My Favorite Acrylic Painting Supplies and Tools for Loose Florals, Dreamy Landscapes & Still Life Artwork
If you’re anything like me, shopping for art supplies is almost as fun (maybe more) as painting. Over the years, I’ve tested and used tons of art supplies and products while painting everything from big, bold florals to cozy little still lifes and dreamy landscapes.
Today, I’m sharing my all-time favorite acrylic painting supplies — the ones I reach for again and again.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to refresh your studio stash, I hope this list helps you find something new to love. I’ve also linked most of these on Amazon so you can easily check them out (yep, I do earn a small commission from those links, at no extra cost to you).
Let’s jump in!
Best Acrylic Paints for Abstract Florals, Still Life, and Landscape Art
I’ve tried all kinds of acrylic paints — student grade, heavy body, fluid, you name it. These are the best acrylic paints I’ve found for florals, still lifes, and landscape painting.
Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylics
These paints are creamy, pigmented, and hold texture beautifully. I love them for florals and landscapes where I want thick brush strokes and vibrant color – and bright white skies and clouds.
Golden Fluid Acrylics
These are amazing and honestly a little pricey, but worth every penny. The colors are intense, and a little goes a long way. I have a handful of colors that I keep in my cart at all times!
Holbein Acryla Gouache
Okay, this one’s a little different — it’s a cross between acrylic and gouache. It’s technically a hybrid, but works beautifully alongside my other acrylic paints. It dries matte and velvety, and I love it for a more graphic, modern look. Think flat skies or bold florals.
Top Brushes for Acrylic Painting: My Must-Have Brush Set Picks
A good set of brushes for acrylic painting makes a huge difference. These are the ones I reach for most often in my floral, still life, and landscape artwork. It’s important to have a mix and variety of fluff and stiffness! Try one or try them all until you find your favorite acrylic paint brushes!
Princeton Velvetouch Brushes
These are soft, responsive, and come in every size, style and angle you could possibly need.
Royal & Langnickel Zen Series
Great for beginners or anyone who’s tough on brushes. They’re durable, hold their shape, and don’t break the bank.
Big Cheap Bristle Brushes
You don’t need anything fancy here — I buy packs of big bristle brushes for underpainting, backgrounds, or quick expressive marks. Let them get messy!
Best Painting Surfaces for Acrylic Artists (Wood, Canvas & Paper)
You can paint on almost anything with acrylics, but these are my favorite surfaces for acrylic painting — from wood panels to canvas and paper.
Wood is one of my favorite acrylic painting surfaces because it’s smooth, strong, and perfect for thick brushwork or palette knife textures. And a bonus is that it hangs easily on your wall! (not an affiliate link)
Canvas Panels
Affordable and easy to store — great for practice pieces or studies. (not an affiliate link)
Watercolor Paper
With just a coat or two of gesso, this paper is smooth and thick enough heavyweight paper to handle acrylic painting! It is my absolute favorite and go-to paper! Just tape it down to avoid curling. (not an affiliate link)
Best Tools for Acrylic Texture: Palette Knives and Scrapers
I love using these acrylic texture tools to add movement and dimension to my abstract florals and landscapes. These texture tools for acrylic painting help loosen things up and keep my work fresh and expressive.
Metal Palette Knives (Various Shapes)
Great for spreading paint, scraping into wet layers, or creating abstract shapes.
Plastic Scrapers or Old Gift Cards
Yes, really! I reuse old plastic cards to spread paint across the canvas. Super fun and budget-friendly.
Studio Supplies for Acrylic Painting
A few unexpected studio supplies for acrylic painting that I use every time I paint — simple, affordable, and surprisingly helpful! These are my can't-live-without acrylic painting studio essentials that make every creative session easier.
Coated Paper Plates
These are simple, easy and affordable to use daily as a palette.
Spray Bottle for Water
I mist my palette and canvas often to keep things workable. It is a little fancy and a little pricey but the mist is so light and perfect! Trust me, you will love it!
Paper Towels & Baby Wipes
Quick cleanups, brush wiping, fixing mistakes... they’re essential.
Painter’s Tape
Great for clean edges, holding down paper, or masking off areas.
Apron
Because acrylic paint does not come out of your favorite t-shirt. Ask me how I know. 😉 (not an affiliate link)
Best Acrylic Varnishes to Seal and Protect Your Artwork
Choosing the right acrylic varnish can protect your artwork and make your colors pop — here are my favorites. I like this gloss acrylic varnish for a bright finish and this satin option for a softer, professional look.
Liquitex Gloss Varnish
I like a shiny finish, and this one brings out the color beautifully without being sticky.
Golden Soft Gel Semi Gloss
If I want something more subtle, this is my go-to. Just make sure your painting is fully dry and that you have sealed any loose mediums or pastels with a spray fixative first.
Final Thoughts on Acrylic Art Supplies I Actually Use and Love
Every artist has their own favorites, and you’ll find yours the more you paint. Some days I use a dozen different tools, and other days I just need a few colors and one brush. It’s all part of the fun.
If you're curious about how I use these supplies in real life, you can check out my Instagram for behind-the-scenes looks. Also, read more about me here!
I hope this list of my favorite acrylic painting supplies helps you find tools that make your creative process even more joyful and fun!
And if you pick up any of the supplies from this post, I’d love to hear how you like them. Tag me or leave a comment — I’m always down to talk art supplies!
Happy painting!
– Erin