An artist needs many things such as canvases, paint, brushes, palettes, and easels. Sometimes buying all these things can be a challenge because of your budget. Often new artists choose sets so they can be sure they got everything they need.
Kits are an excellent choice if you’re on a budget because, for a great price, you’re getting a box with at least a dozen jars of paints, two to four small canvases, brushes, sticks, disposable straws, gloves, pouring cups, etc. An artist paint kit contains everything an artist needs and is a perfect choice if you want to get it all without thinking and feeling overwhelmed about whether you’re buying the right stuff.
Canvas
Canvas is one of the most popular materials for painting. When you get your first canvas make sure that it has already been primed so you can easily start without bothering to do it by yourself. If you aren’t on a tight budget get a quality canvas rather than those cheaper student canvases (you’ll spot the difference immediately).
Stretched canvas panels have deep or thin edges which give a more modern appearance and are great if you don’t want to paint the canvas. When it comes to the size, it’s up to your choices; you can get a super small one, medium or a large size. If you intend to show your paintings at an exhibition, then a larger canvas is a better idea. If you want to only practice, you can get a smaller canvas since it’s more convenient.
Acrylic Paint Set
If you’re a new artist and feel a little confused when it comes to paints and hues, it’s best to consider getting an artist paint kit. Truth is, even experienced artists are purchasing such kits because they contain everything they need. They’re great if you’re on a budget as well.
These art sets contain everything you may need including pre-mixed paints, varnish, accessories and a helpful instruction booklet. This can be a great way to introduce yourself or your child to the art world.
The only difference between these paints and their separate professional counterparts is that the set paints have less pigment, which may produce not-so-vibrant colours on the canvas. However, this isn’t a problem, as you’re still getting the wanted colours. If you’re a beginner, this shouldn’t concern you at all.
These sets usually contain tubes, jars or bottles of acrylic paint (get them in a size of 60ml which is best for beginners). This size will last for quite some time if we assume you’re practising on a smaller canvas. If you don’t know which colours you need, choose a set; the price is great and you can be sure that you got at least all primary colours. This set can be an excellent choice of gift for a person who does art as a hobby, a kid in your family who loves to explore their talent, or anyone you believe will love it.
Paint Brush Set
Beginner artists might feel overwhelmed when choosing paintbrushes. This is why it’s best to start with a brush set because it offers essential brushes; you won’t have to worry whether or not you got all the important ones. Paintbrushes have different shapes and different bristles. Some are good for all situations, while others are more specific and meant for more detailed work.
Here are the different types of bristles and shapes
• Hog bristle brushes – these are elastic, stiff and ergonomic and are great for oil painting because of their stiffness and durability.
• Sable bristle brushes – these aren’t made from sable hair but from the tail of species of mink that lives in North-Eastern China and Siberia. The bristles are fine and are great for painting with oil or acrylic. These brushes are expensive and aren’t the best choice for a beginner (solely because of the prices, not because beginners won’t know how to use them).
• Synthetic brushes – these are what most beginners purchase because they are affordable and suitable for all painting mediums. These brushes are made of synthetic bristles with animal bristles. Keep in mind that cheap synthetic brushes won’t last for a long time and will lose their shape quickly.
Easel and Palette
The easel is a must-have if you want a proper hold of your canvas; you can paint without bothering about ways to keep the canvas straight. There are different options such as A-frame, H-frame, giant easel, convertible, single mast and so on. If you’re a beginner on a budget, you might want to leave buying easels for later, as they can be expensive.
The palette is a necessity to mix your paint. It comes in all forms and sizes and it’s made of various materials such as wood or plastic.
Palette Knife
A palette knife is a helping tool and is necessary to mix your paints better. It can be a great tool if you use it right; some artists use it to make more rigid or broken-coloured paintings. The knife is very easy to clean, and even though now it seems like not so necessary tool, it will speed up the painting.
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