This is a list of suppliers and Materials that I have used and liked – and doesn’t assume that other sources and products are not up to scratch.
SUPPLIERS:
jackonsart.com – I find their prices and huge range seems to provide all I need.
saa.co.uk – Also a good range of products, and if you join the SAA, (Society for All Artists) you get a discount, free postage and a magazine.
pullingers.com – I have bought equipment such as easels, at hugely reduced prices.
PASTELS:
Pastel Pencils:
Derwent, Fairly hard: Stabilo Carbothello, Medium soft: Caran D’Ache, Very soft
Hard Pastels: Conte
Soft Pastels:
Sennelier, very soft Schminke, soft, firmer Unison & Jacksons, soft, firmest
Pastel Papers:
Canson Ma Tiente: Good textured surface on one side, smoother on other. Wise to spray with fixative between layers.
Canson Touch & Art Spectrum: Heavy sanded surface, very good gripping of pastel
Clairefontaine Pastelmat: My favourite, heavy with smooth vegetable fibre (cork I think) surface. Excellent holding, can take many coats without fixing in between. Also takes water, so an under layer of watercolour or acrylic is possible. ‘Brusho’ which is watercolour in a powdered crystalline form is not suitable, because when it dries some crystal remain and seem to repel the pastel.
WATERCOLOUR
Paint:
- White Knight, good colour, low price.
- Schminke good colour range and texture.
Paper:
- Fabriano 300g, for sketches and experiments.
- Saunders Waterford 680g, for a finished painting.