Classes for the fall term at The Art League School start next week, and the Store is ready to help you get back in the swing of things!

The Art League Store, on the second floor of the Torpedo Factory at 105 North Union Street in Alexandria, sells fine art supplies at discounted, non-profit prices to Art League members and students. Even better, the staff are working artists who can answer your questions and help you find the best materials for your work. More details and hours can be found here.

We asked Art League instructor Lisa Semerad (view her fall classes here) for her go-to supplies. Here’s what she recommended and why:

Kneaded eraser (small, $.83 or large, $1.31 at The Art League Store) and firm eraser (various brands, $.71 to $1.18)

Char-Kole stick ($.70 each or $7.73 for 12) and HB graphite pencil ($1.02)

Bulldog clips ($1.11 each) and drawing board ($7.66 for 18″ x 18″; $10.47 for 18″ x 24″)

Strathmore newsprint, 18″ x 24″ ($7.02 for 50 sheets) — “to warm up on, because it’s cheap.”

Strathmore 400 drawing paper, 18″ x 24″ ($12.88 for 24 sheets) — “because it’s versatile, still cheap, but if something works out it’s not junk.”

Set of 24 Nupastel hard pastels ($24.98) — “they are expressive, responsive, and movable, not fussy. They can even become paint if wetted with water or odorless mineral spirits.”

If you haven’t been to the Store recently, drop by and see what’s new! We’ll be featuring more from the Store in coming weeks.