My Favorite Art Supplies (and the Ones I Regret Buying)
Art supplies are like old friends, some you can’t imagine creating without, and others… well, they seemed like a good idea at the time. After a couple of years of pastel painting, experimenting, and yes, making a few questionable purchases, I’m here to share my must-haves, my regrets, and a few lessons learned along the way.
The Must-Haves: My Ride-or-Die Art Supplies
There are a few things I always reach for when I paint: sanded paper, my beloved pastels, a good light, and, this may surprise you, a humble paper towel.
Pastels & Paper: My Go-To Choices
I don’t pledge allegiance to just one pastel brand. My collection is a mix of Sennelier, Rembrandt, NuPastel, Mount Vision, Diane Townsend, and even charcoal. When it comes to paper, I’m a loyalist; UArt sanded paper is the one. It holds pigment beautifully, allows for endless layering, and (the best part!) it can handle a wet underpainting without falling apart. Check out my Pinterest for my favorite products.
Unexpected Tools That Make a Difference
Would you believe me if I told you that pipe insulation used to be part of my process? Yep. It’s a fantastic tool for dry underpaintings! These days, I lean more into wet underpaintings, using rubbing alcohol and a fan brush to create a dreamy base layer before I start layering pastels. If you’re just starting out I highly recommend the pipe insulation to save your fingers!
Budget-Friendly Wins
Pastels can get pricey fast, but a little trick to keep costs down? Buy half-sticks instead of full-size pastels. You get more colors for your money, and when you need to replace a color most brands allow you to buy by the stick.
If I Could Only Keep Five Supplies…
If I had to Marie Kondo my studio (shudder), these are the five things that spark the most joy:
UArt sanded paper – because nothing else compares.
Sennelier’s Paris Set of 120 half pastels – pure magic in stick form.
Rubbing alcohol & a fan brush – my secret weapon for underpainting.
Tape – because a secured paper = a stress-free painting session.
A good light – because seeing your colors properly is everything.
The Regrets: Supplies I Wish I’d Skipped
Blending Tools That Just Didn’t Work
I once bought blending tools to help with a super intricate commission piece. Let’s just say, they were a struggle. Instead of making things easier, they made my process feel stiff and unnatural. If you’re looking for precision with pastels, I’d recommend pastel pencils instead!
The “Hyped Hack” That Wasn’t Worth It
At some point, I tried the “clear gesso on watercolor paper” trick. The idea was that it creates a sand-like surface, which it does, and nope! I just couldn’t get used to it. It felt off, didn’t handle layers well, and honestly? I’d rather just use actual sanded paper. Lesson learned!
The Common Beginner Mistake (That I Made Too)
Not setting a budget. Oh, the early days of buying every pastel color under the sun, thinking I needed them all. Spoiler: I didn’t. Now, I keep a dedicated creative allowance within my family budget, and I’ve found that working with a limited palette pushes me to be more creative.
Lessons & Advice for Fellow Artists
How I Approach Buying Art Supplies Now
These days, I’m way less impulsive. I research. I price-check (Amazon vs. Dick Blick vs. Dakota Pastels, whoever gives me the better deal wins). And before adding a new set of colors, I ask myself: Does this fit what I’m already painting? Or is it just pretty to look at?
Building a Collection Without Wasting Money
Run every purchase through your core values. Does it really fit your needs?
Watch prices over time. I love making carts just to track how prices fluctuate.
Buy one small set at a time and push yourself to work with what you have. You’d be amazed at how much you can do with just 5-7 colors in varying hues!
The Hidden Gem of Pastel Painting
Rubbing alcohol + a fan brush = chef’s kiss. It creates the most beautiful underpaintings and adds depth from the very first layer. I don’t see many pastel artists using this, but it’s a game-changer.
Advice for Pastel Newbies
Start slow. You don’t need every color or every fancy tool right away.
Be gentle with yourself. Learning pastels takes time, enjoy the process.
Use contrast wisely. Make sure you have a mix of darks, mid-tones, and lights for depth.
Watch other artists! I highly recommend checking out Karen Margulis and Valerie McKeehan on YouTube. You’ll pick up so many useful techniques just by watching them work.
Final Thoughts: The Evolution of My Art Supplies
Looking back, I realize that my art supply choices have mirrored my creative journey. In the beginning, I was a chaotic collector, grabbing supplies without much thought. Now, I’m intentional, thoughtful, and (mostly) budget-conscious. My advice? Let your tools work for you, not against you. Experiment, learn what you love, and don’t be afraid to ditch what doesn’t serve you.
Now tell me, what’s an art supply you love and one you totally regret? Let’s swap stories in the comments!