As artists, we’re often resourceful, finding ways to work within our means, using whatever materials we can get our hands on. Throughout history, great work has been created with simple tools, so you should never feel inhibited by not having the fanciest gear. There are, however, times when investing in high-quality materials or equipment can enhance your artistic practice in ways you might not expect. Over the years, I’ve discovered a few key items that, while on the pricier side, have had a significant impact on my own studio work. Here are five of the most rewarding “splurges” I’ve made that have helped me paint with more ease, precision and satisfaction.
1. A Good Easel
For years, I worked with inexpensive easels—ones that wobbled, shifted and sometimes required creative solutions to keep them steady. It wasn’t until I invested in a solid H-frame easel, specifically the Best Santa Fe model, that I realized how much of a difference a sturdy easel could make. This type of easel is particularly important for larger canvases, where the extra stability allows you to focus entirely on the work without the frustration of a wobbly frame. A good easel holds your work securely in place and lets you adjust height and angles with ease. Having this kind of reliability has made painting a much more enjoyable and fluid experience, helping me to focus better and paint with more confidence.
2. Good Lighting
The importance of good lighting cannot be overstated. Whether you’re working in a dark studio or in a room with limited natural light, having proper lighting is crucial for accurately seeing and mixing colors. After struggling with poor lighting for years, I finally decided to invest in LED daylight bulbs and a softbox setup. These lights mimic natural daylight and make a world of difference in both painting and photography. For painting, they help you see your true colors—no more surprise color shifts when you take your work into natural light. When photographing your finished pieces, good lighting helps ensure that the colors in your photos match the actual work, which is especially important for your portfolio and online presence.
3. A Good Camera
If you’re serious about documenting your artwork, especially for your website or digital portfolio, a good camera is an essential tool. I use a Sony A-Series camera, which has become one of the most valuable pieces of equipment in my studio. It’s not just about having a camera that can take high-resolution photos (although that’s definitely important). What truly sets a good camera apart is its ability to capture color accurately. With the Sony A-Series, I’ve noticed that the colors in my digital images are much truer to life, and that level of precision is invaluable when you’re sharing your work with galleries, collectors or online audiences. Additionally, I use this camera for reference photos, ensuring I have clear, high-quality images to guide my paintings.
4. A Good Watercolor Brush
When it comes to brushes, not all are created equal—especially in watercolor. I’ve found that while I can get by with more affordable brushes for oil painting, watercolor demands more precision and control. A good watercolor brush holds the right amount of water and pigment, allowing for smooth transitions and color control. Investing in a high-quality brush like the Escoda Último has made a noticeable difference in my work. This brush gives me excellent control over washes and allows me to achieve finer details with ease. It might seem like a small change, but having the right brush can elevate your entire painting process.
5. High-Quality Pigments (Especially the Primary Colors)
One of the most noticeable ways you can enhance your paintings is by using high-quality pigments. Paints can be expensive, but they’re worth the investment when you consider how much of a difference they make in color mixing and vibrancy. I always prioritize buying the best paints I can afford, focusing especially on the primary colors. With high-quality pigments, you can achieve more accurate color mixes and richer, more intense hues. Cheaper paints often contain fillers that dilute the color, while professional-grade paints offer stronger pigmentation, meaning you use less paint to achieve the same effect. Whether you’re working in watercolor, oil, or acrylic, investing in better pigments is one of the easiest ways to take your work to the next level.
While these items might seem like splurges, they have transformed the way I work in my studio, allowing me to focus more on my creativity and less on the frustrations that come with unreliable tools. That said, it’s important to remember that great art isn’t dependent on having the most expensive supplies. Artists throughout history have created incredible works with the simplest of tools. You should never feel pressured to break your budget, and there’s always a way to make beautiful art with what you have on hand.
That said, if you have room in your budget for a few upgrades, these items have been well worth the investment for me. I encourage you to reflect on your own studio practice and consider what high-impact splurges might make a difference for you. And if you have a list of your own favorite studio splurges, feel free to share them! After all, there’s always something new to discover in the world of art materials and equipment.
