My Favorite Art Supplies, Where You’d Find Them and Why You’d Want To Do So

These Beam Paint watercolors are my absolute favorites. Deep colors. For little “paint stones,” they last a hell of a long time. Beautiful product. Indigenous woman-created on Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron. Seen here amid my glorious mess.

I’m not above using found objects in the studio (or wherever inspiration strikes). In fact, I find doing so encourages out-of-the-box creativity, while also leaving a kinder footprint on our planet. Coffee grounds. Tea bags. The petals of a flower. Cardboard. Rain water. Charcoal from a campfire. I don’t discount these as “real,” tools of the trade. But some art supplies are worth pouring some capital into, I believe. Here are the links to a couple of my favorites and where to find them. And a bit about why you’d want to do so.

Beam Paints. You can acquire them online directly. If you’re in Vermont, you can get them from a sweet creative space in Danby called Indigo & Green. They can be expensive (if you learn how they’re made, they’re priced right). A great place to start would be their “travel cards.” One is pictured below. They’re $6-12 and to be honest, they last a long time. Long enough to give you a chance to fall in love and want to invest in more. Good move on their part.

Beam Paints travel cards. A great place to start. Low barrier to entry and they’re long-lasting to be honest. Which I wasn’t expecting. I purchased, “hibiscus,” after discovering it via this trial size scenario.

Blackwing Pencils. They’re smooth. And they market themselves as a movement, which I enjoy. Their why is stated as, “We want to help people slow down and find some balance in their fast-paced digital lives..” Yes, please. On that alone, I might be enticed to purchase some of these fabulous scribbling sticks. Check out their website, (this collection was where I started) or if you’re local to VT, go to Kaleidoscope Art Supply in Rutland. Tell Raven I sent you. Maybe pick up some pencils too!

Sensual and analog-centric supplies, these pencils are. Highly recommended. Get the sharpener too. It’s smooth and effective and worth the money. And beautifully designed.

I recommend these items and their stockists. From one artist to another, this curated list is for you. If I’m so moved by other products, I’ll share them here. Stay tuned.