RECOMMENDED ART SUPPLIES
When you are just starting out, it is always a challenge to find the right art supplies. We have done a lot of research on affordable art supplies that are good quality but that will not break the bank. To save you some time and some disappointing purchases, we created a list of the art supplies we use. This list also includes some higher end options for when you are ready to take your art to the next level and willing to spend a bit more on quality supplies.
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Faber-Castell Albrecht Dura Watercolor Pencils
These watercolor pencils are a great addition to your art supplies. We love combining them with regular watercolors to add details or patterns. The colors are clear and they dissolve really well, They don't break easily when sharpened.
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Detail Paint Brushes Set
I love these micro brushes for adding detail. They are very fine but hold up really well.
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Porcelain Palette
This porcelain paint palette is amazing for mixing watercolor paint, particularly when working with tube watercolors. With 12 depressions for paints, it is durable, easy to clean and has a cover!
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Ohuhu Mixed Media Sketchbook
If you prefer to work in a sketchbook, this one is great! It holds up great with collaging, watercolor and acrylics. The paper is smooth enough for markers, pencils and pens.
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Artist Masking Tape
This tape will hold down your work without ripping the paper when it's pulled off. We recommend the 1" width so you can cover 0.5" of your paper and 0.5" of your board or table. There may be some bleeding when you use a lot of water.
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Dr. Ph. Martin's Hydrus Liquid Watercolors
Liquid watercolors are fun to work with. A little drop goes a long way. You can dilute them or use them straight out of the bottle for an intense color flow. These colors are vibrant yet still transparent.
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Canson Watercolor Pad
This is our favorite affordable watercolor paper. We've used this with acrylic paints, collage and mixed media. The smooth surface is great for detailed work and adding pen and pencil. The natural white color results in vibrant colors.
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Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolors
This set is for you if you love watercolors and are ready to spend a bit more on quality supplies. It will give you professional quality for an affordable price, and has a great selection of highly pigmented, light fast colors.
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Canson Mixed Media Pad
Although this paper is a bit lighter than watercolor paper, I love it for mixed media and watercolor alike. It is a bright white, which makes colors pop. The smooth surface is great for adding pen and pencil marks.
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Arteza Watercolor Paper
This watercolor paper has a warmer white tone to it and is more textured. It will give your painting great character.
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ARTECHO Watercolor Set (50 colors)
This is a great watercolor set for beginners. The colors are rich and vibrant. We use this set in our classes. They come in sets of 50 colors so you don't have to worry too much about mixing.
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ARCHES Watercolor Paper
This high quality paper is 100% hot pressed cotton. You will notice the difference! It has a smooth surface and colors come out vibrantly. I use this a lot for portraits since it is great for detailed work.
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