Below, you will find my recommended art supplies for the art classes and the supplies I use for my artwork. I’ve included a brief explanation of why I like and use them. Please continue to check this website for more products I recommend. Disclosure: I do use this product. I am an Amazon affiliate, and I do get a commission for promoting the product below. This helps me pay for the site.
Oil Paints: Rediscovering Oil Painting with MGraham:
Hey art enthusiasts! I want to share my journey back into the world of oil painting, and how MGraham Oil Paint has become my go-to brand! After years of working with oils in my younger days, I noticed that I was becoming allergic to them. The smell would trigger headaches, and I had to stop painting altogether. Teaching oils was out of the question—I couldn’t handle the chemicals without feeling unwell. It was a tough decision, but it felt necessary at the time. One day, while searching online, I stumbled upon MGraham oil paints. I decided to take a chance, and guess what? Bingo! When I opened the box, there was no overwhelming smell, and I learned I could mix and clean them with walnut oil. I was hooked! I dove back into painting and even started teaching with these oils again. Now, MGraham oil paints is the only brand we use at the studio. We’ve made a commitment to avoid solvents, which not only benefits our health but also helps the environment. The colors are so rich that you only need a tiny bit to create beautiful works of art! If you’re looking to explore oils again or for the first time, I highly recommend MGraham oil paint. It’s been a game-changer for me, and I can’t wait to see what you all create with them! Happy painting!
To buy their basic kit, click on the link
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My Favorite Travel Watercolor Kit!
Hey fellow art enthusiasts! If you’re like me and love to travel, you know how important it is to pack light. After experimenting with various materials over the years—from pencils to pastels to oils—I finally found the perfect balance between compactness and creativity! I want to share my favorite watercolor kit that I discovered on Amazon. It’s a total gem! It is called Funto Travel Watercolor Kit. This little kit comes with everything I need, all packed neatly in a metal case. Here’s what’s inside: • 12 vibrant watercolor paints • 10 high-quality watercolor postcards • Brushes, brush pen, fineliner, and pencil • A handy spray bottle for mixing! Everything fits into a compact storage bag, making it super easy to carry while I’m on the go. Plus, I added a white Uni-ball UM 153 Signo Broad Point Gel Pen to the mix, and it works perfectly for my trips! This kit has truly transformed my travel painting experience. Whether I’m on a train, at a café, or enjoying nature, I can easily whip it out and create! If you’re looking for a portable watercolor solution, I highly recommend checking this one out. Happy painting!
Click on the name to buy the Funto Travel Watercolor Kit.
Click on the name to buy the Uni-ball UM 153 Signo Broad Point Gel Pen.
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My Favorite Plein Air Easel!
Hey art lovers! I want to share my absolute favorite plein air easel—the New Wave u.go Plein Air! If you’re into outdoor painting, this compact and sturdy easel is a must-have! Measuring just 6”x8”x1.18”, it’s the perfect mid-size portable easel. What I love most is how ultra-lightweight it is at only 1.35 lbs, making it super easy to carry around while traveling. Plus, it comes with a palette included, which is a nice bonus! Made in the USA, this easel doesn’t compromise on quality. It’s the ideal choice for artists who want something reliable and efficient for outdoor painting sessions. I truly can’t recommend it enough! If you’re looking for a compact and sturdy easel, the New Wave u.go is the way to go. It is a little bit pricy but I love the easel so I saved my money and bought it. Happy painting!
To buy the Wave u.go Plein Air Easel, click on the link.
New Wave u.go Plein Air | Anywhere Pochade Box, 6″x8″x1.18″ Inches, Plein Air Easel, Painting Easel,
The u.go Anywhere Pochade Box is made using Baltic Birch wood, while stainless steel and aluminum accents provide strength where needed most. All hardware is non-corrosive. The Baltic Birch is hand sanded and finished with New Wave proprietary wood finish for maximum durability.
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My Recommended Painting Board!
Hey fellow artists! If you’re looking for smooth surfaces and top-notch quality for your painting projects, I have a recommendation for you: Ampersand Gesso Wood Painting Panel! These boards are fantastic for oil painting! While they may not be the cheapest option on the market, trust me when I say the quality is absolutely worth it. Once you start painting on them, you might find yourself never wanting to go back to traditional canvases! What I love about Ampersand Gesso Wood Painting Panelis their smooth texture, which allows for effortless blending and layering of colors. It’s a game changer for achieving that perfect finish. They hold up beautifully under oils, making them a reliable choice for artists who want to elevate their work. If you value quality in your art supplies, I highly recommend investing in Ampersand Gesso Wood Painting Panel. You won’t regret it! Happy painting, and enjoy the smooth experience!
To buy the Ampersand Gesso Wood Painting Panel, click on the link.
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How to Create Dimension on Your Painting:
So, what exactly is molding paste? It’s a versatile, water-based product crafted from 100% acrylic polymer emulsions, designed to deliver exceptional flexibility and durability. The drying time can vary based on the thickness of your application, but once dry, it forms an opaque, semi-gloss finish that perfectly primes your canvas for subsequent layers of acrylic paint and mediums.
Imagine the possibilities when you mix molding paste with acrylic paint to create vibrant, textured effects! However, if you plan to work with oil paints, remember this essential rule: you can apply oil over acrylic, but never the other way around. Start by using molding paste as a robust undercoat, and then layer your oil paint on top. Once that oil layer is in place, resist the urge to add acrylic molding paste over it—doing so will only lead to peeling and chipping.
Which brand do I use? I use two brands. Golden Molding Paste and Liquitex Molding Paste.
Both brands are excellent, making them easy to use and clean. They dry quickly and are great for raised stenciling.
Unleash your creativity with molding paste, and watch your artwork transform into stunning masterpieces full of depth and intrigue!
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What Varnish should I use for oils?
Before selecting your varnish, consider whether your oil painting is dry to the touch. Traditionally, artists were advised to wait at least six months for the oil paint to dry completely before applying varnish. This still holds true for natural resin varnishes, such as those dissolved in turpentine (like dammar).
However, Gamblin has introduced Gamvar, a varnish that can be applied when the painting feels dry to the touch and firm in its thicker areas. For a thinly painted oil artwork with few layers, it may be ready for varnishing with Gamvar in as little as 2 to 3 weeks. In contrast, paintings with thicker textures might require waiting 1 to 2 months, depending on the thickness of the layers.
With Gamvar, you don’t need to wait the full six months. The mild solvent used in Gamvar, called Gamsol, is not strong enough to dissolve a fully dried paint film. Additionally, Gamvar’s unique resin does not chemically crosslink with freshly dried oil paint, which can happen when natural resin varnishes are applied prematurely.
You have three options
Gamblin Gamvar Picture Varnish Glossy
Gamblin Gamvar Picture Varnish Matte
Glambin Gamvar Picture Varnish Satin
And if you want to buy the brush to varnish Gamblin Gamvar Varnish Brush
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Which is the best oil palette?
My preference is a glass palette. Why? Because it is easy to clean, allows for easy color mixing, and minimizes paint waste. Some people argue that glass palettes are not easy to transport. In response, I suggest simply getting a suitable container for it. A great option is the New Wave POSH Glass Artist Palette paired with the Masterson Artist Palette Seal, which measures 12″ x 16″. This set features a tempered glass palette and an airtight seal, keeping your oil paint fresh, preserving paint, and ensuring safe transport—all made in the USA. Plus you can put the entire container in the refrigerator to keep the oil fresh longer.
You have three color options: gray, white, or transparent. Gray-toned palettes are believed to be better for color visibility, as they help you see colors more accurately since the gray surface does not reflect light. However, a transparent palette is also a great choice for color matching. I often place it over a photograph, which makes it easy to match colors effectively.
New Wave POSH Glass Arist Palette & Masterson Artist Palette Seal 12″X16″ Set, Tempered Glass Palette + Airtight Seal,
What Paint Size Brushes Should I use for a big painting?
If you plan to paint a large canvas, it’s essential to use big brushes; otherwise, you’ll spend hours simply blocking in. I recommend starting with a large square brush to apply the base color to your canvas. Next, use a medium-sized brush to block in the colors. Finally, use a smaller medium brush to add highlights and shadows, and finish with small brushes for detailing.
This set includes various sizes and shapes, from big to small.
