What’s in My Shopping List as a Minimalist Artist

Since I became a minimalist a few years ago, I stopped impulse shopping and started letting items marinate in my shopping list until I’m absolutely sure I need them. I’m trying to tame the shopaholic artist in me, and I think I’ve succeeded (except for the arsenal of brushes and canvases I bought when I first decided to paint professionally which I still haven’t finished using).

Now, just to clarify, when I say “minimalist artist,” I’m talking lifestyle, not my art. My life is simple and uncluttered, but my art? It’s a different story; layered, expressive, and often bursting with detail and meaning, though I do love a calm, minimal vibe from time to time.

So today I’m sharing what’s been sitting in my Amazon shopping list and why I’m considering hitting “buy.” Maybe you’ve used these tools already and if so, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

• Why it matters: I’m now doing pop-up shows and hosting studio visitors. I need something versatile, light, easy to carry, perfect for painting and display, and even sturdy enough for student use.

• My plan: Find a sleek easel that folds quickly into my car and can flex between creative use and exhibit display.

Why it matters: I’ve been getting more and more requests to teach workshops on pastel painting, and the idea is finally starting to bloom. I’m currently outlining a workshop (or maybe starting with private lessons first, still deciding), and trying to find the sweet spot between planning and my already-full creative schedule.

What I’m hoping: This Mont Marte pastel set feels like a perfect fit; student-grade, budget-friendly, and beautifully curated. I want to have all the materials ready so when the moment comes. Whether it’s a one-on-one session or a full workshop. I’m not scrambling. Just ready, steady, pastel.

• Why it matters: I rarely use bright tube colors straight. White delivery often feels too stark.

• My discovery: A light beige tone that mixes beautifully with my palette, muting brightness gently, shifting mood. I stumbled upon it while easel shopping and fell in love with its creamy, soft effect.

• What I’ll do: Add it to the cart, blend it with my existing paints, and test it in my next series.

• Why it matters: I’m refreshing my surface design inspiration and exploring motifs from around the world.

• What I’m hoping: A visual library to jog fresh ideas and grow my surface pattern portfolio beyond my current pastel-first style.

Why it matters: I’m currently planning a new collection focused on serenity, soft, calm pieces that feel like a deep exhale. Pastel colors are the soul of this vision, and instead of jumping into a full set, I’m taking the slow, mindful route, testing just a few shades first to find the ones that truly spark joy.

What I will do: This Titan Green Pale from Golden Acrylic is on my shortlist. I’ve used Golden before and loved their quality, but this will be my first time exploring their pastel line. I’m planning to experiment with it in early color studies for the collection. Just seeing how it plays on canvas, how it blends, and if it holds the softness I’m craving for the project.

Even as a minimalist, I still buy just with intention. Each item must serve at least one of these:

• Solve a problem or unlock new creative workflows (e.g., painting + displaying).

• Blend seamlessly with my current art or planning.

• Be something I’ll use regularly not just another impulse habit.

• Portable easel: Which ones have you used at shows or classes? Lightweight and stable?

• Soft beige paint: What are your go-to tube colors for toning other hues?

• PanPastel: Which shades thrilled you, and how did they hold up?

• Pattern book: Did you find it inspiring or overwhelming?