Sandra's Favorite Color Theory Supplies
Sandra Angelo describes the Materials You Need to Mastering Color Mixing
For best results, use the supplies the Masters use.
Scroll down to order the supplies Sandra described.
Good News!
Although you will study Color Theory with acrylic paints, these Masters' Mixing Methods apply to every pigmented medium like oils, pastels, watercolor, colored pencils, dyes, inks, and so forth. We use acrylic paints simply because itβs much cheaper and faster to learn this way.
I pre-test materials so you don't have to... No need to waste your time and money using the wrong stuff.
Links to paint tubes for Color Theory
Buy these EXACT pigments so that you will match the Old Masters' Formulas.
These are the 13 paints you will need to build your Color Theory Color Charts.
The links below take you to the EXACT color you need to use. If you don't use the same paints (in the brand I recommend) you won't get the same color families (so when you click on each link just click ADD TO CART.)
I recommend you buy the large jar of white because you will use white to create your value charts for each of the Primary, Secondary & Tertiary combinations.
Click on each button below to find your Primary, Secondary, Tertiary colors and white.
Set of 48 Liquitex Acrylic Paints
If you are on a tight budget, you can order these small tubes. (Just know that these tubes contain 75% less paint than the tubes above.)
You don't need all 48 colors but it's cheaper to buy this set than to buy each of the 7 tubes you will need for your Color Theory Masterclasses. Plus if you are a Prime member, shipping is free. I will be telling you which paint tubes to use in your course.
(If you have a little more to spend, it's best to order the seven tubes listed above because they have 4X as much paint and they only cost a little bit more.)
Nylon Short Handle Brush-Flat Wash ½,
I like using a flat brush because it makes a more even stroke for the color charts.
Paper Palette with Disposable Sheets
I don't like cleaning up messes so I always use a disposable palette for mixing. It saves a lot of time and keeps you from having to clean your sink or worry about the dried acrylic paint clogging your pipes.
Watercolor Paper Practice Pad for Color Theory Charts
- 20 sheets of 140 pound/300 gram acid free 9 x 12 inch paper
- Heavyweight, cold press, mold made, watercolor paper
- Performs beautifully with all wet medias
- The surface withstands scraping, erasing, and repeated washes
Optional Color Theory Supplies
These are really handy to have but not necessary. If you have the money to spend, it's easier to keep your paints moist with the tools listed below.
Extend Drying Time for Acrylic Paints
Are you frustrated by the fast drying time of acrylic paint? Add this medium to your paint and keep your paints wet long enough to blend properly.
- Acrylic medium has a low viscosity used to maintain the moisture in your acrylic paint.
- Consistency of a soft body paint but can be used with any acrylic paint palette.
- Matte 8 oz. bottle
Mist your acrylic palette to keep your paints wet.
Ultra fine mist spray pattern distributes water evenly - a stream of sustained mist that lasts for 1.2 seconds. The spray has a fixed output of 1.25cc per second and is dispensed consistently from first to last drop.
I like the black head so the water contrasts against the sprayer, making it easier to see the mist stream.
Buy this to keep paints moist
Keep your acrylic paints wet while painting and in storage:
- Keeps acrylics and other water-based paints moist on the open palette for hours.
- Once the lid is closed, the paints will stay in workable condition for days, even weeks.
- 12.56 x 16.62 x 1.68 inches
- Unique sponge and palette paper combine to keep paint moist
- Even with the lid closed paint will stay workable for days or even weeks
A wet sponge and special permeable palette paper provide the paint with a constant source of moisture. Keeps paint moist..
Each palette contains
- Five sheets of "Sta-Wet" acrylic palette paper
- Cellulose Sponge
- Palette Tray
- Lid
- Complete instructions for preparation and use
Open and seal the box by following these instructions.
- Carefully lift all four corners first.
- Then peel the sides.
- Vaseline the rim of the base periodically and before using also helps.
(This is hard to open and close on purpose, to prevent any air from getting into the container.)
Buy this to keep acrylics moist
OttLite 13 Watt Magnifier Task Lamp
I am a night owl and love to draw and pait at night. But colors are not consistent between night and day so this light is perfect. It has the daylight spectrum of light so that you can keep your colors consistent whether working in daytime or night.
Plus it's portable so I toss it in my suitcase when I travel because hotel light is never adequate. I like to squeeze art time in even when I'm on the road so this lamp helps me do that.
When you have a knack for doing your color theory charts:
- Photocopy your Color Theory templates from Book 4 onto this excellent watercolor paper.
- Then create your final Color Theory reference paint charts.
- Then place the other media next to your paint charts... so you know what color family to use for watercolors, colored pencils, pastels, oils, etc.
Optional Apron
I like to wear an apron to protect my clothing. I'm a messy painter and with cats in my studio it's even more dangerous. And like with other stuff, I prefer to buy an apron that is decorative, not blah white like most artists wear. This link has many options so you can pick the one that suits you.
Art Case On Wheels
One can never have enough pockets and this bag has tons of them. I love to take this stable cart with me when I travel with my supplies. Whether painting plein air or just going on a vacation or into the park for the day, this is a GREAT Carry All.
"I am so excited - I just received Sandra's suggested pencil sharpener and battery operated eraser. I am waiting for the drawing mat to arrive. I told my husband I want the electric light table for my birthday. Loving this... so much. Thank you, Sandra Angelo!"
Donna McGue
Colored Pencil College Apprentice
"Sandra's knowledge of colored pencil is extensive. She is a Master in colored pencil. In less than 6 months, I've learned more from her than I would have ever on my own or from books. She showed me more in the world of colored pencil than I would have thought possible! My drawings improved 100000% just by using her methods and materials and following her recipes for success."
