Art Supplies

My most frequently asked questions relate to the art which materials and supplies I use. Below are the details of the supplies I use most frequently.

Brushes

I use Rosemary & Co brushes. Primarily the 402 range (red sable blend). These brushes are handmade, excellent quality and easily the favourite brushes I have used. For me, they have the perfect sweet spot; they hold enough water for nice clean washes, yet just springy enough to have conrol when cutting in against ink lines.

If you are thinking of purchasing these brushes, you can support me by using my afilliation link below or using code “MATTYB2024’ at checkout.

Paint

I use Schmincke Horadam watercolours. I prefer tubes over pans. One of the reason I prefer Schmincke is that many of the pigments are highly granulating which is an effect I aim to achieve in my work. They are professional quality and have excellent lightfastness properties.

Paper

I use Arches 140lb rough. Arches is 100% cotton paper and very robust. It is very satifying to paint on and the rough texture helps with granulation. Good quality paper is the most important supply I use and has the largest impact on the quality of my work. I prefer watercolour paper in ‘a block’, which is not the most cost-effective, however it does mean there is no need to pre-stretch the paper and it is easy to rotate while painting.

Pen and Ink

I use a Duke 209 ‘fude’ fountain pen which bent nib which is helpful in achieving variation in line weight.

I use Rohrer & Kinnger ‘Sketch Ink’. This is completely waterproof which is essential for me as I add the ink before the watercolour washes. Sketch ink is also safe for use with fountain pens. Normal waterproof indian ink would clog my pen.