There are many different kinds of artist supplies, each with a wide variety of its own. Certain types of art supplies are regularly used by many artists and are easily available. Prices are usually reasonable due to the high volume. Some particularly prestigious brands or rarer items can cost quite a bit more.

Artists new to painting, as well as many others, often use acrylic paints. They are usually made with water, acrylic powder, and tint. While especially popular with amateur artists, it is also used by many professional artists. Acrylics carry three main advantages. First, they are water soluble, which makes for easy thinning and cleanup. Second, the paint dries quickly and can be painted over easily. Finally, acrylics can be used directly or with a number of mediums to produce a large array of textures and three dimensional effects.

Oil paint is the classical choice among painters. It is usually thinned with linseed oil. Being oil based instead of water based, it takes considerable time to dry. This quality is highly valued. It allows an artist to mix colors directly on the canvas. This permits a diverse array of effects and styles that are not easily achieved using any other kind of paint. It is fundamental to the look of the work of many classical painters.

The majority of painters use canvas as their surface. Most fine art paintings are on this material. Canvas is a kind of thick woven fabric. It is stretched taut on a frame or plate for use in painting. It is usually coated with a generous layer of primer that both protects the fibers and provides an excellent painting surface. Canvas has been preferred by artists for centuries. The standard canvas is pulled tight over a wooden frame and stapled firmly into place. A modern type of canvas popular for its lower price is stretched over a stiff paperboard and securely glued into place. Standard frames are considered preferable among art buyers and working artists.

Every artist working with paint needs a good set of brushes. Sable brushes are considered the professional standard. Some are made using another kind of hair or plastics. Sizes, shapes, and styles are quite diverse. A wide variety of brushes is desirable for artistic versatility.

Sculpture clay is another popular item. It comes in a wide variety of textures, densities, colors, and compositions. Many forms of clay require a kiln or oven for curing and hardening the final sculpture. Be sure to select the proper clay for your purposes. Do a bit of research to see what types of clay have worked best for other artists using similar techniques.

Artists also put quite a number of tools to work in their pursuits. Palettes are a stock item for any painter. Sculpting knives and molds are standard supplies for most sculptors. Molds are usually used to imprint a general shape, while the knives are used to carve in fine details. Painting also puts its own knives to use. Matte knives are used for mixing and applying paint. Both flat and shaped edges can be used to create a distinctive look.

Art supplies stores, college shops, and online sites are the main places to purchase artist supplies. Craft stores once carried a wide variety of arts items, but have recently held limited art stocks. Due to the low volume, their prices can also be higher than other retailers. Purchasing for an art supply store or website is recommended.