Note: I'll discuss paints, paper and brushes in class.
None of this is required. Get only what you’re interested in using, use what you already have or improvise. I can give you paint dabs to try (ask me). Art stores often have a student discount if you ask. Let them know you’re in a class.
Ink pen (preferably waterproof)
Drawing pencil (I use PENTEL mechanical pencil)
Kneaded eraser or soft white eraser
Drawing pad or sketch pad - inexpensive printer or copy paper is fine for rough drawings
A favorite surface for watercolor is Crescent Watercolor Board (not illustration board)
Arches also makes a watercolor board that is thinner, but I like the surface — not as fond of Strathmore's board
Watercolor blocks are several sheets of paper with gummed edges to hold the paper flat to reduce buckling. Paint the top sheet, then break it free after painting with a blunt knife. I often use inexpensive Montval blocks which is buffered to be acid free. Arches makes a block that is more expensive but good quality, 100% cotton (rag)
… or use loose sheets
Note: Paper comes in different textures...
hot press (smooth, for detail work)
cold press (textured, for looser work)
rough (aggressive texture)
I’ll discuss paints, paper and brushes in the first class, but if you already have paints, feel free to bring them and start right in painting.
Note: If you’re not using a block, watercolor board, or heavy paper, you may want to tape your paper to a board so edges won’t buckle as much.
Plastic palette with deep wells to hold fluid and flatter area for mixing.
you can use the simple round type, I like the ELDAJON palette and put them in an Art Bin case that holds several, for transporting.
Note: a lid can be helpful for transporting wet paint. Some palettes come with a gasket to keep wet paint inside.
Water pot
Even a yogurt container works
Brushes
My favorite is the Connoisseur Risslon Dagger, a tapered brush that makes a fine point and holds lots of water or paint, I use both 3/8 and 1/2 inch. I also like Connoisseur ‘s Oval Wash brushes, 1 and 1/2 inch sizes
Princeton brushes
Liner #1 - has very long, narrow bristles
Small, stiff angular brush to mix paint
Angular Shader #4 or small Connoisseur scrubber
Occasionally I use a small sable brush for detail work (size 000-2)
Watercolcor Paint
Paints are expensive, but if you plan to peruse watercolor, invest in artist quality paints. A few good tubes will get you started, and others will likely be willing to share a dab of their pigments to experiment with. While some colors mix nicely from primary colors (yellow, red, blue) you can’t easily get every shade that way. Your range increases when you have both warm and cool primaries.
I don’t buy black or white paint and mix colorful neutrals and black tones from primary colors. White comes from the paper itself, showing through transparent paint.
I prefer M. Graham, Daniel Smith, and Winsor Newton paints, but if you already have paints, feel free to use them to start painting.
My palette changes often, depending on how I’m feeling and the color range I’m wanting.
*Suggested colors ( '/' means 'or' ):
Warm primary colors
Gamboge (yellow)
Pyrolle Red
Ultramarine Blue
Cool primary colors
Azo Yellow / Aureolin / Hansa Yellow
Quinacridone Rose / Permanent Rose
Phthalo Blue / Cobalt Blue / Winsor Blue GS
Etc: These make a great palette
Quinacridone Violet
Quinacridone Gold
Quinacridone Red (coral)
Quinacridone Rust
Cobalt Violet
Phthalo Green
Greens and browns can be mixed from the above colors instead of buying these blends:
Green Gold
Raw Sienna
Burnt Sienna
Burnt Umber
Optional
A camera to take reference photos
Images or plant material, reference photos