Art Supplies Section
As a budding artist it's essential you have the right art supplies... and use them in the right way.
This section of the website helps you choose the best art supplies for your needs and is packed with tips on how to get the most from them. You'll find some terrific articles full of practical advice, whether you're a beginner or working on that latest commission.
When you go to any of the painting and drawing tutorials - for example, the how to draw animals section - also have a look at the art supplies section to find out what materials are available to help you along with your picture or to produce it in a variety of media. You'll be amazed at what is available!
Perhaps you need some tips on finding and using oil paints or selecting a canvas? (You'll want to avoid that unwelcome aroma of turpentine wafting through the family home!).
What about art brushes, the different type of surfaces and all those drawing materials... to name just a few? There are literally hundreds of choices, manufacturers - oh yes... and a wide range of prices too! Find which art supplies best suit YOUR needs AND your pocket!
Are you housebound or do you have a disability that puts a lot of leisure activities out of reach? Art offers all sorts of opportunities here. However, getting to a local art store or an art class may simply not be an option. Don't worry, you'll find a host of helpful hints here.
Here's a few other things you'll discover within the pages of the art supplies section..
- Everything you need to know about brushes, paints, paper, painting surfaces, drawing materials, easels etc. If you fancy dabbling in a new medium I'll help you get off to the best start.
- A whole section dedicated to framing your finished artwork -- with the right tools and a little guidance you can turn your picture into a satisfying masterpiece!
- All those "must have" other art supplies and accessories reviewed -- find out what really is essential and what isn't. Tons of unique, cost-saving tips.
- A goldmine of painting and drawing tips, techniques and examples.
- Finally, keep coming back to this website. New articles, tutorials and tips will be arriving on a regular basis - not just on art supplies, but on every aspect of painting and drawing.
So don't miss out. Click on the links below right now to enjoy your painting even more....!
Art Supplies Articles
Art brushes care to protect your investment
Like many tools of the trade, giving your art brushes care and loving attention will repay you many times over...
The various types and qualities of canvas explained
Have you ever thought how painting on a properly stretched art canvas somehow makes you feel like a 'real' painter...
Choosing the most appropriate artists palettes for your needs
Decent artists palettes are an essential part of any artist's equipment...
All you need to know about drawing paper
One type of drawing paper is much the same as any other isn't it? Well no, it isn't...
How to go about framing pictures yourself
Framing pictures is one of those jobs that most people prefer to leave to a professional framer... yet it's not that difficult to do yourself.
The pros and cons of buying online art supplies
Buying online art supplies is straightforward but like a lot of items, there are pros and cons of acquiring your art materials this way...
Using paint additives with your drawing and painting materials
Good paint additives (or mediums) are the unsung heroes for the artist...
A look at the many types of artists easels and their uses
Artists easels are an important piece of equipment if you take your painting seriously...
Selecting a childs easel to open up a lifetime of pleasure...
A Childs Easel can start your kids on a lifetime's enjoyment of a wonderful hobby - maybe even their future career!
All about portable easels for painters on the move
So you want to paint in the great outdoors and you don't know which of the many portable easels is the best one for you...
The guide to buying studio easels
There are many brands and designs of studio easels, all with their pros and cons...
The guide to table top easels and which one to choose
If you're looking for ideas for table top easels, the choice is wide and it's very easy to end up with something that's nearly right for you, but...
A look at some wheelchair access worktops for those with mobility restrictions
There's no reason why using a wheelchair or having a of mobility restriction need prevent you enjoying painting...
See Art Supply Reviews From Other Visitors
Click below to see art supply reviews by other visitors...
Masking fluid tearing problems
Having experienced problems when using masking fluid on Bockingford watercolour papers i.e. tearing of the surface of the paper when I attempt to rub it ...
scrap paper for pallet pages
I like to use old phone book pages for the paper on top of a plastic palette for water and acrylic painting... the pages are kept in the old book until ...
Best ( and cheap! ) soap for brush cleaning
I have so many favourites, so I just want to share a tip. Instead of using the solid soap they sell for brush cleaning - you know, you used to be able ...
Watercolor paper from wallpaper liner - GREAT Choice & Cost Savings
I believe I found out about this hint on this site! I am an elementary art teacher (and artist) and try to use the most appropriate material for each learning ...
Recyled Pen/Pencil Containers and Paint Mixing Cups
I enjoy those sugar-free fruit flavored drink, tea and lemonade mixes that are typically sold with 5-6 little cups holding a pitcher's worth of the powder ...
Making Perspective Cheater
If you have trouble getting perspective right in your pictures, you need to cheat by making one of these - a perspective cheater. It's really easy to make....
Got a dent in your stretched canvas?
I know that I shouldn't rest my hand on the canvas when I am painting but... Well Sometimes I do. If you are like me and just don't want to go and get ...
storing brushes
Take an old coffee can with a plastic lid and poke holes in the lid in the shape of little X's. (I used a utility knife). Then poke your brushes End first ...
My Brush Experience
I promised to follow up on my last post and so here is my take on brushes.
Like everyone else I bought the cheapest brushes in the beginning because ...
The Best Watercolour paper
As my experience grows with watercolour painting, I have found two things which surprised me by how much better my painting would become using them.
The ...
Painting on roof slates
Many years ago while at work a friend brought in an acrylic painting that his wife had done on a slate of two red squirrels on a tree trunk.
At this particular ...
Recycled Brush Tote
Here's a picture of a recycled coffee container made into a brush tote. My husband rounded out the holes in the top to put in the brushes, I put spongy ...
Reusable Buddha Board for painting practice
Hi everyone, in your travels as an artist have you ever come across something called a Buddha Board?
It allows the user to really "live in the moment"...
Make Your Own Ink Pen
Using ordinary lolly stick, you can made your own ink pen.
Carefully snap a lolly ...
Surprise Palettes
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I have found that plastic take out containers - dish & lid - serve as fantastic palettes! I fill the dish with water & lay in the brushes to keep them ...
Brush care when using oil's
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Hi Bob, I've just read your article on brush care, good work. I'll add something I've found worthwhile. From DIY stores one can buy a brush cleaner that ...
Sharpening Graphite and Charcoal
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I got so tired of spending all that time re-sharpening my pastel pencils before I could start another picture that I had to figure out something other ...
Pasta Brush Holder
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If you need to put down a loaded paint brush, remember this tip.
Place a single piece of spiral pasta on your work surface.
The ...
Painting on Roofing Slate - Example
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I too have used roofing slate to paint, but I don't seal with jesso, I use a sealant that is clear and can be used on work, glass, etc. It works great ...
