My Studio
Materials and Equipment
I’m often asked about the materials and equipment I use when painting, so I thought it would be helpful if I could make this information easily accessible to everyone. The following is a comprehensive list of the equipment and materials I use most often in my painting process. Each item has a photo, description, and source options. The source options are where I feel I’ve found my best pricing for each individual item. The retailers I use most often are Amazon, Cheap Joes, Dick Blick, Merriartist.com, The Brush Guys, and Graphic Chemical and Ink. Click on the source button to see the source details.
Note: I participate in Amazon, Dick Blick and The Brush Guys Associate programs which allows me to earn fees for linking to their site.
Paper
Brand: Lanaquarelle
Type: 140 lb Cold Press
Brushes
Sketchbook
98lb
Good for ink and watercolor
To receive an additional 5% off your entire order from The Brush Guys, enter code: surowicz Click the image to see my specific brush recommendations
Brand: SIlver Black Velvet
Series/Size: 3014S/ 1 1/2″ Flat
Material: Squirrel/Synthetic Blend
Application: Great large wash brush
Brand: SIlver Black Velvet
Series/Size: 3014S/ 1 ” Flat
Material: Squirrel/Synthetic Blend
Application: Great medium size wash brush
Brand: SIlver Black Velvet
Series/Size: 3008S/ 1 ” Flat
Material: Squirrel/Synthetic Blend
Application: Great large general purpose flat
Video
Brand: SIlver Black Velvet
Series/Size: 3025S/ Jumbo Round Small
Material: Squirrel/Synthetic Blend
Application: One of my favorite wash brushes
Video
Brand: SIlver Black Velvet
Series/Size: 3008S/ 1/2 ” Flat
Material: Squirrel/Synthetic Blend
Application: Great medium general purpose flat
Brand: Escoda
Series/Size: Reserva/ 6 round
Material: Kolinsky Tajmyr Sable
Application: general purpose small round
Brand: Escoda
Series/Size: Reserva/ 4 round
Material: Kolinsky Tajmyr Sable
Application: general purpose smaller round
Brand: Black Gold
Series/Size: Series 311, 3/0 (000) Quill
Material: Synthetic
Application: Medium size brush with a very sharp point. My favorite detail brush.
Masking Supplies
Description: Liquid Masking Fluid
Brand: Incredible White Mask
Size: 8.5 Fl. Oz, 250 ml
Application: Liquid masking fluid applied with rubber tip shaper, toothbrush, brush. Also used to fill applicator bottles.
Description: Liquid Masking Fluid
Brand: Incredible White Mask
Size: 4.5 Fl. Oz
Application: Liquid masking fluid applied with rubber tip shaper, toothbrush, brush. Also used to fill applicator bottles.
Description: Liquid Masking Fluid
Brand: Incredible White Mask
Size: 2 Fl. Oz
Application: Liquid masking fluid applied with rubber tip shaper, toothbrush, brush. Also used to fill applicator bottles.
Description: Empty ultra fine applicator bottles
Brand: Darice
Size: 20 ml / 4 pack
Application: Empty bottles I fill with liquid masking fluid to use as a fine line applicator.
Description: Needle tip applicator plastic bottles
Brand: Darice
Size: 1 oz / 6 pack
Application: Empty bottles I fill with liquid masking fluid to use as a fine line applicator.
Description: Pre-filled fine line masking fluid pen.
Brand: Fineline
Size: 1.25 oz, 37.5 ml
Application: Used for masking very fine lines and details.
Description: Pick up eraser
Brand: Graphix, Best test
Size: 2 ”
Application: Used to remove dried liquid masking fluid.
Description: Colour Shaper
Brand: Royal Sovereign
Application: Used to apply and spread liquid masking fluid
Accessories
Description: Cavalcade Porcelain Palette
Brand: American Journey
Size: 11″ x 16″
Application: Porcelain palette with 30 wells and two mixing areas. Cleans easily and doesn’t stain.
Description: Fine Mist Spray Bottle
Brand: Atelier
Application: Used in my painting process to soften edges and difuse color.
Description: Coarse spray bottle
Brand: Holbein
Application: Used in my painting process to create texture
Description: Mini mister
Brand: Ranger
Application: Used in my painting process to soften edges and difuse color. Delivers small spray pattern.
Description: Gator Foam Board
Size: 16″ x 23″ ( Half sheet)
Brand: Gator
Application: Used to mount my watercolor paper to. Very light but rigid.
Description: Gator Foam Board
Size: 23″ x 31″ (Full sheet)
Brand: Gator
Application: Used to mount my watercolor paper to. Very light but rigid.
Paints on my palette
Paint
I use all artist grade watercolors manufactured by Holbein, Daniel Smith, and American Journey primarily. While my pallet has 30 different pigments, there are 8-10 that I use most often.
These are the colors currently on my palette. I have listed the colors in the order they appear on my palette, the pigment number, the brand, and the frequency that I use the color. High frequency I use quite often, Medium I use regularly, and low I use on occasion.
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Blick Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Dickblick.com and affiliated sites.