Qiang Huang: Supply List 2025
Brushes
You don’t have to use exactly the same brushes I use. Similar types and sizes will do.
Bristle Brushes: #10 flat, # 8 flat, #6 flat, #3 flat. Any brand is fine.
Synthetic Brushes: 3/4” flat, #20 flat, #12 flat, #1 flat, 10/0 round. Any brand is fine. I really like the Qualita by Creative Mark.
Palette knife: No special requirement
Paints
The following colors were my old still life painting palette:
Titanium White, Portland Gray Deep, Naples Yellow Light, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Yellow Lemon, Cadmium Yellow Deep, Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Red Light, Transparent Oxide Red, Permanent Alizarine, Quinacridone Red, Manganese Violet, Ultramarine Blue. Phthalo Blue, Viridian, Cadmium Green Pale, Gamblin Radiant Yellow, Red, Violet, Blue, Turquoise, Green.
I mainly use Gamblin oil colors, but other brands are fine too.
Since I got cancer in September 2021, I have been working on a new color palette. I have removed all cadmium, cobalt, and manganese colors. To replace them, I am using the following less toxic colors. Should you still wish to use cadmium and other toxic colors, please make sure you wear gloves.
Hansa Yellow, Indian Yellow, Permanent Orange, Transparent Orange, Perylene Red, Dioxazine Purple, and Phthalo Green
Medium:
I paint mostly without using medium, but I still keep a small amount of Linseed oil, Gamblin Solvent-Free Gel, or Fluid available just in case.
I used to use Gamsol. Now I want to stop using it. To replace Gamsol, I use the “Lavender Brush Cleaner” made by Chelsea Classical Studio. If you choose to use Gamsol or other mineral spirits, please keep them closely covered, or in a small eye dropper bottle. Odorless does NOT mean it is not harmful.
Palette
No specific requirement. I use a piece of glass over a piece of brown paper. If you like a one-time-use paper palette, use the gray color one, not white.
Canvas/Panels
No special requirement. Both panels or stretched canvases can work. Personally I prefer oil primed than acrylic primed surfaces.
Still Life Objects and Drapery
The workshop will provide some objects, but you may choose to bring your own objects. It will be helpful if you bring solid color draperies for your setup background. White, black, gray, and dull colored ones are best.