The following list is generalized. Feel free to bring your preferred paints and materials. Be familiar and comfortable with your supplies. Call and talk over any mystery items.
Watercolor paper: 140 lb. Cold press/ 0ne sheet per day/ 100% rag,
any brand……
Palette: Your choice, suitable for watercolor. Covered is handy.
Brushes: 1” and 2” flats/ #6,10 or 12, 26 rounds/#4 or 6 rigger and any other favorite brushes….we all have our personal choices.
Backer Board: Any stiff portable surface will suit: masonite, foam core, wood. Cut board to 16 x 23 for ½ sheet, 12 x 16 for ¼ sheet, 23 x 31” for full sheet, if preparing your own.
Easel: outdoor, upright painting easel… i.e.: Stanrite 100 or French ½ size.
Misc: clips, masking tape, water bottle, water dish, sponge, paper towels, sketch book, pencils/drawing tools….Maybe a folding stool…backpack for carrying gear…suitable footwear for all terrain…and of course, sun block and a visor hat for protection…
Watercolor paints: Artist or Professional grade colors are recommended. Bring your selected color fast colors. Brand names like: Winsor Newton, DaVinci, Daler/Rowney, Daniel Smith, Grumbacher, American Journey, Sennelier are all familiar names. (DaVinci offers the best price and I find most colors good) Black and white watercolors are not needed.
White gouache is recommended for opaque use.
My color choices are:
Reds: Permanent Alizarin Crimson, Red Rose Deep or Permanent Rose, Scarlet Lake
Orange: Cadmium Orange
Yellows: Naples Yellow, Cadmium Yellow Light or lemon yellow, Gamboge Hue (I love Rowney brand), Raw sienna
Greens: Winsor Green/Blue shade or Phthalo Green, Permanent Sap Green
Blues: French Ultramarine or Ultramarine (I prefer Winsor Newton), Cobalt and Cerulean
Optional: Phthalo blue, Indigo, Prussian
Browns: Burnt Umber and Burnt Sienna
Local art Stores carry most items, or use the various 800# catalog stores.
Cheap Joe’s(800-257-2788) or Daniel Smith (800-426-7923) or ASW (800-995-6778)
Or any others found in American Artist ads…Shop around!
The Wilcox Guide to the Best Watercolors is a great reference book for paints…and Betty Edward’s Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is good for us all! Also, Cathy Johnson has a new book out on Plein Air painting (c/o Northlight Books) I highly recommend them.
