Art Supplies Section

Art supplies and accessories

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...


What Are YOUR Favorite Art Supplies & Materials?

There's so much choice when it comes to buying art materials. What do you find invaluable to make your drawing and painting more enjoyable?

It could be your favorite watercolor paper or a paint additive that makes acrylics so much easier.
Why not share and review the tools and supplies that have helped you the most?

Here's how you can...



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See Art Supply Reviews From Other Visitors

Click below to see art supply reviews by other visitors...

storing brushes  starstarstarstarstar
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  starstarstarstarstar
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  starstarstarstarstar
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  starstarstarstar
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 ...

Painting on Roofing Slate - Example  Not rated yet
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 ...

Got a dent in your stretched canvas?   Not rated yet
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 ...

Recycled Brush Tote  Not rated yet
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 ...

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What Visitors Say

Genuine, Unsolicited Support

Happened to find your friendly manner of presentation. That is a gift Bob. Through that gift, you can't help but touch people. Stay well.
Ron S.

Hi Robert, just want to say thank you so much for your emails, so much information and learning in them, and the videos are wonderful. Love your art and the art displayed on the links. Once again thanks, you have no idea of the enjoyment they bring.
Judy L.

I just wanted to say that I stumbled upon your acrylics tutorial on YouTube quite by accident and have fallen in love with it. I've been showing it to several friends who always ask me about art -- I'm an artist by profession -- and they all love it too. Thanks so very much. :) It is most appreciated.
Hushicho

Thanks for your wonderful tips :) They are very very helpful... I hope the best for you. Love a novice acrylic painter!
Hemani

I teach painting 1 day a week and regularly show my students one of your videos or pass on a tip from your tutorials.
Robin G.

I just recieved my first edition of Starting Art. My only response is... TERRIFIC! I never got got this much information while attending art school. I am very impressed. I will be sure to send your web site address a long to several of my artist friends. I can not say enough about your site, except... Beautiful! Great! Terrific!, Very well done. Thank you.
Howard K.

I just want to take a minute of your time and thank you for your free video instructions. Your personality is a wonderful and refreshing change. I have lots to learn but your instructions are by far the best!!!! I found my problems within the first 5 minutes--I over think the basic shape and complicate the entire painting. Sorry for rambling, I think your awesome and God Bless.
Theresa E.

Dear Bob, I love, love, love your site! Your paintings are beautiful, and your video lessons are so helpful. (I do watercolors.) I'm also a member on the peer-support boards.
Marian.

Awesome web site! Thank you for your contribution to the art world. I stumbled on your web site looking for info for someone here in South Africa to tell my mom in L.A to be referred back to me in S.A. Great info. Your tutorials are being used in a huge internatonal company here that my friend works at.
Jacqueline S.