Let's talk about supplies.
I know this part can feel overwhelming. Rows of art materials in the shop. Not knowing what's worth buying. Worrying you'll get the "wrong" thing.
Here's the truth: you don't need expensive professional materials to begin. You don't need to buy everything at once. And you may already own more than you realise.
Start with what you have. I'll guide you on anything else once you've decided what you'd like to explore.
I recommend this sketchbook because its thick paper is perfect for experimenting with different drawing materials, while the spiral binding allows it to lie flat as you work.
This smaller sketchbook is perfect for quick exercises, experimenting with ideas and carrying with you so that you can create whenever inspiration strikes.
The generous A3 size gives you the freedom to work bigger and more expressively, while the thick paper is suitable for experimenting with both wet and dry materials.
I recommend this set because it gives you a brilliant range of professional-quality graphite pencils and tools, allowing you to experiment with different tones, textures and expressive drawing techniques.
A brilliant, affordable starter set with six different grades of graphite, giving you everything you need to explore line, tone and shading without feeling overwhelmed.
This affordable set gives you a lovely range of nib sizes, making it easy to explore everything from delicate detail and mark-making to strong, expressive black lines.
A versatile set of waterproof black pens with different nib sizes, perfect for experimenting with fine detail, loose sketching and bold, expressive line work.
I recommend these acrylics because they offer dependable artist-quality colour at an affordable price, with a useful range that’s perfect for learning to mix colours and exploring different painting techniques.
These heavy-body acrylics have a lovely thick consistency and rich colour, making them perfect for experimenting with texture, visible brushstrokes, and more expressive painting.
This varied set gives you lots of different shapes and sizes to experiment with, helping you discover how each brush creates different marks, textures and expressive effects.
A great-value set containing a wide variety of brushes and useful painting tools, giving you everything you need to experiment with different marks, textures and techniques.
These tear-off palette sheets make mixing paint quick and easy, with no palette to scrub afterwards, perfect for keeping your studio time focused on creating.
These collapsible water pots are lightweight, easy to carry and take up very little space, making them ideal for bringing to Tuesday Studio and keeping your brushes clean as you work.
These soft, absorbent and washable cloths make brilliant reusable studio rags for wiping brushes, lifting paint and cleaning up as you work.
A comfortable, waterproof apron that protects your clothes while the generous pockets keep brushes and other small tools close at hand as you work.
A pretty and affordable pair of adjustable aprons that will protect your clothes while adding a little colour and personality to your studio time.
If you'd like to pick up a few quality basics, here are my personal favourites:
🎨 Sketchbook: Recommended A4 Mixed-Media Sketchbook
Perfect weight for drawing, painting, and collage.
✏️ Pencil Set: Drawing Pencil Set HB-6B
Everything you need in one tin.
🖌️ Brush Set: Mixed Brush Set for Acrylics
Good variety of sizes for different techniques.
🎨 Acrylic Set: Basic Acrylic Paint Set
Great quality without the premium price.
👩🎨 Apron: Artist's Apron with Pockets
Keeps everything handy and your clothes clean.
Just so you know, a few of the links above are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may receive a small commission to support my studio. It doesn't cost you a penny more. I only recommend things I actually use in my own studio.
For Personal Projects (Later):
As you discover what excites you, you might want:
☝️ Remember: some shared and experimental materials will be available during our guided exercises. You won't be left without what you need.
See you soon,
Emily