If you've ever wondered, "What supplies do I use?" you're not alone. In this blog post, I'll walk you through the watercolour supplies I rely on for my art journey. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just getting started, this guide will help you make informed choices for your watercolour projects.
Watercolor Paints
Student-Grade Paints
When I'm practising or painting for personal use, I opt for student-grade paints. These paints offer good quality at a budget-friendly price. I use Shinhan Professional Tubes, which, despite the "Professional" label, are affordable and perfect for practice. Another great option is the Winsor and Newton Cotman Tubes or Pans. They provide creamy, high-quality colours for your artwork.
Professional-Grade Paints
For selling original artwork, I recommend stepping up to professional-grade paints. Winsor and Newton Professional Watercolors are my top choice. I prefer them in tubes because they allow precise control over the amount of paint I use. These paints provide vibrant, long-lasting colours for your professional pieces.
Pro Tip: Mix and match colours to create unique shades. If you're interested in learning more about colour mixing, check out my Skillshare class, Watercolor Florals for Beginners: Exploring Depth, Color, and Details.
Watercolor Paper
Before we dive into paper details, let's discuss the Cold Press vs. Hot Press differences. Choose based on your painting style and preference:
Cold Press Paper
Fine Grained: Ideal for detailed work.
Medium Grained: Great for loose florals.
Rough: Not recommended for detailed work.
Hot Press Paper
Perfect for adding extremely fine details, often preferred by artists who paint realistic florals. Some hot press paper, like Saunders Waterford: 200lb Hot Press Pad, has a slight texture that adds depth to your artwork.
For Practice
For practice, I typically use the Canson XL Watercolor Pad. It offers good quality and is suitable for my painting style. When I need to work on slightly more detailed pieces, I switch to hot press paper like the CLAIREFONTAINE Hot Press 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper Pad 300gsm.
For Professional Use
For professional work, I recommend the Saunders Waterford: 200lb Hot Press Pad. It provides excellent texture and is made from high-quality 100% cotton, ensuring your artwork lasts. Look for a paper that meets these criteria:
100% cotton: Ensures the best paper quality and absorption.
Minimum 300 GSM/140lb: Don't compromise on paper weight.
Acid-free: Consider acid-free paper for long-lasting, archival-quality artwork.
Acid-free archival paper can last more than 1,000 years and is ideal for preserving your art in the long term.
No matter which brands you choose, quality supplies are essential for your watercolour journey. Whether you're practising or creating professional artwork, investing in the right paints and paper will elevate your creations.
Pro Tip: If you're ready to start shopping, here's my affiliate link to some of the supplies: Shop Now.
Brushes
Brushes are a one-time investment, unlike paper and paints. It is a good idea to practice with the same brushes you plan to use for professional work. So, I recommend spending well on brushes and these will go a long way if taken care of. So here are my favourites. Choose any that suits your budget.
Round Brushes:
Princeton Aqua Elite round brush size 4 and Size 8
Princeton Velvet Touch round brush sizes 4 and 8
You can even consider using The Ultimate Brush Sets from yours truly :)
Detailing Brush
My quest to find the perfect detailing brush led me to creating one that suits my needs. My detailing brush is available on my website.
I hope this comprehensive guide to watercolour painting supplies has been a valuable resource for your artistic journey. Whether you're a seasoned painter or just dipping your brushes into the world of watercolours, having the right supplies can make all the difference.
Remember, your choice of paints and paper should align with your goals. For practice and personal use, student-grade supplies like Shinhan Professional Tubes or Winsor and Newton Cotman Tubes or Pans offer quality without breaking the bank. When it's time to create original pieces for sale, consider investing in professional-grade paints such as Winsor and Newton Professional Watercolors for vibrant, long-lasting results.
Selecting the right paper is equally crucial. Whether you prefer cold press or hot press, be sure to choose high-quality paper that meets the criteria of 100% cotton, a minimum weight of 300 GSM/140lb, and acid-free properties.
If you have any questions, or doubts, or need further guidance on your watercolour journey, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to assist you and provide insights to help you thrive as an artist.
May your watercolour creations be filled with beauty and inspiration. Happy Painting!