Shopping for art supplies and books is one of the best things about being an artist but it can also be overwhelming if you haven't figured out your favorites yet. Below is a list of sketching supplies that I love and recommend. You can click on any item listed to go to a link on Amazon.com.
Drawing paper. I love the 9 x 12 Stillman & Birn, Alpha Series book with wire binding. The paper is lovely and the wire binding sturdy. Don't get smaller than the 9 x 12 size as this is a great size to really draw freely.
Optional: you might enjoy drawing on toned paper too, such as gray or tan paper.
It's good to have a variety of drawing pencils (6B, 4B, HB2, 2H for example... I recommend 4 to 6 pencils of varying B and H levels). This is a great set and includes drawing stumps, conte pencils, and a sand paper sharpener amongst other great supplies.
If you don't buy the set suggested above, you will need to buy a set of paper drawing stumps (sometimes referred to as blenders), a red conte pencil and a white conte pencil.
A pencil sharpener (I recommend the Kum, Two Hole Automatic Long Point Pencil Sharpener)
A ruler (preferably clear)
A little bag to keep all your pens, pencil, erasers and ruler in. I love these little beauties because you can open them and stand up the bag like a cup to hold everything upright while you draw.
Optional: A drawing board or easel so you can draw at an angle. I love the SoHo Urban Artist Adjustable Drawing Board Adjustable Drawing Board. It will help you learn correct posture while drawing to use a drawing board and it provides perspective without distortion.
And that's a list of my favorites. Enjoy!
Since I've been sharing links to Amazon.com for art supplies for years, I've decided to become a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, which means when you use the links on my website, Amazon pays me a fee for sharing the Amazon love. Win-win!