After getting ton of messages and comments about what I use, I am finally making a page so you can just click and find it! These are affiliate links, It will not cost you to use them but I get a small percentage from Jackson’s Art store when you buy something, so thanks! :) (NOT Sponsored)
First up, Lascaux Acrylic Paint
The most asked question. Here it is! I use Lascaux acrylic paint and have been using for a almost two years and not thinking about turning back. These are best quality paints I’ve found that are amazing but also not crazy expensive. The best thing is that all colours colours have consistent price.
GOLDEN SoFLAT - new addition
GOLDEN SoFLAT were on my radar when they were released and I was interested to try them out. Luckily a couple of months later after their release, Golden reached out to me to check them out and it was like stars aligning. I was super sceptical about them at first but after trying them out, was blown away! Mainly because they take the least amount of layers compared to any other paints I’ve used. These paints aren’t as runny as the Lascaux or Golden Fluid Acrylics but they more like nail polish consistency, though easy to work with and cover large areas. I use their warmer colours mostly as it takes 1 or 2 layers [( for me 3 to be safe :)].
Next, We Have Brushes
I use synthetic flat brushes as well liner brushes from Jackson’s Art’s own brand. They last you a good time if you keep them clean but like any other brushes, they are something you got to replace once in a while especially if you do flat colour paintings like I do. Good price too!
I thinnest 0 size liner brush you love is from here.
Surfaces That I paint on, Mostly
Canvas (Stretched)
I have been buying canvases from three deferent brands, Jackson’s Art, Windsor & Newton and Belle Arti. I usually go for Belle Arti brand stretched canvas that has fine grain and a deep edge. But you can not go wrong with either of them.
Here’s the link: https://www.jacksonsart.com/surface/canvas/stretched?___store=jacksonsart_en&acc=cdf1035c34ec380218a8cc9a43d438f9
Belle Arti Canvas (10m roll)
As I’ve started painting bigger, I found that ordering a big roll of canvas and stretching it myself is convenient, freedom to custom sizes and works out cheaper. Jackson’s Art store has many options when it comes to canvas rolls. To figure out which one I wanted, I actually ordered a few samples which you can do it too if you like, before making a decision on your purchase. I decided to go with 576 Medium Fine 398gsm. It’s feels strong and the grain is great to work on. They have even finer grain options.
To get the exact one I have, here’s the link: https://www.jacksonsart.com/belle-arti-576-medium-fine-cotton-398gm-2-1m-wide-10m-universal-primed?___store=jacksonsart_en&acc=cdf1035c34ec380218a8cc9a43d438f9
Surfaces That I paint on 2.0
Cradled Wood Panels
I have only use Belle Arti brand for this and have not looked anywhere else, because they are just amazing to paint on.
Start Painting: https://www.jacksonsart.com/belle-arti-38mm-cradled-gesso-panels?___store=jacksonsart_en&acc=cdf1035c34ec380218a8cc9a43d438f9
Surfaces That I paint on 3.0
Paper
Yup, you read it right! I do paint on paper too. It’s crazy! Most of my paintings to date are on paper. I bought a box full of ‘em a couple years back. Still hasn’t finished. I used rough watercolour paper, this brand called Bockingford to be exact. Go with hot press (300gsm+) though if you want to paint sharp work that has clean lines and shapes. Rough texture sheets are not your best friend when you want to paint smooth and crisp lines, I’ve found 😢
Matt Mediums
For a long time, I didn’t think of them much until they were on sale. I had seen videos and researched what you can do with it already but wasn’t all that convinced. But I finally decided to get a medium size bottle to see what it’s all about and, oh man, this thing has so many uses and I recommend it to every artist. It’s like a secret item for a lot of artists. I use it to seal my final sketch so it doesn’t smudge but it does another thing, which is to make the surface even smoother. That’s not it, when you take that masking tape off, you also get the sharpest edge possible. There’s literally so many benefits. Just get it!
Go with whatever brand. I’ve used both Lascaux and Liquitex and they are both equally amazing: https://www.jacksonsart.com/liquitex-fluid-gloss-medium-varnish/?___store=jacksonsart_en&acc=cdf1035c34ec380218a8cc9a43d438f9
Brush Storage
I just got it and I love it! Makes life a bit easier, that’s all. 😆
Cute canvas roll: https://www.jacksonsart.com/jas-7-oz-canvas-brush-roll-16x21-5inches?___store=jacksonsart_en&acc=cdf1035c34ec380218a8cc9a43d438f9
Easel
This is a very new addition to my art practice. I have just started working with an easel. I went with Jackson’s Art easel as it comes at a good price and does what I need to do. It can hold reasonable size canvases. There’s a tray to hold some things while working. The bottom part is adjustable too. If you’re looking for your first easel or even looking to upgrade, or just want to add another easel in your studio at a very decent price, then I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to get it.
Medium Size Easel: https://www.jacksonsart.com/jackson-s-medium-h-frame-studio-easel?___store=jacksonsart_en&acc=cdf1035c34ec380218a8cc9a43d438f9
My Gear
My camera-Sony ZV-E10
I finally upgraded from my old old camera Canon 550D to Sony ZV-E10 that came out in 2021. I don’t have many complaints. It’s small. Has a flip out screen. Eye tracking is the best. Has all the good stuff from Sony a6400 and a6600 (they cost between £1000-1600). Ouch. Mic is decent.
My Camera Lens-SIGMA 18-50mm f/2.8
This SIGMA 18-50mm f/2.8 lens dropped in 2021 as well. It is the most diverse lens I’ve come across that is light, affordable and also has the shortest distance when it comes to minimum focusing distance. Whenever I see a zoom lens that has a constant aperture, they are always gigantic. Smooth zoom. Makes no noise when it focuses. This will fit in you cup.
DJI Mic
Best wireless microphones! You can be a metres away and the audio stays the same. I also have been able to do voiceovers with this.
My Laptop- ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15
I would be surprised if you managed to get this laptop or other variations of this model. It is sold out everywhere. There’s a good reason for that. It has the latest AMD chip and the latest Nvidia Graphics card and all of that at a very reasonable price. I use Adobe Suite and everything runs on it smooth like butter :)
Tripod- Neewer Desktop Tripod
I spent a good time looking at tripods before I reached this one. I needed something small, strong and chunky that I could put on a table next to my painting, so that I can get close up shots. The tripod I used before this has long legs, which meant getting close to the subject was impossible. Sometimes, I just put this on top of a painting or in front of me and it easier to handle. The material is aluminium and has good weight to it, so no issue of tipping it over by accident. Overall, handles my camera kit with ease. The system to extend legs is poor and easily breaks though if you’re going to do that a lot.
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/318mmJ6
If I add anything more to my usual art things, I’ll update the list here.