Liron's Art & Creativity Supplies!
Find out EXACTLY what I use to create my art & document the process.
Page is still work in progress, and will be updated regularly.
Titles are clickable links.
Note - Most links are affiliate*
Watercolor Paints
I love & use paints by multiple brands.
If I like a color and find it useful - I'll use it regardless of the brand.
My favorites are Daniel Smith, M. Graham, ShinHan PWC (only PWC, not the other 2 lines), SAA, Paul Rubens and more...
Daniel Smith - Essentials Introductory Set
Having used these for the last 6 years or so, I can wholeheartedly recommend this specific set. It's the perfect split primary palette, including a warm and cool version of each paint.
These are the colors I use in almost every painting, to this day.
Daniel Smith - Secondary Set
Another great refill option from Daniel Smith. All three colors are extremely useful and work well in harmony with the other sets presented here.
The Carbazole Violet is a special favorite of mine, due to how DARK it can get.
Neutral Tint (Daniel Smith)
One of the most useful paints for VALUE studies (and you know I love black & white paintings!
I find myself buying more and more 😂
Can get as dark as necessary for a full value range.
Paul Rubens - 24 Vivid Colors Set
This was one of those pleasant surprises. An art distributor sent me this as a gift, and I loved it!
As you know, I don't need many colors, so I could drop about a 1/3 of these, but the rest are extremely useful versions of primary colors. They handle nicely, rewet easily and so on. Palette itself is of good quality. Would recommend!
M. Graham - Landscape Set
M. Graham paints are relatively soft. This means they are EXCELLENT when it comes to rewetting. They always look fantastic in my experience, strongly saturated and are a treat to use.
They take a little longer to dry on the palette, so make sure you give it a while if you're planning to do plein-air with them (or you'll end up with a mess!)
Useful Books
Mastering Atmosphere & Mood in Watercolor (Joseph Zbukvic)
From THE master of watercolor - Joseph Zbukvic! This book is PACKED with techniques, examples and approaches to success.
The more popular one is the watercolor clock.
Highly recommended, but a little pricey as it's hard to find.
Painting Light and Shadow in Watercolor (William B Lawrence)
A mind-blowing book that changed my view on the importance of value and colors.
TONS of examples of fantastic paintings, and the very useful, analytic approach of William. Highly recommended.
Drawing Scenery: Landscapes and Seascapes (Jack Hamm)
Had to include this hidden gem.
If you want to draw just about anything - this is one of the best books I found out there, regarding planning and composition.
Jack turns these vague topics into CLEAR, actionable exercises and advice. A must!
(P.S. this book is so info-packed, I'm still going through it and gaining new insights every single time)
Filming Equipment
Manfrotto Tripod + Horizontal Bar
This is what people ask me about the most. One of the best, simplest ways to film your tabletop, is using a tripod with a horizontal bar.
While cheaper smartphone tripods can work, I find they get in the way of my painting more, and are too flimsy for long term use.
This is the newer model (MK055XPRO3-3W) of my tripod. It comes with an out-of-the-box horizontal bar which pops out and lowers down.
There are other similar options, so do your own research. Search for "Tripod" + "Horizontal bar / column / arm".
Joby GorillaPod
I actually have this one ON my tripod's horizontal bar (simply wrapped around it using its adjustable legs).
And with its adjustable head, it allows me to freely move the camera however I want - a real time-saver!
Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Microphone
This is actually the EXACT mic I use. I think it's a great combo of cheap + great quality.
I'm sure there are better ones out there, and worse ones too. But this one's been getting the job done for almost 6 years now, at the time of writing this.
Watercolor Brushes
Lebenzon Brushes
Among my favorite brushes to use. Top quality, highly versatile, extremely ergonomic, large bamboo grip.
Use coupon code LIRON for 20% off retail price.
Made by Tracy Lebenzon, whom I interviewed on the YouTube channel.
Escoda Travel Sets
I've been honestly using these more for my in-studio work, rather than for plein-air. The brushes I use most are from the Green & Red sets.
Their top strength is their immaculate tip and how well it's preserved over time.
Read the description of each set and see what brush composition may be best for you.
Watercolor Paper
Saunders-Waterford - 140 lb Cold-Press Pad - 9"x12"
This is probably my #1 paper among my top 3 brands. I fell in love with SW a couple of years ago, and have probably painted hundreds of pieces on it.
This pad option is the best one I currently found on Amazon. If you can get it locally, I'd recommend getting the sheets (22"x30").
Arches - 140 lb Cold-Press - 10 Yard Roll
This is how I buy most of my paper - in rolls! It's usually the most cost-effective format, and I simply cut it to sheets myself once it arrives.
Arches' quality in my experience is great. This cold-press paper especially is very forgiving, and much easier to product an even wash with.
The only disadvantage of the roll is the curl that can be a little annoying at times - but it does flatten after you paint on it.
For flatter options - see the PADS.
Arches - 140 lb Cold-Press Pad - 9"x12"
The other great option is pads. I love the 9"x12" size as a beginner option. Small enough to control the painting, but big enough to produce clear, impressive results.
Of course, feel free to try the different sizes and see what works best for you!
Arches - 140 lb Hot-Press Pad - 9"x12"
Same as the previous one, only HOT-PRESS!
I'm a big CP guy, with it being easier to handle, but hot-press has its own advantages. The main one - no texture. So in theory, you can be more accurate.
And, it's much more reasonable to combine pen & ink, as the pen tip won't be obliterated by the paper's texture (plus it's simply uncomfortable with cp papers).
BaoHong Academy Watercolor Block (Size options inside)
My most recently discovered paper.
I've had great experience in terms of quality of paper. It seems to be at least as forgiving, if not MORE than the other cold-press options, when it comes to drying time.
The one disadvantage was the glue you separate the pages from. Sometimes there was so much of it, that when separating the page you end up cutting the paper itself - handle with care!! (The worst experience is finishing a painting and cutting it on the side).
Misc
U.S. Art Supply Plein-Air Easel
After trying many, and I mean MANY different easels for watercolor, this was my BEST find.
The key feature here is being able to easily adjust the angle, which is a must for watercolor painting. Most other easels I tried simply didn't have that ability, or it was very clunky.
It's also not too heavy, so quite easy to cary around. Be brave and paint plein-air!
Martin Mijello 2-Liter Water Bucket
This is my studio bucket for YEARS now, ever since I heard about it from Steve Mitchell at The Mind of Watercolor.
Extremely useful division to wells, and large enough so that the clear water is slow to be contaminated by paint.
White Gel Pen - Signo Uniball
My treasured white gel pen! Used to add lovely highlights to my watercolors.
This is a great option for precision & fine details.
Takes a bit of getting used to with cold-press (textured) paper, but worth it!
* Affiliate links mean that if you buy through them, I make a small commission - and you pay the exact same price.
It's an easy way to help support my art!
Did you know? When you click on one of my links, and buy a COMPLETELY different product - I still make a commission! Thank you 😊🙏🏼
One last note - links & product pages on Amazon can change with time.
Always make sure to read and verify the product you're looking at is indeed the correct one!
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