Materials and Supplies

It is best to keep it simple to start with, so here's my list of basic supplies:

• Large Paper - I generally use a 18X24" drawing pad that is medium weight. Mixed media paper would be even better, but even a large sheet of poster board from the dime store can work too or whatever paper you can find that is big enough. You can even use a roll of brown paper. If you are going to want to make a journal out of it then make sure it is thin enough to fold (watercolor paper is a bit thick for that, but makes great covers).
• Fluid Paint - I use craft acrylic paint in a matte finish (not glossy), but tempera paint works fine too and is easier to clean up. It just doesn't dry as permanent.
• Clear Acrylic - I prefer matte or satin finish, but whatever you find will do. It allows you to make translucent layers.
• Brushes - Start with some large, cheap house painting brushes including Foam and Chip brushes in a variety of sizes. Then you can add a simple set of kids brushes in a mixed pack.
• Roller, Brayer & Sponges - These are great for giving different textures and effects.
• Drawing - Graphite pencils, charcoal pencils, chalk pastels, markers and anything else that is NOT WAX OR OIL BASED. This is used on the under layers so that the paint will stick to it.
• Spray Bottle with Water, Rags & Paper Towels - Used to remove paint from you & the painting!
• Stencils & Stamps - I like to use found objects like bubble wrap and corrugated cardboard for texture. I also make my own stamps out of foam sheets and bottle caps and I cut stencils out of plastic yogurt container lids. Start with whatever you can find in the recycle bin.
• Old Plastic Credit Card - Or used gift card etc. for scraping and spreading paint.
• Water Soluble Pastels - My favorite for this are Portfolio Pastels made by Crayola because they are inexpensive, very creamy and the 24 pack comes in a nice variety of colors. This will be used on top of your painting to add depth and detail (but don't use them underneath or the paint will peel off later).
• Oil Pastels - And anything else you like to draw with.
• Plastic Table Cloth - Make sure to cover your table so you can dive in without worrying about making a mess.

You certainly don't need all of these materials to begin. Paper, paint and something to draw with is enough to start getting the feel for Painting without a Plan!