Art Studio Life: Everyday Use Art Supplies and Materials
Recommended Art Supplies
I understand it can feel overwhelming to sift through the array of art supplies and different brands out there. That’s why I put together this list of my top (and most used) artist supplies to guide you in finding the best materials for your needs!
Below, you’ll find easy to navigate product links that may contain an affiliate link. Which means, that if you make an art supply purchase from a link you click on this page, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. So, this is a great way to help support Art Studio Life with your art supply purchases when necessary.
PAINTS
I mostly use this brand of paints on my palette. They are very reliable and the highest quality.
These are made of very high quality pigments and are an excellent addition to any palette.
03 Gamblin, M. Graham, Winsor and Newton
These are also very reliable and high quality brands (while being budget friendly).
PAINTING SURFACES
I regularly use this pre primed linen for quick painting sketches as well as longer session paintings. It is good quality and also relatively reasonable.
Get Centurion Oil Primed Linen »
This oil primed linen is a step up from the centurion pre primed linen. You can cut the roll to the exact sizes you need for your projects.
Unprimed Linen
If you prefer, you can get unprimed linen and prepare your own painting surface in the exact manner you wish. You can use either acrylic gesso or an oil ground.
PAINT BRUSHES
Escoda Opera Takatsu Synthetic Round Brushes
It is important to have reliable round brushes on hand in a variety of sizes.
BRUSH CLEANING SUPPLIES
Guerilla Painter Mighty Mite Brush Washer
This is my absolute favorite brush cleaner to have on my palette. It is very small, so works well for in studio and to take with you when painting on the road.
Get Guerilla Painer Mighty Mite brush cleaner»
Anderson and Son’s Stainless Steel Brush Cleaner
There are many knock offs of stainless steel brush cleaners. This is the real deal and will last you forever. I personally keep turpenoid in mine and open it only briefly to create an imprimatura. The tight seal keeps the fumes safely inside the steel container.
Get Stainless Steel Brush Cleaner»
This item might be a little unexpected to you. But it is one of the best soaps for cleaning oil paint off of your brushes as it both cleans and conditions your brushes. Helping them to last longer. It is also very cost effective compared to expensive artist soaps.
PALETTE KNIVES AND PALETTES
This palette knife might seem stiff at first, but it becomes more flexible with use and will last a very long time.
I personally have both this palette and the above liquitex one. This particular one is a little bit more flexible.
This is my primary palette I have been using for years. You just need to apply 5 coats of linseed oil and then it is ready for use.
Glass Palette – New Wave Posh Palette
If you prefer a glass palette over a wooden one – or use acrylic paints. This is a good one!
EASELS
I have been using this same exact easel almost exclusively for the past 9 years. Mine is still in good shape after heavy use from using both in studio and traveling with it.
If you work on larger sized paintings, an H frame easel will suit your needs much better than a French easel. I have an H frame easel. My H frame easel is vintage and not being made anymore, but this is a good brand for easels.
When traveling overseas I primarily use this pochade box. It is lightweight and fits easily into my carry on luggage. One is limited to 8 x 10 size paintings with this one. However, the limited size is also handy for traveling and your paintings can dry inside the pochade box. Paintings from your travels make the best souvenirs.
LINSEED OIL AND MINERAL SPIRITS
DRAWING SUPPLIES
Koh I Noor Woodless Drawing Pencils
For sketching I use primarily woodless drawing pencils. My favorite are the Koh I Noor woodless graphite pencils. It is important to keep them in a safe drawing case to prevent any breakage.
It is always good to have some charcoal on hand. It is very useful to create thumbnail drawing studies with. Also, the painterly properties of the material make it a very fun drawing material.
Strathmore 500 Series Charcoal paper
This is terrific charcoal paper that I have been using in my own studio practice for years.
WATERCOLOR PAINTS
ACRYLIC PAINTS
Winsor and Newton Acrylic Paints
Winsor and Newton makes very reliable acrylic paints. I mainly use this brand when I do work with acrylics.
STUDIO LIGHTING
If you are only able to paint at night or get poor lighting in your studio, then good lights are a necessary investment! I love these Neewer lights for painting.