Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best painting supplies for students in 2024. As you embark on your artistic journey, choosing the right materials can make a significant difference in the quality of your work and the overall enjoyment of the creative process.
Painting is a versatile and rewarding medium, offering a wide range of techniques and styles to explore. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, navigating the vast array of painting supplies can be a daunting task. From the type of paint to the quality of brushes, each component plays a crucial role in shaping your artistic expression.
In this article, we'll delve into the essential painting supplies every student should consider, providing insights and recommendations to help you make informed decisions. We'll cover key factors such as the differences between oil-based and water-based paints, the importance of high-quality brushes, and the various accessories that can enhance your painting experience. Additionally, we'll share tips on finding the best deals and maximizing your budget as a student.
Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and resources necessary to build a well-stocked painting toolkit that will support your artistic growth and unlock your creative potential. So, let's dive in and explore the world of painting supplies together.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Sketchers' Pocket Box: Best Compact Watercolor Set for Beginners
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Sketchers Pocket Box -- $19.61(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Sketchers' Pocket Box is selected for its blend of quality, portability, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for students and beginners in watercolor painting. Its compact size and built-in mixing palette make it ideal for artists on the go.
Who It's For
This watercolor set is best suited for students, beginners, or any artists who are looking for a portable and easy-to-use watercolor option for painting outdoors or while traveling. It's also a great starter kit for those who are new to watercolor painting and are looking for a reputable brand without a high investment.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ High-quality pigments at an affordable price | ❌ Limited color range in the pocket box |
| ✅ Compact and portable with a built-in mixing palette | ❌ Small paint pans may require frequent replenishing |
| ✅ Ideal for beginners and students | ❌ May not satisfy the needs of professional artists seeking a wider color palette |
Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Pad: Cost-Effective Canvas Alternative for Practice
Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Paper Pad, Glue Bound, 9x12 inches, 10 Shee... -- $9.31(Amazon)
Strathmore 300 Series, Canvas Pad, 12x16 inch, 10 Sheets – Triple Primed... -- $16.87(Amazon)
Strathmore 300 Series Cotton Canvas Pad - 9 inch x 12 inch, 10 Sheets -- $8.82(Utrecht Art Supplies)
Why We Picked It
The Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Pad is an excellent choice for artists and students looking to practice their painting techniques without the higher costs associated with traditional canvas. Its canvas-textured paper is designed to replicate the feel of actual canvas, making it suitable for a variety of mediums including oils, acrylics, alkyds, and egg tempera. The pads are glue-bound for easy use, and with 10 sheets per pad, they offer ample space for practice and experimentation. Manufactured in the USA and acid-free, these pads ensure durability and longevity of artwork.
Who It's For
This product is best suited for students, beginner artists, and any practicing artist looking for a cost-effective alternative to traditional canvas. It's ideal for those who are experimenting with different painting techniques or mediums and require a surface that closely mimics canvas without the associated cost.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Canvas-textured paper suitable for a variety of painting mediums | ❌ Paper may not be as durable as actual canvas, affecting the longevity of the artwork |
| ✅ Cost-effective, making it ideal for students and beginners | ❌ Limited to 10 sheets per pad, which may require frequent repurchases for heavy users |
| ✅ Acid-free and made in the USA, ensuring artwork longevity | ❌ The texture may not fully replicate the feel of high-quality canvas for more advanced techniques |
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Tube 48-Piece Set: Best Beginner-Friendly Acrylic Paint Set
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set, 48 x 22ml (0.74-oz) Tube Set -- $52.42(Amazon)
Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set: 48 Colors -- $52.42(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Tube 48-Piece Set is chosen for its comprehensive color selection and versatility, making it an excellent starting point for beginners who are exploring acrylic painting. The set offers a good balance between quality and affordability, providing a wide array of colors with a consistency that's easy to work with for those learning the medium.
Who It's For
This set is ideal for students, hobbyists, and aspiring artists who are looking for a cost-effective way to experiment with a broad spectrum of colors and techniques. It's also suitable for educators who require safe, reliable, and consistent materials for teaching art.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Wide range of vibrant colors | ❌ Pigmentation may not be as rich as professional-grade paints |
| ✅ Good consistency for easy blending | ❌ Some colors may require multiple coats for full opacity |
| ✅ Intermixable with professional-grade paints and mediums | ❌ Packaging may be less robust compared to premium brands |
Princeton Art & Brush Co. Real Value Brush Set: Best Value Brush Set for Beginners
Princeton Art & Brush Co. Real Value Brush Set -- $17.95(The Net Loft Traditional Handcrafts)
Why We Picked It
The Princeton Art & Brush Co. Real Value Brush Set is chosen for its versatile selection of brushes that cater to various painting techniques, offering good quality at an affordable price point. This makes it an excellent choice for artists who are looking for a comprehensive set without breaking the bank.
Who It's For
This brush set is ideal for beginners, students, and hobbyist artists who require a range of brush types for different mediums and techniques but may not yet be ready to invest in professional-grade brushes. It's also suitable for more experienced artists who need a secondary, cost-effective set for practice or less critical work.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Versatile selection suitable for different techniques | ❌ May not endure heavy or professional long-term use |
| ✅ Good value for the quality provided | ❌ Potential for bristles to shed with extensive use |
| ✅ Affordable price point at $17.95 | ❌ Not designed for the rigors of high-frequency usage |
Arteza Gouache Paint Set: Best Versatile Gouache Paint Set
Arteza Gouache Art Paint and Tools Set -- $43.99(Arteza)
Arteza Gouache Art Paint Set, Pastel Tones, 12ml - 12 Pack -- $16.15(Amazon)
Arteza Metallic Gouache Paint, 12ml Tubes - Set of 36 -- $28.99(Arteza)
Arteza Acrylic Gouache Paint, Acrylic Paint Set of 12 Basic Colors, Matt... -- $27.76(Sears - ErgodE)
Why We Picked It
The Arteza Gouache Paint Set is selected for its vibrant color offerings and versatility, making it an excellent choice for artists who enjoy opaque painting techniques. The sets come with a variety of options, including pastel tones and metallic colors, providing a broad palette for creative expression. The paints are also beginner-friendly, with features like individually labeled tubes and non-toxic certification, ensuring a safe and educational experience.
Who It's For
This paint set is ideal for artists of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to more experienced painters looking to explore gouache. It's especially suitable for those who prefer a matte, opaque finish to their artwork and enjoy experimenting with a medium that offers characteristics of both acrylics and watercolors. However, it may not be the best fit for artists who exclusively work with transparent or highly textured painting styles.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Variety of vibrant colors including pastel and metallic shades | ❌ May not be suitable for all painting styles, particularly those requiring transparency |
| ✅ Easy to blend and work with, suitable for a range of techniques | ❌ Gouache can dry quickly, which might require adjustment in working time |
| ✅ Non-toxic and safe for artists of all ages, with helpful tips included | ❌ Some artists may prefer traditional watercolors or acrylics for certain effects |
Canson XL Series Watercolor Paper Pad: Best Budget-Friendly Watercolor Paper for Students
Canson XL Series Watercolor Paper, Wirebound Pad, 7x10 Inches, 30 Sheets... -- $8.99(Amazon)
XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 ... -- $35.32(Amazon)
Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 7x10 Inches, 60 Sheets – He... -- $13.13(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Canson XL Series Watercolor Paper Pad is selected for its heavyweight, cold-pressed texture that is well-suited for watercolor techniques, offering a durable surface that can withstand repeated washes. Its affordability makes it an excellent choice for students and beginners who are practicing their skills without breaking the bank.
Who It's For
This watercolor paper pad is best suited for students, beginners, and budget-conscious artists who require quality paper for watercolor painting. It's also versatile enough to be used with other mediums such as pencil, colored pencil, pen, ink, charcoal, pastel, and acrylic, making it a great choice for mixed media artists.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Constructed of a cold press textured paper suitable for various techniques | ❌ Paper may warp if overly saturated with water |
| ✅ Durable surface that stands up to repeated washes | ❌ Some artists may prefer a heavier paper for more intensive watercolor techniques |
| ✅ Acid-free paper that prevents yellowing and degradation over time | ❌ Wire binding may be less durable than other binding methods |
Derwent Academy Watercolor Pencils: Best for Budding Watercolor Artists
Derwent Watercolor Pencil Collection 24-Piece Tin Set -- $41.99(Amazon)
Derwent Academy Colored Pencil Set 24 Color Tin Set -- $27.09(eBay - ivaluemart)
Derwent Watercolor Pencil Set - 12 Pencils -- $19.37(Cheap Joe's Art Stuff)
Why We Picked It
The Derwent Academy Watercolor Pencils are chosen for their versatility and ease of use, combining the precision of a colored pencil with the beautiful effects of watercolor paint. This makes them an excellent choice for students and budding artists who are experimenting with different mediums and techniques.
Who It's For
These pencils are best suited for art students, hobbyists, or any creative individuals who are looking to explore the realm of watercolor without committing to traditional paints. They are ideal for those who appreciate the control of a pencil but desire the ability to create watercolor effects in their artwork.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Versatile use, allowing for both detailed pencil work and watercolor painting | ❌ Limited color range compared to professional watercolor sets |
| ✅ Soft, highly pigmented 3.5 mm lead for rich color application and blending | ❌ Solubility may vary between colors, affecting consistency |
| ✅ Hexagonal barrel shape for comfortable control during detailed work | ❌ Price may be a consideration for budget-conscious students |
Mont Marte Premium Paint Set - Acrylic, Watercolor, Gouache, Oil: Best Multi-Medium Paint Set for Beginners
Mont Marte Gouache 12ml, 12 Pieces -- $9.99(Amazon)
Gouache Paint Set Mont Marte 18pc 12ml -- $8.65(Creative Kids Wonderland)
Mont Marte Paint Set -- $24.61(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Mont Marte Premium Paint Set is an excellent choice for students and budding artists who are eager to explore and experiment with different painting mediums. This multi-medium set includes acrylic, watercolor, gouache, and oil paints, offering a versatile range of materials for various artistic expressions and techniques.
Who It's For
This set is best suited for students, beginners, or any artist interested in experimenting with multiple paint mediums without the need to purchase separate sets. It's ideal for educational settings where exposure to different types of paint is beneficial for a well-rounded artistic education. However, it may not be as suitable for advanced artists who specialize in a single medium and prefer professional-grade materials.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Offers a variety of paint types for experimenting with different styles | ❌ Some mediums may remain unused if the student prefers one type over others |
| ✅ High-quality pigments ensure vibrant colors and good coverage | ❌ The small size of the tubes may not be sufficient for larger projects |
| ✅ Gouache can be reworked once dry, adding versatility to the medium | ❌ May not meet the needs of professional artists seeking specialized, high-grade materials |
Blick Studio Disposable Palette Pads: Best Disposable Palette for Easy Cleanup
Blick Palette Paper Pad - 9 inch x 12 inch, 50 Sheets -- $8.23(Blick Art Materials)
Why We Picked It
The Blick Studio Disposable Palette Pads are selected for their convenience and practicality in settings where quick setup and cleanup are essential. Their ease of use makes them a favorite for artists and students who need a hassle-free solution for mixing paints without the commitment to washing and maintaining a traditional palette.
Who It's For
These palette pads are best suited for art students, teachers, and hobbyist painters who prioritize efficiency and convenience in their painting process. They are particularly ideal for classroom settings where multiple users can benefit from a clean palette for each session without the need for time-consuming cleanup.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Convenient for quick paint mixing | ❌ Disposable nature raises environmental concerns |
| ✅ 50 sheets provide ample supply for extended use | ❌ Not as durable as a traditional palette |
| ✅ Affordable price point at $8.23 for budget-conscious artists | ❌ Limited reusability compared to non-disposable options |
Thanks for exploring the best painting supplies for students! If you have any questions or need further recommendations, feel free to reach out. Happy painting!