Artist Resources
Whether you're just beginning to explore painting or looking for new ideas and inspiration, I've gathered some of the resources I find most useful in my own studio and teaching. You'll find free guides, books I recommend, and tools and materials I use in my oil and cold wax practice and workshops. I'll be adding to this collection over time as I discover resources that I think are genuinely worth sharing.
A note about my recommendations
The resources on this page are things I genuinely use, own or have found helpful in my own art practice and teaching. To support my website, some of the links below are “paid links.” If you use them to make a purchase, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Free Resources
Start here with my free guides and practical resources to help you explore oil and cold wax painting and develop your abstract painting practice.
Oil & Cold Wax Beginner's Guide
If you are new to oil and cold wax, I’ve created a free guide covering the basic materials and techniques to get started.
✓ Free PDF
Abstract Painting Rescue Checklist
Is your painting stuck? Learn the steps I work through to resolve an abstract painting.
✓ Free PDF
Books I Recommend
I’ve collected a number of books during my exploration of oil and cold wax. These are books I return to for techniques, inspiration and ideas. I am happy to recommend them to artists wanting to explore this wonderful versatile medium.
Atmospheric Landscapes Using Oil and Cold Wax
Paula Dunn
If you’re particularly interested in landscapes, this is a lovely resource for exploring the atmospheric possibilities of oil and cold wax. I particularly like the focus on creating mood and depth rather than simply reproducing a landscape literally.
Best for: Artists interested in atmospheric and semi-abstract landscapes.
View book on Amazon(Paid Link)
Wabi-Sabi Painting with Cold Wax
Serena Barton
A great book for artists wanting to explore the more intuitive and experimental qualities of cold wax. It looks at layering, texture, transparency and embracing the unexpected qualities of the medium.
Best for: Artists wanting to loosen up, experiment and develop a more intuitive approach.
View book on Amazon(Paid Link)
Cold Wax Medium: Techniques, Concepts & Conversations
Rebecca Crowell & Jerry McLaughlin
This is a comprehensive reference covering the materials, techniques and possibilities of oil and cold wax painting. It's particularly useful as an ongoing studio reference rather than simply a book to read once.
Best for: Artists wanting a comprehensive reference book for developing their cold wax practice.
Please note a new edition of this book is being released in late 2026. You can pre-order it from https://coldwaxacademy.com.
A note from me
I don't believe there is one "right" way to work with oil and cold wax. These books each approach the medium differently, and that's part of what makes them valuable. I encourage you to experiment, combine ideas and gradually develop your own way of working.
Please note I earn a commission from “Paid Links” at no extra cost to you. When shopping on Amazon, please check the currency display - click on the flag at top of Amazon page to set your language and currency.
Tools & Materials I use
Here is a list of tools and materials I use in my art practice and/or for workshops. My free oil and cold wax guide above has a comprehensive list of everything you need to start painting with oil and cold wax and includes New Zealand suppliers.
Messermeister Silicone Bowl Scraper - squeegee for applying oil and cold wax
In New Zealand these can be purchased from Takapuna Art Supplies.
Overseas, these can be purchased from Amazon. (Paid Link)
RGM Classic Painting Knife size 81 - for mixing and applying oil and cold wax
Available at Takapuna Art Supplies.
Overseas, the closest I can find is the Liquitex Freestyle small painting knife Number 7 from Amazon (Paid Link)
Essdee Cold Wax Brayers - for creating veils of colour and applying oil and cold wax
In New Zealand at Gordon Harris and Takapuna Art Supplies
Tools
Materials
Cradled Panels
For artists in New Zealand, recommend GJ Works in Lyall Bay Wellington and Frames by Daniel in Auckland.
For beginners, inexpensive panels can be bought from Spotlight.
Oil paper
For artists recommend Arches oil paper (Gordon Harris, Hobbyland and Takapuna Art Supplies).
Overseas, this can be purchased from Amazon (Paid Link)
For beginners recommend DAS oil paper (available at Hobbyland)
Cold Wax
Recommend Gamblin’s cold wax- available at Takapuna Art Supplies and Gordon Harris.
Overseas:
4oz (118ml) jars are on Amazon (Paid Link)
16oz (473ml) tins on Amazon (Paid Link)
32oz (946ml) tins on Amazon.(Paid Link)
Gamsol - odourless mineral spirits
Available at Takapuna Art Supplies and Gordon Harris.
Overseas, 16.9oz (500ml) bottles are on Amazon. (Paid Link)
Oil Paint
For artists oil paints (such as Gamblin or Gamblin 1980 from Takapuna Art Supplies).
Overseas here is a set of Gamblin 1980 on Amazon (Paid Link). Gamblin 1980 are high end student paints.
Here is a set of Gamblin professional paints on Amazon. (Paid Link)
For beginners, I use Pebeo oil paints from Gordon Harris for my workshops.
To learn more about the tools and materials download my free oil and cold wax guide above and check out my YouTube channel for tutorials.
Learn with Me
Online
My YouTube Channel is @karenpiercyart. I share oil and cold wax painting tutorials, abstract painting tips, studio updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life as a full-time artist.
If you find my videos helpful, please subscribe so you see when new ones are available. I also love comments and feedback!
In-Person
If you would like to learn from me in person in New Zealand, I hold workshops on painting with oil and cold wax. Check workshops to see what’s on.