Recommended Drawing and Painting Supplies

Here is a list of everything I use and recommend. I have provided links to products where appropriate.

I am primarily an oil painter, some of these supplies may not be appropriate for you if you use another medium. I have also put together this PDF on tips for different mediums, which you may find useful.

Anders Zorn, Self Portrait With Model, 1896
Anders Zorn, Self Portrait With Model, 1896

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. But if you wanted to paint on canvas, here are some options.

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. Here is a guide on how to get the most out of them.

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.

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. I also have linseed oil handy, but I rarely use it for painting. If the Winsor & Newton brand isn’t available, here are some other options

Note: I usually start a painting with paint thinned with odorless solvent. Then I gradually transition to using paint straight from the tube.

Plein Air (on location) Supplies

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.) Other options available are here.

Drawing Supplies

Books

Business Tools

Other

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