Over the years as a painter and photographer, I’ve tried a lot of supplies and equipment, some wonderful and some disappointing. This page gathers the things I’d happily recommend to a friend: paints, brushes, and camera gear,
Also a few comforts that make time in the studio better, from a good cup of coffee to indoor plants on the windowsill.
Some of these items I use myself; others I’ve researched carefully and would choose if I were buying today. Either way, I only include things I believe are worth your money. Whether you’re just starting out or shopping for the artist in your life, I hope you find something here that helps you create.
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Gifts for Artists
Painting Supplies
Books and Courses
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
by Betty Edwards
As an art student, and later as an art teacher for many years, I had a nagging concern: there was no real method for teaching art. The teacher would usually set up some bottles and say, “Start drawing.” That was nothing like my athletic training, where coaches had drills and exercises for the team, or my piano lessons, where I practiced scales. Why was there no equivalent practice for art?
When I came across this book around 1982, I was thrilled. Here at last was a real method, not only for learning to draw, but for improving every aspect of becoming an artist. I worked through it, and to my delight and amazement, it had an almost instant effect on my abilities. There have been three new editions since then, each adding more insight and more techniques.
As an art teacher, I can’t recommend this book highly enough. It’s a brilliant shortcut to becoming a fine artist. The drills are all here; you just need to do them. Be sure to look at the before-and-after drawings by Edwards’ students. They’re remarkable.
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain