How much do I have to spend to try this hobby?

Oct 19

I’ve gone ‘round and ‘round about different supplies. I’ve learned that art supplies are very personal. Which is great! They are fun to explore, and if we use them, we also hone our drawing and painting skills. When I try a new sketchbook and I don’t like the paper, I fill it up anyway. It’s good practice, and it’s good to try your skills on different, even substandard, papers. Back in my 30s I didn’t know I was someone who preferred a very fine drawing pen to a thicker one. I didn’t know that metal pencil sharpeners are a must! I couldn’t tell a quill from a hake from a cat’s tongue (yes, there really is that kind of brush). I didn’t think of myself as an artist at all. What a discovery, to know myself in this way, at this age. How fun to play with art supplies to discover what I like best.

Below are suggestions so beginners are well outfitted for exploring this hobby without breaking the bank.

Because we don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on supplies just to try something new.

If you get hooked as I have you may explore different things (natural hair brushes, better paper, tube paint), but this set will get you well on your way. It includes supplies I use throughout the week in my sketchbook.

This post includes the remaining household items we need for a painting session.

Starter supplies, by budget

These are Amazon affiliate links:

If you can spend up to $40, get these paints and this sketchbook.
- You can always use kids’ paints, but my students become quickly dissatisfied with the texture and vibrancy (or lack thereof) of student paints. These Kuretake paints are vibrant, moist, and have good movement. If you don’t know what I mean by "movement,” prepare to be delighted!
- I have the 36 paint set because I had to have the light turquoise color, which I learned is called Malachite! I own approximately nine variations of turquoise… Hmm… Anyway, these paints do not have a palette, or wells to mix to color, so bring a few small plates or yogurt lids to your work station.
- I have tried many sketchbooks (see photo, above), and these are the best compromise that I have found. They combine in one book high quality paper with a smooth texture to allow us to draw. They are not the best watercolor paper, but more than sufficient for the paintings we will do in our sketchbooks. Currently I am using the 8x10 portrait size. I used the 8.5x5.5 size for years when I spent more time away from home with pockets of time to sketch.
- We can replace pans of paint when we run out.
If you can spend a bit more or don’t have brushes, this set will get you started.
If you are ready to try a luscious brush, this Size 2 quill or mop is divine, or a versatile set of Size 0, 2, and 4 from Amazon, which is the set I have. (Professional artists say that, with care, these brushes will last forever). I learned from a student that European brushes are much better priced from Jackson’s Art Supply — the website was tricky to navigate but brand you want for your first and second washes are Davinci Casaneo Quill or Mop in size 0, 2, and/or 4. If you are buying one, go for the 2. The Da Vinci Casaneo are vegan but act nearly indistinguishably from a sable brush. I thought they were sable — now I like them even more!
This post includes the remaining household items we need for a painting session. Raid your kids’ art supplies for brushes, pencils, pens, and erasers. Fill a spritzer bottle with water (or use a wet brush to dribble water onto your paints to loosen). Many of these items are in your kitchen.
You will hear me talk about other supplies in my classes. The porcelain palette, dip pen, the different kinds of ink — those are not required. They are just things that I discovered made the process even more enjoyable. You will learn things that make it even more enjoyable for you.
Be forewarned — you may soon have art supplies all over your house! :)

Loose flowers, from class with one of my teachers, Amy Dapice

“I loved that two hours. I love how my mind is quiet and how utterly happy it makes me feel.
Thank you for your time and talent and supportive enthusiasm.”
~ Heather

Come paint along with us!

You might enjoy these other journal posts: