Below are some of my favourite brands and art supplies that I use in my artwork. These are by no means all of the supplies that I use, but definitely some of the ones I used the most to create my art.
This page contains some affiliate links, which means if you decide to purchase an item,
I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 🙂
Coloured Pencil & Mixed Media
FABER-CASTELL POLYCHROMOS
These are the main colored pencils that I use. I love the quality and feel of these pencils and they colour match perfectly with the PITT Artist pens when I’m doing a mixed media piece. These pencils are available in most art stores and when you run out of a colour you can buy open stock.
PRISMACOLOR COL-ERASE PENCILS
My absolute go-to pencils for sketching and line drawings are Col-Erase. They are highly erasable and come in a variety of colors. The lead feels a bit harder than regular Prismacolor Premier pencils so they tend to break less in my experience. Available in a variety of set sizes and open stock in some stores.
FABER-CASTELL PITT ARTIST PENS
I love this product because unlike alcohol based markers they are highly lightfast, archival and are made with a rich India Ink. This is one of my favourite products to use in mixed media pieces and they colour match with the same colours in the Polychromos colored pencil line. Available in sets and open stock.
STRATHMORE MIXED MEDIA PAPER
I absolutely adore this paper. The regular and toned versions of this are awesome to work on and hold many different mediums alone or mixed together incredibly well. I use all versions of this paper regularly for demo drawings and paintings.
DRAGONFLY BOOK PRESS CUSTOMS
Not every company makes a sketchbook version of their papers. These custom sketchbooks answer that request and more! Plus they come with beautiful seasonal Japanese paper covers. Order a pre-made or custom book.
MOLESKINE SKETCHBOOKS
This is an old favourite in both the regular sketch and watercolour album form. The size is perfect to throw in a bag on the go or lay flat on your desk. The pages are thick enough to hold all types of media AND to work on both sides of the page.
DERWENT BATTERY OPERATED ERASER
Eraser are great for more than just getting rid of mistakes. They can be used for creating effects and accentuating highlights! When I first got this eraser it was a total game-changer. It’s allowed me to do things in my artwork that previously would have taken way longer or would not have been as easily achieved.
TOMBOW MONO ZERO ERASER
Can you really have too many erasers? This is a question I often ask myself, but there are just so many good ones out there that do different things! This eraser has a rectangular and round option. Both work great for erasing small or delicate areas.
FABER-CASTELL KNEADED ERASER
This is a must-have item in every artist’s tool box. These dustless erasers are great for travel because there is no debris left behind when erasing. By simply kneading the eraser you can get rid of any pigment or graphite transferred onto it. I love using this eraser to clean up areas I want to remain white on my drawings.
PRINCETON VELVET TOUCH BRUSHES
These synthetic hair brushes are great for oil, acrylic, gouache and watercolour. The hairs don’t fall out and they expertly constructed. Painting with these brushes is a dream
LIQUITEX ACRYLIC GOUACHE
I first tried this product in one of my Artsnacks subscription boxes. I immediately fell in love with its seamless matte qualities from its gouache component and the permanence of its acrylic component. I love the selection of vibrant colours and this is now my favourite paint to use period.
THE MASTERS BRUSH CLEANER
We have all forgotten a paint brush or two and let the paint dry in the hairs. Perhaps we just didn’t get a good enough clean after the last session. This brush cleaner works brilliantly to not only clean brushes you thought might be damaged forever and preserve the ones you currently have.
PANPASTEL
This product is unlike an ordinary pastel. It is smooth, creamy and had almost paint like qualities while still being a pastel product. I love using this in mixed media pieces as a way to establish my base tones for skies, backgrounds, hair and skin tones.
SOFFT TOOLS
If you love PanPastel these are the perfect pairing. These tools allow you to create a variety of effects and coverage.
MEEDEN PORCELAIN PALETTE
Reusable painting palettes are not only a better alternative for the environment but over time will save you money as well. The porcelain surface allows for quick cleanups as well. This surface works great for less waste when working with traditional watercolour and gouache paints.
FERRIS WHEEL PRESS INK
I am proudly a Creative Ambassador for this Canadian company. Fall in love not just with writing again but also with their beautifully designed packaging that will make you want to display these prominently in your studio. Their limited edition and standard inks are super saturated and inspire endless imagination. Save 10% on your order with the code BARB
MORE PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS COMING SOON
MORE PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS COMING SOON
