Happy February! I know Winter can be tough for some personalities. I find this time of the year to be deeply reflective and introspective. I do find myself spending more time in my studio, but that does not mean I am more creative or productive. I enjoy the slowness and the cocooning of the colder months. I am a sunshine baby, but this time is equally important to me. As most of you know, I decommissioned my classroom and built a backyard art studio last Fall. I have sorted and moved A LOT of art supplies since then. It has been a sort of inventory and reset over here! In this newsletter, I have decided to share my favorite art supplies with you all. I hope my list helps anyone who is dreaming and thinking about picking up a new painting practice. But first, here are my artsy updates:
Below are a few of my favorite (art-making) things. Okay, so it is more than a few! If you have ever wanted to get started in watercolor, oil, acrylic, or digital painting - below are the tools I use in my studio practice. I am working on detailed reviews and pictures for my website, but the list below is arranged in a shopping list style. I have linked stores that I frequent. Know that I do my best to avoid certain retail chains and Amazon (no judgment, this is just me). A lot of these items can be found at any art store. Other items can be picked up from craft stores, Target, or the hardware store. I also love to support small businesses like Case for Making and indigenous artist-maker, Beam Paints. Enjoy poking around my list o' supplies! Know that most of these are beginner-level, DIY, budget-friendly, student-grade supplies. I know you can improve your art skills with higher-quality paints, paper, and bushes. I also know that we gotta start somewhere and sometimes the Ooops house paint in your garage is the way to go. I hope my list does not overwhelm you. You do not need all of these supplies in order to make art or be an artist. This is just one path, one offering to get started on your creative journey! Enjoy!
Painters’ tape (I am still looking for better tape)
Drawing pencils: Faber-Castell or any “harder” drawing pencils that allow you to sketch lightly and are easy to lift/erase. I like anything between the 2H to 6H range.
Utrecht Manglon Brushes Set (includes #4 Round, #8 Bright, #12 Filbert, and #18 Filbert). I would also get some larger bristle or mixed synthetic filbert brushes, sizes 12 and 18 for big skies.
3-4 Palette knives: I like the longer, more flexible offset ones. I use the same ones for oil and acrylic.
Paper plates: another way to mix and store paint. Make sure to get the plastic-y feeling ones.
Disposable gloves: Important for using oils. Choose gloves that fit your hands and work for your skin. I like clear ones from Blick.
Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits: Gamsol is less toxic than other mineral spirits and turpentine brands. The harmful and aromatic solvent component has been removed.
Painting surfaces/canvases: I prefer wood panels treated with clear gesso. You can purchase or make your own panels. Either way, they will need to be primed/gessoed. I use Liquitex Clear Gesso.
Brushes: Utrecht Manglon Brushes Set (includes #4 Round, #8 Bright, #12 Filbert, and #18 Filbert). I would also get some larger bristle or mixed synthetic filbert brushes, sizes 12 and 18 for big skies.
3-4 Palette knives: I like the longer, more flexible offset ones. I use the same ones for oil and acrylic.
Painting surfaces/canvases: I prefer wood panels treated with clear gesso. You can purchase or make your own panels. Either way, they will need to be primed/gessoed. I use Liquitex Clear Gesso.
And that's all folks! All for now at least. Keep an eye on my website and Instagram stories where I will share more visual recommendations and resources with you all in the future. Happy creating!
