What supplies to I need to get my wife started in painting?

My wife is a very talented artist, but she hasn't painted in some time because of our children. They are getting old enough where she should have some free time to paint again and I would like to get her everything she needs to get re-started. All of her other supplies were lost in a flood. I want this to be a surprise, so I can't just ask her. Any suggestions would be great. Name brands and types would be helpful as well, because I am oblivious.What supplies to I need to get my wife started in painting?
If she has been an artist for some time that she will know the quality of whatever product you get her.. if you want to get her quality product that won't break the bank, I would go with ';winsor and newton'; products... You find them at JoAnne Fabrics or better yet Pat Catans... They make watercolor, acrylic, oil.. maybe get a variety... they have kits that come with brushes as well.. make sure if you get brushes they are right for your paint (watercolor brushes for watercolor paint. etc... they will be labeled to make it easier for you). If she likes watercolor, than I would get her a watercolor block (Sheets of heavy paper glues together on the sides to prevent paper from rippling), if she likes oil.. than maybe a few canvas boards... maybe put it all in a basket or something... well the small stuff :)





Another thought.. if she lost her last work in a flood maybe it would really mean something to her if you were able to get her a waterproof case for whatever work she does in the future.. might put her at ease about not loosing it again... maybe some waterproof sealers as well... you can never be too safe ya know... good luck! :)





http://www.winsornewton.com/What supplies to I need to get my wife started in painting?
Sketch book, drawing paper pad and pencil set would be a good start. Get her a gift card for one of the on-line art supply companies. Cheap Joe's, Jerry's, Dick Blick are good with a lot of variety and good prices.


The local hobby/fabric stores are generally more expensive and have a limited variety not really suited to a talented artist.


If there is a local artist group where you live, find out when and where the meetings are and take her. Also check with a community center who may have art classes which would help her start again.
just get her a sketchbook and some water colours or acrylics,a small medium and a large brush,and a pencil,put no pressure on her she will not be as good as she was for some time,give her something to copy,something that does not matter if it turns out rubbish,a photograph for eg,take her out in the car ,you read the paper or snooze while she sketches through the car window,do not buy her expensive stuff or she will think she has wasted it,if the painting is not as good as she thinks,and it will put her off,be an honest critic because she will be.


just say i.ve bought you some stuff have a dabble when you feel like it, good luck
Good inexpensive source: http://www.cheapjoes.com/ or good old wallyworld.





You don't mention which medium she prefers, water color, acrylic, oil... Get the 3 primary colors, tube of black and white (large) and apropriate extenders (linseed oil, turps, glaze...)


Pallet knife


2'; paintbrush (hardware store)


fan brush


liner brush


1'; brush (round, flat, depends on the medium - sable for oils and watercolor, synthetic for acrylic)


pallet


canvasses (flat and/or stretched) or watercolor paper


box to keep them all in





Sweet idea, she'll be delighted.
The best place to go is www.aswexpress.com its an art supply warehouse and they are very good and you can save a lot. They can be contacted by email or you can call them on there 1 800 # its the best one out there they are Very helpful your orders get shipped fast too.