How do I know what kind of paint to get?

Most brands offer two different versions: Student Quality and Artist Quality. What's the difference? Price and quality. Artist Quality paints have better coverage and more punch, therefore it's more expensive than Student Quality paints. Yep, it's tempting to go for the Student Quality paints, because they are cheaper... however, I would generally suggest that you avoid the Student paints. They contain more filler and less pigment, so the results will be less satisfactory than the more superior Artist Quality paints. With that said, if budget is an issue, then go with what you can afford. But if you can, buy a tube or two of the Artist Quality paints as well, so that you can see and feel the difference for yourself.

Acrylic paints come in tubes, bottles and jars. They also come in a range of sizes, from 2oz to 32oz. If you're just starting out, stick with the 2oz size. That way you can decide if you like the brand before investing in more. Those 2oz tubes can last a loooong time, depending on whether you paint large or small. I have had many of my 2oz tubes for years. Therefore, if you're a total beginner trying out acrylics, go for the smaller tubes or jars!

You can also buy acrylic paints in sets, which might reduce the price per tube. Because of this, buying an acrylic paint set might be a good buy for beginners, since you'll be starting from scratch with your collection of paint colors.

What acrylic colors should I get to start with?

You might be surprised to learn that you don't need a while lot of colors to get started with acrylic painting. I would recommend that you have these 10 basic colors to start out with:

Essential Art Tools Every Artist Should Have: A Comprehensive Guide

Essential Art Tools Every Artist Should Have: A Comprehensive Guide

Creating remarkable art pieces requires not only talent and practice but also the right set of art tools. The tools for art can significantly impact an artist's ability to realize their vision. In this guide, we will explore the essential art tools, artistic tools, and painting tools for art that every artist needs in their arsenal.

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Pencils: The Basic Art Tool

When it comes to tools of art, pencils are fundamental. They are essential tools for artists, perfect for sketching, filling art journals with ideas, or creating detailed pencil drawings. Artists should have a variety of pencils, ranging from traditional to mechanical, with different hardness levels (9H to 9B) to achieve various effects.

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Brushes: Essential Artist Tools for Painting

Brushes are indispensable artist tools for painting. There is a wide variety of brushes to choose from, with different bristle types and shapes. Essential painting tools for artists include flat brushes, round brushes, filberts, fan brushes, and wash brushes. These brushes cater to different painting techniques, strokes, and textures.

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Paint: A Variety of Art Utensils

An artist's paint collection should be diverse and adaptable, offering multiple options for different projects. Acrylic, oil, gouache, watercolors, and other types of paints are essential art tools for artists. Each paint type has unique pigments and properties, and artists should experiment with various brands to find their favorites.

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Paper: A Critical Surface for Art Tools

Paper is a crucial surface for artists, with different types designed for specific media and techniques. Artists should have a collection of drawing paper, sketch paper, watercolor paper, mixed-media paper, and printmaking paper. These papers vary in weight, thickness, and texture, ensuring artists have the right surface for their work.

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Palette: A Must-Have Tool for Artists

A palette is a necessary tool for artists to hold and mix their paints. Palettes come in different sizes, shapes, and materials, with options ranging from plastic to glass, metal, and ceramic. A good palette should be lightweight, easy to hold, and have ample space for colors and mixing areas.

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Palette Knife: A Versatile Artist Tool

A palette knife is a versatile artist tool used for mixing paints and applying them directly to surfaces. Palette knives can create thick, textured strokes and are particularly effective with acrylic paints.

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Digital Art Tools: Modern Additions to Art Supplies

In today's digital age, tools for art painting have expanded beyond traditional supplies. Essential art tools for artists now include graphic or image editors, drawing tablets, and digital art tools like Canvy's more than 800+ rooms. These modern tools offer artists new possibilities for creating and showcasing their work.

Conclusion

Investing in a comprehensive set of art tools is essential to achieving success in the art world. With the right art supplies you'll be better equipped to bring your creative visions to life. Remember to consider both traditional and digital art tools as you build your art supply collection.