We all need a good set of tools to inspire us and help us create
Here are my current favorites that I use daily for all things painting and filming.
*At no extra cost to you, using these affiliate links helps support me in this artist journey
Art Supplies:
Sienna Pochade Box (Medium) - This is the gorgeous pochade box you have seen me use over the years. Not only is it compact and great for plein air, it’s also just so BEAUTIFUL.
Pochade Box Tripod - I have been using this tripod for years now and it still looks brand new. If you’re looking for a STURDY tripod, this is it.
Meeden Easel - This easel is so gorgeous and so versatile.
View Finder - Great tool for when you’re painting from life and need something to help you find a composition.
Mini Razor Scraper - I like this scraper over others because it’s easier to change out the blades once they have gone dull.
Supply cart - Your classic cart that can hold a lot more than you think.
Loose Canvas Pad for Oil and Acrylic - Perfect for practice paintings because they’re easy to store afterwards or you can 100% paint a masterpiece on this and then mount it onto a board :)
Centurion Professional Oil Primed Linen Panels - Best affordable quality linen panels.
Paint Sets & Mediums:
Gamblin Artist Oil Colors (Intro Set) - This is the perfect limited palette. I wouldn’t add anything to this set AND it’s Gamblin professional grade oil paints. Perfect combo.
Gamblin 1980 Oil Paints - This is Gamblin’s student grade set, it is one of the best student grade paints available. I still use some of these to this day. If you’re starting out with oil painting or just want to save yourself some extra cash, I would always recommend Gamblin 1980.
Michael Harding Oil Paints (Intro Set) - If you’re looking to finally dip your toes in the creamiest oil paints, this is the perfect set.
Michael Harding Complete Oil Paint Set - If you’re looking for the perfect limited palette but by Michael Harding… this is it!
M. Graham 8-Ounce Walnut Oil Medium: I use this occasionally while I’m painting to help with the movement of the paint or I will use a little bit of this medium to oil out a painting if I am working in layers.
Gamblin Solvent Free Gel - This is what I use when I’m still in the beginning stages of painting and looking to add a bit more fluidity to my painting mixtures without having to add extra oil.
Chelsea Classical Studio Brush Cleaner - This is a safer alternative to solvent that I use to clean my brushes at the end of every session (ok maybe not every session but almost).
Brushes
These are the brushes I couldn’t live without:
Series 279 Masters Choice Long Flats - Size 0, 2, 3, 4, 5
Eclipse Extra Long Combers - Size 1/8”, 1/4”, 3/8”
Series 7320 Pure Sable One Stroke - Size 3/16”
Series 99 Pointed Pure Sable - Size 2
Extras:
Series 278. Masters Choice Long Filberts - Size 4, 6
Series 2055 Bristle Fan - Size 2, 6
Series 308 Hog Bristle Long Flat - Size 4, 6
Ivory Long Flats - Size 2, 4, 6
Ivory Long Filberts - Size 2, 4
All of these brushes are from Rosemary & Co. They are absolutely incredible and will last you a lifetime. Most of my brushes are long handle, although for the smaller sized brushes, I usually get the short handle. Also, if you’re just starting out, the Ivory Long Flats, Ivory Long Filberts and Series 308 Hog Bristle are the best affordable brushes I would recommend. I still use them.
Art Books:
Alla Prima II by Richard Schmid - If you’re going to get one book, please let it be this one. This is THE book. It has all of the wisdom and answers we’re looking for. It’s one of those books that you can read again and again and you’ll catch something new that can help. Trust me.
Sargent Portraits of Artists and Friends - One of my favorite Sargent books I have seen. It always serves as great inspiration whenever you’re needing it.
Anders Zorn: Sweden’s Master Painter - I absolutely love Zorn.
Sorolla The Masterworks - Everyone needs at least one Sorolla book.
Figure Drawing for All It's Worth - Great book if you’re looking to practice figure drawing.
Filming Equipment:
Sony a6700 - This is the camera I use 99% of the time. It has amazing image quality, stabilization and is very compact. It’s great for my YouTube videos AND for taking photo references for my paintings. It’s one of the best cameras currently on the market :)
Sony AX43A Handycam - My husband bought this camera and I rarely use this for my footage but I do sometimes. I wanted to add it on here because it’s super fun and nostalgic to play with and maybe it’s something you’ve been looking for.
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 - My everyday lens. It has a great zoom range for all types of clips and it’s compact enough to take with you outside. 1000% recommend.
Sigma 56mm F1.4 - If you want to get extra cinematic with your shots, this is the lens. It has an aperture of 1.4 making your footage and pictures extra creamy. This is also small and compact. Actually a bit shorter than the lens mentioned above.
K&F Concept 55mm Variable ND Lens Filter - If you’re going to be filming outside you will need an ND filter. This size fits both lenses mentioned above.
Rode Wireless Go II - This is the new upgraded version of my current mic. My mic is so old now, it’s discontinued :( If and when I need to upgrade, this is the one I would purchase.
Neewer Video Light (2 Pack NL660) - These lights are a game changer. You can adjust the brightness, how warm and cool and it’s super compact. No more huge softbox lights taking up my whole studio! If you already have tripods for lights you can purchase just the light - Neewer Light (no tripods)
Epidemic Sound - All the music I use in my YouTube videos comes from Epidemic Sound. If you’re thinking of trying it out, this link will give you a FREE trial.
Stores
Amazon storefront - Here are all my favorites if you prefer shopping at Amazon
Blick Art Supplies - Here are all my favorites if you prefer shopping at Blick
Rosemary & Co - Here are all my favorite brushes