Choose easel based on painting location: travel, table, compact, or studio. Select appropriate brushes: synthetic for acrylics, natural for oil. Need palette, color chart, and sometimes apron
Earliest oil paintings found in Afghanistan's Bamiyan Valley from 650 AD. Oil paint arrived in Europe by 12th century for simple wood decoration. Van Eyck's technique achieved precise detail and wet-on-wet mixing
Oil pastel was created in 1924 by Sakura Cray-Pas Company in Japan. Initially designed as a cheap alternative to traditional chalk pastels. Picasso convinced Henri Sennelier to develop professional version in 1949. Japanese Holbein brand introduced in mid-1980s with 225 colors
Paint was used in cave paintings 40,000 years ago using ochre and hematite. Oldest known oil paintings are Buddhist murals from 650 AD in Afghanistan. Oil paint was introduced to Italy by Antonello da Messina. Industrial Revolution brought steam-powered mills and zinc oxide alternatives
Wax tablets were used before rubber erasers for pencil marks. Stone bits were used for parchment and papyrus documents. First rubber eraser invented by Edward Nairne in 1770. Vulcanization process made rubber erasers durable in 1839
Paintbrushes consist of bristles, ferrule, and handle. Bristles transfer paint onto substrate surface. Ferrule retains bristles and attaches them to handle