ART MATERIALS

Favourite Things: My Go-To Art Materials (& One or Two Guilty Pleasures)

I can’tresist checking out new art materials — it’s my little excuse to play!

That said, there are a few trusty favourites I return to time and again. They're the materials that simply work for me, helping me capture light, atmosphere and those quiet moments that often become the starting point for a painting. On this page, I’ve shared the materials I can’t live without — plus some links if you fancy a peek and maybe a bit of your own creative mischief!

📄 Paper

For experimenting, I often reach for Seawhite of Brighton cartridge paper or plain Wallrock wallpaper lining paper— both sturdy enough to cope with plenty of experimentation.

For more finished pieces, I adore Arches Aquarelle Hot Pressed Watercolour Paper (at least 140lb). It has such a lovely smooth surface that holds delicate washes beautifully. Fabriano Artistico Hot Pressed is a close second — also dependable and elegant.

And when it comes to sketchbooks, it’s Seawhite of Brighton again for me — especially the A3 landscape, the pocket-sized concertina, and any of the square formats. They travel well and handle plenty of experimentation.

🖌️ Brushes

I'm not particularly precious about brushes, but there are a handful I reach for again and again. I use a mix of Rosemary & Co, Winsor & Newton Cotman, and a favourite dagger brush from Jackson’s Art. My collection includes soft rounds, mops, and flats — plus a few trusty decorator brushes that are great for bold, loose marks.

💧 Watercolours

These are my go-tos for pigment and personality:

🖍️ Oil & Soft Pastels

I mainly use Sennelier for both oil and soft pastels — buttery, rich, and full of life. Perfect for adding texture and depth to watercolour pieces.

🪶 Inks

I can’t resist a good ink. My favourites are:

🧰 A Few Can’t-Do-Withouts

There are some supplies that always seem to sneak into my process — the Winsor & Newton Granulation Fluid,charcoal, Art Graf, and watercolour pencils. For mark-making, I’ll grab whatever’s nearby: feathers, coffee stirrers, old credit cards, even spatulas. Anything that leaves an interesting line is fair game.

💎 A Couple of Guilty Pleasures

I have a soft spot for Wallace Seymour Ancient Drawing Stones — they’re pure alchemy in solid form — and Diane Townend Artist Pastels, which have the most gorgeous, velvety texture. I might not need them, but they always find their way into my studio.

✨ Curious?
If you're tempted to try any of these yourself, I've added links throughout the page. Have a browse and see what catches your eye. Just don't blame me if your art supplies somehow multiply... it's happened to the best of us!

If you'd rather hear me talking about them than read about them, here's a video where I share a few of my favourites and why they've earned a permanent place in my studio.

(This page contains affiliate links which, if you click on and then make a purchase, I will receive a small percentage commission.)