Watercolor Students Materials List

Recent work:  1-3 recent paintings for evaluation if you have them. 

Stuff to draw from:  Preferably your own photographs’ ideas for paintings, etc.  I have a stack of photographs but something you have experienced works best.  Small photos clipped from magazines or newspapers are the least desirable.

Paper:  1 full sheet (22’ x 30”) of 140 lb or 300 lb cold pressed watercolor paper or a block of watercolor paper, 11” x 15”or larger.  I recommend Arches.  Avoid Canson.  I recommend more experienced students work half sheet or larger.  Extra scrap watercolor paper for testing colors.

Paints:   Get a tube of each of the following if you don’t already have them:

          Winsor, aureolin, or transparent yellow

          Yellow ochre

          Burnt sienna

          Raw sienna

          Burnt umber

          Cadmium red or scarlet lake

          Permanent alizarin crimson

          Permanent rose

          Cobalt blue

          Manganese blue or cerulean blue

          Phathlo or Winsor blue

          Ultramarine blue

          Phathlo or Winsor green

          Hooker’s green

          Optional colors:

          Quinacridone Gold

          Quinacridone Burnt Orange

          Sap Green

          Permanent rose madder

          Permanent red-violet or quinacridone violet

Buy artist grade paints such as Winsor & Newton, Holbein, MaimeriBlu or Daniel Smith.  American Journey, Da Vinci and Van Gogh are okay if you have them.  Do not buy student grade paints such as Cotman or Grumbacher. 

Palette:  Something to serve as a palette box, such as a white plasticized plate, butcher tray, white melamine plate (will become stained).  I recommend a regular watercolor palette with 16 or more individual wells for colors and a large mixing area..

Water containers:  A 2 pint, or larger, container and a gallon container.  Sizes are approximate.  Recycle something.

Brushes: 

          A No. 12 natural bristle or blended bristle short-handled round watercolor brush. 

          A 1” round mop or 1 ½” flat wash brush.  You want a brush that will hold lots of water. 

          Recommended additional brushes:

                   A No. 6 and a rigger brush

Natural bristle brushes come in all price ranges.  Squirrel blends are inexpensive, keep a decent point and hold a lot of water.  Sable and sable blends come in all qualities (and prices).  Some good brands to begin with:

          Winsor and Newton.  Buy better than the series 136.  It won’t hold a point.  Their Spectre II are wonderful but very expensive.

          Silver Black Velvet Rounds.  These are “mops” but they hold an acceptable point and come in small, med & jumbo.  Inexpensive but I use them a lot.

          Stratford and York:  The amethyst line is a good quality blend.  It is pricey for a beginner but doesn’t require a loan to purchase and is good for advanced work.  They also have a squirrel hair blend similar to the silver black velvet.

          Loew-Cornell:  Reasonable priced and mid quality.  Make sure you get watercolor brushes.  Most are synthetic but hold a good amount of water.

Easel:  This doesn’t have to be fancy.  A varnished piece of Masonite propped up 3-6 inches in the back will do.  If you are using a watercolor paper block you have a built in easel.  If you use 140 lb single sheet paper it will buckle with large washes.   Stapling or taping it to a board, like Masonite, varnished wood or ½” Gatorboard will prevent buckling. 

Masking Tape:  The low tack green or blue type

Drawing Supplies:  White eraser, HB pencil, drawing pad, preferably the same size as your watercolor paper,   

          Optional: Gray Scale Markers (Prismacolor), 3 values (lt., med., and dark), wax free graphite paper if you are transferring a drawing.  There will be one light box available

Masking Fluid:  If you use masking fluid bring some liquid dishwashing soap in a small sealable container, like a 35 mm film canister.

Brush Washing Soap or Saddle Soap

Optional:  Hairdryer (one will be available), an old hand or dish towel.  Paper towels are available.

IF IN DOUBT DON’T BUY IT.  Come to class first to see what works best.  If you can’t get everything don’t worry about it.  I’ll share. Call if you have questions.  Terry Denson, 727-698-2285.