The Supplies To Get Started Learning To PAINT with Alex!

A viewer requested a "supplies list" that someone wanting to learn to paint needs to get started. It's not too much stuff and you can find it all online. I don't endorse any particular brand or online store at this time but I'll post links to specific supplies from Jerry's Art-o-Rama so you can get an idea what you are looking for... there are plenty of places to buy art supplies online so look for the best deal


OIL COLORS (to paint with)
Just three colors is all you need to start with: Titanium White, Burnt Umber, and Ultramarine Blue
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/gamblin-artists-oil-colors

BRUSHES (to mix paint with)
A few different sizes of FLAT brushes is all you need: #2, #4, #6, and #8. Brushes also come in BRIGHT, ROUND, FILBERT, etc but for the beginning , FLAT is fine
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/princeton-6300-series-brushes

PALETTE KNIFE
A simple "trowel" style is all you need to start with
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/liquitex-small-painting-knives

PALETTE (to mix paint on)
I recommend a GRAY PAPER PALETTE, 40 sheets of coated disposable paper for painting
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/grey-matters-paper-palettes. (Along with the paper palette, you can get an airtight box that is made to fit the 12 by 16 pads to keep and transport your palette with less mess: http://www.jerrysartarama.com/masterson-air-tight-palettes-and-accessories For oil paint you just need to blue box)

BRUSH WASHER (to wash brushes with)
the small metal type is the best
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/petite-air-tight-brush-washer

SPIRIT (the liquid that cleans brushes)
I recommend GAMSOL, by the Gamblin Brand of paint supplies. This goes in the Brush Washer
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/gamblin-gamsol-odorless-mineral-spirits

MEDIUM (makes paint dry faster)
Look for an oil painting medium that speeds drying and contains "alkyd"
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/gamblin-galkyd-mediums

(not pictured)
EASEL
This is up to your taste. there are kinds for standing, kinds for sitting, big ones, little ones, indoor ones, outdoor ones.  You can find them for sale used all over the place. Lots of art easels on Craigslist. I recommend a simple "A-frame" type easel for standing or table top, or a portable "French" easel which can be both
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=easel
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=french+easel

CANVAS or CANVAS PANELS
inexpensive is ok, especially to start with, and 16 by 20 is a good size, or smaller
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/fredrix-hand-turned-canvas-panels
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/practica-economy-stretched-canvas