2024 Back to the Basics - Supply List

Because you’re working from the ground up and setting a strong foundation, I want you to have the easiest time learning to paint. If I specify a specific brand or product, I recommend that you get that exact brand or product. If I don’t specify, that means it doesn’t matter as much. If you already own some of these materials, ask me before you buy something new so you don’t spend more money than you need to.

*All Amazon links below are Amazon Affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you buy the product directly from the link. Feel free to buy from whatever source you prefer. 

Oil paint

You’ll need the following oil paint colors to get started. Buy 5 oz tubes if you can find them. Always use professional artist grade oil paint, it’s more expensive and for good reason. Don’t waste your time and money on the cheap, student-grade stuff. If you’re starting from scratch, buy the exact colors below in either the Gamblin or M. Graham brand. If you already have any of these colors in a different brand, ask me before you buy something new. 

Mediums

Mediums are for changing the consistency of your paint. All you need is a “lean” medium (solvent-based) and a “fat” medium (oil). Let me know if you have a known sensitivity to OMS solvents or want a non-toxic option and I’ll send you some of my preferred alternatives. For oil, I prefer safflower and walnut oil because they dry a bit slower than linseed. Linseed will do if you already have it. 

  • 2x small glass or metal containers to store your solvent and oil. Something like these are great.

Brushes

You’ll need a range of long handle hogs hair brushes: flats or filberts size 4-12. You’ll also need a couple of synthetic size 2 brights. Links to the exact brushes/brands I recommend are below. If you already have hogs hair brushes in these shapes and sizes, there’s no need to buy anything new.

I love the Raphael D’artigny line of brushes, but they can be hard to find. The Robert Simmons Signet brushes are a good alternative, but are a bit pricey. For the small/detail brushes, the Silver Brush Bristlon synthetic brushes are great. If you need a less expensive option, get size 4-12 long-handle flats or filberts by Imperial Bristle instead of what’s linked below. I don’t love them, but they are a good budget alternative.

Note: If any of the brushes are unavailable from the links above, you may have some luck at Blick (Raphael D’Artigny, Silver Brush, Robert Simmons Signet) or Jerry’s Artarama (Silver Brush, Robert Simmons Signet).

Canvas

You don’t need anything fancy, but avoid the cheap panels from your art store or gallery-wrapped canvases. I prefer that you use loose cotton canvas because it’s really easy to work with and will help you feel less precious about your work. The products below aren’t pricey at all and they work well enough for a beginner oil painter.

  • 1x pad of canvas sheets, size 9x12 or 12x16. Fredrix or Paramount are good options.

  • 1x roll of white craft tape to tape your loose canvas

  • 1x board to support your loose canvas

Palette

  • 1x 12x16 Gray Glass palette

  • 1x 12x16 Masterson palette box

  • 2x palette knives. I use a 39T and 6T but you can use whatever you prefer.

  • 1x palette table. Any table that’s about waist high to put your palette on top of while you paint should work. If you’re not sure, hold on buying anything until we get started.

Easel

You will need an easel to secure your canvas in an upright position while you paint. If you have one that you like, great! If you don’t have one, an H-frame easel like this will work well. If you’re not sure, you can hold off on purchasing one and we can discuss your options together.

Still-life setup

What you’ll need for a good still-life setup is very personal and dependent on your studio/painting environment. We will troubleshoot your needs together when we get started and may determine if you need any additional items to make your space workable. In the meantime, focus on gathering the following:

  • 1x any table that you can set up a still life on. If you don’t have any options, hold on buying anything until we get started.

  • 1x any clamp light like this will do.

  • 1x any warm light bulb (2700k) like this that fits in your clamp light

  • 1x Viewfinder

  • 1x Value Card