10 Art Supplies for Grandpa the Aspiring Painter (2026)

Finding the perfect gift for Grandpa who is passionate about painting can enhance his creative journey. Art supplies are not just tools; they are the gateway for self-expression and the chance to explore new techniques. Whether it's his birthday, Father's Day, or just a thoughtful gesture, the right art supplies can encourage his artistic endeavors and bring joy to his painting projects. From quality paints to the best brushes and canvases, these gift ideas will inspire his creativity and passion for art. Explore these ten essential items that every aspiring painter should have in their collection to elevate their skills and enjoy their artistic journey.

Acrylic Paint Set
This acrylic paint set offers bright, solid colors ideal for mixing. The fast-drying formula enables layering techniques, making it suitable for any painter looking to try different styles.
ARTEZA Acrylic Paint Set of 60 Colors, 0.74 ounces Tubes, 5 Metallic Colors Acrylic Paints, Non-Toxic Artist Paints. Art Supplies for Painting
$42.71
Liquitex Professional Soft Body Acrylic Paint, 12 x 22ml (0.74-oz), Essentials Set
$40.19
Winsor & Newton Artists' Acrylic Color 12-Tube Set, 20ml
$38.50
Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Paint, 10 x 60ml (2--oz) Tube Paint Set
$28.13
Premium Brush Set
A complete brush set featuring various shapes and sizes designed for precision and detail. Ideal for both acrylic and watercolor painting, this set will help Grandpa explore different styles.
KINGART B-087 Premium 8 pc. White Nylon 7950 Series Gold Grip Round Brush Set, Synthetic Hair for Face Painting, Fabric, Ceramics, Short Handle, 8 Brushes Sizes: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
$32.98
KINGART B-026 Premium 4 pc. Original Gold 9800 Series Dagger Striper Brush Set, Synthetic Golden Taklon for Acrylic, Oil, Watercolor Paint, Short Handle, 4 Brushes Sizes: 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2"
$24.44
KINGART Premium Original Gold Series Handcrafted Golden Taklon Multimedia Artist Brushes, Gift Box, Set of 8 (sizes: 2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16) Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, and Gouache Paints
$56.52
KINGART Premium Original Gold Series Handcrafted Golden Taklon Multimedia Artist Brushes, Gift Box, Set of 12, Black Glosss Handle, for Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor & Gouache Paints
$59.99
Sketching Pencils Set
Quality sketching pencils are a must-have for preliminary sketches. This set, featuring various hardness levels, allows Grandpa to fine-tune his drawings before they go onto canvas.
Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit, 17 Piece Set, Charcoal, Black, White
$6.00
STAEDTLER Lumograph Graphite Drawing and Sketching Pencils 100G6, Set of 6 Degrees in an Attractive Storage Tin (100G6)
$8.24
Royal & Langnickel RART-200 Essentials Sketching Pencil Set, 21-Piece
$7.87
Winsor & Newton Studio Collection Artist Pencils, Sketching Pencils, Set of 10
$11.24
Stretched Canvas Panels
These pre-stretched canvas panels are perfect for immediate painting. Dad can start his next masterpiece right away, making them an excellent gift for an aspiring painter.
Daler-Rowney Simply Canvas Panel, 11x14 inches, 3 Pack - Artist Canvas for Oil, Acrylic, Pouring & Mixed Media - 100% Cotton, Triple Primed,White
$9.51
MCS 16x20 Inch Mount Finished Canvases, Black (69037) Frame, 16x20
$27.99
ARTEZA Stretched Canvas, 24 x 36 Inches, Pack of 5, Blank White Large Canvas for Painting for Acrylic, Oil and Gouache Paints
$90.12
Sargent Art Value Pack 12 x 16 Inch Stretched Canvas Pack of 2, 2 Piece
$22.57
Art Instruction Book
A book on painting techniques can inspire and guide an aspiring artist. This gift will provide valuable insights and skills to help him grow and develop his unique art style.
Landscape Drawing in Pencil (Dover Art Instruction)
$8.95
Art for Kids: Drawing: The Only Drawing Book You'll Ever Need to Be the Artist You've Always Wanted to Be (Volume 1)
$7.40
Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting
$12.49
Light, Shade and Shadow (Dover Art Instruction)
$6.95
Professional Watercolor Paint Set
This set includes a variety of vibrant colors that blend beautifully, perfect for a grandpa who loves to experiment with watercolor techniques. High-quality pigments offer exceptional transparency and fluidity.
MaimeriBlu, Jenna Rainey Artist Set, Watercolor Paint, 12ml, 6 Tubes – Professional Watercolor Painting Supplies
$29.97
Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paint Set, Lightweight Sketchers' Box, 12 x 5ml Tubes
$69.88
Kuretake Gansai Tambi 48 Colors set, Watercolor Paint Set, Professional-Quality for Artists and Crafters, for Adult, AP-Certified, Made in Japan
$39.67
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, Studio Set, 45 Half Pan w/ Brush
$57.94
Art Supply Organizer Case
An organizer for art supplies keeps everything neatly stored and easy to access. This practical gift adds to his painting experience, offering convenience while he creates.
ArtBin 6972AB 10 inch Quick View Deep Base Carrying Case, Portable Art & Craft Organizer with Handle, [1] Plastic Storage Case, Translucent
$12.13
ArtBin 6892AG 2-Tray Art Supply Box, Portable Art & Craft Organizer with Lift-Up Trays, [1] Plastic Storage Case, Gray/Black
$27.67
IRIS USA Plastic Pencil Case Box Craft Hobby Art School Supply Storage Organizer Container with Latching Lid, 10-Pack, for Bead Pens Ribbons Wahi Tape Sticker Yarn Ornaments, Stackable, Clear, Medium
4 sizes
ArtBin 6918AH Twin Top 17 inch Supply Box, Portable Art & Craft Supply Organizer with Handle, [1] Plastic Storage Case, Translucent
$15.32
Easel for Painting
An adjustable easel provides the necessary support for larger artworks. Its portability and ease of use will encourage Grandpa to paint more often, wherever he finds inspiration.
Artist Easel Stand - Metal Tripod Easel for Painting Canvas,Adjustable Height from 17-63 inches,Portable Easel with a Bag for Table-top&Floor Drawing,Displaying
$15.99
Heavyweight Sketchbook
A heavyweight sketchbook with high-quality paper to withstand various media. It’s perfect for sketching ideas, creating studies, or practicing techniques before transferring them to canvas.
Ohuhu Mix Media Pad, 10"x7.4" Mixed Media Art Sketchbook, 120 LB/200 GSM Heavyweight Papers, 78 Sheets/156 Pages, PU Hardcover Mixed Media Paper Pad for Acrylic, Painting Christmas Gift
$23.99
Winsor & Newton Professional Mixed Media Pad, 9" x 12", 25 Sheets, 200gsm, Black
$12.99
Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9x12 inch
$9.14
Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 7x10 inches, 60 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching
$15.61
Palette Knives Set
A set of palette knives allows for unique texture and effects in paintings. These tools enable exploration of new painting styles, making it a thoughtful gift for an aspiring painter.
Liquitex Professional Freestyle Traditional Knives 6-Piece Ring Set
$29.33
Arteza Palette Knives 8-Pack, Sizes No. 1, 25, 7, 15, 39, 23, 17, 21, Durable Stainless Steel Blade & Break-Resistant Wooden Handle, Art Supplies for Oil & Acrylic Painting
$25.19
Multicraft Imports Color Factory PA214 5 Piece Plastic Palette Knife Set
$4.60
KINGART 910-1 Short Taper TROWEL PALETTE KNIFE and Painting Tool for Scraping, Mixing and Painting with Oil and Acrylic Paints
$5.99

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best paint for beginners?

Acrylic paints are often recommended for beginners due to their versatility, quick drying time, and ease of use.

How can I encourage my grandpa's painting hobby?

Providing quality art supplies, joining him during painting sessions, or gifting instructional books can greatly inspire and encourage his artistic pursuits.