Materials List

List of materials

Surfaces:

Sizes I recommend: between 8x10" and 12x16". I think a size like 9x12" is ideal, it works well for both quick practice and more detailed work. You can also use whatever surface you already have or are used to painting on.

Linen sheets/pads:

Centurion linen pad 9x12" - they are easy to tape to the board, they are primed with oil ground and relatively inexpensive. Unfortunately, they are not available in EU

There are many canvas pads on the market so feel free to explore your local stores or online shopping possibilities.

Good alternative is to buy piece or small roll of linen canvas and just cut it into desirable size sheets, you don't need expensive canvas. Examples:

  1. If you are in US
  2. If you are in EU - cheapest option there.

In most cases I paint on canvases and panels primed with oil grounds.

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.

I highly recommend to have this MASKING TAPE

Panels:

Cost effective option: Centurion Linen Pads 9x12"

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

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


Brushes:

Personally, I prefer shapes like Long Filbers and Rounds for almost everything, I use combers and fans to blend.

🎨 Arthur Gain Portrait Essential Brushes Set



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 Bristles:


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.



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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