Watercolor Supplies:
To paint with watercolors you need paint, paper, brushes and a bag full of miscellaneous supplies. Here is what I recommend to get you started or to fill out what you already have. You should also start gathering photo reference for ideas to paint. I will bring ideas but you will be most inspired by subjects that matter to you.
Paint
It is tempting to skimp on paint but trying to use low quality paint the consistency of toothpaste is like cooking with food that isn't fresh. You have to start with good ingredients to get good results. The best brands are Winsor Newton and Holbein ( my favorite) Dick Blick also has it's own brand which I think offers a nice alternative without sacrificing quality. To save money you can get a set, or buy the 5ml sizes. Please start with a minimum of the following eight colors
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yellow ochre
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burnt sienna
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cadmium red
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cerulean blue
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cobalt blue
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ultramarine blue
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pthalo green (also called Winsor green)
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rose madder ( or permanent rose or opera rose)
Other good ones to have if you want to add on are
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raw umber
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raw sienna
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cadmium yellow
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Indian red
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pthalo blue (also called Winsor blue)
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Winsor red
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viridian green
If you have been painting for a while and want to add some of my favorite colors then go ahead and get any of these colors you may want to try
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quinacridone gold
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cobalt turquoise
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cobalt violet
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scarlet lake
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brown madder
Paper
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beginners will work best with a pad of paper. The just right size is 9x12" Please choose Cold press paper. I recommend ARCHES WC BLOCKS/9X12 CP 140LB 20SHT
Brushes
Range in price and affects the outcome. You need one small and one large to start. Beginners do not need highest qualify. I use Kolinsky sable but you can use:
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COTMAN ROUND BRUSH/SZ 12 and 6 and if you want one, a 1" flat
Palette
You need something to keep the paint in. The best is the John Pike Palette which is around $28 on Amazon there are also cheaper versions of the same thing
Misc
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gray kneaded eraser ($1)
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plastic quart sized container to hold water (old clean soup takeout container)
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atomizer/spray bottle from art store but CVS has this too ($2)
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no. 2 pencil ( nothing fancy)
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kitchen sponge
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tissues and paper towels
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Mr. Clean Magic eraser ( buy at supermarket)
For your convenience I have selected supplies from Dick Blick which has the best online prices for art supplies.
Supply list for the dedicated Student Start with the required list and add watercolors as you advance from recommended supplies.
Watercolor Trial Supply List A starter set for the beginner watercolorist.
