Tools for the Watercolor Artist
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The better the tools, the better the art.
Right?
And if you live with an artist like I do, they adore new tools. Whenever you have the occasion to stock up on supplies, let this list be your guide.
Think birthdays. Think Christmas. I’ve even been known to fill an Easter basket with art supplies.
Then watch your artist create!
Sketching Supplies for the Watercolor Artist
Our daughter has been creating for a long time, but as she has matured so have her supplies. Some of these are new to us. She has discovered the joy of the Micron pen this year. And there’s no turning back.
Sketch Pencils– You can use pencils in various hardness and learn which one you like best. Rebecca likes a number 3 which is not as soft as a number 2.
Kneaded Eraser– Hands down the best eraser on the planet. She uses it for math now too. Mistakes with flair.
Pencil Sharpener– If you have nice quality pencils, this is the pencil sharpener to maintain them.
Micron Pen Set– Smooth and purposeful, high quality drawing pens. I used to use them in my scrapbooking, but wow. They are a joy to use in drawing.
Watercolor Paper– You’ll be pleased with the results of any watercolor painting with the right paper. Some like hot pressed and some like cold pressed. We are fans of the cold pressed which is more textured.
Watercolor Pencils– Rather than use a brush for your drawings or painting, you can sketch with a watercolor pencil and then do a water wash over the drawing with your brush. The result is a watercolor. These pencils are made to be water soluble. Many artists like this medium for its ability to capture details with the pencil first.
Watercolor Journal– Rebecca loves this size and it has a hard cover so it’s easy to use in the field.
Painting Supplies for the Watercolor Artist
Water Brushes– Perfect for painting in the field. You can use them for the wash on watercolor pencils or you can use them in regular watercolor paints. The water is stored in the barrel and the water comes out onto the brush.
Watercolor Tube Paints– When you are ready to graduate from pan watercolors, get the palette and try these. We love the ability to mix colors and get more pigment on the page.
Gouache Tube Paints– These are opaque watercolors. You can achieve a much darker look with these. So far, we have used them to enhance watercolor paintings.
Quality Paint Brushes– We prefer the pen stock brushes in art stores. You can choose the type of bristle along with the size and style of the brush whether you want round, angles (our very favorite), or flat, you want a nice brush that won’t fray or shed. The extra investment is worth it.
Watercolor Field Set– The pigments in this set are rich and put a lot of color on the page. It’s portable and even has an easel. It’s the perfect watercolor field set.
Accessories for the Watercolor Artist
Large Folding Palette– The palette is a must have for working with tube colors. You want plenty of wells and places for mixing colors.
Masking Fluid– This is for putting on your painting to act as a resist. When you are finished painting, you can remove the mask by rubbing it off.
Painter’s Tape– Use it for small areas of resist or framing the art.
Resources for Watercolor Artists
Water Paper Paint– This book explores the tools and methods of using watercolor in a variety of ways. You’ll find unique projects and instruction to help you practice.
Nature in Watercolor- Painting Trees. A Craftsy class on watercolor. These self-paced courses are a lovely way to learn and there is nearly always a sale.
Other Watercolor Posts at Blog, She Wrote
Inspiring Tools for a Nature Artist– A list of tools for the nature artist in your life. Some of these are the same and there are additional resources to enjoy.
Art & Nature Study with Beatrix Potter– Ms. Potter was well known for her excellent watercolor skills and we enjoyed reading about her and how she liked to learn. This was especially compelling for our daughter who loves to learn her art on her own.
3 Reasons to Make Hand Bound Books– Our artist loves to bind her own books for use with her painting.
Need more gift ideas? Visit Christmas Gift Guides at iHN.
