My Favourite Art Materials
No Affiliate links in this post, just trial and lots of error!
WATERCOLOURS
INEXPENSIVE – The brand I tend to use regularly are the Micador For Artists Discs (approx $30AU for a set of 12)
MID RANGE – Windsor and Newton Cotman Range tubes, approx $11 a tube. TOP END – Daniel Smith Watercolour Tubes. I’m currently obsessed with “Shadow Violet’, that gives granulating colour like this
BRUSHES
For messing around mixing and finding colour palettes, any student range watercolour brush ( Micador, once more) For producing final artworks and designs my favourite is the Princeton ‘Neptune‘ range. They hold a substantial amount of water and bonus, they’re also vegan.
WATERCOLOUR PAPER
I try to always look for 100% Cotton paper.
BUDGET – For practicing and general studio work I find the Eraldo di Paolo (Riot art if you’re in Australia) very affordable, it stands up to a decent amount of layering.
GENERAL – A good mid range paper I rely on is the Strathmore 300 Series.
EXPENSIVE – Until recently I was using Arches, however I recently discovered that they use gelatine (animal derived) in the setting of their papers. So my hunt for a top grade watercolour/animal friendly paper is on.
I’ve ordered a Hahnemuhle brand pad, as I admire their environmental values, so maybe a review coming soon of this paper!
INKS
I use a range of different inks. Liquitex acrylic inks are a favourite for their vibrancy. Daley Rowney ‘fw’ Inks are also a favourite. Although they are quite pricey, a small bottle goes a long way and can be diluted with water or mixed with other mediums for different effects.
I like to practice fine ink details such as botanical lines with Chinese black calligraphy ink (I also use a Chinese brush for this)
PENS AND MARKERS
My grown up version of being in a candy store is being at a good pen bar
For blocking in colour and layering I LOVE Tombow ABT duel brush pens that come in so many colours. Also I’m a fan of Faber Castell Pitt Pens. Copic Markers are my alcohol based favourites.
For fine line details I am one of the long line of fans of Pigma Micron (Sakura) as they are also archival and waterproof.
For coloured fine liners I use the Artline Supreme range. My favourite paint pens are posca, and I favour a Uniball Signo white gel pen.
I truly hope this breakdown helps you sourcing the right materials for your practice!