Start Watercoloring

So many of you have asked me how to get started with watercolor without breaking the bank. I put on my thinking cap for today's video and outlined the three supplies you need, in order of importance. 

My best advice is to start with a solid paper, decent brushes and cheap (!) watercolors. Why?

Paper is important. You want paper that you can trust. Cold press paper of about 140 lb is great. It will accept the water and color without a fuss. Strathmore (Best 400 Series) is such a paper. It has a nice tooth texture and will hold a good amount of color. In the smallest size, 5.5" x 8.5", tape it lightly to a board (or leave it in the pack). It won't buckle.

Brushes are tools that you can have for life. I have a couple of Princeton brushes that must be about 20 years old. They aren't super pricey. Treat them well and they will last. Robert Simmons' brushes are pretty good as well. 

You probably won't want to hear this but color is where you can skimp at first. I really love the Prang watercolors. Yes. There aren't a gazillion colors. You don't need that many. Amongst the many inexpensive paints I've used, these are the most pigmented. The Sakura Koi set is fine as well. Some of the Koi colors are more opaque. That's a characteristic of Japanese paints - like the Gansai Tambi watercolors. 

Limiting your supplies and colors means you have to push yourself to do more with less. An extensive palette and Kolinsky brushes won't make you a better painter. The most important thing when you first start to paint is do it alot. And quit judging yourself. (I can hear you.) There is nothing better than practice. Just like anything else.

Here's the video and the supplies are linked below *affiliate links - I get a % of sale at no cost to you. 

Strathmore Watercolor Pad, 5.5" x 8.5"	Strathmore Mixed Media Pad, 9"x12"	Strathmore Watercolor Blocks	Canson XL Mix Media Sketch Book	Prang Watercolor Set
Koi Travel Set, 12 colors	Koi 24 Color Travel Set	Robert Simmons Watercolor Brush, Size 14	Princeton, 3/4" Flat Wash	Princeton Round, Size 8
Princeton Round, Size 6

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Comments

[A Facebook User]

Diana, this is great that you are singing the praises of the delicious Prang watercolors...you can find them in the kids craft sections of the arts & crafts store chains, and with a coupon, get them for just a couple of dollars! I have used them for years, the colors flow smoothly, mix well, and are just plain juicy! Love your whole post and agree with you...good brushes, great paper, cheap paint!

[Diana Trout]

Oh great! Thanks :) My local craft stores don’t stock them - they have Crayolas but I get them from Amazon or DickBlick. I’m glad you liked my post

[Anne Rita Taylor]

I enjoyed your video about which art supplies to use. I have been making art and crafting for years and it is always fun to go back to the basics.
Art Craft Share at: http://anneritataylor.blogspot.com