Essential Supplies for Painting Classes

By McKenna Seavey on August 25, 2024

When preparing for painting classes at a school like Marywood University, having the right materials is crucial for your success and enjoyment in the studio. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced student, being well-prepared with the necessary tools will allow you to focus on developing your skills and expressing your creativity without interruption. Be sure to check the course syllabus for any specific supplies your professor may require. Art supplies are an investment in your artistic journey, and making sure you have everything you need will set you up for a productive and rewarding experience in each class. Below is a brief checklist of essential items to bring with you to ensure you're ready to dive into your painting projects.

Art supplies are an investment in your artistic journey, and making sure you have everything you need will set you up for a productive and rewarding experience in each class.

Brushes:
- Bring a variety of brushes, including flats, rounds, and filberts. Sizes 2, 4, and 6 are great options to start with.
- Consider having both synthetic and natural bristle brushes for different paint textures and effects.
Paint:
- Invest in high-quality oil paints. Utrecht paints are a great place to start as they maintain quality while being at a lower price point.
- Primary colors (red, blue, yellow), along with secondary colors (violet, green, orange), and earth tones like burnt sienna, yellow ochre, raw umber, and venetian red, will give you a solid base for mixing.
Palette:
- A sturdy, reusable palette is crucial. Glass palettes are easy to clean, while wooden ones have a nice tone to mix on.
- Disposable paper palettes can also be convenient for quick cleanup.
Canvases:
- Have a few pre-stretched canvases or canvas panels in various sizes.
- Starting with 16x20 inches is a good size for most projects, but adjust based on your project's needs.
Mineral Spirits:
- When working with oil paints, mineral spirits are essential for thinning paint and cleaning brushes.
- Make sure to get odorless mineral spirits to keep the studio air cleaner.
Stand Oil:
- Stand oil is used to modify the texture and drying time of oil paints.
- A small bottle will go a long way, so don't forget this important medium for class.
Rags:
- Have plenty of rags for cleaning brushes and wiping surfaces.
- Old t-shirts or cloths work well, and they're more eco-friendly than paper towels.
Travel Container:
- A sturdy, sealed container is necessary for transporting wet brushes, paint tubes, or solvents safely between home and class.
- A small toolbox or specialized art container with compartments can help keep everything organized.
- A plastic container may be useful too if you want to save any paint leftover at the end of class.