📄 Paper

For experimenting, I often reach for Seawhite of Brighton cartridge paper or plain Wallrock wallpaper lining paper— both sturdy enough to take a bit of punishment while I play around with ideas.

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

A good brush can make all the difference. 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:

• Daniel Smith for their rich granulation

• Wallace Seymour Vintage Watercolours for their subtle, earthy tones

• Michael Harding for depth and glow

• Mijello Mission Gold for those adding a touch of ‘je ne sais quoi.’

🖍️ 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:

• Daler Rowney FW Acrylic Inks

• Liquitex Acrylic Inks (especially the muted range)

• Wallace Seymour Inks, with a soft spot for Paris Red and Kendal Green

🧰 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 fancy exploring some of these materials for yourself, I’ve added links throughout the page. Have a wander, see what catches your eye — though be warned, it might lead to a few “accidental” art-supply purchases (we’ve all been there 😅).

And, here’s a link to a video I made a while back talking about some of favourite materials: