My Essentials

Updated April 2018
Every artist has their favourite materials and ways of doing things, their own essential gear. And every artist has figured out their (often unique) way of using and storing them. Online artists communities often feature threads with ideas for how to store pastels, which paint brands they favour, or which is the best palette. And it becomes clear that ‘each to their own’ is a golden rule. But sharing your favourite materials might introduce others to them and gives a little insider peek into the artist’s studio.

This is my top 10 of essential gear!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means that I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase through these carefully chosen links. It will cost you nothing  extra and you would support this blog for which I would be most grateful. 

1. Easel

Of course on number one it has to be my super-duper Hughes easel. It is such a joy to use, so easy to move up, down and around and my canvas does not move a millimetre when painting.  A good easel is a number one essential for most artists.

2. Palette

I use a disposable paper palette. Recently Jackson’s started stocking a grey one by New Wave without a thumbhole which is perfect for me. I prefer not to hold my palette. My palette is next to me, on a trolley. I use a disposable paper version as it saves time and is just incredibly practical. I paint if and when I can. In between dinner time and children’s bedtime, while the kids are at school, when I have a spare hour. Because I never stop, but paint continuously thoughout the day a disposable palette is ideal. I simply throw it away when it becomes too heavily loaded with dried up paint, which is usually only a few times a year. The rest of the time I can use the paint whenever I need to.

3. Palette box

Because I paint on and off throughout the day (and night) there is never a moment where I pack up for the day and clean up. After all I might be able to get back to the easel in an hour or two. So to keep my paint fresh and wet for as long as possible I use a palette box. When I have to stop painting, I put my brushes in (my palette lives in the box) and simply close the lid. This will keep the air out and keep the paint wet for well over a week. This box I got from a kids art set. I applied some draft excluders around the edges to make it more airtight.

4.  Small Brush

After trying out a lot of different brands for the fine detail work of painting lace and portraits I keep on coming back to the same brush: Winsor & Newton series 7, size 1 sable brush. It was commissioned by watercolour enthusiast Queen Victoria in 1866 and is still made to the same standards (well, I think they have replaced the silver ferrule with a plainer metal by now). I paint all fine details with this brush and often very large areas of paintings as well. Nothing can beat it…

All that said I also use synthetic variants. Some of my favourites are Jackson’s Onyx, round ,size 1,and  Pro Arte Prolene, round size 1. 

5. Computer

I use my computer a lot. I use software like Photoshop and Lightroom to compose and adjust compositions and I often paint from my large monitor which allows me to see details in incredible close-up. Of course my computer is also vital to keep my website, blog and social media accounts up to date and to stay in touch with fellow artists, collectors and hopefully you on Facebook and Twitter.

6. Mirror

A mirror can help me see my painting with ‘fresh eyes’. After working on a painting for a long time I tend to not be able to see mistakes anymore as I got so used to staring at it. Looking at my painting in a mirror really helps to see things that are wrong. I can see my painting ‘in reverse’ and therefore in a whole new way! I always have a mirror hanging across the easel.

7. Canvas

I like to experiment with different supports to paint on but linen canvas is definitely one of my favourites. I am currently using a french linen with a very fine texture or else linen on board (mdf) or plywood panels by Belle Arti.

8. Paint

Obvious one, really. Can’t paint without paint. I have written a blog post  about my favourite colours and brands. Let me know if you have any questions you want me to answer! The paint I use most is the American Vasari , German Schmincke Mussini and Michael Harding. I love how these brands suit my thin painting style.

9. Books

Who can live without books. Whether they are books about art techniques or (and these feature in the book case much more) art history, I cannot get enough of them. Full of inspiration and ideas! Recent purchases include exhibition catalogues (the Late Rembrandt, Liotard) and a book on the 16th century miniaturist Hilliard.

10. Fabrics

Fabrics are one of my main inspirations for my paintings. A gorgeous velvet, a lush brocade, a silk gown… I love it. So when I have time I never skip a remnant box in the curtain department but many items I get from Ebay….