One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “What materials do you use?” This list answers that question in one place, with the paints, surfaces, texture materials and tools I reach for most often in my own studio.
These recommendations come from years of experimenting with what works for my layered, textured approach. They are practical, reliable and chosen because they help me create the effects I’m looking for - not because they are the most expensive or the newest products.
Welcome Inside My Studio
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My creative process, which I refer to as ‘deconstructive’, begins with an act of building – paint and plaster applied in rich, textured strata – followed by an intentional revealing. I claw, scrape, and peel away at the surface, uncovering fragments of hidden color and fleeting imagery. Finally, I refine the work to bring the painting into balance and reveal its full character.
Each mark carries the trace of what came before, blurring the line between construction and erosion.
Surfaces + Foundations
My process is very physical, stressing the surface beyond what a typical painting would. As such, the surface matters. These options provide the structure for building, removing and refining layers that lead to tactile fields of distress and surprising delicacy.
Aetexa 8oz Primed Canvas Panels
These lightweight painting boards are ideal for playing with different paint options and experimenting with plaster application as well as sanding and scraping. I find that they come in handy when I’m trying out a new technique before applying it to an actual painting in-progress.
Materials – BUILD Stage
During the BUILD stage, I layer acrylic paint, plaster, and other materials to establish color, texture, and visual depth. Rather than trying to create a finished painting immediately, I'm building a foundation that will continue to evolve throughout the creative process.
Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paints
This acrylic paint is my go-to choice. It is quite affordable and just as good, if not better, than more expensive brands I have tried. Their range of color options are so large that I rarely need to mix colors. I’ve also used Amsterdam Standard Series acrylic paint and that’s pretty good as well.
4Pcs Spackle Knife Set
These knives come in a set of various sizes and are essential to my process as I use them to apply plaster as well as carve and scrape away at the plaster surface. Note that I use these tools both in the BUILD phase to apply plaster and in the REVEAL phase to carve away at the dried plaster surface.
Blick Essentials Value Foam Brushes
These foam brushes come in many sizes- I use the 1inch, 2 inch and 4 inch brushes. I prefer these to a traditional paint brush because they have no bristles which means a smoother, more evenly saturated color. If you keep them in water after use you can get more use out of them - I try and minimize waste as much as possible.
Materials – REVEAL Stage
As I carve, scrape, and selectively remove layers, unexpected colors, textures, and patterns begin to emerge. Some of my favorite moments happen during this stage, when the painting starts to reveal possibilities I couldn't have anticipated at the beginning.
Materials – REFINE Stage
The final stage is about making thoughtful decisions to bring the painting into balance and reveal its full character. This is where I step back, evaluate the painting as a whole, and make the subtle adjustments that help unify the composition.
Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane
You MUST seal your work especially if you are using plaster and pouring material or wood stain. Since I do not rub away all of the wood stain off after application the surface will remain tacky. Once this polyurethane is applied it seals the painting - protecting the surface. It is also worth noting that after this is applied the smell of the wood stain goes away. You can buy this in a gloss or matte finish. I always prefer gloss because it reflects light allowing you to see the texture better.
Other Studio Essentials
I also receive quite a few questions about what I wear in my studio. While these aren’t exactly tools to create art, I find it important to feel comfortable and inspired when I work. As I engage in such a physical, dynamic process of creation, personal comfort is paramount.. Here’s a peak into the day-to-day work clothes that are my favorites.
