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My Go-To Art Supplies for Abstract & Mixed Media Painting

Updated: 2 days ago


This is a living list of the supplies I personally use and love in my abstract and mixed media practice. I plan to update this post over time and add affiliate links as I go. For now, consider this a behind-the-scenes look at what actually works for me in the studio.


Disclosure: I am not currently affiliated with or sponsored by any of the brands mentioned below. I do not receive commissions for recommending these products at this time. These are simply tools I use regularly and have had good experiences with.


Paper & Substrates


I primarily work on heavyweight mixed media paper—ideally 150–200 lb or heavier. The brand hasn’t made a huge difference for me, but I’ve been fairly loyal to Canson.

Why I like it:

  • Holds up well under multiple layers of acrylic paint

  • Minimal buckling compared to lighter papers

  • Durable unless I aggressively rework or scrape layers (in which case, canvas is usually the better choice)


Arches Watercolor Paper Block (Used for Mixed Media)

Even though this is technically watercolor paper, I love using an Arches watercolor paper block for mixed media.

What makes it special:

  • Extremely heavyweight and durable

  • The block format gives a canvas-like feel

  • Can be painted taped or untaped, even right up to the edges

  • Layers are separated by gently sliding a palette knife between sheets

It’s an investment, but mine has lasted a long time with casual studio use. I don’t use it for daily sketching, but for intentional pieces, it’s absolutely worth it.


Tape & Surface Prep


Tape (What Works—and What Doesn’t)

  • Artist tape (Blick brand): I’ve had poor luck with this—it simply didn’t stick well for me.

  • Painter’s tape: Works better, but use cautiously on paper—it can tear fibers if removed too aggressively.

    • Green Frog tape

    • Standard blue painter’s tape

  • Scotch purple tape: Recently added to my rotation. So far, so good—but I need more time before fully recommending it. Updates coming.


Acrylic Paint



Heavy Body Acrylics

I’m a Golden Heavy Body Acrylic loyalist, especially for work I plan to sell.

Why I choose them:

  • Rich, consistent pigmentation

  • Excellent mixing capabilities

  • Plays beautifully with acrylic mediums

When practicing, I’ve also used Liquitex Basics and had good experiences with them, but my finished work is primarily done with Golden.

Favorite colors (for now):

  • Quinacridone Red

  • Cadmium Yellow Dark

  • Prussian Blue

That said, I’m increasingly moving toward working from primary colors + black + white, since I love mixing my own custom palette.


I’ve slowly been incorporating Golden OPEN Acrylics into my work.

  • Longer working time

  • Excellent for blending and top layers

  • Especially useful for whites and finishing layers

I recently added a tube of black carbon OPEN acrylic and am excited to experiment more.


I use gesso constantly:

  • White gesso: Applied to all canvases—even pre-primed ones—before I begin

  • Black gesso: Used for base layers and early mark-making


Brushes & Tools


Brushes

I gravitate toward Princeton brushes, especially synthetic bristles.

Why synthetic:

  • Less shedding (loose bristles drive me crazy)

  • More consistent feel

Brush shapes I use most:

  • Angular brushes

  • Round brushes

  • Riggers (long, thin brushes)

Riggers are essential in my work, They are perfect for floral lines, outlining shapes, and expressive mark making.


Found & Alternative Tools

  • Old kitchen spatulas (repurposed for texture and scraping)

  • Palette knives


Mediums & Additives


Acrylic Mediums

I rotate between Golden and Liquitex mediums depending on the effect I want.

Most used:

  • Satin medium – my favorite balance between gloss and matte

I don’t add mediums every time I paint. I tend to use them more in later layers, when I’m focused on transparency, depth, and finish.

Other mediums I’ve experimented with:

  • Pouring medium

  • (Haven’t tried airbrush medium yet)


Gel Medium

Recently added to my practice for attaching paint skins and dry acrylic textures.

  • Used to adhere dried paint to canvas or paper

  • I currently use liquitex gel medium and plan to keep experimenting


Water & Extenders

  • Spray bottle for re-wetting paint and creating drips (a must!)

  • Liquitex flow-aid or extender (used sparingly)

  • Careful not to over-dilute acrylics with water


Fixatives & Finishing


Workable Fixative

I regularly use Krylon Workable Fixative between layers and at the end of a mixed media piece—and go through it somewhat fast.

Best for:

  • Fixing pencil marks

  • Pastel

  • Other mixed media layers between paint stages

Important safety note:

  • Use outdoors or in a very well-ventilated area

  • Follow can instructions carefully

  • Multiple light coats may be needed


Final Varnish

When a painting is truly finished, I use a gloss gel medium and varnish to seal and protect the surface.


Drawing & Mark-Making Materials


Colored Pencils

  • Prismacolor – rich pigmentation and my long-time favorite


Water-Soluble Crayons

  • Caran d’Ache Neocolor (water-soluble)

I love these on both canvas and paper. I’ve broken several from “enthusiastic” mark making (lol, I run on the anxious side) and will definitely be restocking soon.


Pens & Markers

  • Micron pens (various nib sizes, including very fine)

  • Sharpie China markers – especially black, white, and yellow


Pastels & Charcoal

  • Pastel pencils and soft pastel sets (brand to be added)

  • Beautiful, expressive—but very messy


Gloves & Studio Practicalities


Vinyl Gloves

I’ve recently started painting with vinyl gloves and won’t go back.

Pros:

  • Protects skin

  • Faster cleanup

  • Especially helpful with pastels and mixed media

Cons:

  • Not ideal for frequent on/off use—best to wear for an entire session


Easels, Canvases & Framing


Easel

I recently purchased a large studio easel to support bigger canvas work. This is absolutely not required—but it’s been helpful as I move into larger formats.


Canvas

  • Started with student-grade canvases

  • Now prioritizing gallery-depth canvases (1–1.5 inches+ thick)


I paint all sides of my canvases so they:

  • Look finished unframed

  • Are still easy to frame if desired


Framing

  • I work with a local framer in Metro Atlanta for custom pieces

  • I’ve also had great luck with metal frames from Amazon as a cost-effective alternative (with a bit of a learning curve to assemble)


Everyday Studio Items


  • Old mason jars for water

  • Glass cutting board (palette)

  • Disposable vapor barrier roll (from Home Depot) used as a palette surface


Final Notes


This list will continue to evolve as my practice evolves. I’ll update this post with:

  • Specific product links

  • Affiliate disclosures when applicable

  • New materials I’m testing


If you’re building your own supply list, my biggest advice is this: start simple, learn your materials, and add tools slowly as your work asks for them.


Yours in creativity,


Maria

 
 
 
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