It is a personal decision as to which art supplies an artist will return to over and again. It’s possible to say it’s not a choice. Instead, it happens naturally through experimentation and testing different supplies. Some supplies you instantly fall in love with and others you only use once before they disappear into a collection drawer. Essential supplies are something that every artist should have.
The type of medium you choose to paint with will determine the types of supplies you need. While the specifics of your art supplies will vary depending on whether you use acrylics or oils and watercolors respectively, they will all be similar.
This is a brief overview of the materials you will require.
Graphite Pencils
Whatever medium you choose, you will need to draw your subject before you can begin painting. It is essential that artists have a reliable and good set of pencils.
There are not many graphite pencils you need. A few basic pencils are enough. A 2B pencil is good for general shading and sketching, while a 6B pencil is best for darker shadows and a 4H pencil for lighter areas.
Painting Surface
After you have created your composition sketches and ideas for your painting, it’s time to start drawing the final piece that you are going to paint. This is where you can choose from many different routes depending on the medium.
Pre-stretched pads are the best choice for watercolors. These types of paper are already stretched, so you don’t have to stretch them yourself. Thus, it allows you to get started painting immediately.
There are two options for acrylic painting: acrylic paper or canvas. Acrylic paper pads are easier to use than a canvas. They also don’t require as much space and you’re not under any pressure to make something that you will actually keep. It’s easier to make mistakes and experiment. This decision is purely personal.
Palette
You can use any low-cost plastic palette for acrylics or watercolors. These can be purchased at most art stores for a few cents to a few dollars, depending on the size. Both are very easy to use and wash.
Brushes
When you begin painting with acrylics, there are at least three essential paintbrushes that you will need:
- Filbert is used for general painting and to smooth out details. A size 6 filbert works well for medium-sized paintings.
- Flat wash brushes (1″ in diameter) are used mainly for background painting
- Small liner brushes for the fine details
The three most important brushes for watercolors:
- Flat brush of medium to large size (3/4) is mostly used for washes
- For general painting, round brushes (sizes 8, 10, 14)
- Liner brushes (size 6) for smaller detail.
Paint
A very small palette can be used to create beautiful and interesting paintings. You don’t need a large palette of colors to pursue art. It is actually easier to work with a smaller palette, especially for beginners. And this is true for any type of medium.
Regardless of whether you use oils, acrylics, or watercolors for your painting, these are the colors you need to be able to do almost anything.
You will need at most one of the following colors: one yellow, one blue, one brown, and one red. Each hue has at least 3-to 4 options for paint. Your basic palette might include:
- Burnt Umber
- Phthalo Green
- Phthalo Blue
- Cadmium Red
- New Gamboge (yellow).
- Alizarin Crimson
You can mix these colors to create a wide range of new colors.There you have it! These are the basics that will allow you to create beautiful paintings and messy experiments. If you are truly a fan of artworks and you want to try to create some on your own, you can start by purchasing wholesale art supplies so that you can start your artist journey already!
