Materials List

List of materials

Canvas:

In most cases I paint on canvases and panels primed with oil grounds. Acrylic gesso which is most common primer nowadays is too absorbent and it can hinder our alla prima efforts. Doesn't mean we can't paint properly on such gesso but oil ground is more effective and more forgiving

All demos will be done on oil primed linen canvas - stretched on bars, mounted on panels and taped to the board. Panels are easiest to store and handle while having just a roll of canvas is cost effective and can be a problem solver if panels are not easy to find in your location (for example, in Europe)

You will need:

  • 3-4 small panels/canvases 8x10" or similar
  • 2-3 medium sizes 9x12"
  • at least 2 large sizes 12x16" or even slightly larger

If you have access to both panel and canvases - I would recommend to cut canvas into small pieces for studies and exercises and use 9x12 and 12x16 panels for more finished work.

Panels:

My favorite panels are from Artefex, I will use Allinpanel 538: https://www.artefex.biz/product/allinpanel-oil-primed-linen-panel/ (use code ARTHUR10 during checkout to get discount)

Another option for panels is RAYMAR: https://www.raymarart.com/collections/archival-painting-panels/products/claessens-13-double-oil-primed-portrait-linen

More affordable alternative: https://www.jerrysartarama.com/new-york-central-professional-canvas-art-panels-on-alumacomp

Canvas:

Technically similar (or almost identical) canvas as mounted on Artefex/Raymar panels:

Claessens 13DP (Oil Primed) - some stores can sell you cut pieces while others are selling in rolls by meters (usually 1 meter of roll should be enough)

US: https://www.jerrysartistoutlet.com/product/claessens-oil-primed-linen-rolls/

and https://www.jerrysartarama.com/claessens-oil-primed-linen-double-no13-very-fine-18inx41in-50734a

UK: https://www.jacksonsart.com/claessens-13-very-fine-linen-325gsm-2-1m-wide-per-metre-oil-primed

EU: https://www.schleiper.com/eshopexpress/articles/S0613DPS--claessens-canvas-100-linen-5-coats-sizing-for-oil-width-210cm-385g-m-n-13dps?category_id=4826&lang=en

or https://www.artemiranda.es/claessens-lienzo-de-lino-belga-muy-fino/14065 (1st option)

There are many other stores and resellers so if you were able to find better places to buy for your location - please share the links and I will add them!

Usually I tape cut pieces to ACM panels or on MDF boards.

I highly recommend to have this masking tape: https://amzn.to/3SYds83

Primer/Gesso:

In case if canvas or ready made panels are not the option or you want to gesso your own panels - I recommend this primer (white color): https://www.michaelharding.co.uk/non-absorbent-acrylic-primer/

Oil Paints:

I will paint using non toxic colors which are easy to buy anywhere. It's not a mandatory to use the same colors especially if you already have your own favorite set of pigments.

I generally prefer Rublev, Michael Harding and Old Holland. Other brands I use occasionally are Gamblin, W&N Artists, Rembrandt and Sennelier

Additional pigments (this list can be extended later)

Mediums and solvents:

Although Odorless Mineral Spirits (Gamsol) are considered "safe" I strongly recommend to have proper air tight jar and keep it closed all the time when the solvent is not used.

  • Gamsol (or any Odorless Minerals Spirits, for example - Sansodor (W&N)
  • Solvent Jar
  • Linseed Oil or Oleogel - OR - Walnut Oil or Walnut Oil Gel
  • Galkyd Lite (Gamblin) - it's not essential but very helpful medium, if it is not easy to buy in your area - linseed oil will be OK

Brushes:

Personally, I prefer shapes like Long Filbers and Rounds for almost everything, I use combers and fans to blend. This list is a reference for sizes/shapes, if you have links to places/manufacturers with similar brushes - please share in comments!

You DON'T have to buy all of them - choose the best combination for your style and budget.


Brands I use: Rosemary and Co, Escoda, da Vinci and sometimes just various synthetic brushes I buy occasionally in art supply stores

Rosemary Eclipse:

Escoda Modernista series are very similar to Eclipse although with less variety of shapes

Rosemary Master's Choice:

Rosemary Bristles:

Rosemary Ivory

Other painting tools:

  • Mahl stick
  • Metal palette knife - better to have two flexible ones. I use RGM and Holbein MX
  • Paper Towels (in rolls)


This list will be updated, if you have any questions about materials - post your comments here!

cheers,

Arthur Gain



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