My Go-To Art Materials

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Jun 28

It’s not just how you paint, but the materials you use that make your work look the way it does.

Do you feel like I do about supplies? And I’m talking about any kind of supplies.

If I have a project--whether it be a writing project like this blog, or planning my process for a new commission, or making goals for my art business--I love getting all my supplies right there at the ready so I can just be creative, follow the impulse of the moment and have what I need at my fingertips! Having the right supplies and materials is absolutely crucial to the outcome. And this is absolutely true when it comes to creating art.

It must be human nature for us to be curious about process + materials, because I frequently get asked questions like,

“What did you use to make this painting?”

or “Is that paint or some kind of other material?”

or “What did you use to get that effect?”

If you also like hearing about process + materials, or maybe you are an artist looking for new materials to try, then read on for the list of supplies that I use most often.

Please note : I often recommend resources, some I receive an affiliate commission for at no additional cost to you.

My Go-To Materials List:

Acrylic paint

There are many different brands and consistencies that just take experimentation to find what you like and how to use them.

Acrylic paint markers

I use Poscha brand.

Acrylic spray
Glazing medium

My favorite is Golden brand.

Graphite

Lyra 6B and 9B are the ones I use most.

Watercolors

I use all grades for different purposes--you can buy cheap ones at Target, and super high quality ones at art supply stores. My favorites are Van Gogh and Daniel Smith brands.

Watercolor brush pens

The only brand I have used so far is Arteza.

Neocolor Water-soluble crayons

Caran d’Ache brand are my favorites.

High flow acrylics

Golden or Liquitex brand are both excellent.

House paint (latex)

I frequently look in the ‘oops’ bin at Home Depot for their small tester samples.

Tempera paint sticks

I like the ones from Shuttle Art.

Oil pastels
Pastel

Pastels come in hard and soft--it’s personal preference.

Colored pencils
Derwent Inktense pencils
Marabu Watercolor crayons
Collage papers

You can use store bought or homemade.

Mixed media paper

Get The List

Strathmore is my favorite brand.

Watercolor paper
Canvas
Oil sticks
Stabilo Woodys

Each one of these materials do something uniquely their own, and it usually takes experimentation to find out what those things are. I love to watch videos of other artists creating works of art and watch how they use some of the same materials I use, simply because I learn something new every time. Since artists experiment with the materials they use (it’s common to have ‘happy accidents’ in which you discover that this material blended with water or another material has a lovely effect) each one has their own way in which they use them.

I recently did a 3 part series on my favorite materials, and I’ve made a compilation here if you’re interested. I have people message me all the time, saying, “I’m not an artist, but I find this so fascinating!” Well, you’re not alone! If you love art, simply seeing the materials that create it and how they create it actually makes you have a deeper connection with the artwork you love. It transforms from a flat work of art into a story with a beginning and an end, and quite the adventure in the middle!

And if you own one of my creations, chances are that many of these materials were used to make your painting!