Materials
Before we dive into all the juicy materials… a little note from me to you:
This list is here to support you—not overwhelm you. These are the tools I personally love and use, from beginner-friendly starter kits to the more specialized supplies you’ll see throughout the Paintress journey. But truly… you do not need everything to get started. In fact, artists tend to collect mountains of supplies we never touch, so I always recommend beginning with just the basics and letting your toolkit grow naturally.
If you’re starting from scratch, grab one simple kit or choose a single medium to dedicate yourself to (acrylics or oils both work beautifully). I’m a mixed-media girlie and I adore playing with everything—but if you’re on a budget or new to painting, pick the path that feels most accessible. Oils are my forever love, but they do require solvents, mediums, and a well-ventilated space (we cover studio setup later if you decide to go that route).
Most importantly: remember that you are an artist. Artists are resourceful, inventive, and endlessly creative. You can make magic with very little. As you move through the membership, notice what techniques speak to you, what textures turn you on, what colors want to live in your world—and let your supplies evolve from there.
Materials:
IF YOU ARE A COMPLETE BEGINNER:
Start with an art kit (listed at the bottom) and, if you don’t have good lighting, I highly recommend grabbing a simple studio light to go with it. It makes a huge difference.
*Acrylics
-Golden Brand - professional quality
-Student Quality - honestly super solid with a wide range of colors; great for beginners
-Liquid Acrylics – more fluid, perfect for glazing + line work. I definitely recommend having Titanium White of this on hand.
-Acrylic Ink– liquid, comes in a dropper; like a permanent, more opaque watercolor
-Posco Paint Markers – game changers if you love line work or sketching. For certain techniques I’ll teach, I recommend at least a white one. (I personally love the extra-fine tip.)
*Brushes:
– I prefer soft synthetic brushes for painting in acrylic. These are inexpensive and some of my favorite ones to use:
For a basic set I’d advise:
Filbert, 4, 8, 12 / Round: 2, 4 / Wash: 1
I also enjoy these Filbert long handles:
https://www.dickblick.com/products/princeton-snap-white-taklon-brushes/
Other Supplies:
*Canvas (have one for your painting and some panels or smaller canvas’s to play on. You can buy packs online on dickblick, amazon or if you live on in a major american city Michael’s arts and craft store has EPIC canvas sales. You can place your order online and pick it up. I recommend working at least on a 11x14 for your main piece).
*Brush Cleaning soap (I like “The Masters” brush cleaning soap”) Dish soap can work as well.
*Palette- I just use old plates for acrylics- ahaha. For oils either get a nice classic one OR get one with a lid and get some palette paper! You can FREEZE your pallete so you don’t have to remix it!
*Rags (you can use old cloth)
Bonus Materials to consider:
Sketch Book – mixed medias are fun!
*Paint Tape - Different sizes of this available! I love this brand.
*Mal stick:: It’s a long stick for tiny details you can rest your arm on and not ruin your painting.
*Easel
*Drop Cloth
*Water Cups/jars
*White Charcoal Pencil
*Ruler
Clip light:: Something like this- I recommend one that plugs in as the battery ones don’t last long.
Stencils
ART KITS: