Watercolor supplies
I am excited that you have shown an interest in learning to paint! I have been an artist all my life, dabbling in all different forms of arts and crafts. I loved painting in high school but after joining the military, getting married, and having kids, painting seemed it would be a hassle. It's messy and I didn't have
It wasn't until we were in the middle of a PCS(military move), in temporary lodging with nothing to do, I decided to buy a little travel watercolor set. I never liked watercolors before because I always strived to create realistic paintings and watercolor seemed hard to control. I got on youtube, tried different techniques, and it didn't take me long to get comfortable with the medium.
Florals are something that I can paint without much thought or reference, just using my imagination. In the next few
Paint
Watercolor comes in both tubes and pans. I prefer the pans because it just seems more convenient. The ones I use most are the white nights but I've found that brand doesn't make a huge difference because I can achieve the look I want with the cheapest paints. Some of the pans below come in a case with a built-in-palette, which are great for travel.
- What I use: White Nights
- Other brands I recommend: Winson & Newton| Daniel Smith | Sakura
- Cheapest, locally available options:
Fine touch from Hobby Lobby | Reeves from Michaels
Paint Brushes
Paint brushes play an important role in the quality and technique of watercolor painting. I did my first watercolor paintings with a water brush. The handle has a reservoir that holds water and you can squeeze it to release the water into the paint. I still use one when I'm away from home. Its a lot more convenient than having to fill a cup of water.
When I am home I prefer to use synthetic round brushes. I have sizes ranging from 00 to 12. It's important to make sure the brushes are meant for watercolor painting, they are usually softer than those used for acrylic or oils.
I typically buy my brushes locally, Michaels and hobby lobby have a decent selection. Always look for the individually sold brushes. They will be much better than the ones that come in a set. These stores usually have them labeled for their best uses.
*If you want to buy just one I would recommend a size 6-10.
- Water brushes: Pentel (also found at hobby lobby, if bought individual instead of a set I recommend the Medium)
- Round synthetic: Princeton Heritage Series,(I buy mine at the local art store, Asel's) | Grumbacher(also available at Michaels) | Masters Touch Golden Taklon(sold at Hobby Lobby)
- On my wish list: DaVinci(I have seen these along with some beautiful work on
instagram but cantbring myself to pay that much for a paint brush!)
Paper
I feel this is the most important factor in how your work will turn out. There is a huge difference in how the paint reacts to cheap paper compared to the good quality 100% cotton paper. The paper is going to determine how your paint flows and blends. If you try using the cheapest papers you will be frustrated with how long you have to let it dry.
You want to look for cold pressed, 100% cotton, watercolor paper.
***The paper must be specifically for watercolors***
- Papers that are ok: Canson | Strathmore(both can be found at Michaels and Hobby Lobby)
- Travel watercolor books: Global Arts | Khadi
Other supplies you will need but should already have on hand is a cup of water, a paper towel, and a plate to use as a palette, or you can buy a small palette for a couple of dollars if you prefer.