Understand your materials. Choose with confidence.
This Atlas is a visual reference for the materials, tools, surfaces and studio equipment artists use every day. Explore each guide to understand what things are, how they differ, and what characteristics matter.
Learn first. Compare second. Choose last.
The Atlas isn't a quiz and it isn't here to tell you what to buy. It's a visual reference designed to give you the information you need to understand a category and make your own decision.
Materials
Materials
Explore the materials artists work with and the characteristics that distinguish them.
Tools
Tools
Understand the tools used to apply, manipulate, mix and shape creative materials.
Surfaces
Surfaces
Compare the surfaces and supports used for different kinds of artwork.
Properties
Properties
Learn the characteristics that affect how materials and tools behave.
Techniques
Techniques
Explore the concepts and techniques that connect materials, tools and finished work.
Studio
Studio
Explore the equipment and accessories that shape the artist's workspace.
Nobel Creators' Atlas
Each guide is a complete visual reference for its subject. Start anywhere, or search the Atlas for a specific term.
Paintbrushes
Brush anatomy, shapes, hair types, sizing and the characteristics that affect how a brush behaves.
Paints
Pigments, binders and the properties that influence how paint behaves and appears.
Papers
Paper weight, tooth, sizing, materials, forms and the terminology used to describe different papers.
Drawing
Graphite grades, charcoal, nibs and pen mechanisms, with visual references for different drawing tools.
Painting Surfaces
Canvas, linen, wood panels and the preparation materials used to create a painting support.
Colour Theory
The colour wheel, primary, secondary and tertiary colours, mixing, tint, tone, shade and colour relationships.
Sculpting Tools
Tool and blade types, handle shapes and the roles they play in sculpting and carving.
Palettes
Palette formats and materials, and how their design relates to different painting media and working styles.
Easels
Easel types compared by stability, portability, working environment, format and setup.
