The most basic tool of visual art, the pencil is used to sketch out the painting lightly on the canvas or paper before painting. The type of pencil used depends on the preferences of the painter; art pencils come in a range of types, from soft B grades to hard H grades. Pencil marks are either painted over completely or, in the case of watercolor painting, erased with a kneaded eraser.
The palette is a surface used to mix paints into the colors and consistencies desired by the artist. Some palettes are completely smooth, while others are sectioned. Oil and acrylic painters often use a smooth palette than can be held in one hand while painting with the other, while watercolorists require a palette that lays flat. Palettes are made of plastic, wood and paper.
Paint brushes come in a wide range of sizes, textures and types; for oil and acrylic paints, brushes are generally larger and firmer than watercolor brushes. Paint brushes may be flat, rounded or fanned with bristles made of natural hair such as camel or sable and synthetic hair such as nylon. Brushes are the primary tool used to apply paint to canvas or paper for many painters, with various painting techniques.
The artist uses a metal or plastic palette knife to mix paints in a smooth surface and sometimes to apply the paint directly to canvas. The palette knife is thin but not sharp, though it usually has a pointed tip. The shape enables even mixing and can be used to scrape the canvas, creating various effects.
To create textures, artists use objects such as small sponges, rags and even paper towels or tissue. The holes or folds in the object hold paint in a desirably uneven way; the painter dips it into the paint and lightly dabs it onto the canvas.
Artists may do away with painting instruments altogether and apply paint to canvas or paper with their hands. This type of painting can lead to chemical or lead poisoning, so be sure that any paint applied with bare hands is water based and non-toxic.