, permanent ceramic pieces through intense heat. Without a kiln, pottery and clay sculptures would not achieve their durable, finished state.

Care and Maintenance of Art Tools and Equipment

Proper care and maintenance of art tools and equipment are essential for their longevity, optimal performance, and for ensuring the safety of the artist. Neglecting care can lead to damaged tools, poor artwork quality, and potential hazards.

General Care Guidelines

1. Cleanliness: Always clean tools immediately after use. Dried paint on brushes or clay on spatulas can be very difficult to remove later and can damage the tools.
2. Proper Storage: Store tools and equipment in a clean, dry place. Brushes should be stored bristles-up or flat to prevent bending. Pencils should be kept in a case to protect their tips.
3. Regular Inspection: Periodically check tools and equipment for wear and tear, damage, or loose parts. Address any issues promptly.
4. Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: For specialised equipment like kilns or drafting tables, always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific care and maintenance procedures.

Specific Care for Tools

1. Brushes:
   1. Rinse brushes thoroughly with water (for water-based paints) or appropriate solvent (for oil paints) until all paint is removed.
   2. Gently reshape the bristles with fingers and allow them to dry completely, preferably hanging downwards or lying flat.
   3. Never leave brushes soaking in water for extended periods, as this can damage the handle and ferrule (metal part).
2. Spatulas:
   1. Wipe off excess paint or clay immediately after use.
   2. Wash with soap and water, ensuring no residue remains.
   3. Dry thoroughly to prevent rust on metal blades.
3. Pencils:
   1. Sharpen pencils carefully using a good quality sharpener or a craft knife (with adult supervision).
   2. Avoid dropping pencils, as this can break the lead inside.
   3. Store them in a pencil case to protect the tips.

Specific Care for Equipment

1. Easels:
   1. Wipe down wooden or metal parts regularly to remove dust, paint splatters, or grime.
   2. Check and tighten any screws or bolts that may become loose over time.
   3. Store in a dry place to prevent wood warping or metal rusting.
2. Drafting Tables:
   1. Keep the surface clean and free of dust, pencil marks, or adhesive residue.
   2. Regularly check and lubricate moving parts if recommended by the manufacturer.
   3. Ensure the locking mechanisms for tilt and height adjustments are functioning correctly.
3. Kiln:
   1. Allow the kiln to cool completely before cleaning.
   2. Regularly vacuum the interior to remove dust and debris.
   3. Inspect heating elements and kiln shelves for damage.
   4. Ensure proper ventilation during operation and cooling.
   5. Only trained individuals should operate and maintain a kiln due to high temperatures and electrical components.