Here is a list of everything I use and recommend. I have provided links to products where appropriate. Some of these are affiliate links to Amazon or Blick, meaning if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. These funds are used to help grow the website and promote art education to people around the world.
Keep in mind that I am primarily an oil painter. If you use acrylics or watercolors, some of these supplies will not be appropriate for you.
Brushes
I mostly use the following brushes by Rosemary and Co:
- Ultimate Bristle Filbert (Various Sizes)
- Ultimate Bristle Short Flat (Various Sizes)
- Ultimate Bristle Pointed Round (Various Sizes)
- Pure Kolinsky Pointed (Size 2)
Painting Surface
I was using stretched canvas, but I transitioned over to Ampersand Gessobord. It’s sturdy and feels great to paint on.
Palette Knives
I use palette knives for handling paint on my palette and for creating interesting marks on the canvas. I am not loyal to any brand, as long as the knives are firm and have a long, straight edge.
Paints
My preferred brands of oil paint are Langridge and Winsor & Newton (professional quality paints).
My usual color palette consists of:
- Titanium White
- Raw Umber
- Ultramarine Blue
- Cobalt Blue
- Viridian Green
- Permanent Alizarin Crimson (or a similar alternative)
- Cadmium Red
- Cadmium Orange
- Yellow Ochre
- Cadmium Yellow
- Cadmium Yellow Light
(If you want to learn more about color, make sure to grab my free Color Theory Cheat Sheet).
Easel
I currently have three easels which I use in different situations:
- Large H-Frame Easel: This is my studio easel which I use for large, studio paintings.
- French Easel: I use this smaller easel for studies. It is also useful for extra storage.
- Plein Air Easel: This is my portable easel which I use for plein air (outdoor) painting.
Wet Painting Carry Case
Palette
My main palette is the glass palette by New Wave Art Supplies. I also use the toned wooden palette from time to time, as it has less glare than the glass palette.
If you are just starting out on your painting journey, I also recommend toned disposable palettes. These are cheap and easy to clean up.
Solvents and Mediums
I use odorless solvent by Art Spectrum. I also have linseed oil handy, but I rarely use it for painting.
I usually start a painting with paint thinned with odorless solvent. Then I gradually transition to using paint straight from the tube.
Accessories
- Paper Towels (for cleaning up and wiping my brushes between strokes)
- Tablet (for viewing reference photos)
- Tablet Holder (secured next to my easel for ease of reference)
- Brush Holder
- Cups and Containers (for holding solvents and mediums)
- Old Painting Clothes
- Soap (for cleaning brushes)
- Masters Brush Cleaner (for cleaning expensive brushes)
- Studio Lighting – (LED Video Light and Stand Photography Lighting Kit. The lights are strong but the color temperature and strength can be altered.)
Drawing Supplies
- Wolff Carbon Charcoal Pencils (4B and 6B)
- Newsprint Paper (for sketching)
- Archival Drawing Books (for more detailed drawings)
- Drawing Board
- Kneadable Eraser
- Sanding Board (for sharpening pencils)
- Razer (for sharpening pencils)
Books
- Alla Prima II by Richard Schmid
- Color and Light by James Gurney
- Bridgeman’s Complete Guide to Drawing from Life by George Bridgman
Business Tools
- Squarespace – For my personal website (danscottfineart.com).
- Kinsta – My website host.
- Bluehost – My old website host. Good for starter websites.
- Convertkit – My email service provider.
- Genesis Themes by Studiopress – My website theme.
- Beaver Builder – My website page builder.
- Photoshop
Other
- Wacom Drawing Tablet
- Skeleton Model
- Home-Made Art Supplies Desk