Brad DoanWhy Budget Tools Can Still Create Stunning Landscape Art
You don’t need to empty your bank account to create a beautiful landscape painting. Sure, high-end brands have their charm, but when you’re just starting, budget-friendly tools can absolutely get the job done — and sometimes even better. Many beginner artists find that simpler tools help them focus on technique rather than obsessing over expensive gear.
With the right approach and a few smart purchases, you can create masterpieces that look gallery-worthy, even from your kitchen table.
Getting Started with Landscape Painting on a Budget
Starting your painting journey is a bit like learning to cook: you don’t buy the most expensive chef’s knife first — you get something practical and easy to handle. The same goes for art supplies.
The goal here is to find budget tools for landscape painting that still allow you to practice essential skills like composition, color blending, and brush control without sacrificing quality.
Choosing the Right Supplies Without Overspending
You can quickly get lost in a sea of supplies, but the trick is to prioritize. Think about your first few projects. Will you be painting mountains, fields, or maybe beach sunsets? This will help you focus your budget on what really matters.
Balancing Quality and Affordability
Some “cheap” tools are just a waste of money, but others are absolute gems. It’s about knowing which brands and materials perform well even at lower prices. That’s where I’ll guide you here.
Budget Tool #1 – Affordable Paint Sets
Paint is your main ingredient, and you can’t skip it. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to get a vibrant set.
Best Beginner-Friendly Paint Brands
Look for student-grade acrylics or oils. Brands like Liquitex Basics, Winsor & Newton Galeria, and Arteza offer sets with excellent coverage and color range without the premium price tag. If you want to learn about color mixing, you can also check out color theory guides to make the most of a smaller set.
Where to Buy Paints for Less
Discount art stores, online deals, and even thrift shops can surprise you. Sometimes you can find unopened sets for half the retail price.
Budget Tool #2 – Starter Brushes
Without good brushes, even the best paint won’t shine. Luckily, you can get a great beginner brush set for under $15.
Brush Types for Landscape Painting
For landscapes, you’ll often use flat brushes for skies, round brushes for detail, and fan brushes for trees or grass textures. Check out brushstrokes tutorials to see how each one works.
How to Maintain Your Brushes
Clean them immediately after use. A little care can make even a cheap brush last for years.
Budget Tool #3 – Canvas Boards and Paper Pads
You don’t need stretched canvas for every project.
Why Canvas Boards Are Great for Starters
They’re affordable, portable, and perfect for beginner practice.
Paper Pads for Quick Practice
Acrylic pads are excellent for warm-up sketches or quick studies of landscape painting ideas.
Budget Tool #4 – Basic Palette Knives
They’re perfect for adding texture to mountains or rocks. Even a single $3 plastic palette knife can help you experiment with new styles and techniques.
Budget Tool #5 – Reusable Palettes
A simple plastic palette works fine for mixing a color scheme. Wood is nicer, but plastic is easier to clean — and way cheaper.
Budget Tool #6 – Painter’s Tape
This underrated tool helps keep edges neat, block off foreground and background areas, and protect parts of your painting while you work.
Budget Tool #7 – Affordable Easels
Even if you’re painting at home, an easel helps posture and keeps your work at eye level.
Tabletop vs. Floor Easels
If space is tight, tabletop easels are perfect. For larger works, go for a folding floor easel.
Budget Tool #8 – Low-Cost Sketching Pencils
Before you start painting, sketch your composition lightly. You only need a few pencils with different hardness levels.
Budget Tool #9 – Student-Grade Mediums
If you’re using oils, student-grade linseed oil or odorless mineral spirits are much cheaper than pro brands. Acrylic painters can use affordable matte or gloss mediums to adjust texture and shine.
Budget Tool #10 – Cleaning Supplies on a Budget
A jar, some soap, and a few rags will keep your workspace clean. No need for expensive branded cleaners.
Budget Tool #11 – Reference Photo Sources
You can’t paint landscapes without inspiration. Search free stock photo sites, take your own photos, or use step-by-step projects for guided practice.
Extra Money-Saving Tips for Landscape Painting
DIY Tools You Can Make at Home
Old gift cards make great paint scrapers. A glass jar lid can be a mixing palette.
Reusing and Recycling Old Materials
Turn old canvases into new ones by painting a fresh painting base coat over them.
Final Thoughts
Starting landscape painting doesn’t require a small fortune. With the right budget tools for landscape painting, you can create beautiful, detailed scenes without compromising quality. It’s about smart choices, proper care, and focusing on your skills.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular paper instead of a canvas?
Yes, but it’s best to use acrylic or watercolor paper for durability.
2. What’s the cheapest type of paint for beginners?
Student-grade acrylics are affordable, fast-drying, and versatile.
3. Are palette knives necessary for beginners?
Not mandatory, but they’re great for texture and worth having in your toolkit.
4. Can I mix different brands of paint?
Yes, as long as they’re the same type (acrylic with acrylic, oil with oil).
5. How do I save money on art supplies?
Buy in bulk, watch for sales, and reuse materials where possible.
6. What size brushes should I start with?
A medium flat, a small round, and a fan brush are good basics.
7. Do I need an easel to start painting?
No, but it helps with posture and gives better visibility of your work.