Choosing the right materials for watercolor painting can dramatically impact the end result of your artwork. This detailed checklist will guide you through the process of selecting the most suitable equipment to produce a high-quality piece of watercolor art.
1. Watercolor Paint
Your first point of call is watercolor paint. These paints are made up of pigments suspended in a water-soluble vehicle. You can find them in two forms – tubes and pans. Tubes contain a wet paste, while pans have dry cakes.
If you’re a novice, starting with a primary color set (red, blue, and yellow) is ideal. With these, you can blend most colors. As you advance in your painting skills, you can extend your palette to include a wider range of colors.
2. Brushes
Even the finest paints cannot make up for poor quality brushes. The vital factors when selecting brushes are their size, shape, and whether they are made from natural or synthetic material. Round brushes are a staple for most watercolor artists due to their versatility. Consider getting smaller brushes for detailed work and larger ones for washes.
Most artists prefer natural hair brushes for their ability to hold and evenly distribute paint. However, good quality synthetic brushes can also get the job done and are more cruelty-free and durable.
3. Watercolor Paper
Not just any paper can be used for watercolor painting. Regular paper does not hold water well and will warp or even tear when it gets wet. Watercolor paper is thicker and specifically designed to withstand the application of water.
The weight of the paper is important, and it’s measured in grams per square meter (gsm). Typically, watercolor papers range from 300-640gsm. Heavier paper is less likely to warp but more expensive. Lighter paper is cheaper and can be suitable if you’re planning on using little water or if it’s going to be stretched prior to use.
4. Palette
A palette is crucial for mixing your paints. Choose a palette with multiple wells for holding different colors and large flat areas for mixing. A white palette is particularly recommended as it allows you to see the true color of your mixed paints.
5. Water containers
Certainly, you’ll need water to paint with watercolors! A container for rinsing your brushes between colors and another for clean water to use in mixes are very handy. Simple household items such as jars or cups can serve this purpose perfectly.
6. Masking Fluid
Masking fluid is useful for preserving white areas that you want to keep free from paint. This liquid latex can be applied to the paper before you start painting and peeled off afterward to reveal the preserved area.
7. Sponges and Tissues
Sponges and tissues can also play a role in your watercolor artwork. They can be used for soaking up excess water or paint, creating texture, or lifting color off the paper for various effects.
8. Art Board or Easel
If you prefer to work upright, you might want to consider using an easel. However, for most watercolor work, a sloping artboard provides a good alternative, allowing gravity to help with the effect of the washes.
9. Drawing Tools
Pencil and eraser are important tools in preparing your artwork. Sketching the initial composition before you paint helps ensure that you get proportions and positioning correct.
10. Mixing Trays
Having a separate mixing tray can be very useful, particularly for those who love to experiment with creating new color combinations.
11. Protective Clothing
Since watercolor painting can get messy, wearing protective clothing or an apron is a good idea. You might also want to cover your work surface to ensure it doesn’t get stained.
Don’t feel that you need to purchase everything on this checklist at once. Start with the basics – paint, brushes, and paper. Once you get comfortable with these, you can gradually add more tools and materials as your skills and techniques develop.
Remember, while having good quality materials can certainly help, it’s practice, and creativity that truly makes a great watercolor artist. Start painting and enjoy the process of learning and creating.
