My Favorite Art Supplies and Why I Use Them
As an artist, the tools and materials I use are an integral part of my creative process. Over the years, I've experimented with a wide range of art supplies, and I've developed a deep appreciation for the unique qualities and capabilities of each. In this blog post, I'll share my favorite art supplies and explain why I love using them.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint
Watercolor painting is one of my absolute favorite mediums, and Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolor paints are my go-to choice. These paints offer a beautiful range of vibrant, transparent colors that blend seamlessly on the paper. The pigments are highly concentrated, which means a little goes a long way, and the paint dries with a lovely, luminous finish.
What I love most about the Cotman line is its versatility. The paints can be used for delicate washes, bold strokes, and intricate details, making them suitable for a wide variety of watercolor techniques. The paint also reactivates easily, allowing me to layer and rework areas as needed. Additionally, the Cotman paints are affordable, which is important for an artist on a budget like myself.
Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils
When it comes to colored pencils, Faber-Castell Polychromos are my absolute favorite. These pencils are renowned for their exceptional quality, and it's easy to see why. The pigments are highly saturated, allowing for rich, vibrant colors that blend beautifully. The pencils also have a smooth, creamy texture that glides effortlessly across the paper, making them a joy to use.
One of the things I love most about the Polychromos pencils is their versatility. They can be used for detailed, precise work, as well as for loose, expressive mark-making. The pencils also layer and blend exceptionally well, allowing me to create complex, nuanced drawings. Additionally, the wide range of colors in the Polychromos line means I can find the perfect hue for any project.
Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Paper
When it comes to paper, Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media paper is my go-to choice. This paper is incredibly versatile, able to handle a wide range of media, from watercolor and acrylic to colored pencil and ink. The surface has a slight texture that provides just the right amount of tooth for my preferred techniques, and the paper is sturdy enough to withstand multiple layers of paint or pencil without buckling or tearing.
What I love most about the Strathmore 400 Series paper is its ability to handle wet media without becoming overly saturated or warped. I can apply washes of watercolor or layers of acrylic without worrying about the paper's integrity. The paper also takes colored pencil beautifully, allowing me to build up rich, vibrant layers of color.
Sakura Micron Pens
When it comes to fine-tipped pens, Sakura Micron pens are my absolute favorite. These pens offer a range of nib sizes, from the ultra-fine 005 to the more substantial 08, allowing me to choose the perfect line weight for my needs. The ink is incredibly black and opaque, making it perfect for detailed line work, intricate patterns, and bold, graphic elements.
What I love most about the Sakura Micron pens is their consistency and reliability. The ink flows smoothly and evenly, and the pens maintain their precise line quality even after extended use. The pens are also incredibly durable, with a sturdy construction that can withstand the rigors of my creative process.
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
While the Faber-Castell Polychromos are my go-to for colored pencil work, I also love using Prismacolor Premier pencils. These pencils offer a softer, more buttery texture that is perfect for blending and layering. The pigments are highly saturated, and the pencils layer beautifully, allowing me to create rich, nuanced color palettes.
What I love most about the Prismacolor Premier pencils is their ability to create smooth, seamless gradients. The soft, creamy texture of the pencils makes it easy to blend and transition between colors, which is essential for my more realistic, representational drawings. The wide range of colors in the Prismacolor line also means I can find the perfect hue for any subject matter.
Conclusion
These are just a few of my favorite art supplies, and each one plays a crucial role in my creative process. Whether I'm working on a delicate watercolor painting, a detailed colored pencil drawing, or a bold, graphic illustration, these tools and materials help me bring my artistic vision to life. As an artist, I'm constantly exploring new and innovative ways to use these supplies, and I'm excited to see how they'll continue to inspire and challenge me in the years to come.