Are you overwhelmed at the sheer volume of supplies available? It's amazing that we have access to a whole wide world of supplies, starting at that Crayola set at Wal-Mart all the way up to super expensive pigments that are $20 for a tiny tube...not to mention the vast array of papers and brushes! It's enough to make an inspiring artist run for the couch and Netflix!
Well, I am here to save you from that fate....I have been there and know that even if you have only the tiniest interest in watercolors, it is worth the effort! Watercolor is such a rewarding medium....the styles and approaches are so varied and your results are as individual as your thumbprint! So let's get started!
All the opinions in this post are my personal opinions, from my own personal trial-and-error experience! This page also contains affiliate links (read full disclosure here.)
So you're ready to jump into this wonderful world of watercolor?! Wooohoooo! Let's go!
There are so very many personal choices when it comes to creating your art, but let's not handicap ourselves by starting out with flimsy papers (cheap paper warps terribly), brushes that don't hold any paint (will make your paintings streaky) and paints that are more fillers than pigment (dull instead of luminous).
Let me share with you what I have learned, so that you can avoid wasting time and money on supplies that will let you down!
Paint!
I began my watercolor journey with M. Graham Watercolor and still continue to use their paints. The colors are so rich and transparent, made in small batches and hand-crafted with traditional methods. The pigments are intense, but also perfect for very transparent washes made with the smallest amount of paint. In my very dry climate the natural honey base stays moist for longer, and rehydrates very easily on my palette. The paints come in sets or individual tubes.
First 3:
Ultramarine Blue: my all time favorite blue for skies....slightly granulating---gorgeous!!
Indian Yellow: a warm yellow that makes me think of Sunflowers! Mixes with ultramarine blue to make wonderful greens and with Alizarin Crimson to make vibrant orange!
Alizarin Crimson: a cool (more bluish than orangish) red. I love a slightly cooler red, especially for architecture and the settings where I use reds. If I need it warmer, I simply add a bit of Indian yellow. This tube of red will last you soooo long!!
3 More:
Hookers Green: many people say all mixed greens are just a convenience and while I technically agree, if you are painting landscapes this color will get used up faster than your ultramarine blue! I add a bit of any red (usually Alizarin Crimson or Burnt Sienna) to neutralize, it can be much too bright for most landscapes. Use as a light wash on distant trees and hills with some ultramarine blue to give that wonderful aerial perspective and sense of distance.
Burnt Sienna: an earthy red, this is the base tone for most of my brickwork. Mixed in varying amounts with Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna makes the most beautiful neutral grays! (pro tip: have a well in your palette devoted to this mix of Burnt Sienna and Ultramarine Blue, that way you don't have a need for any premixed grays/charcoal/black. Although if you are looking for a gray/black, M. Graham's Payne's Gray is divine!! ).
Hansa Yellow A cooler, lemon yellow. A classic primary yellow that mixes beautifully!
Next 3
Scarlet (Pyrrol) a true bright, warm red! Beautiful and clear pigment!
Cobalt Blue: fantastic for summer skies and earthy greens, a slightly warmer blue than ultramarine.
Raw Sienna another earth tone, warm and golden. This paint is one of my favorites, a real standby....can't believe it's last on my list of 9 must haves!
To put your paint out and get ready to paint, you need a basic palette. I started with these small porcelain ones, and I still love them!
This one has unique slanted areas for mixing. This is the second palette I bought, and I use it mostly for mixes.
Recently I bought a big studio palette It has large wells and large mixing areas, as well as additional mixing areas on the lid.
And my travel palette. Much smaller wells, but I love how sturdy it is and the way it seals up for easy packing. .
Hope this helps! Upcoming posts will share my go-to brushes and papers! Let's get painting!
p.s. here is a link to find all the basics in one place!
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