ALLIEBECKWITH

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Art hacks

Through the many years of putting my thoughts and ideas on paper & canvas, I’ve grown long lasting relationships with supplies that allow me to create all my works that I know and love. Every artist out there knows the struggle of finding that perfect white paint that will remain faithful, or that one fine tip black pen that perfectly adds detail to their acrylics on canvas. Today I’m here to share my go-tos!

Top left painting available here, top right 10x10” print available here

You may already know that my life revolves around amazon lol, literally- so it comes to no surprise that a lot of my go-to  art supplies can be easily bought at the click of a button and a quick search in your handbag for your credit card (unless you have your information saved like I do. LOL) . Amazon carries most of the products that my art studio is filled with and I’m super excited to be able to share them all with you!

All paintings sold except for bottom right, available here


Acrylics
If you are an artist and local to New Brunswick, you know that professional grade acrylic isn’t easy to come by, Michael’s has slim pickings and Golden is just about it. LOL. I actually really do like it though. I use Titanium white and Mars black almost exclusively. I would love any good recommendations for buying acrylics online!! But these are my faithful choices.


Golden Acrylic Paint

Fine Tip Pens

I get questions about my pens every single day. The ones I normally use are the Micron pens in .05 and I also buy Fine tip Sharpies in bulk. I buy the fine tip Sharpies & fine tip Micron pens in bulk packages because I go through them so quickly and the price is great when I need to do a re-order. I don’t waste a lot of time when they start to dry out or stick, so I like having a lot on hand. I really do prefer the Micron pens, but they are more expensive. When I go through them so quickly, most of the time the Sharpie pens make more sense. I just find the Micron pens a little bit silkier and more black, but if you aren’t super picky like I am, the Sharpies are still great.

Fine Tip Sharpies
Fine Tip Micron pens

Open heart, 8x10” mixed media on paper, available here

Pen & Marker Storage

SO great to have in an art studio!!! Lol. This might be common sense to keep your pens and markers organized, but I only just recently purchased one and it has become an important organization piece in my studio. It’s pretty affordable, looks good, and keeps me organized. Lol. It comes in 6 tray compartments that you put together and you can fit 72 markers or pens in it.

Amazon Pen & Marker Organizer

Watercolor Palette

This is the watercolor set I’ve been using. It comes in a set of 36 very pigmented colors that translate beautifully onto paper. All of the colors are very bright and there’s a pretty great variety. I do find that where I am drawn to more neutral colors, this one is hard on my eyes. LOL. But I do use it every single day. I have just ordered a little palette that is mainly neutrals, and when it comes in I will try it out and let you know what I think!

This has become the set I use the most when I am working and I love that I’m able to purchase it through Amazon. I have a hard time finding professional watercolor palettes locally. I don’t like using watercolor tubes, I don’t know why, but I just much prefer a brick palette! Below is the link to mine! x

St. Pertersburg Watercolor Set

Brushes

Honestly I am probably the worst person to ask about brushes. I always find myself buying cheap brushes because I do not take care of them. I let them dry out, I leave them in water, and I work them to shit. Lol. I will link the few sets that I use on rotation.

If you are a responsible artist and someone who takes care of their things, and are looking to invest in a more expensive set of paint brushes, you could try out the Da Vinici Watercolor Brush set on Amazon! Here are the links!

Amazon Paint Brushes (cheaper alternative)
Amazon Paint Brushes (cheaper alternative)
Da Vinci Watercolor Brush set

Watercolor Paper

There's something about a fresh pack of watercolor paper - I think every artist can understand this feeling lol. I still like trying out new papers, and honestly I don’t have a major go-to right now. I have ordered a few online this week to test out, and hopefully one is really great. Sometimes I like buying the heavy weight sheets individually at Michaels, but most times I prefer a book.

I do use these ones on Amazon in a pack of 25 sheets sized 9x12”- I cut some of the sheets in half for my smaller (mini) works. I also did just order a pack of Winsor & Newton Watercolor paper on Amazon that I’m looking to try out next! This pack is a little better for quality- Here are the links!

Artist’s Loft Watercolor Paper
Winsor & Newton Watercolor Paper

Prints of this painting are available here

Shipping

If you are an artist and create prints of your work to sell, you may want to invest in some good mailing tubes! I scored these off Amazon and they are good when I have to mail larger prints that are too big for my mats! I prefer to mat any works that are on paper, but sometimes it’s impossible unless they are being framed custom! I get .a lot of questions about mats too, and I recommend asking your local framer! When we need to ship works on canvas, we load them with bubble wrap, and create “bumpers” on all corners and through the middle. Then we cover with cardboard, plastic or paper, depending on how far it’s going!

Amazon Mailing Tubes

First week home, original available here & 8x10” prints available here


I hope this helps! I will add any more things that I think of as I go! If you have any more questions let me know :)

xx

Allie