Let’s paint!
Paper is one of your most important tools.
- I recommend Arches 140 lb. cold press paper
- A pad of 9 x 12 sheets is a good starter size.
Paint
- Watercolor Palette (with cover) to hold at least 12 paint colors, plus a mixing area. Below are two examples, there are many options available.
- Tubes of watercolor paint: I recommend using professional-grade paint such as Winsor Newton, Holbein or Daniel Smith. The amount of pigment in these paints exceeds student grade options and will give you much better results.
- Here are 8 good colors for starting out:
| Cobalt Blue | Winsor Yellow |
| French Ultramarine | New Gamboge |
| Permanent Alizarin Crimson | Raw Sienna |
| Cadmium Scarlet | Burnet Sienna |
| Optional additions I use: Paynes Grey (Winsor Newton) Viridian Green, Phthlo Blue, Permanent Rose, Cerulean Blue | |
Basic Brushes
- #10 or #12 Silver Black Velvet Round or other brand
- A ¾-inch or 1-inch flat wash brush
Note: I recommend buying synthetic blends over nylon brushes as nylon brushes can be difficult to work with.
Miscellaneous Supplies
- Two water containers (I use 24 oz yogurt containers)
- Roll of paper towels (my favorite are Viva)
- Small cellulose kitchen sponge
- Backing board (20 x 24 inch or larger) This is to tape your paper to as a support.
- White artist or masking tape (3/4 or 1 inch)
- Pencil, kneaded eraser, black marker and small sketch pad
- Small fine mist spray bottle
- Pebeo Drawing Gum and small brush for application
- 2-3 small spritzing bottles
These supplies are available at Dick Blick’s in Edina or Rosedale, Artworks in Excelsior or Art Materials in Minneapolis or online from Dick Blick’s, Cheap Joe’s and Jerry’s Artarama. Michaels carries some of these supplies as well.
