How to Arrange Your Art Supplies in Your Space

Creating art is all about letting your creativity flow, but you know what? It’s a lot easier to let that inspiration run wild when your painting space is organized and set up in a way that works for you. Whether you’re working with watercolors, acrylics, pastels, or oils, how you arrange your art supplies in your space can make a huge difference in your comfort and productivity. After all, a clutter-free, well-arranged studio can help reduce frustration and give you more time to focus on what you love—painting!

So, let’s talk about how to set up your painting area in a way that keeps everything in arm’s reach but doesn’t overwhelm you with clutter. Here’s the lowdown on arranging your painting space for maximum flow, function, and fun.

How Should You Arrange Supplies in Your Painting Space?

First thing’s first: think about your painting space like it’s your personal art haven. The more you enjoy your surroundings, the more likely you’ll be to dive into a painting session and get in the zone. Start by considering the essentials—your paints, brushes, papers, and canvas—and think about where you need them to be to minimize distractions.

1. Centralize the Workspace
   When it comes to your main working area, less is more. Keep your table or easel as clear as possible with only the art supplies you're actively using at the moment. If you’re working with an easel, place it in a way that allows natural light (or at least good artificial light) to shine on your canvas without casting shadows. You’ll want to be comfortable while painting, so make sure your easel or table is at the right height—standing or sitting—for your body. Your workspace should feel comfortable and open, giving you plenty of room to move around, whether you’re sketching, mixing paints, or adding final touches.
   
2. Organize Paints in a Logical Order
   For many artists, paints are their bread and butter, so it’s important to keep them easy to access and organized in a way that makes sense for you. You don’t need to go crazy with a fancy organizing system (unless that’s your style!), but grouping colors by hue or tone works wonders. For example, organize your watercolors or acrylics into warm and cool color families. You can also store your tubes vertically so you can quickly grab the right shade when you need it. If you're using a palette, consider keeping a palette knife or mixing tools within reach to keep things flowing smoothly.
   
   
3. Keep Brushes Close, But Not Too Close
   Brushes are some of the most-used tools in your painting arsenal, so make sure they're organized and easy to grab, but not scattered all over the place. You don’t want to be hunting for the right brush when you’re in the middle of an artistic breakthrough! A brush holder or cup can keep your brushes upright and ready to go. You can even organize them by size or shape if that helps. Larger brushes may need a bit more space, so find a spot where they can comfortably sit without getting crushed. Keep the most-used brushes within arm’s reach and store the others neatly in a drawer or on a shelf.
   
4. Keep Papers, Canvases, and Other Substrates Accessible
   Depending on the medium you use, you’ll need to keep your surfaces—whether it’s watercolor paper, canvases, or pastel boards—easily accessible. If you’re painting on canvas, consider a sturdy storage rack for your canvases so you don’t have to dig through a pile to find the right one. For watercolorists, a flat storage space (like a shallow drawer) is perfect for paper to keep it from curling or getting damaged. Make sure these items are stored where you can grab them without too much hassle.
   
   
5. Create a “Paint Mixing” Station
   One of the key steps in many painting processes is mixing colors. You’ll want to have a dedicated area or a small tray where you can easily mix and experiment with your paints. For watercolors and acrylics, a clean palette with enough space for multiple colors is important. Have a spot for your palette knives, cups of water (or solvents, if you’re working with oils), and a rag or paper towels for wiping your brushes. Keeping everything you need for mixing in one spot will save you from having to get up and dig around, which can really interrupt your creative flow.
   
   
6. Think About Storage Solutions
   Storage is everything when it comes to maintaining a clean and organized workspace. That’s where a few good storage solutions come into play. Consider investing in some sturdy drawers, shelving, or even rolling carts. These can help store extra supplies like extra tubes of paint, specialty brushes, sketchbooks, and reference materials. It’s always helpful to keep a “miscellaneous” drawer for those random things you’ll need from time to time, like sponges, tape, or tracing paper.
   
   
7. Lighting is Key
   Good lighting can make a huge difference in how you see your colors and details while you work. If you can, set up your workspace near natural light. But if that's not an option, make sure you invest in some high-quality, adjustable task lighting. LED lamps with adjustable brightness can help mimic natural light and help make sure that your colors stay true to life.
   
   
8. Personalize Your Space
   Finally, remember that your painting space should be an inspiring place where you feel comfortable. Add a few personal touches—whether it’s a cozy chair, a few inspiring prints, or a plant to liven things up. The more your space reflects your personality and creativity, the more you’ll want to spend time there.

Create Your Perfect Painting Space

Arranging your painting space is all about balance—creating a functional, organized area that still leaves room for creativity to flourish. By setting up your space with everything in its place and making sure you have easy access to your materials, you'll be able to spend less time hunting for supplies and more time focusing on your art. So go ahead, get your space set up just the way you like it, and let your imagination take the lead! 

(include an image from the Cheap Joe’s watercolor book page)