Suggested supplies
This page is a starting point — not a requirement.
If you’d like to paint along with us, you’ll need a few basic supplies. Over time, these choices tend to become very personal as you find your own way as an artist.
Use what you already have when possible. Add and refine tools as your curiosity and budget allow.
Getting Started
Paint
This reflects the kind of setup you’ll most often see us using during the Artcast.
We usually work with a small, flexible palette rather than a large collection of colors. This keeps mixing intentional and helps paintings stay cohesive.
If you’re just getting started, it helps to have white, black, and some form of primary colors. The specific versions don’t matter — the goal is simply to give yourself enough range to mix.
Below is one example of a simple color starting point. If you already own similar colors, you’re likely set..
A Simple Color Starting Point
- Blue: Primary Blue, Phthalo Blue or Cobalt Blue
- Red: Primary Red, Cadmium Red Medium (hue) or Napthol Red
- Yellow: Primary Yellow, Cadmiun Medium Yellow (hue) or Hansa Yellow Medium
- White: Titanium White
- Black: Mars Black
Brushes
Brush choice matters more in size and feel than in brand. Our approach favors using fewer brushes confidently rather than constantly switching tools. Larger brushes help establish shape and movement, medium brushes do most of the work, and smaller brushes are best saved for accents and final touches. If you’d rather keep things very simple, a small, inexpensive brush set like the Princeton Real Value series can work well. This isn’t required — the size range matters more than the brand.
Recommended Brushes to get
- 3/4″ or 1″ flat wash
- #8 or #10 flat brush
- #4 or #6 flat brush
- #01 or #2 round
Mixing surface or palette
You’ll usually see us working with plenty of room to mix. we usually use disposable palette paper which is available as a pad. Glass, acrylic, sealed wood, or disposable palette paper all work well. What matters most is having enough space to mix without crowding colors together and a surface you don’t mind cleaning. If budget allows we recommend a glass palette. It is easy to scrape dried paint and means less to throw away. BONUS: Many glass palettes are grey on the backside making it easier to identify how your mix will show on the canvas.
Painting Surface & Setup
We typically use 11×14 canvas, but any surface or size will work while you are learning. You can use canvas panels, paper, a wooden plank, cardboard, anything will work. All surfaces will react a little differently to paint. Our setup is intentionally simple and adaptable. Any arrangement that lets you paint comfortably, see clearly, and step back often will work — whether that’s a standing easel, tabletop setup, wall mount, or painting flat.
The Basics that make it easier
These aren’t art supplies so much as comfort tools — and most people already have them. These are present in every session, even if they’re off camera.
- Paper Towels or shop rags: We like the blue shop towel rolls, or cotton shop towels. Old T-Shirts are great too!
- A water container: An old mug works great, mason jars, bowls, whatever you have.
- An apron or old clothes, yeah paint tends to get on what you are wearing and most paint does not wash off easily.
Growing your Kit (As you go)
Once you’ve painted a bit, you’ll naturally start noticing what you wish you had more of. That’s the right time to expand — not before.
More Paint
As you mix more, you’ll discover colors you reach for often and gaps you’d like to fill. Adding paint gradually helps keep your palette intentional and personal. Heres some ideas, but use what you feel like you need. If your red feels “warm” look for something that leans a little more toward blue. If your blue is too “cool” find something that leans a little more violet. Below are some suggestions.
More Brushes
Over time, many artists add a favorite medium brush, a tool that creates texture they enjoy, or a different bristle type. Let experience guide those choices.
Helpful but not necessary
Some tools can make certain workflows easier, but none are required. Add them only when they solve a real problem for you.
Supplies don’t make paintings — familiarity does. Start simple. Experiment as your budget allows. Over time, your tools will naturally reflect how you like to work.