If this is your first time painting, I know it can be overwhelming. A place like Michael’s for example, which is a craft shop but they have a decent art supply section, can be intimating. To give you a little shopping list to start you off, here is a list of my favorite art supplies. I’ll try to add what to look for as well when it comes to shopping. Since I am a visual learner, I plan on adding an image of the product as well. Feel free to message me if you have any questions, or if I miss an item, please add it in the comments below.
Need the quick list? Here’s what you’ll need:
Mix Media Pad (aka a sketchbook with heavy grade thick paper)
The Primary Colors (white, black, red, blue, yellow)
Brushes (start with three, a big one, medium one and small one)
something to clean your brushes in ( I use an old cleaned out jam jar)
something to mix your paint on, I use a plastic palette, but you can also use a paper plate
Mix Media Pad
Think of this as your all-in-one sketchbook. This is spiral bound book comes with thick paper that can handle most art forms (water color, acrylic, etc). I use this for experiments. When I’m trying a new painting technique. I’m currently using mine to practice water coloring. I like using this because it takes up less space than say a bunch of canvases. I highly recommend this for starting artists. Click on the image to purchase this item.
Artist’s Loft Flow Acrylic Paints
When it comes to paints, you could pay for every color under the sun, but you would end up having some colors that you never end up using. With that in mind, I recommend just buying five colors, your primary colors (red, yellow and blue) then black and white. I like the brand Artist’s Loft when it comes to paints. You can get a 32 ounce container for $10. I would warn to stay away from the pump attachment. They end up getting clogged up very quickly.
If a big container is too much for you at the moment, they do have other smaller containers as well. I just paint a lot and I have yet to replace my purchase of the Artist Loft paints … I think I bought them a year back ago. Just remember to keep the lids on tight when you’re not using them and they should last you a long time. A little bit goes a long way with these paints.
Click on the image to purchase this item.
Super Value 50 Piece Brush Set by Artist’ Loft Necessities
I think there are as many brushes as there are paints. A million to choose from but not all are needed or are of great qualities. If you are starting off, I think this set would be a great set. It comes with every thing you would need and a wide variety of brushes .
Click on the image to purchase this item.
The Masters Brush Cleaner
The best way to keep your brushes working great for you is to keep them clean. Just rising them off in your water cup is not enough. Once you are done using your brushes you can use Dawn dish soup to clean them. Once a month I like using this to clean my brush and condition them. Think of this product as your brushes conditioning mask. But always remember NEVER place your brush up right or lay them down when drying. Try to have brush end pointing down. I recommend getting one of those makeup brush drying racks. Or anything to keep the water dripping down away from the brush… maybe I’ll make a video on how to popularly dry your brush…
Click on the image to purchase this item.
Canvas Panel vs Canvas Stretched Backed
If you want to use a canvas, you’ll have a choice between panel or stretched backed. Stretched backed canvases are your transitional canvases, easy to hang on your wall, if you want to, but can be punctured easily. A canvas panel is just canvas glued to a board. Very durable but they will need a frame if you want to hang them. When it comes to size, I would go with what you are comfortable. Smaller does not always mean easier. I would recommend starting with a 8”x10” or 11”x14”
Click on the image to purchase this item.
Everything else….
You will also want something to put water in (this will only be for cleaning your brushes… we do not want to drink this water). Something to hold and mix your poured paints on. You can get a paint palette, but a paper plate will work just as well. I know some artist who use an old picture frame as their paint palette. So as long as it is a flat sturdy flat surface… and you do not mind getting paint all over it, it’ll be fine.