Anna's Standard Kit

Below is a brief outline of the equipment Anna uses for most tutorials.

Click here for a downloadable PDF with the below information, as well as a list of the paints Anna recommends.

Please visit the Knowledge Base for more detailed information about the equipment.

You can find links to buy the below equipment on this page. 

Brushes 

The Anna Mason set of synthetic spotter brushes are produced by Rosemary & Co. The set comprises a size 5, 3, 1, 0 and 3/0. If you're looking for alternatives, look for: synthetic hairs, shorter length hairs (known as ‘miniature’ or ‘spotter’ brushes), small sizes, short handles. 

Paper 

Hot pressed (ie smooth) watercolour paper. Anna uses paper that comes glued in a block/pad. The Nature Studio tutorials are mostly at the 9 x 12” size but a few are at the 12 x 16” size. Anna uses the brand Arches, but any hot pressed paper that is made from 100% cotton (for good absorbency) will be fine. Use cheaper watercolour or cartridge paper to test colours on as you paint.

Pencil 

An HB is ideal. Anna uses a 0.5mm mechanical pencil. 

Eraser 

A polymer eraser (rather than a putty rubber) is best. 

Palette 

Anna recommends using a flat white palette - ideally a ceramic white plate or tile. 

Paints 

See a full list of colours here. There’s an Essential Range of 10 colours that are frequently used and are useful when substituting other colours. These are a great place to start. See a video about paints at www.annamasonart.com/equipment

Sketchbook

Anna highly recommends keeping a sketchbook alongside creating your main paintings on a paper block. This is the place for experimentation, making notes and capturing inspiration. Anna has tested out several sketchbooks and you can see her review of them here. The winner for Anna is the Stillman & Birn ZETA series.

Table Easel 

It isn’t necessary to use a table easel but you may find it more comfortable to do so. Anna sometimes uses the Daler Rowney ArtSphere which has the benefit of being able to be locked at any angle rather than just a set few like a normal table easel.