🎨 MY 5 FAVORITE ART SUPPLIES
Over the years, I’ve tried just about every brush, ground, and gadget out there — but a few favorites have truly earned their permanent spot in my studio. In this post, I’m sharing 5 of my most-loved tools: the brushes I always reach for, the ground that gives my panels the perfect tooth, and a few essentials that quietly keep the whole process running smoothly. Whether you’re a fellow painter or just curious about what goes into the work behind the scenes, I hope this little peek into my toolkit inspires you. (And yes — I’ll include links in case you want to try them too!)
1.NEW WAVE POSH WOOD PALETTE – 15.6” x 19.6”
This wooden palette is my go-to for studio painting. The smooth, durable surface makes mixing oils a breeze, and I love how its warm tone helps me judge color accurately. It’s also just beautiful to look at — a little upgrade from the glass palette I used to use. I simply wipe it clean at the end of each session, and it’s held up beautifully over time.
You can find it here → Wood Palette
2.GAMBLIN GAMSOL MINERAL SPIRITS
I’ve tried a lot of solvents, and Gamsol is the only one I keep in my studio. It’s low odor, gentle on brushes, and far less toxic than traditional turps. I use it to thin my paint in early layers and clean my brushes — it’s a staple for safe and smooth oil painting.
You can find it here → Gamsol Mineral Spirits
3. PVA SIZE BY GAMBLIN
This one might not be exciting to look at, but it’s essential behind the scenes. I use this to size raw linen or cotton canvas before priming. It seals the fabric so the oil paint won’t rot the fibers over time. A little goes a long way, and it’s easy to apply with a wide brush.
You can find it here → Gamblin PVA Size
4. GAMBLIN OIL PAINTING GROUND
This is hands-down my favorite surface prep. After sizing with PVA, I brush on this oil ground to create the perfect surface for oils. It dries to a slightly absorbent, toothy finish that grips paint without dragging. It’s buttery, archival, and gives my paintings that dreamy Old Master feel I love.
You can find it here → Gamblin Oil Ground
5.
ARTIST’S LOFT FIRENZE BRUSHES
These brushes surprised me! The bristles hold their shape beautifully, even after hours of use. I love using them for detail work and delicate blending. The handles are lightweight and balanced, making them easy to control — especially for long painting sessions. This will always be my go to brushes for years to come —I’m hooked.
You can find it here → Artist’s Loft Firenze Brushes
You can find all of my favorite studio staples — from brushes to grounds — right on Amazon.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share materials I genuinely use and trust in my studio.
