Go to Michaels or Hobby Lobby (and use store coupons). For online purchasing, I prefer either DickBlick.com or JerrysArtarama.com. Prefer to shop a locally-owned business, shop Preston Arts Center (Gardiner Lane Shopping Center) or Artis & Craftsman Supply (1002 Barret Avenue).
Brushes
Stick with the 2 basic types: Flat and Round Brushes
There are bristle and synthetic
If you like to have thick paint use bristle brushes / If you prefer smooth paint with lots of detail use synthetic. You can use either type or mix & match.
Tips:
Flats are great to use for covering large area (bristle brushes especially). If you get synthetics don’t get really soft fluffy ones — those are meant for watercolor washes, not acrylic or oil painting.
Flat Brush Sizes:
3/4” and 1” (No. 10-12)
Round Brush Sizes:
No. 3 and 10
**When purchasing brushes, always check to see if they have a good spring back. If not, they are for water color washes and not acrylic or oil painting**
Canvas
Suggested size: 16”x20” or smaller
Either one of these:
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Stretched Canvas (More expensive, though better)
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Canvas Board (usually comes in 3 pack / There’s a good chance of warping if you go beyond 16”x20”)
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Canvas Pad
Oil paint medium
Oil paint requires a thinner, unlike acrylic paint which uses primarily water to thin the paints. Windsor Newton's Liquin is a very popular oil painting medium.
Types of Individual Paint:
White
Cadmium Red
Ultramarine or Phthalo blue
Cadmium Yellow
Alizarin Crimson
Burnt Umber
Burnt Sienna
Black
Yellow Ochre
Raw Sienna
Hooker's Green or Viridian
A light Orange Cadmium
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Note: It is also recommended purchasing an paint set as a means to save money. These usually come in around 8-12 colors. I've provided paint set examples for oil and acrylic paints.