My art supplies

If there is one thing I could forever add to, it's my art supply collection. I have a tonne of art supplies and am constantly adding to the list! The main "type" of art I create is mixed media art, so the materials available are pretty much an endless stream of excitement!

I thought I would share with you my go-to supplies; things I use daily and would also recommend for anyone interested in mixed media but also on a budget. Where I can, I've added links to where I bought them, but it's worth shopping around to see if you can get them cheaper (I tend to do this, but on occasions may have missed saving a few £££s to get a fast order through/ bulk order from one shop etc.)

Paper:

I tend not to work on canvas, but paper. I like using paper more as it's easy to store, I can scan it in and it's less pricey than having an unending stock of canvas! I do work on canvas sometimes, but my go-to is paper. I use 2 types; my art journal and a spiral note pad that I take all the pages out of.

Daler Rowney Mixed Media paper (A4) 

This is my go-to paper. It's thick and holds out to a lot of water damage and when you trim the border down (it's in a spiral note pad) it's a little under A4, which makes it easier for framing and storing. t has a thick grain, which I like, as it adds more texture and doesn't warp easily. Sometimes it curls, but a bit of water on the back or taped down' it's fine. It's also very reasonably priced!

Moleskine art journal

This is my favourite sketchbook. It's small, and an interesting shape so it makes me re-think composition a lot. Despite not being hugely thick; the paper stands its own ground well and I'm yet to tear through from too much watercolour. I'm on my second of these and they last for ages. It's bound really well and I love using this as my art journal.

Free magazines from the Tube! I snap up those free magazines people hand out to you on the underground and save them up for collage use and paint over collage.

Vogue - maybe twice a year I will splash out on buying Vogue. It's expensive and I don't like the fashion world in particular; but there are some great pictures in there to use in collage.

The Great Gatsby book (!) - I tear out pages from my old copy of the Great Gatsby. The paper's turned brown over the years and adds a great layer of text for backgrounds.

Patterned scrapbook papers (various sources)

Washi tape (mostly bought of eBay in bulk)

Paint:

Craft paint (decoart and docraft) - I have a large collection of this paint as it's super cheap but still works well. They come in small bottles, which is perfect for testing out new colours and storage.

Daler Rowney graduate - I have the portrait pink colour and it's always, always used in my portraits as a base. It's a great Caucasian mid tone base.

Liquitex basic - I have some unbleached white and although the paint is a little plasticy; it's good mixed with other paints or white gesso for highlights.

Windsor & Newton Galeria - I'm slowly building up a paint collection in these colours, although they are kind of pricey (I get them from a discount store for about £3.99 a tube) the pigments are stunning and it's a really beautiful, glossy paint. I have 4 colours at the moment; teal, magenta, opera pink and ochre.

Gesso:

White gesso - Daler Rowney
Black gesso - Daler Rowney
Clear gesso - Liquitex

All these gessos are reasonably priced and not at all plasticy. I love the grain the clear gesso provides and these 3 mediums are always on my desk and I love them so much! Gesso to rule the world!!

Pens:

Posca pens - I got a set in bulk as they are expensive, but are prefect for small detail work. Don't use over wet paint as you'll destroy the nib (sorry, old black posca pen...RIP)

Letraset Promarker (manga fantasy set) - these are "posh felt tips" and really great for drawing and also can work well in mixed media pieces.

Micron Sakura pens - my favourite, favourite black pens. I'm constantly using them up but they are just perfect. They don't fade and look beautiful outlining watercolour pieces.

Pencils:

2B and 4B Faber Castell - I like to work with a soft pencil as it's great for smudging. Currently my 4B is the size of my little finger, and it's the 3rd this year. It's my go-to, must-have, cannot-live-without pencil.

2B Graphite Aquarelle by Faber Castell - really nice for adding dark tones and smudgy/smokey effects.

Glues and mediums:

Good old pritt stick!
Deco Art Media matte medium
Deco mache gloss decoupage glue
Winsor & Newton professional fixative
Pebeo Studio Acrylics modelling paste

Paintbrushes:

Daler Rowney gold taklon short handled synthetic brushes

I'm super mean to my paintbrushes and put them through hell, so I don't buy expensive ones. These ones have a great range of sizes and considering the beating they get form me, they last pretty well!

Da Vinci paintbrush (for canvas work and working BIG!) - I bought this paintbrush at an art retreat, although it is available on-line too I think. It's beautiful and big and has a great "spring" to the bristles.

And there you have it! I have some other bits and bobs too, but the above is my standard set of supplies.

What's your favourite art supply?

Have a great week!

Emily (aka Little Lyra) xx