Paper:
If you have a favorite brand of watercolor paper, by all means, use it. STRATHMORE paper is not recommended. It doesn’t respond well to any watercolor techniques that distress the paper. There are several good brands of paper that can be purchased as individual sheets or in a “block” (A block is 15 sheets of watercolor paper glued around the edges to inhibit buckling.) Try to get 140 pound cold-press. If you buy a block, get a size about 15 x 20.
Colors:
I do not require that students use only certain colors. If you already have your own choices, bring them. I use a limited palette and mix additional colors as needed. If you wish to get the colors I use, they are: Cadmium Yellow Medium, Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue (dark), Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Red Deep, Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Red Light, Alizarin Crimson, Payne’s Gray, Phthalo Green
Brushes:
If you have your own brushes, bring them. I use a large wash brush for skies, etc. I use a fine-line brush for branches and fine strokes. In between it is your choice. By the way, I heartily recommend getting a fine-line brush that has long bristles. This is usually called a script liner. This brush will have bristles about ¾ inches long. Get a long-bristle brush if you can. I will explain the use for a long-bristle brush in class.
Other supplies:
• Palette (Don’t buy the little, round 6-inch palettes sold in art stores. The mixing area in the center is much too inadequate. I use the “Blick” covered palette. It is 12” x 15” white plastic
with a large mixing area.)
• Quart size container for water (The top opening should be large enough to soak a sponge while holding it in your fingers. I use a wide mouth mayonnaise jar.)
• Spritzer bottle – Windex type (Get a push-on-the-top, not trigger type)
• Container of liquid frisket (Any brand will do, but White Mask and Winsor Newton are best.)
• Hand towel
• Paper towels
• Scissors
• Art Gum Eraser
Blick Art Materials should have all the supplies. Students should ask for a free preferred card that gives 10% off regular priced items. Supplies can be bought at Blick Art Materials.