STUDIO SCHOOL
Materials List
This course focuses on opaque painting (where white is part of the colour range), using oil, acrylic, or gouache. You’re welcome to work in one medium or move between them over time.
Please don’t feel pressure to buy everything at once — we’ll build this gradually, and I’ll guide you as we go.
Paint
A limited base palette is recommended. While not every session will use every colour, having these available will allow you to follow demonstrations and exercises more easily.
Essential colours
- Cool red
- Warm red
- Cool blue
- Warm blue
- Cool yellow
- Warm yellow
- Titanium white (opaque)
Helpful (but not essential)
These can be mixed from the colours above, but having them will save paint and time:
- Raw umber (or similar earth brown)
- Yellow ochre (or similar)
- Buff titaniam
- Sap green (or similar)
- Payne’s grey
- Any favourite colours you already own
Any other painting mediums you enjoy are welcome, except aerosol or enamel (house paint).
Paint quality & budget
It can be useful to have a student-grade paint range for exercises and studies (especially if you’re a bit generous with paint — I certainly am). This isn’t essential, but it can make practice more relaxed.
You’re welcome to:
- use student-grade paints for the whole course
- mix student and professional ranges
- start with student paints and upgrade later if you wish
There’s no “right” approach here.
Solvent & cleaning (oil painters only)
- Odourless solvent
- A sealed container or jar for dirty solvent
- Rags or paper towel
Brushes & tools
- A good selection of flat or filbert brushes (at a minimum)
- Please include at least one large brush (approximately 40mm wide or larger)
- Bring any additional brushes or tools you already enjoy using
There’s no need to overbuy — we’ll quickly identify any gaps after the first session.
Drawing tools (optional)
I often teach sketching with paint, but if you like to begin with drawing, you’re welcome to bring:
- Pencil
- Charcoal
- Conte or similar
Use whatever supports your way of working.
Painting surfaces (ground)
Let’s keep this flexible and avoid over-investing upfront.
To begin, please bring:
- A canvas pad (for oil or acrylic), or
- Very heavy artist paper suitable for paint
- These will be used mainly for studies and exercises.
Also bring:
- At least one primed or gessoed surface (canvas, board, or similar)
Choose a size that feels reasonable but slightly ambitious for you:
- If you enjoy loose, gestural work → consider going larger
- If you prefer detailed work → a smaller surface may suit you better
Old paper, cardboard, or test surfaces are also very useful for exercises.
A final note
This is a studio-based learning environment, not a materials test. If you’re unsure about anything on this list, bring what you have and we’ll work it out together.
You don’t need perfect tools — you just need tools you’re willing to use.