This new hobby of mine has been going on for about a week now, and I have been studying up on the many tutorials, blog posts, and youtube channels that the internet has to offer. I did not document the search as well as I should have, however I will do my best to give credit to the amazing sources that have taught and inspired me over the past week. Thank you for taking the time to create these resources that have helped me learn.
- Bob Ross needs no introduction, so all I can say is that the Joy of Painting is timeless.
- Chuck Black Art inspired me with this video, and the plethora of content posted on his channel.
- There is a good deal of info out there about painting surfaces, including this straightforward summary from Smart Art Materials.
- The Spruce Crafts has a good rundown of the basic colors that make up any starter palette.
- Here is an interesting history of common pigments artists have used over the years.
In addition to hitting the 21st century books, I have also picked up a few new pieces of equipment (listed below) that will hopefully enhance my painting experience. Thank you Jerry’s Artarama for giving me a 10% discount and this fancy VIP membership card.
- Strathmore Acrylic Paper, 246lb, Linen Finish, 9″x12″, 10 sheets. Slightly heavier and slightly more expensive canvas paper then what I bought last time.
- Creative Inspirations Stretched Canvas Super Value Pack of 5 (one set 5″x7″, and one set 8″x10″). Yes, I’m moving into the world of stretched canvas! Very exciting, slightly intimidating, and not so slightly more expensive than canvas paper.
- SoHo 8″x12″ True Color Peel Off Butcher Tray Palette. Essentially a plastic tray that is supposed to be easier to clean than the cheap plastic palette I purchased before. Can confirm, dried paint wipes up easily with a paper towel and a bit of pressure.
- Golden Gesso (aka bright white acrylic primer). I’m starting small with an 8 oz jar, since a gallon is probably more than I want to have in my kitchen at the moment.
- Masonite 12″x18″ Hardboard Panel, to use as a work surface to protect my desk from the paint splotches I’ve been spilling all over the place.
- More Brushes!
- SoHo Urban Artist 008 Fan. I think this brush is intended for oil paints, since the bristles seem to clump up with my water based acrylic paint.
- SoHo Urban Artist 010 3/4″ Oval Wash. A good complement to the 3/4″ Wash from Princeton Art & Brush.
- Creative Mark 1″ Primer. Haven’t used it yet, but it was right next to the gesso, so I figured it would be good to have.
- More Paint!
- SoHo Urban Artist 75mL acrylic, Cadmium Orange (140), Phthalo Green Blue (470), and Burnt Umber (530).
- I also stole a coffee mug from the kitchen for a brush holder, and the roll of painters tape from my closet.
I should probably note that I am not affiliated with any of the companies or products I’ve been talking about, and I have spent my own hard earned money on all of it. Three cheers for transparency.
