Abstract Mixed-Media Workshop Supplies
So you've just signed up for the Abstract Mixed-Media Workshop! You're going to have a blast. And now you're going to need supplies. I've done my best to break this down and make it as simple for you as possible. The easiest and least expensive way to purchase your supplies is to order the majority of them online (see the column to the right for instructions.)
If you'd rather buy them yourself, I've listed everything that you will need below. You can find a print-friendly version of the supply list here:
Do yourself a HUGE favor and make sure to buy only the brands that I recommend and not 'student grade' or 'the cheaper stuff'. You might think you are saving money but actually you are wasting it because you will end up needing to purchase the better brand anyway.
If you have any questions at all, feel free to text me at (949) 551-1987 and I am happy to clarify for you.
Abstract Mixed-Media Supplies
Here's What You'll Be Getting
These supplies will allow you to play with textures and techniques. As you master them, you can begin using them within your fine art paintings.
When I list specific brands or type of product, I do so because cheaper brands will only cause you grief - believe me. Some don't work at all for these workshops. You will be using most of these supplies for each of the ArtEFFECTS workshops you attend.
Several Flat SYNTHETIC Brush Sizes:
1 inch Flat
2 Inch Flat
3 inch Flat
4 inch Flat
(Do NOT buy Bristle brushes as they become floppy in water)
Purchase good Artist Brushes - NOT house painting brushes from a hardware store. Artist brushes will come to a sharp chisel edge and house painting brushes remain bushy and uncontrollable. Trust me on this!
The Liquitex Paddle Brushes are my favorite and the BEST acrylic brushes I've found. Try to get at least a 1" and a 3". They aren't a necessity, but I guarantee that when you try them, you'll want them all! You can get them from Blick Art Materials.
SURFACES
You may end up using one or all of these in any given workshop.
Watercolor Paper Pad - 8"x10"
2-3 (11"x14" or 12"x16" - approx. size) - Stretched Canvas (NOT 'Artist's Loft' brand from Michael's
Cold Pressed Illustration Board (buy 2 sheet and cut it down into several 8"x10" pieces - approx. size)
Acrylic MEDIUMS:
Text me for which of these mediums you'll need for each workshop. You won't need them all.
16 oz size or larger (473 ml)
** These two items are required for every workshop.
EASIEST!
Order MIXED-MEDIA supplies
in one click!
To make it easy for you, you can order the majority of your supplies online and save time hunting around for everything on the list as well as money, since Blick Art Materials has great prices! It usually takes about 10 days for supplies to arrive, so if you have time, this is the best method.
I've already selected all of the main supplies that you will need and put them in a class list -- just click the button below to add them to your shopping cart and check out!
PLEASE NOTE:
There are several Miscellaneous Supplies that you will need that are not included in the list above. They are at the bottom of the supply list on the left hand side. Make sure you bring those with you to your first class as well!
One more thing -- if any of the items are 'Out of Stock', go ahead and order them with the rest of your supplies They will be shipped free of charge once the item comes back in stock.
Or , buy them yourself
If you'd rather go shopping for supplies yourself, I've tried to make it as easy as possible for you to find what you need. Please make sure to buy only the brands I recommend -- you'll be saving yourself a huge headache and money in the long run. You can download a printer-friendly version of the supply list by clicking the button below:
The best place to purchase supplies
locally is:
Blick Art Materials
1844 India Street
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 687-0050
Hours: Mon-Fri: 10-8
Sat: 9-7
Sun: 10-6
Want more options? You can find more at:
LIQUID ACRYLIC Paints:
Avoid Tube acrylics. Purchase colors you like in any of these listed. You can buy a mixture of brands.
Crafters Acrylics (eg: Ceramcoat, FolkArt, Apple Barrel)
2-3 Metalic Colors (in any of these brands)
MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES
All of the supplies below are NOT included in the Blick Art Materials supply list online (top right column.) If you are purchasing your supplies online, please make sure to bring these with you to your first class as well. If you have any questions, please text (949) 551-1987
Metal 'Trowel style' Painting Knife (NOT plastic)
Graphite Pencil
Colored Pencils (a few colors)
Markers (a few colors)
1 Black Sharpie
Freezer Paper
Elmer's white glue (only Elmer's brand - not the washable school glue though)
Indoor Slippers or Flip flops — The studio has a 'shoes-off' policy so most students bring either a pair of slippers (in winter), or a pair of flip flops for indoor use. You are welcome to be barefoot or wear socks as well.
Water Bottle with water for drinking
Bag for carrying your supplies (anything that works for you)
Apron or wear old shirt over clothes
Baby Wipes
And For TEXTURE:
Small Packets of Small Flat Seeds (bring 1 or more). Examples: Chives, Flax, Celery, Quinoa, Amaranthe... you get the idea.
2-3 Tbsps. Coffee Grounds
2-3 Tbsps. Clean Sand
2-3 Tbsps. Kosher Salt
2-4 oz. Rubbing Alcohol
2 Tbsps. Liquid Dishwashing Soap
Roll of Plastic Wrap
Eye Dropper
Tile Sponge (the kind that stays soft when it's dry)
Old Toothbrush
Collect a few of these:
Magazine Images scrap
Photographs
Old Book Pages scrap
Patterned Paper scraps
Textured Wall Paper scraps
Laserjet Photocopy Prints of images you like (These have to be photocopies or laserjet prints) NOT inkjet prints as inkjet will smear and run.
Newspaper images you like
Old Watercolor painting scraps
Extra:
Choose whatever you want to bring from the list below. You don't need to bring everything, just some of these things -- but the more you have, the more fun your projects will be. The idea is to bring a variety of materials and textures to add to your pieces. Whatever you can find!
Cheese Cloth
Loose weave Burlap pieces
Loose weave Fabric pieces (optional
Small jar Petroleum Jelly
Small Dishwasher Rinse Aid
Kite String
Ventilation Tape
Aluminum Foil pieces
Clear Con-Tact brand Paper (get GOOD quality, no 'dollar' brands!)
Small piece of Canning Wax
White Wrapping Tissue pieces
2-3 Paper Coffee Cup Sleeves (from Starbuck's, Seattle's, Peet's all have different textures)
Spray Bottle & Misting Bottle (Different kinds will give you different types of spray)
Scissors
2 Large Water Containers (small buckets)
5-10 Toothpicks
Roll of Paper Towels
Old Hand Towel
100% Cotton T-Shirt rag cut into pieces
Unscented Baby Wipes (small pkg)
Small Plastic Mixing Cups (eg: used fruit or instant pudding cups)
Small sheet Wet/Dry Sandpaper
Small sheet Fine Sandpaper
Clean/dry Egg Shells
1 Drinking Straw
2-3 Stirring Straws (coffee stirrers)
2-3 Coffee Stir Sticks (Starbucks sticks)
Painter's Tape (any color)
Optional Supplies
If you have any of these, feel free to bring them. You don't have to go out and purchase them, but they'll make your experience more fun.
Hair Combs (afro comb, baby comb, rat-tail - the more different ones you can find, the more textures you can make!)
Rubber Stamps
Stencils
Texture Plates
Paper Punches
Craft Texture Scissors
Tacky Carpet Mesh
Bubble Wrap
Frayed Cotton Fabric scraps
Buttons, Flat Beads, Found Treasures
Silk Leaves
Embroidery Floss pieces
Colored Thread pieces
Specialty Yarn pieces
Lace pieces
Mesh pieces
Textured fabric
Confetti
Chalk Pastels (a few colors)
Powdered Mediums (a few colors)
Gold and or Silver Marker Pens
You got this!
Confused? I've made it MUCH EASIER for you by creating a list on Blick Art Materials. All you need do is click on the link. All the brushes, paints, mediums, paper and canvases are preselected for you so you don't have to figure out if you have the correct item. Adding everything to your cart will give you the price. You'll notice a promo code box at checkout. At the top of the website in red, you'll find that code.
PLEASE NOTE: It takes 10 business days for your supplies to arrive so give yourself plenty by ordering early. Bring EVERYTHING to your first lesson. Lastly, if anything is 'out-of-stock', order it anyway. They won't charge you until they ship it, the shipping will still be free and they usually get new stock within a week or two.
After placing your order, all you have left to do is wander through your home and yard looking for all the fun odds and ends you can bring to the workshop.