Painting Supplies: What Every Artist Needs to Get Started
If you’ve ever walked into an art store and felt lost, you’re not alone. The shelves are packed with brushes, paints, canvases, and gizmos you’ve probably never heard of. The good news? You don’t need everything to create great work. Below is a straight‑forward guide to the core supplies that will get you painting right away, plus a few pro tips to stretch your budget.
Basic Must‑Haves
Brushes – Grab a mixed set of flat, round, and filbert brushes in synthetic or hog hair. Synthetic brushes work well with acrylics and watercolors; hog hair is best for oils. A 2‑inch flat and a ½‑inch round cover most jobs.
Paints – Choose one medium to start. Watercolor beginners often love a small pan set of transparent colors; they’re cheap and easy to transport. If you lean toward oils, a basic student‑grade set of primary colors plus titanium white will let you mix any hue.
Surface – For watercolors, buy 140‑paper weight cold‑pressed blocks. For oils and acrylics, a 16×20 inch stretched canvas is a solid starter. You can also use canvas panels for a lighter, cheaper option.
Easel – A tabletop easel is perfect for small works and limited space. If you have room, a studio easel gives you height and angle flexibility.
Palette & Palettes Knives – A simple plastic palette works for acrylics and oils. A wooden palette is nice for oils but not essential. A basic palette knife helps you mix colors and add texture without extra brushes.
Budget‑Friendly Tips & Tricks
Want to keep costs low? Look for student‑grade supplies—they’re often 30‑40% cheaper and still produce good results. Many art stores offer bulk discounts on canvases if you buy a pack of 5‑10.
Mix your own whites. Adding a tiny bit of yellow to titanium white can create a warmer white for skin tones without buying extra tubes.
If you’re curious about blending soft edges in oil paintings, try the “dry brush” method: use a clean, dry brush lightly loaded with paint to feather the transition. It’s a quick alternative to pricey glazing mediums.
For watercolor, test paper before you buy a whole block. Grab a single sheet from the store and see how it handles washes. The right paper can save you time and pigment.
Don’t forget to protect your brushes. Rinse them in lukewarm water right after each session, reshape the bristles, and store them upright. A handful of cheap brush cleaners can prolong the life of even the cheapest brushes.
Finally, experiment. The best way to learn which supplies fit your style is to try them out. Start with a small set, create a few pieces, and note what feels comfortable. As you grow, you’ll naturally know which tools to upgrade.
Whether you’re painting a landscape, a portrait, or abstract art, having the right basics in place makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Keep this list handy, shop smart, and dive into creating—your next masterpiece is just a brushstroke away.
