2010 Watercolor Painting Classes
Supplies List
Paints: artist grade, in tubes
To start, you will want 3 cool and 3 warm primary colors. Below are some suggestions, but any warm or cool colors will do to get started.
Cool: Cobalt Blue, Alizarin Crimson (or Permanent Rose), Aureolin Yellow
Warm: Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Red (or Quinacridone Coral or Scarlet Lake) Gamboge or Quin Gold (yellow)
Others you may want to add later: Burnt Sienna, Quinacridone Gold, Winsor Purple (Diox Violet), Winsor Blue (Thalo Blue), Winsor Green (Thalo Green), Cerulean Blue, Olive Green or Sap Green, Raw Sienna, and Peach Black. I will also introduce new colors in class as we go along.
NOTE: If you already have paints on hand, bring them even if they don’t match the above list, or they are student grade. Ultimately, you will want to use artist grade paints since student grade paints have less pigment and are difficult to get vibrant results. Brands of Artist Grade: Winsor Newton (not Cotman), Holbein, Daniel Smith, DaVinci, M. Graham.
Paper:
The easiest way: Arches watercolor blocks, size 12 x 16”. These are blocks of paper that are fused together, usually 20 sheets to a block, which can be painted on one sheet at a time. This is the easiest way, especially for transporting, and because they are already mounted, you won’t need a separate board.
The alternative: 2-3 Full Sheets (22×30”) of Arches 140# Cold Press (cut one into quarter sheets -11×15”). You will need a board, wood, masonite, gatorboard or foamcore, cut to the size large enough to hold the paper (about 12×16” for quarter sheets). Foamcore should be sealed with contact paper and it can be found in most office supply stores, Walmart, Michaels, Preston Art. Gatorboard can be found at Preston or online. Stores sell lightweight boards specifically for watercolor, too.
Palette: a palette with a lid is best for transporting and storing your paints. Try to find one with a large mixing surface. I use a John Pike and it has lasted for years. As an alternative, you can use an old white plate or a butcher’s tray (white painted metal) covered in Saran Wrap.
Watercolor Brushes: You will need a #8 or #10 round brush and a #4 round or rigger brush. Later, you may want to add other brushes but these will get you started.
Brushes can be sable or synthetic or a blend of both, but the main thing you are looking for is that it holds plenty of water and makes a good point. I find Michael’s has a decent, inexpensive synthetic: Loew Cornell, it will have a red band around the handle. You are welcome to try my brushes out in class to see what suits you.
Misc.: #2 Pencil, (or HB Drawing Pencil); Kneaded Eraser (gray, not white); water container (any tub or jar will do); paper towels, spray bottle filled w/ water (an old hairspray bottle is good), general masking tape (like 3M, beige, not blue-blue competes with your colors).
Not required, but if you want to take notes or paint sketches as lesson reminders, bring a watercolor sketch book.
There will be tables set up, but if you have an easel and prefer to paint upright, feel free to bring it.
Sources for supplies: Local sources—Clifton Art Supply (Frankfort Aveue), Preston Art Center (Gardiner Lane Shopping Ctr on Bardstown Rd), Michael’s (Westport Rd, Hurstbourne Lane and others), Hobby Lobby (Breckenridge Lane or Outer Loop), Artists and Craftman’s Supply (Barrett Avenue).
Online sources are usually less expensive, especially for paints and paper, but may take a week to get: DickBlick.com, JerrysArtarama.com, CheapJoes.com, Daniel Smith.com, are just a few. We frequently make “group” online purchases to save on shipping. Let me know if you would want me to add your items to our next order.