Five Favorite Studio Essentials

1. Quality Pens & Pencils
   Whether I’m sketching out ideas for painting, adding line work, signing prints, or just jotting down ideas, having quality pens & pencils easily accessible in the studio is absolutely essential. These pens and pencils are different from my everyday writing tools (these are my favorite), as they have to serve multiple purposes throughout the day. Currently I use this set of pencils, which come in a variety of grades. For pens, like many creatives, I prefer Micron pens because they are archival, fade proof, and waterproof (perfect for watercolor sketches!).

2. Watercolor Paper
   I use watercolor paper for a variety of projects. Of course it’s great for painting with watercolor, but I also use it for practicing and experimenting with acrylic paints. For beginners, or for working through ideas, Canson watercolor paper is great because it works well and is relatively inexpensive. If I’m working on a painting for a collection, I often use this watercolor paper or this paper for both watercolor and acrylic paintings.

3. Glass Palette
   Say goodbye to those disposable paper palettes—glass palettes are a game changer! The great thing is that you don’t need to purchase a glass palette specifically (although I admit I did because I wanted a white glass one). You can DIY your own palette with a strong piece of glass on a sturdy board backing, just be careful with those edges! I like this glass palette and clean it with a razor blade scraper.

4. Spray Bottle
   An ultra fine mist water spray bottle is another studio essential. I use this to keep my acrylic paints wet while painting by lightly misting the palette, and I also use this to create different effects with watercolor. It also works great to clean your glass palette—simply mist your entire palette and then use your scraper to easily clean away dried paint. Plus, the fine mist is also great for refreshing the plants in my studio!

5. Synthetic Brushes
   I use a variety of brushes when I’m painting but over the years have a few favorites that never let me down. For watercolor painting, a size 6 or 8 round brush is my go-to brush for its versatility and ability to hold water. For acrylic painting, I love having a variety of flat and filbert brushes. This set offers round & flat brushes, a perfect starting place!

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