Watercolor Materials - Good, Bad and Best!
Everything you need to know about watercolor materials and where to get them
JUST ADD WATER FOR LUMINOUS COLOR
The first time I touch my brush to wet paper and saw the magic flush of beautiful color, I fell in love with watercolor. I couldn't paint at all, but I spent a lot of time having fun painting and learning. I think you'll love watercolor, too.
Watercolor is the perfect painting medium, inexpensive, non-toxic, and always ready to fit into busy schedules. Whether you want to work loose and free or produce a tight, photo-realistic painting, watercolor is a great choice.
To see my materials list at DickBlick Art Supplies -click here.
This lesson has several sections to cover all the best watercolor materials - with helpful tips and information I've learned years of testing products.
If you've found a new and exciting watercolor product, or have any questions, just post a comment at the end of each lesson.
3 Exciting New Products
1. Masking Pen - Apply your masking like writing with a pen for a no spill option. Not just for kids! Pebeo (my favorite mask) is now available in easy to use pens. (Use a masking pickup to remove - it goes on very thinly.)
2. White Ink Pen - This goes right on top of watercolor paint for any tiny white line, like hairs, or the whiskers on kittens, or to sign my work in dark areas.
3. Qor High Chroma Sample Set - The Qor brand of watercolor doesn't fade as it dries, which means you use less paint and less time and frustration getting the color saturation you want. The colors in this sample set mix well to make stunning painting.
Your Instructor
I'm a self taught artist and I love teaching!
My story is simple.
I showed a lot of interest and talent as a child, but my parents discouraged art as a waste of time. I spent my adult life as a nurse and raised a family - pretty busy. While I was home with the birth of my daughter, I bought a cheap set of watercolors and fell in love with the bloom of color. I told my husband, 'I'm going to keep painting with these until I get really good.'
Back then, not many painted realistic watercolors, so I practiced and tried things until I worked out my own style. It took a lot of trial and error,
. When I entered my first art show, I won two awards and was told I'd have to enter the professional category and not beginner. That frightened me soo much, I didn't enter again for years.
When my work began selling, I entered more shows with more great success. I worked very hard and became a full time professional artist and teacher.
Although my work has been recognized and featured in major exhibitions, books and magazines, I'm very down to earth, and just love painting.
No one has 'all the time in the world'. Paint now. You're never too old, it's never too late. Any bit of time you can practice will improve your skills.
And yes, this cowboy is a watercolor painting. (Reference photo used with permission by Diana Robinson)
Have fun and learn from a master - sign up today!