As an artist, I often get asked by other creatives what my favorite painting supplies are, so today I am sharing a little list to help you get started on painting your own abstract wonders!
"Autumn Sky", acrylic on canvas by Megan Elizabeth of Art by Megan.
(photo by Kate Alison Photography)
Here's my list of favorite art supplies for painting in acrylics:
1. Paint: My favorite kind of paint and the best quality out there is Golden. The investment is WORTH IT! If you are just painting for fun, I recommend starting with a student brand paint, like the Basics line available through Liquitex.
2. Art Supply Stores: My favorite art supply stores are Artist and Craftsman and Blick online. Both have AMAZING deals and I usually shop when there are great discounts to help save some money. Also, I secretly love trolling the aisles of A&C and just touching and smelling all of the art supplies. :)
3. Brushes: I paint with Acrylic paints and I love to use a variety of brushes for my work. This choice is completely based on preference. I prefer to use flat brushes with strong bristles, as I apply the paints in a thicker, more "impasto" manner most of the time. I like to use both synthetic and natural haired brushes, but I can offer the suggestion that it is worth pulling on the fibers a bit at the store to see if hairs fall off. I HATE when there are rogue hairs in my paintings after the fact. Insider secret: Ikea's kid department has AWESOME brushes.
4. Canvas vs. Paper vs. Birch Board: This age-old debate (Actually, I guess the oldest debate was just stone, but I digress) is really 100% based on textural preference. Most artists are really tactile people, so we all have our crazy idiosyncrasies based on them. I am a canvas and paper girl for no other reason than just because "I like them"!
5. Oil vs. Watercolor vs. Acrylic: Again, this choice is totally personality-based. I LOVE acrylics because they literally match my personality. I am quick, cheerful, bright, and stubborn. We work well together. Oil painting requires a bit more technique and ventilation as well as A LOT of patience (which is not my area of expertise!). Watercolors are free-flowing and require a bit more control, but are LOTs of fun. So, basically, just start experimenting and see what you enjoy the most.
photo for The Rising Tide Society by Lauren Carnes and styled by Cake and Confetti.
6. Water Jars: This is a relatively important issue. It seems like any cup or jar will do, but that's just not the case. (I know, it seems like I am taking this WAY too seriously!) Talenti gelato jars are literally the best because they are broad on the bottom and balance when full of heavy brushes. Also, Mason Jars are perfect and come in both the short and tall varieties, which help with balancing really tall brushes. The idea here is to pick a water jar that will not fall over and spill, which happens quite often if they are full of dirty brushes.
