Favorite Art Supplies
From time to time I find new and fun art supplies and share them with you. Please know that these are affiliate links. When you use these links, you help to keep my art supplies well-stocked. Currently, I have product lists for Alcohol Inks, Watercolors, and Acrylics, but as a mixed media artist, I’m guessing I will add more lists soon. Stay tuned.
Why: Alcohol Inks are fluid and unpredictable at times, but they supply vivid color and magical movement. I suggest Yupo Heavy Synthetic Paper , it does not absorb the ink or melt with heat tools. There are many brands of Alcohol Inks. I like Pixxis Alcohol Ink Set for price and T-Rex warm colors. A manual Rocket Air blower tool and Catalyst Silicone Wedge Tool will allow you to move the ink while wet. To keep your ink wet and move it around the page, I recommend Ranger Blending Solution or 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. It can be a little smelly so make sure to have adequate ventilation. Watch me work with alcohol ink on my FB or IG accounts
Link List:
Pixxis Alcohol Ink Set
T-Rex warm colors
Rocket Air Blower
Catalyst Silicone Wedge Tool
Yupo Heavy Synthetic Paper
Ranger Blending Solution
Why: Acrylics allow for opaque color and a fairly quick drying time. I like Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylics for a tactile experience. For even more texture I use Modern Masters Crackle Medium to allow color and layers to show through. I use paintbrushes, but my favorite tool to apply acrylics is the Palette Knife. I can’t get too detailed with these so it loosens me up a bit. A thick gallery wrapped frame is my favorite because they don’t need a frame. The Edge has a good variety of sturdy deep gallery wrapped canvases. And last but not least, I protect all my work with a good UV Varnish to protect from the sun. Watch me working with acrylics on FB or IG.
Link List:
Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylics
Modern Masters Crackle Medium
Palette Knife
The Edge Gallery Wrapped canvas
UV Varnish
Why: Watercolors are a very portable medium. There are lightweight and you can take them just about anywhere—all you need is water, paper, and a brush. My favorite set, Sakura Koi watercolors is small and lasts for years. I usually work with 9 x 12 Canson Paper because it fits on my scanner, but pocket postcards are great for on the go. Water-holding brushes make using watercolors super easy. It’s hard to explain so I suggest trying them out. Not only are inexpensive, but you could literally use them in a car or plane without spilling water. And of course, everyone should have a good set of brushes, just keep your watercolor brushes separate from all the others to keep them pristine. I prefer round tips, but everyone has different preferences.
Link List:
Sakura Koi watercolors
9 x 12 Canson Paper
pocket postcards
Water-holding brushes
set of brushes
Yupo for an alternative to classic watercolor paper
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Thanks,
HH
