The Origins of 7 of Your Favorite Art Supplies
Pencil: Although we call the writing part of a pencil the "lead," it’s actually made of graphite.
Easel: Painting on easels was the obvious alternative to painting on walls.
Pen: The ancestors of the pens we know today were the brush used by the Chinese for writing.
Paintbrush: Paintbrushes are one of the earliest art supplies.
Oil paints: Until quite recently it was believed that oil painting had originated in Europe in the 11th century.
Pottery wheel: Pottery is one of the world’s oldest art forms, and having a wheel makes it both easier and more challenging.
Crayon: The history of the crayon is difficult to pin down.