The Artist’s Palette: Paint and Pigments

Acrylic vs. Gouache: Her Go-To Formulas

The workbench carries years of dried pigment, a layered record of every colour Moriah Elizabeth has pressed into service. Acrylic paint dominates her process. It dries fast, holds its colour, and never shifts once laid down. Gouache appears alongside, a watercolour with opacity. She switches between them depending on the effect she wants. Acrylic gives her bold, permanent marks. Gouache allows rewetting and softer transitions.

When someone asks me what art supplies does Moriah Elizabeth use, I point to these tubes. Her selected formulations matter as much as the hue itself!

• Acrylics with a satin finish for her main illustrations
• Gouache paints for highlights and corrections
• Retarding agents to keep acrylic workable longer

She relies on acrylics for structure. Gouache steps in for details that demand a lighter touch.

Favorite Brush Brands and Sizes

The brush drawer in Moriah Elizabeth’s studio holds a record of constant motion. Bristles fray, ferrules bend, and the favourite round keeps getting rescued from a drying palette. For anyone asking what art supplies does Moriah Elizabeth use, the answer starts with bristles, not tubes!

She favours synthetic rounds for their durable spring. Sizes 2, 4, and 6 cover most of her detail work, while a size 12 flat handles broader areas. Princeton Velvetouch brushes appear often in her rotation. Arteza synthetics serve for bulk tasks, and da Vinci rounds come out when precision matters.

• Size 2 for pupils and fine outlines
• Size 6 for filling faces and fabric
• Size 12 for backgrounds and large blocks of colour

Palettes and Mixing Surfaces for Smooth Blending

Palette variety plays a larger role than most hobbyists suspect. A true workhorse in Moriah Elizabeth’s studio is the stay wet palette, which keeps acrylics workable during long drawing sessions. When she switches to gouache, a simple ceramic butcher tray provides the absorbent surface needed to rehydrate dried pigment. In fact, I have noticed across many of her tutorials that the choice of mixing surface often determines the success of a colour blend.

Moriah often works with a glass palette for her fluid mediums. It offers a smooth, non porous plane, and the cleanup merely involves a razor blade scraping away dried layers. Something about that act of clearing the slate seems to reset the creative process. The surface itself influences the paint behaviour, which means the answer to what art supplies does Moriah Elizabeth use extends far beyond the tubes.

Mini mists sit nearby for keeping paint moist. A paper towel folded under the palette catches excess water. For those wondering about the exact setup, consider these items she gravitates toward:

– A sealed container with damp sponge sheets for acrylics
– A frosted glass palette for fluid paint
– A plastic palette with deep wells for mixing large batches

The mundane materials matter as much as the pigments. Old plates, ice cream tub lids, and even sheets of acetate find second lives in her workspace. This frugality feels familiar to anyone who has stared at a dried pool of paint and thought about the cost of a new palette. The true answer of what art supplies does Moriah Elizabeth use includes these unglamorous essentials, because they make the smooth blending possible. Each surface imparts its own character onto the paint, and the artist simply adapts to what the surface gives. These everyday items carry the same weight as the expensive brushes, resting quietly beneath the colourful chaos of her projects.

Paper and Canvas Essentials

Sketchbooks She Swears By for Daily Doodles

Mulching through a sketchbook is a ritual for Moriah Elizabeth, yet the paper choice dictates the entire mood of the doodle. Her daily scribbles lean heavily on smooth, hot-pressed surfaces that allow ink to glide without snagging on tooth. The physical act of turning a page with substantial weight feels more like a commitment, a tangible slice of creative time.

She consistently cycles through a few specific workhorses for her morning warm-ups:

1. A5 hardbound journals with 200gsm sheets, which withstand heavy erasing without warping.
2. Spiral-bound pads for easy page removal, especially when a doodle morphs into something bigger.
3. Gridded notebooks, which anchor her character sketches with a subtle sense of proportion.

This selection influences the answer to what art supplies does moriah elizabeth use, as the surface directly impacts her marker blending and pencil layering. A rough texture would interrupt her fluid line work, so she opts for a finish that feels almost silky to the touch. It is a quiet, necessary foundation for the chaos she creates on top of it, ensuring the paper never hinders the spontaneous flow of a half-formed idea or a playful character’s face.

Canvas Panels vs. Stretched Canvases

The tug of a brush against a primed surface tells you everything. Canvas panels and stretched canvases behave like different instruments, and Moriah Elizabeth picks panels for most projects because the rigid board prevents any give. A stretched canvas has a drum tension that can absorb strokes, which suits loose work but not her precise blends. Panels also stack flat, so she can rotate studies without frames. This choice matters when exploring what art supplies does moriah elizabeth use. The surface is the silent partner in every finished piece. For her, a panel’s stability outweighs the traditional appeal of a stretched canvas.

Watercolor Paper Weight and Texture Preferences

Watercolor paper asks for a different approach than panels. Moriah Elizabeth gravitates toward 140lb cold press sheets when she wants visible tooth and a slower drying window. The weight matters because lighter paper buckles under layers, and she hates fighting a warped surface mid-project.

Her texture preferences break down simply:

• 140lb cold press for daily character studies
• 300lb hot press for controlled washes and fine linework
• Rough texture only when she wants granulation effects from her paints

Hot press feels slick and unforgiving, so she reserves it for precise details rather than broad washes. This balance of weight and texture shapes what art supplies does Moriah Elizabeth use across her watercolor practice. Her studio shelves hold both blocks and individual sheets, each serving a different mood without redundancy.

Drawing and Illustration Tools

Pencils and Graphite: From Hard to Soft

Moriah Elizabeth’s drawing process often begins before paint touches the surface. Her graphite selection shows a deliberate range. Hard pencils like 2H and HB create fine lines for initial sketches. Soft pencils such as 6B and 8B produce the deep shadows that give her characters dimension. The transition between these grades matters more than brand loyalty.

She tends to reach for mechanical pencils when precision matters. Traditional wooden pencils appear when she needs broader strokes. Her graphite kit typically includes:

• 2H and HB for construction lines
• 2B and 4B for midtones
• 6B and 8B for darkest shadows

This variety lets her build value slowly. Understanding what art supplies does moriah elizabeth use means paying attention to these subtle grading choices. The pencil stage often dictates how the final piece feels.

Fineliners and Ink Pens for Crisp Lines

The scratch of a fineliner across paper is a sound of finality. For every artist, the moment ink touches the surface is a commitment. Pencil can be erased, but ink demands a steady hand. When people search for what art supplies does moriah elizabeth use, they often overlook this decisive stage of her process.

After graphite lays down the structure, her fineliners define the edges. She relies on pigment liners with archival quality ink to prevent fading over time. The 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm sizes appear most frequently in her work, offering a balance between hairline details and bold outlines. A 0.8 mm tip handles the thicker borders around her characters, giving them that cartoonish pop.

Her ink preferences lean toward brands like Micron and Copic Multiliner. These pens offer consistent flow without skipping. She avoids waterproof formulas that smear when layered with marker. Instead, she opts for quick-drying pigment that stays put under heavy washes. Here is what typically sits on her desk:

– 0.3 mm for fine facial features
– 0.5 mm for general linework
– 0.8 mm for outer contours
– Brush tip for organic, varied strokes

The brush pen adds a wildcard element to her illustrations. It allows for line weight fluctuation that feels loose and expressive. She uses it sparingly, often for hair strands or fabric folds. The contrast between rigid fineliners and the fluid brush pen creates a dynamic tension in her final pieces. Understanding what art supplies does moriah elizabeth use requires noticing how she switches between these tools for different emotional beats in her art. The ink stage is not about correction; it is about confidence.

Markers and Highlighters for Vibrant Accents

Markers and highlighters bring a different kind of energy to Moriah Elizabeth’s finished pieces. Her collection leans heavily on alcohol-based markers, which glide over dried ink without smudging or dragging. The dual tips matter to her workflow. A chisel end covers large areas like backgrounds while the fine bullet tip tucks into tight corners. When people search what art supplies does moriah elizabeth use for that final burst of color, they usually land on these marker sets.

She gravitates toward brands like Ohuhu and Arteza for their smooth blending properties. The trick sits in working quickly while the alcohol stays wet.

Here is how she organizes her marker routine:
– Warm tones for skin and hair highlights
– Cool tones for shadows and background washes
– Pastels for clothing details and accessories
– A white gel pen for sparkle accents on top

Highlighters serve a separate purpose in her studio. She uses them for layering translucent washes over dried marker sections. This creates a subtle glow that catches the eye without dulling the deeper base colors below.

Crafting and Mixed Media Magic

Adhesives and Tapes That Actually Hold

Nothing ruins a mixed media masterpiece faster than a flimsy adhesive that lifts at the edges. For Moriah Elizabeth, the sticky stuff is no afterthought. When fans ask what art supplies does moriah elizabeth use, they rarely expect a lecture on tape, but here we are.

She reaches for washi tape for temporary placements, though it is too weak for permanent bonds. For real hold, a gel medium works as both glue and sealant, while double sided tape handles flat surfaces with zero wrinkles. Her kit includes:

• strong double sided tape
• gel medium
• a low temp glue gun

That gun is essential for 3D elements. Cheap craft glue warps paper and fails mid project.

Embellishments and Stickers: Adding Texture

Embellishments and stickers turn a flat illustration into something you want to touch. Moriah Elizabeth reaches for puffy stickers when she needs a subtle shadow effect, and flat stickers when she plans to paint over the top. Die cuts add structure to journal pages, while sequins and beads introduce a gentle shimmer under studio light.

A typical mixed media pile on her desk includes the following:

• acrylic enamel charms
• fabric offcuts
• wooden mini clothespins
• metallic foil shapes

Each item earns its place by texture contribution, not decoration alone. The question of what art supplies does moriah elizabeth use often comes down to this selection habit. She tests every embellishment against the page’s existing colour story. If a sticker conflicts with the composition, it goes back in the drawer. Texture only works when it supports the whole.

Cutting Tools and Mats for Precise Shapes

A clean cut is the quiet backbone of any intricate mixed media piece. Moriah Elizabeth’s process shows that precision comes from the right gear. A self-healing cutting mat is indispensable; its grid lines provide a constant reference point, and the surface protects her desk from errant blades. She favours a sharp scalpel for delicate work on die cuts, as heavier scissors often crush paper fibres.

Her desk typically holds a curated selection of tools for shaping. Each has a specific role in her creative flow:

– A utility knife with snap-off blades for thick cardboard
– Precision scissors with fine tips for curved edges
– A heavy-duty guillotine for trimming bulk paper stacks
– A bone folder for scoring clean fold lines

These instruments answer the question of what art supplies does moriah elizabeth use when the goal is structural integrity. A crooked edge can derail an entire composition, so she respects the tools that keep her lines true.

Stencils and Templates for Repeat Patterns

Her workspace holds a library of stencils and templates, each worn to a softness from use. For repeat patterns, she relies on polymer stencils that flex without tearing. Mylar sheets trace on textured paper.

• Brass templates for geometric arcs
• Reusable adhesive stencils for curved vines
• Hand-cut frisket film for custom motifs

She often layers a stencil with a dry brush to build a motif. That approach produces a consistent rhythm across a page. When the question arises of what art supplies does moriah elizabeth use, these tools account for much of her pattern work.

Storage, Organization, and Workspace

Portable Art Carts for On-the-Go Creativity

When Moriah Elizabeth packs up, she relies on a rolling cart that holds everything from sketchbooks to loose pigments. These portable art carts convert a small nook into a practical studio. You can stash them under a desk or wheel them to a balcony for morning light. The best models have deep drawers for jars and slim slots for washi tape.

• Look for lockable wheels
• Choose adjustable dividers
• Check the handle height

What art supplies does moriah elizabeth use inside her cart? She layers small tackle boxes inside the top tray for beads and charms. A magnetic strip on the side holds metal rulers and scissors. For South African creators, a sturdy cart handles uneven pavements when you paint outdoors. You avoid spilling your acrylics or losing your finest nibs.

Shelf Solutions for Keeping Supplies Visible

Moriah’s workspace depends on open shelving and clear storage that puts frequently reached items at eye level. When viewers ask what art supplies does moriah elizabeth use, the answer becomes obvious the moment they glance at her pegboard. She mounts small metal baskets for scissors and glue guns, while glass jars show every bead, button, and pom pom without rummaging.

A compact shelf unit near her desk holds stacked trays for paper offcuts and washi rolls. Vertical magazine files keep sketchbooks upright and ready. For South African crafters dealing with humid summers, airtight canisters protect delicate supplies while still displaying them.

Simple systems:

– Pegboard panels with hooks for rulers and heat tools
– Clear acrylic risers to layer paint bottles and marker sets
– Tension rods fitted under shelves to hang ribbon spools

The arrangement follows one rule: if you use it weekly, it stays visible. Sorting by colour and frequency means you spot depleted glue sticks or dried markers immediately. No more buying duplicates of materials you already own. Visibility turns a storage problem into a creative advantage.

Maintaining Brush Care and Quick Cleanup

Brush care happens at the end of a painting session. Moriah keeps a rinse jar with a wire coil at the bottom, so pigment sinks instead of coating the bristles. A flat tray beside her sink holds paper towels and a bar of master’s soap, which removes dried acrylic without crushing the ferrule.

Quick cleanup follows the same logic as her visible storage. She wipes brushes on a lint free cloth before switching colours, reshapes the tip with her fingers, and lays them flat on a towel. Standing brushes in a jar lets water seep into the handle.

• Spray bottle of alcohol for pigment dust
• Microfibre cloth for palettes between sessions

When people ask what art supplies does moriah elizabeth use, the answer includes the maintenance tools too. South African humidity means brushes left in standing water develop mildew quickly, so she empties the rinse jar daily.

Desk Organizers That Fit Tiny Tools

Storage and organization are essential in any studio. Moriah’s desk organizers fit tiny tools with a precision that makes me envious. A divided acrylic caddy holds the everyday essentials:

• craft knives and spare blades
• needle-nose pliers
• tweezers and wire cutters

A magnetic strip keeps metal rulers upright. For the smallest bits, a pill organizer stores jump rings and micro beads. When someone asks what art supplies does moriah elizabeth use, the answer includes these storage solutions. South African dust settles fast, so she keeps a lint-free cloth nearby. I love the way a dedicated spot for every tool makes the next project feel effortless.