Recommendations,
Resources & Tips
Finding Creative Ground
My Substack newsletter is part studio journal, part art school. I write about painting, colour mixing, and the slower rhythms of creative life. You’ll also find recipes, art tips from history, and behind-the-scenes notes from exhibitions and travels.
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Hello, Artists! Some of the product links on this page are affiliate links. That means if you click through and buy something, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. I only ever recommend tools and materials I genuinely use in my own practice.
I cannot say enough great things about this awesome brush cleaner. Made in the USA and USDA-certified, eco-friendly ingredients.
Bristle Magic
Ampersand Artist Panels
Ampersand makes archival cradled panels and frames to match.
Winsor & Newton Paints and Discount Code
Code at checkout: MUNDIE
Details:
• Discount applies to all products except the Series 7 Brush range
• Cannot be combined with other offers
• Discount does not guarantee free shipping
This is an affiliate link, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my teaching and the free resources I share!
Oil Paint Brush Tips for Newbies
If you're just starting out with oils, start with hog bristle brushes. They're the workhorses of oil painting — stiff enough to move thick paint, durable enough to last, and affordable enough to learn on without worry.
My go-to recommendation is the Winsor & Newton Winton Hog Bristle brush set. It covers a great range of sizes, and as Winsor & Newton's student line, you're getting a trusted professional brand at a beginner-friendly price.
For Detail Work: da Vinci Grigio Synthetic Brushes
Once you're ready to refine and finish a painting, you'll want a softer brush. I reach for the da Vinci Oil & Acrylic Series 5103 Grigio Synthetic brush set for all my finishing work. The soft synthetic bristles give you more control for detail, blending edges, and those final touches that pull a painting together. A great complement to your hog bristles.
Recommended Information Sites and Books
Make Your Own Tracing Or Transfer Paper
How to make your own re-useable transfer or tracing paper
The Gray Muse- Color Fidget
A color wheel with 20 hues that can be used for color harmony. The web page is very insightful.