Painting Supplies

Painting is a ritual of applying pigment, colour, paint or any other medium to a solid surface. This medium is commonly referr ed to as the surface or base with the help of a brush. At times other tools like knives, air brushes , sprays, or sponges are also used. All the tools that take part in creating an artwork fall under the category of painting supplies.

In terms of art, the term painting defines both acts and the results of the actions. Whereas in a different context, the term painting also encompasses the act of applying hues to anything, including a car, house, or any tangible object. And thus, the sport of painting include surfaces like paper, canvas, pottery, copper, walls, lacquer, wood etc. In any case, the panting media include; oil, pastels, acrylic, watercolour, ink, encaustic and hot wax, enamel, gouache, fresco, spray paints, digital printing, water–miscible oil paint, and tempera.

A beginner’s guide to painting supplies

From advanced tools like fatling knives and paint rollers to standard supplies like pain scrapers and paint rollers, the art of painting demands a lot of investment and time. So, if you are interested in learning how to paint, it is crucial for you to know the painting supplies that you may need during the creative process. At times when there are a few extra or occasionally needed items like an easel, palette (as you can find its local replacement if needed), solvent and oil mediums (only for oil painters) and palette knife, there are many essentials that you need to acquire before starting any painting venture. Let us have a look at these basic painting supplies.

Paintbrushes

As a painter, a standard set of paintbrushes is basic. A set is a better option as it contains all the brushes to help you apply major strokes for even the most straightforward art piece. Otherwise, you can also buy particular types, cuts, or sizes of paintbrushes as per your needs. Buying the right type of brush can be an overwhelming experience and may cost you more. Instead, a set is cheaper and much easier to obtain. However, in any case, brushes with natural hair are better as they give precise and smoother strokes on most types of surfaces.  Here you may also need to consider the shape of bristles and choose from pointed, rounded or flat types.

The paints or pigments

Next comes the paints. There are different types of paints used by artists that commonly fall under the categories of water-colours, acrylic and oil paints. Each of these painting mediums come in a variety of hues and each demand a unique set of skills to make any piece of art. Here the results and longevity of the artwork depend on the quality of paints or pigments. It is thus important to look for branded, high quality and trusted rather than looking for cheap ones. Going to economical items can cost you a lot in terms of your creativity and time. You can leverage the price and balance your budget in many other art supplies that you will buy later.

The canvas

If you are creative, you can paint on any surface- flat or not. But when it comes to professional painting and artistry, the canvas is the most common and widely used surface material used for painting. And when you head to buy canvas, look for an option that is already primed. Otherwise, you may need to do this on your own using a gesso (a pigment similar to white acrylic paint). And by prime, we mean ready to paint. Also, keep in mind that there are different types of primed canvas you can find in the market. Moreover, you will also have to choose from options in stretched canvas panels as per your needs.