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When I was just starting to paint, I scoured the internet for all the tips, tricks, and resources I could find about painting. With so many different types of paints, easels, brushes, etc, I didn’t know what to buy or what would work best. I would often scroll other artist’s social media pages to try and figure out what they used and was always so appreciative of artists that would share guides or links to the things they used and loved. In an effort to maybe be that person for someone else, here is a list of things that I have used or currently use and love in my art studio. Please feel free to ask me about any of them.
First up, lets start with paint. There’s SO many options when it comes to paint. First, you have to decide what type of paint you’re going to use. In my painting journey, I’ve mostly experimented with acrylic, gouache, and my personal favorite, oil. Here’s what I use for each one of those:
My favorite acrylic paint is Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic. Winsor & Newton has a professional grade acrylic paint, but I’ve never used it and the Galeria grade has worked well for me. The consistency is thick and buttery and the pigments are nice.
For gouache paint, I have bought and used this set by Arteza. I mainly just use them for quick studies here and there but they have performed well for my needs. When I used to illustrate alot, I used this set. It’s very portable and beginner friendly.
As for oil painting, I mostly use these water-mixable paints by Winsor & Newton. When I was just starting to paint with oil, I was nervous about having to use strong solvents or mineral spirits around my small children. I was delighted to discover water-mixable oils that could be cleaned up easy with water and soap. I’ve stuck with them since then and still love them to this day.
Next up on the list, easels.
I have bought and used a variety of easels since I started painting. Portable, table top, rolling, etc. Here’s what I have used and would recommend:
I used this one by Meeden for many years and really liked it. It was a great easel. Sturdy and could handle large paintings, but still portable and easy to move around. I wish I still had it, but ended up donating it in anticipation of a move.
My next and current easel is this portable H-frame. I love this easel. I work from home and often move my paints and easels around a lot and this one is so easy to move. Not to mention, it’s incredibly light.
One of these days I want to do more plein air painting and get a proper plein air easel, but for now when I travel or want something portable I just bring a foldable tabletop easel like this one. My exact one is not linkable because I don’t think they make or sell it anymore, but it looks just like this one. It’s great for storing paints, sketchbooks, and brushes on the go. I use it quite a lot at home when I want to paint somewhere other than my dedicated little corner.
Last but not least, brushes!
To be honest, I have yet to purchase nice, professional brushes. I keep saying that I will one of these days, but for now I mostly buy cheap brushes or even craft brushes. I am lazy and don’t always take the best care of them, so it just makes sense for me to keep buying cheap ones that I don’t have to worry about. I usually just go to my local Michaels or craft store and buy what they have there. The brushes I have bought online and tried include these inexpensive mop brushes for blending/softening, this small set I got to try gouache, and these cheap foam brushes in bulk to have on hand for backgrounds or varnishing.
And there you have it—my favorite paints, easels, and brushes. I will try to add to the list as I’m able with all the other supplies and things I use for my art. And if you have any questions, please let me know! I’m happy to share what I know :)