My Favorite Materials for Painting with Young Artists

I get asked a lot about my favorite materials for working with young artists. My first response is always “the best materials to use are the ones that you already have.” But, I also understand that having quality art materials that are specifically designed for young artists can make a difference in the creating experience, for both the child and the caregiver overseeing the experience. I’ve rounded up my favorite materials below for painting with young artists. I always encourage shopping small when you can (My favorites in St. Louis are St. Louis Art Supply, Artmart, and Honeycomb) but I also understand the convenience and accessible price point that online retailers like Amazon provide. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases that you make from the links below. Thank you for supporting Start With Art!

• Crayola Washable Project Paint (6 colors)

  • I have used this paint for years and even though I’ve tried other brands that are more expensive, I always come back to this. It truly is washable and has come out of my own child’s clothing every time. It also has a beautiful consistency that feels good on the paper with colors that are true classics. This particular set has all the colors you need for getting a young artist started on their painting journey. If you go through paint quickly (ahem, me) then this set of the same paint in a larger size is the way to go.

• Sargent Art No-Spill Paint Cups with Flip Open Lids (Set of 10)

  • Any time I teach a class and use these cups all of the grown ups ask “Where did you get these?!” I LOVE these cups. I’ve purchased them three times for three separate organizations and they are still being used at all of them, all the time. They last, they don’t spill, and they can be used for so many painting needs: paint, liquid watercolors, water, liquid glue, you name it. I’ve seen other models with separate lids that cover the paintbrush opening but I prefer the flip top lid. Who needs to keep track of another lid? Not me. The opening also provides the perfect surface to wring out excess water on your brush so you don’t need to use a sponge.

• US Art Supply Large Round Brush (Set of 10)

  • When working with young artists, I always reach for brushes with thick handles. They are easier to use and the brushes usually hold up better than the thin paint brushes that often accompany paint in art sets marketed towards children. They wash well and can be used for a variety of paint from acrylics to watercolors.

• Melissa & Doug Jumbo Brush Set (Set of 4)

  • For very young artists (under 2) who are able and interested in holding a paintbrush, these are a perfect place to start. The large rounded handle at the end provides the perfect first grasp and leads the way for further fine motor development. I have also used these brushes with great success for seniors and people with fine motor challenges.

• Sargent Art Watercolor Magic Set (Set of 6)

  • When introducing young artists to watercolors, I always start with liquid watercolors. Many of us will remember using the rectangular sets of watercolor cakes which certainly have their time and place, but those take a certain level of patience and methodology to use correctly. Starting out with liquid watercolors allows for much more experimentation and manipulation of the medium. I’ve used this set for everything from straight painting on paper, to salt and resist painting, to spray painting with spray bottles. It comes concentrated so you can add as much or as little water to it as you like. It is washable (!) and lasts a long time depending on how much you dilute the paint. Looking for a smaller set? This one works just as well.

• Art1st Watercolor Paper, 12" x 18" (Pack of 50 Sheets)

  • The surface on which you paint can be just as important to the painting experience as the paint that’s being used. There is nothing more frustrating that seeing a child create a painting on paper that is turned into a ripped mess because the paper was too thin or glossy. This student grade water color paper has a nice weight (90 lb) and texture that works for all kinds of painting. While marketed as watercolor paper, I use this paper for pretty much all painting projects with young artists. Other watercolor paper with a much higher weight gets very expensive but I find this paper to be a great product for the price point.

• Plastic Art Trays (Set of 5)

  • I use these trays for so much more than painting (collage, beadwork, to keep literally anything together!) but I find they are particularly helpful in encouraging color mixing. I have found that when children use divided paint trays they aren’t as inclined to mix their paints due to the physical divides on their tray. These trays are very simple without any dividers. If you know that will upset your child, of course use a divided tray. But, if you think your child might benefit from the freedom of an undivided tray, these do the trick.

I’ll be rounding up my other favorite materials for sculpture, drawing, collage, and printmaking in other posts. Keep on creating!