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Ooo I love when someone picks up a new hobby! I'm excited for you! I know how it is to start a new passion or hobby (trust me, my neurodivergent self is chronically trying new things). Painting can feel intimidating at first because there are so many options. Acrylic? Watercolor? Oil? Gouache? Canvas? Paper? Brushes? Mediums? 700 shades of blue?

Before you buy the whole store, I need you to know something right now: you do not need the most expensive supplies. You just need enough art supplies-- And that's what this list is about. So if you are brand new and just want to start painting without spiraling in the art supply aisle, here are 10 things that can help you get started.

1. Paint

Obviously, you need paint. And if this is your first go around, I recommend that you start with Acrylic Paint, but I won't stop you from trying any other paint because if you love how it looks, you'll commit more-- except I will say not to try oil painting yet because you can absolutely poison yourself without properly setting up.

Acrylics are beginner-friendly, dry quickly, cleans up with water, and can be used on a variety of surfaces like canvas, paper, wood, and other surfaces. And while it is tempting to purchase every single color in existence, you can mix paint to make more colors. Plus, too many colors will get overwhelming real quick especially if you are just figuring it out.

I also personally do not think you need the highest end quality of acrylic paint to get started-- you may want it later on as you become an avid painter but even as a professional artist, I have mix of brands and quality paints. Sometimes the cheap stuff makes it easier to create gradients. But if any company wants to sponsor me and pay me, I won't be opposed though 👀

Any who, you should get a basic set that includes:

• White

• Black

• Red

• Yellow

• Blue

• Maybe a brown if you want to make your life easier

I'm going to suggest the Liquitex Basic set for a few reasons: The price is fair for the quality and I swear this stuff lasts forever. I recently was checking my paints because I have not painted in 5 years and whew! Some of those paints ROTTED. Not my higher end stuff nor my Liquitex paint.

I repeat, you do not need every color in existence. When you feel confident with the basics then you can buy the pretty and fancy green you like!

2. Brushes

Ima let you know know that I have brushes that are polar opposites in quality. I've spent $50 on a brush and also used the dollar store brushes. And truly both have a place in my heart and my canvas. But you are just starting out SO I don't think you need a $50 brush but also cheap brushes can be frustrating for fine details. There's also a variety of shapes and material used to make the brushes. Depending on the type of paint you are going to use, you have to use a different material. So to keep it simple I have included my suggestions for brushes for acrylic painting.

Winsor and Newton is my go-to brand because they've been super reliable and consistent.

and this Paddle Brush to cover a wide surfaces on the canvas

I would start with this selection first because the fact of the matter is you are going to make mistakes. You are going to accidentally leave one in water overnight or you might leave paint on it and now it's all frayed. It's just part of the experience.

3. Something to Clean your Brushes with

One of my art professors swore by dish soap but I felt like it killed my brushes. It felt like it got them too dry. In a pinch you use what is available to you but just get you some brush soap and preserver. I've used both of these and I will say the bar soap does a better job of cleaning the brushes while the cream is great for maintaining the shape of the brush! Lucky for you, the sell it in a pack!

4. Something to Paint On

The first thing I ever painted on was illustration board-- which was a big mistake because board is bending from the weight of the paint (especially how I paint). That is why I prefer stretched canvas or wood panels. While there are other options like canvas panels, mixed media paper, water color paper, and even cardboard; the safest bet for a beginner is stretched canvas or water color paper.

Canvas paper is fairly inexpensive and if you mess it up, well no biggie, just start on a new sheet. This is great for practice! The downside with this is that using it on an easel is kind of annoying and framing anything is kind of a pain. I am recommending Strathmore Canvas Paper (truly anything Strathmore is great!).

With stretched canvas you have way more liberties in how you paint. And you don't have to go with the biggest one or make your own (yet)! Just get a few small canvases to experiment and try stuff. Afterall, experimentation is the best way to learn!

Please note: I am recommending low-budget stretched canvas for good reason-- you are just starting out and I'd rather you not worry about messing a really nice canvas (and expensive) your first few time. I have my preferences of pre-stretched canvases but I've been doing this for a long time and I frequently sell my work.

5. A Palette

While I've seen folks use pieces of cardboard as a palette, I am bougie and would rather work with an actual palette. I keep a few different ones for different reasons; some palettes are made so you can stand and paint, others are made to be set on a table top and so on. There's also a variety of materials. I usually prefer the flatter kind of palette if I'm working with oil paints and one with containers for acrylic paint with space to mix colors. Anyways, you need somewhere to mix your paint. And because you are just starting out, I'm recommending two kinds of palettes: the disposable kind and a plastic one with compartments.

If you are the type of person that can a.) control how much paint they're using and b.) wants one less thing to clean up, this is the perfect product for you!

If you are the type of person that wont do that or are so beefed up that you just can't help but to squeeze half the paint bottle out, then use this bad boy! This was actually my first palette! I like this one because you have little compartments, you have space to mix paint and it has a thumb slot so you can sit or stand and paint. Plus if you tend to have strong arms like I do and squeeze too much paint on there; you can always just put plastic wrap over it to use it the next day!

6. Water Cup or Brush Cleaner

I used to use a mug as a water cup. In fact, it's all I used until my friend gifted me a fancy pants brush cleaner. While not the most necessary purchase, there are tools that are meant to hold your brushes and clean them. It makes life a bit easier but like I said, a mug is fine. Just plan on never drinking out of it again.

Now I have something that is more like this now:

And what I like about it is that I only use the water I'm going to use and not accidentally mixing my colors in my mug. There's also what I'll call a "fancy mug". This Water Basin will hold your brushes and has ridges to get in between those bristles!

PSA don't drink the paint water. Can confirm it is nasty af

7. Rags and Old Cloths

Painting is sooo very messy. And I'm telling you now that paper towels only go so far, so cut up that ugly t-shirt you never wear or get a pack of rags. The rags are for when you need to wipe something off the canvas (because you used the wrong color), wiping your brushes, cleaning spills-- you get the gist. While paper towels work in a pinch, they're not as durable and reusable as a cut up t-shirt. Lucky for you, you don't necessarily have to raid your closet, you can just purchase a box of rags:

8. An apron or designated painting outfit

Remember when I said that painting is very messy? Chose your attire carefully because paint gets everywhere! And the last thing you want is to get paint on your favorite fit. Learn from me cuz there was a point in time, all my clothes had paint stain on them. Paint has a way of finding your sleeve, your pants, your table, and somehow your elbow.

9. A Sketchbook or Practice Paper

A sketchbook is not required, but it helps with planning out ideas and compositions. Some people will just go for it on the canvas while others pre-plan everything. I'm somewhere in the middle. I use my sketchbook to map out the composition and idea. so when I paint, I'm not thinking of much other than shaping and pretty colors.

10. An Easel and a Painting space

Easels come in all different sizes. The most important thing is knowing where you are going to paint. If you know you can only use your kitchen, then get a table top easel; if you can make space in a corner, then get a full sized easel.

I used to paint right on my kitchen table so I know you can make magic happen anywhere. But it gets hectic pretty quick. Regardless of where you are going to paint whether it's a dedicated studio, dedicated art corner, your dining room table or even outside. You should prep the space for mess or just have a designated spot.

I can show you which easel I have-- but it is PRICEY and I just happened to find it at a garage sale for $25. The closest I can find that is reasonable priced for the quality is Us Supplies H-Frame Easel for $199:

But like I said, there's so many variables that I cannot definitively say which easel is best for you. Regardless of whether or not you have a designated space or if it is for sitting or standing, you should look for an easel that can be virtually vertical and is stable. The cheap easels tend to not be as flexible in angle and not as sturdy. I don't really have one set suggestion because just like your color palette, the easel is unique to your needs. At best I can say is shop around. I add some filters to this link so you could see the best easels on Amazon.

Do I really need all this stuff to get started painting?

These are the essentials. Now are there ways to get creative without investing a whole lot? absolutely. Like, before I had an easel, I strategically placed my easel against the wall and would hold it while I painted... but that got old real quick. So yes and no. I'm just trying to make your life easier. You will soon learn your preferences and processes for painting. As you embark on this new journey, you will start to upgrade your space!