The Tools
No matter what stage you're at in your painting journey, the right tools will:
- Save you a whole lot of frustration caused by poor quality tools.
- Save you a whole lot of money and time replacing the wrong tools.
- Help you automate processes so you can have more time doing what you love, like painting!
Don't worry, we've done the research for you.
Our commitment to you is that we will always go first.
We research and experiment with different art and marketing tools, and then report back with honest recommendations on what you need so you can create beautiful, eco-friendly art you absolutely love. At Sage Leaf Studio, we are committed to sustainability, quality, and cost. If we don't love a tool and it doesn't generally meet these three criteria, we won't recommend it. Learn more about our commitment to sustainability here.
Watercolor Papers
140lb, cold press, sustainable, FSC-certified, and vegan:
- Strathmore 140lb Watercolor Journal - great for beginners to pros, travel, and daily painting
- Strathmore 500 Series Watercolor Paper
- Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Block
- Hahnemuhle Bamboo Mixed Media Travel Journal - good for travel, quick sketches, and multimedia
Watercolor Brushes
Beginner Collection
Growing Collection (Beginner Collection plus these)
- Princeton Neptune Round No 2
- Princeton Neptune Round No 8
- Princeton Short Handle Round No 16
- Princeton Aqua Elite 1.5" Flat
Ultimate Collection (Beginner and Growing Collections plus these)
- Princeton Neptune 1" Flat
- Princeton Neptune 2" Flat
- Princeton Heritage Liner No 2
- Princeton Heritage Brush No 0
- Princeton Aqua Fan No. 4
Want to splurge and get something really special? Try these!
Watercolor Paints
Beginner Collection - Start with these and learn how to mix colors, then move to convenience colors.
- Daniel Smith Hansa Yellow Light
- Holbein Gamboge Nova
- Holbein Pthalo Blue (Yellow Shade)
- Daniel Smith Ultramarine Blue
- Daniel Smith Transparent Brown Oxide
- Daniel Smith Burnt Sienna
- Daniel Smith Indigo
- Holbein Titanium White (Opaque) (some purists don't like white, but I do)
Growing Collection (Beginner Collection plus these)
- Daniel Smith Yellow Ochre
- Holbein Permanent Alizarin Crimson
- Holbein Scarlet Lake
- Daniel Smith Quinacridone Rose
- Holbein Hooker's Green
- Holbein Marine Blue
- Holbein Permanent Violet
- Daniel Smith Lamp Black (some purists don't like black, but I do)
Ultimate Collection (Beginner and Growing Collections plus these)
- Winsor & Newton Transparent Orange
- Daniel Smith Sap Green
- Holbein Viridian Hue (pthalo green)
- Holbein Cerulean Blue
- QOR Hooker's Green - much deeper and earthier than standard Hooker's green
Want to play? Try these delightful granulating watercolors and sparkles!
Splurge and try these beautiful all natural paints:
Other Art Tools
- Portable paint palette (Yes, plastic, but it's the best I've found and hopefully you won't have to replace for years to come, which reduces your overall consumption.)
- Extra paint pans
- Aluminum paint water cups
- Artist tape
- Kneaded erasers
- Pencils
- Pebeo drawing pen
- Pebeo drawing gum
- Stylus and mini brushes (for applying masking fluid/drawing gum from jar)
- Glue and residue eraser (for removing masking fluid)
- White gel pens
- Ruler
- Spray bottle
- Travel brush roll
Software
- Shopify- for selling you art and managing sales
- ConvertKit - for managing your email list and sending emails
- CapCut- for easily creating content videos
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Disclosure: We are constantly researching and learning about existing and new products. While we do our best, know that we're not perfect, we're always learning and improving, and sometimes have to choose materials that don't meet eco-friendly standards because they are the only ones available. When this happens, we try to choose the option that is closest to our sustainability goals even if it means a little more work or cost to us. Luckily, the art and printing worlds are growing in their sustainable options. This will only get better as we and other artists put pressure on vendors to offer more sustainable options. Learn more about our commitment to sustainability here.
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