My Go-To Art Supplies as a Creative Artist
August 21, 2024
Introduction: My Personal Go-To Art Supplies as a Creative Artist
As an artist, the supplies you choose can deeply influence your creative process and the quality of your work. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless materials, and I’ve discovered a collection of tools that I can’t imagine painting without. These are my personal go-to art supplies—the ones I reach for whether I’m working on a new project, a commissioned piece, or just doodling in my sketchbook.
In this post, I’m excited to share these favorites with you, all of which you can find in my Amazon storefront. If you’re eager to learn how to use these supplies like I do, check out my online paint classes where I guide you through the creative process.
Below is a quick recap of the go-to materials I recommend:
- Acrylic Paints:
- Paint Brushes:
- Sketchbook:
- Acrylic Paint Markers:
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1. My Go-To Acrylic Paints
I am almost always painting with acrylic paints, and they are definitely my favorite medium to work with! These days, I really love the Liquitex brand, and I’ll explain more below. However, I should note – when I first started painting, I really just used whatever paints were available to me. Most times, those paints were the cheapest option at the store, and honestly, that taught me wonders. I really learned a lot that way, so, by all means, use what you have. That being said, now that I have had so much practice, I definitely have built up some preference and here’s some insight around those preferences:
Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paints:
I’ve been using these Liquitex Acrylic Paints for years and have really grown to love them. They’re affordable yet high-quality, and definitely outstand some of the other options that are maybe just *slightly* cheaper at the store. I would say their biggest perks are that they blend well, they’re thick and not watery, and that they allow for layering.
Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylic Paints:
For those special pieces where I want to add extra depth and vibrancy, I turn to these Liquitex heavy body paints. The thick, rich texture is perfect for layering, and the colors are incredibly bold. I especially love using these for commissioned work and live wedding paintings, where detail and impact are everything.
Want to see how I use these acrylic paints in my own work? Join one of my online paint classes and learn some of my favorite techniques!
2. My Go-To Paint Brushes for Acrylic Paintings
Now i will say, i can be picky about my brushes and I have definitely built up some favorites! The right brushes can absolutely make a difference, especially depending on what type of painting you’re trying to achieve. I do believe that most artists end up having their own personal faves, so just know that the more you experiment the more you’ll probably find your own version of favorites as well! Here are some of the favorite paint brushes that I always rely on:
My Favorite Variety Paintbrush Set:
The GACDR Acrylic Paint Brush set
This set was a surprising win for me. I was impressed, especially given its affordable price. It includes brushes of all sizes, which is really nice. The set has large flat brushes for blending. It also has small, angled brushes for details and sharp lines. I’ve used this set consistently for my sketchbook challenge, which I began earlier this year. You can see some of those pages below. If you’re interested in painting those exact pages, check out the bundle of online classes in my shop!
A Mop Brush – My Go-To For Painting Clouds
I absolutely adore using a mop brush for landscapes, especially for my cloud paintings. I’ve experimented with quite a few different brands over time. However, if you’re looking for a reliable set to purchase online, I recommend the KINGART brand listed in my Amazon storefront. It blends beautifully and, most importantly, it doesn’t shed. Below, you can see some of my favorite cloud paintings, almost all created using a variety of mop brushes!
[related: How Painting Clouds Helps Perfectionism & Anxiety ]
Fan Brush:
I highly recommend investing in a fan brush, especially if you enjoy painting landscapes. Personally, I always use a fan brush for creating wildflowers, trees, and any scenes that include a lot of grass or fields. In particular, I prefer a smaller-sized brush. First, I start with some paint, and then I dilute it with a little bit of water to achieve delicate, natural-looking brush strokes. Although it’s a simple tool, it makes such a big difference in my work. Additionally, you can find a few different options on my Amazon storefront, and I suggest getting a variety pack to see what works best for you personally!
Detail Brushes:
For those intricate little details that can make or break a painting, I rely on small, very fine line detail brushes. The AIEX 9 Piece Set listed in my Amazon has been a personal fave. They’re perfect for adding the finishing touches to my landscapes or capturing tiny facial features in live wedding paintings.
3. My Go-To Sketchbook for Acrylic Painting on the Go
Bee Paper – 5.5″x 8″ Bee Creative Watercolor Journal
This sketchbook is actually a watercolor sketchbook, but i use acrylics on it and it is my absolute favorite! The 140lb paper is thick and durable, which means it can handle all the layers and blending I throw at it. Not to mention, it’s compact and easy to carry around, so I can paint wherever inspiration strikes—whether I’m traveling, running errands, or just enjoying a day out.
4. Acrylic Paint Markers: My Go-To for Adding Fun and Bold Details
I absolutely love using acrylic paint markers because they’re perfect for adding unique and fun line details to my artwork. They give me the precision I need to create intricate designs and accents that really make a piece stand out. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient for painting on the go. I can easily pack them in my bag for road trips or flights, so I’m always ready to create, no matter where I am. Whether I’m adding the final touches to a painting or sketching on the move, these markers are a go-to tool in my creative kit.
Posca Paint Markers:
These markers are simply amazing for adding bold, vibrant details to my work. They’re on the pricier side, but the quality is worth every penny. Whether I’m working on a large canvas or a small sketch, these markers help me add those final touches that make my art pop.
Grabie Acrylic Paint Markers:
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, I also love the Grabie variety pack. The colors are vibrant, the ink lasts a long time, and they don’t bleed or dry out like some other markers I’ve tried.
Below are a few of my favorite pieces I’ve created using paint markers. Most have actually been done on trips using my travel-friendly art supplies!
Conclusion: Why These Go-To Art Supplies Are Worth Every Penny
These are the go-to art supplies that I trust and love, the ones that help me bring my creative visions to life. If you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced artist looking to try something new, I hope you find these tools as inspiring and useful as I do. Remember, you can find all of my go-to art supplies in my Amazon storefront.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this today!
stay shining and stay creating! ☀️
sincerely, your artsy friend that is rooting for you –
Arastasia Rolain – Traveling Mural Artist, Art Educator, & Creative Entrepreneur
