My Studio Favorites
🎨 What Do You Need to Start Acrylic Painting?
A Simple, Beginner-Friendly Art Supplies Guide
So, you’re ready to dive into acrylic painting — but wondering, “What supplies do I actually need?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
This guide lays out the essential tools and materials to help you begin your painting journey with confidence. Whether you’re just exploring acrylics or looking for a solid foundation without overspending, you’re in the right place.
“These are the tools and materials I personally use in my own studio — simple, reliable, and perfect for getting started.”
🧰 Here’s What You’ll Find Inside:
✅ A list of must-have acrylic painting tools
✅ Affordable, beginner-friendly supply suggestions
✅ My go-to brands and reliable product picks
✅ Straightforward answers to, “What should I buy to start painting?”
This page is designed to make getting started feel simple — and fun
Note: Links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Step 1 : Choose your paints (3 easy options)
Option A: Minimalist primary set (learn color mixing)
🎨 Brustro Artists’ Acrylic 120ml – Set of 5 Primary Shades
This set includes essential primary colors — Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow, Ultramarine, Cadmium Red, and Ivory Black — perfect for artists who love mixing their own shades. With just these five colors, you can create an endless range of hues, making it a smart and economical choice.
🎯Ideal for professionals and learners alike who want full control over their palette.
Option B: All-in-one starter kit (everything in one box)
🎨 Brustro Acrylic Painting Kit – 24 Colors + A4 Pad + 10 Brushes
Looking for a complete acrylic painting starter kit? This Brustro combo pack is perfect for beginners, art students, and hobbyists who want everything in one bundle
includes:
- 24 vibrant acrylic paints (12ml each)
- A4 Glued Pad (400 GSM, 12 sheets)
- 10 Gold Taklon brushes for all painting techniques
🎯 Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build a basic setup for practice and learning, this kit is an excellent choice.
Option C :Vibrant Shades Pack – Just the Paints
BRUSTRO Acrylic Paint Colour Set | 24 Vibrant Shades
This set of 24 rich and vibrant acrylic colours is perfect if you’re starting your painting journey or simply need a complete palette of shades. 🎨 Ready-to-use palette – all essential colours included .
👉 A great option if you’re looking for only colours without extra tools. Pair it with your own brushes and canvas, and you’re ready to paint!
Step 2 — Build your essential color palette
🎨 Essential Acrylic Colors for All-Purpose Artwork
A foundational palette for beginners and serious learners.
Whether you’re painting landscapes, still life, portraits, or abstracts, these core colors give you the flexibility to mix almost any shade and build your own palette.
🔵 Cool Tones
- Ultramarine Blue
- Cobalt Blue
📌 Great for skies, shadows, water, and depth.
👉 Shop the recommended colors here .You can pick Brustro or Faber-Castell for this shade – both are great quality.
Suggested picks (choose one per shade):
| Faber-Castell Acrylic – Ultramarine | Explore this Paint |
| BRUSTRO Acrylic Paint- Ultramarine | Explore this Paint |
| Faber-Castell Acrylic – Cobalt Blue | Explore this Paint |
| BRUSTRO Acrylic Paint -Cobalt Blue | Explore this Paint |
🟠 Warm Earth Tones
- Burnt Sienna
- Burnt Umber
- Yellow Ochre
📌 Ideal for natural elements like soil, trees, stones, and skin undertones. 👉 Shop
Suggested picks:
| Faber-Castell Acrylic-BURNT Sienna | Explore this Paint |
| BRUSTRO Acrylic Paint -BURNT Sienna | Explore this Paint |
| Faber-Castell Acrylic -BURNT Umber | Explore this Paint |
| BRUSTRO Acrylic Paint -Burnt Umber | Explore this Paint |
| Faber Castell Acrylic -YELLOW Ochre | Explore this Paint |
| BRUSTRO Acrylic Paint- Yellow Ochre | Explore this Paint |
🔴 Primary Reds & Yellows
- Cadmium Red / Scarlet Red
- Crimson Lake or Alizarin Red
- Cadmium Yellow Medium
📌 For sunsets, flowers, highlights, and vibrant mixes.👉 Shop
Suggested picks:
| BRUSTRO Acrylic Paint- Cad Red | Explore this Paint |
| Faber-Castell Acrylic-SCARLET RED | Explore this Paint |
| Camlin Acrylic Colour- Crimson Lake | Explore this Paint |
| BRUSTRO Acrylic Paint -Alizarin Crimson | Explore this Paint |
| Faber-Castell Acrylic -Cadmium Yellow | Explore this Paint |
| BRUSTRO Acrylic Paint- Cad Yellow | Explore this Paint |
⚪ Mixer & Highlighter
- Titanium White
📌 For tinting, highlights, and creating pastel or lighter tones.👉 Shop
Suggested picks:
| Faber-Castell Acrylic – White | Explore this Paint |
| BRUSTRO Acrylic Paint – Titanium White | Explore this Paint |
⚫ Neutral & Dark Base
- Ivory Black (Optional)
📌 For contrast, shadows, and toning down other colors.👉 Shop
Suggested picks:
| Faber-Castell Acrylic -BLACK | Explore this Paint |
| BRUSTRO Acrylic Paint – Ivory Black | Explore this Paint |
🖌️ Why These Colors?
- You can mix secondary and tertiary colors easily
- Supports a wide range of styles: landscapes, portraits, abstract
- Teaches color theory by practice
🎯 Tip for Students:
Start with a limited but versatile palette. Learn to mix your own colors — it’s cheaper, smarter, and makes your artwork more personal.
🖌️ Beginner’s Guide to Acrylic Brushes
Brushes are like your painting companions – each shape creates its own kind of magic. I’ve shared a few different sets here, from beginner-friendly to versatile options, so you can choose what suits your style and needs best. Some sets are perfect if you’re just starting out, while others give you a wider variety for experimenting with different strokes and textures. Whichever you pick, having the right brushes will make painting smoother, more enjoyable, and full of creative possibilities.
At a glance: starter brush checklist
- Round brush (small + medium)
- Flat brush (small + medium)
- Filbert brush (medium)
- Fan brush (optional for texture)
- Angular brush (for edges/details)
- Rigger/liner (for fine lines)
(Pick a full set or start with 3–4 shapes and build gradually.)
Step 1 — Beginner-friendly brush kits
Why it’s great: A one-time investment for absolute beginners who want variety and organization.
👉 Explore this Brush Kit
Brustro Artists White Bristle Hair Brushes
Complete 15-piece synthetic brush set with all essential shapes and sizes – perfect for acrylic beginners and packed in a premium zippered wallet for easy storage.
🖌️ Includes round, flat, filbert, fan & detail brushes – everything you need to practice different strokes.
🎒 Comes in a premium zippered wallet – easy to carry and keeps brushes safe.
🌱 Durable synthetic hair – holds paint well, easy to clean, and beginner-friendly.
Why it’s great: Perfect if you’re starting out and don’t want to spend much but still want versatility.
👉 Explore this Brush Kit
“Set of 12 versatile painting brushes – includes all the basic shapes you’ll need for acrylics. A good alternative if you’re looking for an affordable, complete set.”
Perfect for students who want a simple, ready-to-use brush kit without spending too much.
Step 2 — Choosing brushes by shape
Once you’re comfortable, you may prefer picking brushes individually based on your painting style.
🖌️Round Brush
| Camel Paint Brush Series 66 – Round Synthetic Gold, Set of 7 | Explore this Brush |
| Brustro Artists Bristlewhite Round Brush | Brush No.1 | Explore this Brush |
| Brustro Artists Bristlewhite Round Brush | Brush No.4 | Explore this Brush |
🖌️ Flat Brush:
| Camel Paint Brush – Flat Synthetic Gold, Set of 7 | Explore this Brush |
| Camel Paint Brush – White Bristle Flat, Set of 7 | Explore this Brush |
| Art Essentials White Bristle Brush Flat – Long Handle – Size: 12 | Explore this Brush |
| Brustro Artists Greengold Acrylic Brush Flat – Size – 12 | Explore this Brush |
| Brustro Artists White Bristle Wide Flat Brush – Size – 50MM | Explore this Brush |
🖌️Fan Brush:
| Brustro Artists Bristlewhite Fan Brush – Brush No. 2 | Explore this Brush |
| Brustro Artists Bristlewhite Fan Brush – Brush No. 4 | Explore this Brush |
| Brustro Artists Bristlewhite Fan Brush – Brush No. 6 | Explore this Brush |
🖌️Filbert Brush:
| Brustro Artists Bristlewhite Filbert Brush – Pack of 9 | Explore this Brush |
| Brustro Artists Bristlewhite Filbert Brush – Brush No.10 | Explore this Brush |
| Brustro Artists Bristlewhite Filbert Brush – Brush No. 8 | Explore this Brush |
| Brustro Artists Bristlewhite Filbert Brush – Brush No. 4 | Explore this Brush |
| Art Essentials White Bristle Brush – Filbert – Long Handle – Size: 0 | Explore this Brush |
🖌️Angular Brush:
The angular brush is perfect for sharp edges, angled strokes, and controlled blending in acrylics and oils. Its slanted shape makes painting corners, petals, and precise details effortless.
| Art Essentials White Bristle Brush Angular Long Handle Size: 3/8 inch | Explore this Brush |
| Art Essentials White Bristle Brush Angular Long Handle Size: 1/8 inch. | Explore this Brush |
🖌️Rigger / Liner Brush:
✨ Fine detail brushes are perfect for tiny strokes, highlights, and intricate designs in acrylic painting. Whether it’s detailing petals, adding highlights, or outlining, these brushes give you precision and control.
| Brustro Artists Greengold Acrylic Brush Round – Size – 2 | Explore this Brush |
| Princeton Heritage Short Handle Round Paint Brush Size No.2 | Explore this Brush |
| Princeton Heritage Short Handle Round Paint Brush Size 2/0 | Explore this Brush |
✨ Stencil brushes
Are great for creating crisp patterns, textures, and layered designs in acrylic or oil painting. Their firm bristles make dabbing, stippling, and filling stencils easy and mess-free.
| KABEER ART Stencil Brush Set of 6 pc for Acrylic | Explore this Brush |
Your next step: Pick a starter kit or 3 essential brushes (round, flat, filbert) and begin exploring strokes today.
All About CANVAS 💡 Which Canvas Should You Start With?
“When you start your acrylic painting journey, the surface you paint on is just as important as the colors and brushes you choose. Your canvas holds every layer, every blend, and every stroke of your imagination. Choosing the right type makes the process smoother, more fun, and less intimidating.
👉 The golden rule? Start small and simple. Build confidence on affordable surfaces, then move on to bigger and professional-grade canvases.
Let’s explore step by step 👇
1️⃣ Canvas Roll – Best for Flexibility & Large Works
🖌️ Canvas Roll
Affordable option that works for both practice pieces and professional large-scale artworks
Large rolls of raw or primed canvas fabric.
Can be cut, stretched, or framed as per your requirement.
👉 Shop Below
| Kabeer Art Primed Cotton Canvas Roll 12 Inch x 5 Meter | Explore this Brush |
| Brustro Cotton Canvas Rolls 786 16″ X 5 mtr | Explore this Brush |
2️⃣ Canvas Pad – Best for Practice & Studies
✨ “Think of it as your sketchbook, but for acrylics.”
🖌️ Canvas Pad
Great for practice, quick studies, and student work.
A pad/book of primed canvas sheets, ready to paint.
Lightweight, portable, and easy to carry outdoors.
👉 Shop Below
| Camel Artist Canvas PAD – 20cm x 25cm (8″ x 10″) | Explore this Canvas |
| Camel Artist Canvas PAD – 30cm x 40cm (12″ x 16″ inches) | Explore this Canvas |
3️⃣ Canvas Boards (Panels) – Best for Beginners & Framing
✨ “Flat, sturdy, and confidence-boosting – the perfect surface for your first masterpieces.”
🖌️ Canvas Board (Panel)
Useful for professionals, great for commissioned pieces, plein-air painting, and artworks that will later be framed.
A flat, sturdy board with canvas glued or wrapped on top.
Lightweight, portable.
👉 Shop Below
| BRUSTRO Artists 100% Cotton Canvas Board | 8 x 10 Inch, 4 mm | Explore this Canvas |
| Brustro Artists 100% Cotton Canvas Board | White | 10 x 12 Inch | Explore this Canvas |
| Brustro Artists (12 x 16 Inch) 100% Cotton Canvas Board | Explore this Canvas |
| FIXSMITH Canvas Boards 5×7 Inch ( Great option if you want to order in bulk) | Explore this Canvas |
| Rousrie Mini Canvas Board for Acrylic | Explore this Canvas |
| Brustro Artists Stretched Cotton Canvas 8″X10″ (Available in different sizes) | Explore this Canvas |
Every blank canvas is a new beginning. Don’t overthink – just pick one that feels comfortable for you. Whether it’s a small board or a giant roll, your canvas is waiting to tell your story. Remember: it’s not about the size, it’s about the courage to start.
🎨 Painting Essentials
Artist gesso
Artist gesso is a primer used to prepare canvas, boards, or paper, giving them a smooth, absorbent surface. It helps paint stick better, prevents colors from soaking in, and makes your artwork last longer.
Palette knife
A palette knife is used to mix paints smoothly on your palette without damaging your brushes. It can be applied directly on the canvas to create bold textures, sharp edges, and layered effects. It’s a versatile tool that adds depth and freedom to your painting style
Color Palette
A colour palette helps you organize and mix paints, making it easier to choose shades, experiment with blends, and keep your painting process smooth and enjoyable.
| Colour Pallette -Artist Oval( With Round Brush Set of 7 Free) | Explore this Color Palette |
Sta-Wet Palette
The Sta-Wet Palette is designed to keep your acrylic paints moist and workable for hours or even days. It saves paint, reduces waste, and gives you more time to blend and create at your own pace
Varnish
Varnish is a protective coat applied over a finished painting to seal and safeguard it from dust, dirt, and fading. It enhances the colors, adds a professional finish, and helps your artwork last longer
| Brustro Artist’s Professional Liquid Varnish | Explore this Varnish |
| Liquitex Professional Gloss Varnish | Explore this Varnish |
| Mont Marte Acrylic Medium Gloss | Explore this Varnish |
🖼️ Studio & Setup
- Easels Explained: Which Easel Should You Start With?
- Portable vs. Studio Easels: Finding Your Perfect Fit
Easel
An easel is a supportive stand that holds your canvas at the right height and angle, making painting more comfortable and professional. Beginners can start with simple table easels for small artworks, while floor easels are perfect for larger canvases. Using an easel not only improves posture but also gives you a clear perspective of your artwork as it develops
BRUSTRO Artists Lightweight Metal Easel : This lightweight metal easel is perfect for beginners who need something portable and easy to set up. Ideal for both painting and display, it’s a great choice if you want one easel that works indoors, outdoors, and even on a tabletop
Brustro Artists Tabletop Portable Wooden Box Easel:This tabletop wooden box easel is great for Artists who prefer painting in a compact space. It doubles as both a sturdy easel and a storage box, making it easy to keep brushes, paints, and small canvases organized
Brustro Artists Studio Portable Wooden Box French Painting Easel :This wooden box easel is perfect if you’re ready to paint on larger canvases with a professional setup. Portable yet sturdy, it gives you the feel of a real studio easel while also providing storage space for your art supplies
🎥 Content Creation for Artists
Ring Light
Tygot 10″ Portable LED Ring Light with 3 Color Modes Dimmable Lighting
A ring light makes your art and videos look brighter, clearer, and more professional. It helps show true colors and keeps shadows away while you create or record.
📱 Overhead Video Stand (BROLAVIYA)
Why it’s used:
An overhead stand is designed to hold your phone directly above your table/canvas. It’s perfect for step-by-step tutorials where viewers need a clear top-down view of your brushwork.
BROLAVIYA Overhead Video Tabletop Stand Phone Holder
An overhead stand helps you record top-view videos of your art with ease.
It keeps your phone steady and hands free while you paint or teach.
Perfect for tutorials, reels, and live sessions to show clear step-by-step work.
A must-have for artists who want professional-looking overhead content.
🎥 Tripod (Digitek / Simpex type)
Why it’s used:
A tripod keeps your camera or phone steady while recording or taking photos. It’s ideal for recording yourself while painting, doing live sessions, or capturing your art from the front or side angle.
Options I recommend:
| Simpex Professional Aluminium Tripod 540-TM – versatile with multipurpose head, great for smooth panning. | Explore this Tripod |
| DIGITEK® (DTR 520 BH) Tripod Cum Monopod – sturdy, tall, and good for DSLR/phone recording | Explore this Tripod |
✅ Key Difference
- Tripod = captures you + your artwork (front/side view, bigger frame).
- Overhead Stand = captures your canvas/work surface only (top view, detail-oriented).
“If you’re just starting out and want to keep it budget-friendly, I suggest beginning with an overhead stand. It’s the most useful for art content because it captures your canvas clearly from the top. Later, when you’re ready, you can add a tripod for full-frame shots — but even with just the overhead, you can create amazing tutorials and reels.”
✅ Microphone Guide: From Budget to Pro
A microphone helps capture clear, professional-quality sound for your videos, reels, and live sessions. 🎤
Good audio makes your art tutorials and content more engaging, easy to follow, and enjoyable for your audience.
Options I recommend:
| Digitek® DWM 105 2 in 1 Wireless Microphone | Explore this Microphone |
| Boya BY-M1 Pro Lavalier Condenser Microphone | Explore this Microphone |
| Rode Wireless GO II Wireless Microphone | Explore this Microphone |
| Rode VideoMicro II – Ultra-Compact Shotgun Mic | Explore this Microphone |
✅ My Recommendation for Artists/Content Creators:
- If on budget → Start with Boya BY-M1 Pro (wired) OR Digitek DWM 105 (wireless, affordable).
- If you want pro-quality → Rode Wireless Go
- If you film mostly talking videos (fixed position) → Rode VideoMic
“Don’t wait for the most expensive mic to start. Even an affordable mic like Boya or Digitek will instantly upgrade your videos — and you can always upgrade later when your content grows.”
Best Cameras for Artists & Creatives
🎨 A good camera helps artists capture their paintings in true colors and fine details.
📸 It also allows you to create professional photos and videos for sharing, teaching, or selling your art.
| Canon EOS R50 V Mirrorless Camera Kit (24.2MP, 4K, Compact Design) | Explore this Camera |
| Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera (24.2MP, 4K, RF-S18-45mm Lens) | Explore this Camera |
“Every brush, canvas, or tool you choose is a step closer to expressing your unique artistic voice. I’ve shared these recommendations because I truly believe they can make your creative journey smoother and more joyful. If you decide to purchase through these links, it also supports my work as an artist and educator—thank you for being part of this journey with me!”