As an artist, finding the perfect art supplies is like searching for the Holy Grail. You spend hours upon hours scouring the internet, reading reviews, and experimenting with different brands, all in the hopes of finding that one perfect paintbrush, that one ideal paper, that one ultimate set of markers. But let’s be real, it’s a wild goose chase. And if you’re not careful, you’ll end up with a closet full of art supplies you’ll never use and a bank account that’s emptier than a clown’s promise.
First up on our quest, paper. Oh, the endless options of paper! Watercolor paper, sketch paper, drawing paper, even paper made from the tears of unicorns (ok, I made that last one up, but you get the point). Each type of paper has its own unique characteristics, and it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. The key is to think about the medium you’re using and what you want the final product to look like. Watercolor paper is great for, you guessed it, watercolors. But if you’re using acrylics or oils, you’ll want a thicker paper that can handle the heavier paint. And if you’re looking for a sketchbook, you’ll want something that’s easy to tear out and frame (because let’s be real, who actually finishes a sketchbook?).
Next on our list, paint brushes. These little guys are the tools of the trade, and they come in all shapes and sizes. There’s the classic round brush, the flat brush, the fan brush, the filbert brush, and let’s not forget the mop brush (which, let’s be real, is just a fancy name for a broom with bristles). But when it comes to paint brushes, size matters. The bigger the brush, the bigger the stroke. And if you’re painting a landscape, you’ll want a bigger brush. But if you’re painting a portrait, you’ll want something smaller. And when it comes to the type of brush, it’s all about the bristles. Synthetic bristles are great for acrylics and oils, while natural bristles are better for watercolors.
And last but not least, markers. These little guys are like the wild card of art supplies. They come in all different types, from alcohol-based markers to watercolor markers, and each type has its own unique characteristics. Alcohol-based markers are great for coloring in large areas, while watercolor markers are better for blending and layering. But when it comes to markers, the most important thing to remember is that they’re like potato chips, you can’t just have one. You’ll need a wide variety of colors and shades to create a masterpiece.
One of my favorite supplies: Trash! Use bits of foam, wrinkled paper, bubblewrap. Anything, really, to create textures. And then maybe grab a small brush to add in details.
So there you have it, folks! The quest for the perfect art supplies is over (or at least, it will be as soon as you go out and buy all the stuff on this list). But remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity flow. Who knows, you might just end up creating the next Mona Lisa… or a portrait of your cat wearing a top hat. Either way, it’s all good.
But let’s not forget, the real secret to finding the perfect art supplies is to experiment. Don’t be afraid to try new things and find what works best for you.
