Paint-Along – PreClass

Welcome to class! The paintings in this course were filmed at the start of my watercolor journey – I was super excited about them, and now years later…I look at them and question myself! HOWEVER – that means they’re nice and easy. So please enjoy them, paint along…..and get started on your journey! 

Before we get started, I wanted to share a few thoughts…

Supplies

Materials are important – but if you don’t have these, try what you DO have. You can always decide to try other paints or brushes later if yours don’t work. 

If you have other watercolor supplies feel free to try them out – but know that results may differ. Affiliate links are used (which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you).

Watercolor Brushes

Silver Brush Black Velvet Brushes: I recommend both sizes, but if only getting one, the 8:

1. Silver Brush Black Velvet Round #8 BLICK  AMZ  JACKSONS
2. Silver Brush Black Velvet Round #12 BLICK  AMZ JACKSONS

Watercolor Paper

You’l be surprised how much difference good paper will make! Don’t tell yourself you’re too new.

1. Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper Pad 9×12 BLICK  AMZ  JACKSONS

Watercolor Paints/Palette

These are updated recommendations since the original filming. Good watercolor paints will really help, but use what you’ve got. If you do well with that, then treat yourself to these.

1. Daniel Smith, Essentials 5ml Set of 6 BLICK  AMZ  JACKSONS
   (includes: Hansa Yellow Light, Quinacridone Rose, Phthalo Blue – Green Shade, New Gamboge, Pyrrol Scarlet, French Ultramarine)
2. Palette options
   1. A tile or white ceramic plate – go to a hardware store for a tile Goodwill for the plate
   2. A metal palette, that holds 24 half pans or 12 full pans., my personal preference. BLICK  AMZ  JACKSONS
   3. Mini palette is just for a few colors. BLICK

Other items

1. Spray bottles (or use an empty household spray bottle – make sure it’s clean!)
2. Kneaded eraser BLICK  AMZ  JACKSONS
3. Ruler – any kind.
4. Pencil – any kind
5. Ampersand Hardbord – optional (if painting outside of the sketchbook this is a good surface to tape your papr onto)
6. Tape – I prefer Artist Tape but as a beginner you can get masking tape.

Setting up a palette like mine, if you choose

If you’d like to create a palette like mine, here’s more on how I set it up (see the blog post HERE) – pdf is HERE.