Best products from r/Watercolor
We found 73 comments on r/Watercolor discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 208 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Sketchers' Pocket Box, Half Pans, 14-Pieces
- Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colours are a range of water colours that are made to our high quality standards but costs are kept to an economical level by replacing some of the more costly pigments with less expensive alternatives
- Cotman Water Colours possess good transparency, excellent tinting strength and good working properties
- This popular pocket-sized plastic box features an integral mixing palette in the lid
- This water colour set contains a pocket brush and 12 Cotman Water Colour half pans: Lemon Yellow Hue, Cadmium Yellow Hue, Cadmium Red Pale Hue, Alizarin Crimson Hue, Ultramarine, Intense Blue (Phthalo Blue), Viridian Hue, Sap Green, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Chinese White
- 12 colors (plus 1 brush and tray)
Features:
2. Canson, 9 by 12-Inch, Natural White
100% cotton, cylinder mold made with natural gelatin sizingAcid free and bufferedContains an agent to help resist mildewFlawless textured surfaces of cold press, hot press and rough with deckled edgesContains 12 sheets of 9"X12" paper100% cotton, cylinder mold made with natural gelatin sizingAcid fr...
3. Princeton Artist Brush Neptune, Brushes for Watercolor Series 4750, Quill Synthetic Squirrel, Size 6
- CREATE A MASTERPIECE - Whether you're painting a large area or fine, delicate details, Neptune brushes for watercolor offer the power and precision you need to create a masterpiece.
- SOFT & SUPPLE DESIGN - Each watercolor brush is designed with a beautiful blend of silky smooth synthetic hair that's as soft and supple as natural squirrel.
- OUR SOFTEST & THIRSTIEST BRUSH - This synthetic brush drinks up pigment and holds a reservoir of water to deliver oceans of color with each beautifully creative stroke.
- EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY & VALUE - We developed a collection of professional quality synthetic paintbrushes that are more durable and affordable than the natural version and are animal friendly.
- COLLECT THE FULL SET - Neptune watercolor paint brushes are offered in a beautiful range of shapes including daggers, rounds, script, oval wash, aquarelle, mottlers and quills with rich wood tones and sea glass aquarelle handles.
Features:
4. White Night Artists Watercolour set 12 whole pans, plastic box
- 🏆 Extra-fine watercolors White Nights. To convey the beauty of the moment. Time-tested watercolors and the landmark of the Neva Palette plant. Proudly producing since 1934.
- 👨🎨 Great choice for professional and emerging artists. Easy to work with, classic color scheme of 12 full pans : cadmium lemon, cadmium yellow medium, yellow ochre, cadmium red light, carmine, ultramarine, azure, emerald green, green, umber, burnt umber, neutral black.
- ⭐️ Extra-fine, full pans 2.5 ml each, non toxic. Made with the use of organic ingredients such as gumarabic. Beautiful reusable plastic case.
- 🌟White Nights are time-tested watercolors. They are used by professional and emerging artists, striving for authenticity and durability of created works. Favorite brand among several generations of artists.
- 🎨The pans are securely fixed, so dropping pans out is not an issue. Ergonomic design is developed to fulfill the needs of modern watercolour-artists. Rectangular streamline shape with rounded edges. Comfortable and easy to use, the new box is suitable for any artistic task.
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5. Pentel Arts Aquash Water Brush Assorted Tips, Pack of 3 (FRHBFMBP3)
- Create a watercolor masterpiece with the Aquash Water Brush
- Fill barrel with water and blend powdered pigment, watercolor crayons and pencils, pastels and more.
- Ideal to use with Sign Pen Brush products
- Control the water flow with just a squeeze of the barrel. The durable, nylon tip will give a sensitive response for delicate lines or pools of water
- Easy to clean and dishwasher friendly
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6. Daniel Smith 285650009 Half Pan Set Ultimate Mixing Set
- Following in the DANIEL SMITH Tradition of manufacturing the finest, handcrafted paints and products, our pans are HAND POURED. Hand Pouring pans is incredibly labor intensive and offers the purest form of professional watercolor half pans.Made In The USA,Professional Artists Quality Watercolors,Highest Pigment Load, Re-Wets Quickly
- You can fill the 15 included empty half pans with your other DANIEL SMITH Watercolors (be sure to label the pan) and store them in the plastic travel case too!
- The set includes the following DANIEL SMITH Watercolors in Half Pans: Buff Titanium Hansa Yellow Medium Quinacridone Gold Pyrrol Scarlet Permanent Alizarin Crimson Quinacridone Rose Ultramarine Blue Cerulean Blue Chromium Phthalo Blue (Green Shade) Phthalo Green (Blue Shade) Goethite (Brown Ochre) Burnt Sienna Indian Red Raw Umber Jane’s Grey
- Made in USA
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7. DANIEL SMITH 285610005 Extra Fine Essentials Introductory Watercolor, 6 Tubes, 5ml
- DANIEL SMITH is the Innovative Manufacturer of Beautiful Watercolors for Artists Worldwide, and makes the largest range of watercolors of any manufacturer, more than 240 colors. The 240+ color collection includes the exciting PrimaTek watercolors made from minerals (like Amethyst) plus other unique colors (like Moonglow) not available elsewhere, and Luminescent Watercolors which allow artists to capture the luminescent colors that exist in nature that regular watercolors cannot capture!
- The DANIEL SMITH Essentials Watercolor Set has six, 5ml watercolor tubes that are just the right size to get started painting with DANIEL SMITH Watercolors for both the beginner and professional artist. The set gives artists an easy way to experience the excitement of painting with DANIEL SMITH Watercolors, is conveniently sized to take along for plein air painting, and makes great gift!
- The Essentials Set has three cool primary colors: Hansa Yellow Light, Quinacridone Rose, and Phthalo Blue (GS), and three warm primary colors: New Gamboge, Pyrrol Scarlet, and French Ultramarine.
- With the 6 colors in the set, you can mix a huge range of other colors including the secondary oranges, greens and violets. When mixing these 6 essential colors in different combinations, you can paint landscapes, still lifes, portraits…whatever you choose!
- Mixing colors is one of the foundations of painting, and DANIEL SMITH has made painting easy by selecting for you, these 6 colors. Get started painting with the DANIEL SMITH Watercolor Essentials Set!
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8. Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter (Volume 2) (James Gurney Art)
- Andrews McMeel Publishing
Features:
9. Mijello Airtight Watercolor 18-Well Blue Palette
Small size Airtight2 Large mixing areas18 Color slantsComplete removable clear style tray that mixes true colorsLeak proof
10. White Nights Watercolour Night Artists Watercolour Set 36 Whole Pans, Plastic Box, 1/2700
- artist watercolor paints
- nevskaya palitra
- artist watercolor set
Features:
11. Moleskine Art Watercolor Album, Hard Cover, Large (5" x 8.25") Plain/Blank, Black, 72 Pages
MOLESKINE ART COLLECTION: From sketchbooks and sketchpads to watercolor notebooks with heavy paper, to music notebooks with plain and pentagram pages, to storyboard layout notebooks, Moleskine's art collection of notebooks offer the quality you need.DURABLE COVER & ELASTIC CLOSURE: Hold writing proj...
12. Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Handcrafted, Professional-Quality Pigment Inks for Artists and Crafters, AP-Certified, Blendable, Show up on Dark Papers, Made in Japan (36 Colors Set)
[36 Colors] Gansai is traditional Japanese watercolor, utilizing colors that are based off those seen in nature, meaning they are vivid and opaque. Pans are carefully filled with paint that is smooth, not granulated, and dries with a slight shiny finish.[Flexible Techniques] Paints do not leave hard...
13. Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint, Set of 12, 8ml Tubes
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colours are a range of water colours that are made to our high quality standards but costs are kept to an economical level by replacing some of the more costly pigments with less expensive alternatives.Cotman Water Colours possess good transparency, excellent tinting str...
14. Strathmore (360-9 300 Series Watercolor Pad, Cold Press, 9"x12"
Accepts wet and dry art mediumsAcid-free makes for longevity of artwork with ageDesigned with high quality materials for excellent resultsCreate beautiful works of art with this watercolor paper
15. Saral Transfer Tracing Paper -Wax Free ~Big 12 Foot Long Roll ~Graphite
- You will receive (1) Saral Wax Free Transfer Paper - Graphite - 12 foot x 12.5 inch Roll.
- Non-photographic; ideal for key lines, mechanicals, and paste-ups.
- For tracing or transferring designs to surfaces to be painted, stitched, carved,etc.
- May be used with acetate overlays, plastics, enamel, metal, cloth, wood, fabric,ceramic, canvas, stained glass, tole paintings, architecture, scrapbooking, watercolor, fine art, and more.
- All Saral transfer papers conform to ASTMD-4236 and are certified by The Art & Creative Materials Institute as non-toxic.
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16. Sakura XNCW-18N, 18 Assorted Watercolors Field Sketch Set with Brush
- Koi water colors field sketch set with brush
- Half pan watercolors, formulated to blend easily and create and endless range of colors
- A refillable koi water brush to transport and store water
- A small, sleek design that fits into shirt or jacket pockets, perfect for painting on-the-go
- The kit is lightweight and affordable
- Portable field sketch kit for use on the go or at home
- Includes brush, sponge, built-in palette, 18 mini watercolor cakes, plastic case
- Paints conform to ASTM d4237
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17. da Vinci Brushes 5359 da Vinci Watercolor Russian Red Sable 5359-5 Brush Includes Series 36 Sizes 0, 1, 2, 4 & 6-Round Shape, Set
Excellent for watercolor, gouache, illustration, animation, restoration and renderingExcellent snap at the point with maximum water holding capacityCertified green manufacturing with sustainable wood handlesNickel plated brass ferrules are the best money can buy Brush will retain its shapeHandmade i...
18. Sakura Pigma 50034 Micron Blister Card Ink Pen Set, Black, 005 6CT
- Sakura 50034 6-Piece Pigma Micron 005 (0. 20mm) Ink Pens, Blister Card, Black
- Nib size for precise line width is 0. 20-mm
- Archival quality ink for use in acid-free environments
- Chemically stable, waterproof, fade resistant, no smears, feathers or bleed-through on most papers
- Comes with 6 each Pigma Micron 005 (0. 20mm) black pens per blister card
Features:
19. PRO ART Ruling Pen (40415)
Ruling penLightweightPrecision ground to produce precise ruled linesUses inkMade in Germany
20. MeiLiang Watercolor Paint Set, 36 Vivid Colors in Pocket Box with Metal Ring and Bonus Watercolor Brush, Perfect for Students, Kids, Beginners and More
- 🎨 Adopted High Quality Arabic Gum: The arabic gum can increase the gloss and transparency of watercolors. It will also heighten the intensity of the colors and make the paint more soluble
- 🎨 High-pigmented: The set has great color selection, high pigment quality, mixes well. And there's no chalky or grainy feel to them after they are dry.
- 🎨 Well-designed Package: Comes with sturdy metal case with easy to open/close lid, and the flip cover can be used as palette; brush included; the metal ring under the case makes it easy to hold the paint set when you are creating.
- 🎨 Safe and Fun: non-toxic and easy to apply, Meiliang(Pretty excellent) the perfect gift for your family, friends, and anyone who loves painting.
- 🎨 Satisfaction Guaranteed: We prides ourselves on the high quality of our products, and customer satisfaction is very important to us, so contact us if you have any issues or are unhappy with the product and we will guarantee a resolution
Features:
For someone just starting out, quality paper is the most important thing followed by paint and brushes. I recommend shopping online as you'll pay 2-3x more locally (unless you have a Blick store nearby, they usually match their online prices) and you can set your girlfriend up nicely without breaking the bank. I'm not sure what you're looking to spend so I'll try to give you a decent range of options.
Paint
Cotman and Van Gogh are the student versions of professional brands (Winsor Newton & Rembrandt) and the most often suggested for beginners. They come in pans (dried paint blocks you swipe with a wet brush to reactivate) and tubes. Though these are student grade they're both used professionally and very high quality. They're lightfast (won't fade with exposure to sun), use the same pigments that the professional brands do (though with a smaller amount) and are both very reasonably priced. And if she enjoys painting and looks to upgrade in the future, she could pick up the Professional version with minimal relearning how the paint performs (All brands behave a little differently on paper).
Of the two I would suggest Van Gogh as they're extremely vibrant, the pans are very easy to rewet (Cotman pans are difficult to get pigment from in my experience, and for someone learning to paint having to scrub a pan with a brush will be frustrating. The tubes better.) and come in nice compact travel sets that have a built in palette for mixing. The Set of 12 Pans is plenty to start with, you can mix a wide variety of colors from that. The 18 pan + 2 tube set is a great option as well as it gives you a nice variety of warm and cool primaries as well as convenient greens and earth colors, it comes with a small brush and sponge, I'd go with that one. The larger sets of 30-48 aren't necessary as they're mostly colors that are mixed from the single pigment paints included in the smaller sets, but if you think she'd enjoy having a ton of colors available without having to mix those are something you can look at too.
If you wanna ball out a little bit and get her some professional paints, Da Vinci has a ton of pan and tube set options. The 12 Full Pan Set again has everything she'd need getting started. They're as good as any brand out there. The pans are also twice the size of the student brand options and will last a very long time.
There's a ton of great paints out there, I suggest these because they're great value as well as quality and don't include a lot of the weird and rarely used colors you find in a lot of sets. I'd go with pans because they're ready to go as soon as you open them, you don't have to wait for the tube paint to dry for a day or two before you can store it or take it with you, they're very attractive gifts that are nice to look at (if you look on youtube you'll see 100s of videos of people just opening them and showing them off) and you can refill them with your own tube paints later on once you know what you like and start building your own palette. This time of the year there's tons of deals out there so if you find a nice set of Winsor Newton or something on amazon that's a great snag as well. Just avoid "store" brands like Artist's Loft or Masters Touch, or the tons of really cheap chinese sets you'll find online.
Paper
100% Cotton is the way to go. It can handle any technique and can take a ton of water without buckling or falling apart. Even the nicest paint will appear dull on poor watercolor paper and they can't handle much water before they start to give out. It can be a little pricey but it's well worth it. Again there's tons of brands but Arches is the most used and it's excellent so I don't wanna bog you don't with a bunch of brands. You could also grab a 22x30 inch sheet of Arches and tear it into a variety of smaller sheets (this is the most common and frugal way). Cold press is medium textured, Hot Press is smooth and Rough is obvious. Cold press is the most versatile so I'd start there. I don't use sketchbooks but if you're looking for something like that I've heard these are good.
Brushes
Brushes are personal preference, some people only use one for everything and some people like a variety of size and hair types. If you wanna keep it simple a 10 or 12 Round is a good workhorse that can handle small detail and a larger wash. There's sets if you wanna get her a few to see what she likes. Synthetic or a blend is where I'd start as real sable or squirrel is pretty expensive. There's water brushes that aren't "traditional" but are popular for sketching or coloring ink art and are easy to use.
Hope this helps!
For $50 you can get her some nice starter paints, maybe some brushes (I know I'm personally REALLY picky about my brushes), some nice paper, and maybe a nice porcelain palette. If you don't have a local craft store, I suggest either amazon or dick blick for internet shopping fun!
If she'd like cake sets, this would be a good starter set, Winsor and Newton is a good brand.
Or you can add on some tube watercolors if you so choose. (again I went with this brand but you can look at others, I have had some of the cheaper ones go bad on me)
I'm not sure what size of paper she wants but here is some basic watercolor paper. Of course you can find more fancy cold press papers as well.
As far as brushes, as I said I'm pretty picky, but you can start with a nice starter set. Something like this or this is similar to what I started out with. If you'd like to start her out with just one or two really good brushes let me know and I can get out my brushes and link you to ones I personally like. But really it all comes down to personal preference, as I've used hundreds of brushes over the years and brushes that I've liked aren't the same that say other artists like.
And if you still have some money left over I'd recommend a nice porcelain palette. Most sets come with plastic which is okay, but I find that porcelain is just much nicer to mix watercolor in, and of course lasts longer! This is the one I use but this is a nice one as well!
Hope that gives you some help!
Cute painting! I love elephants :) It looks like you're got a good grasp on how watercolors work, and to preserve whites of the paper. My biggest suggestion, as others said, would be to get some actual watercolor paper because you aren't going to get the lovely blooming, watery effect on canvas. I am not sure what paints you are using, but I would suggest a good quality paint too. Paper in this case would be more important! I do think changing up your supplies is going to give you that watercolor oomph you might be looking for.
I recommend in this order for paper:
If you've not used real WC paper before it's going to behave differently than canvas; it's going to warp while you paint on it. You can tape it down to your desk to keep it workable (or a masonite panel really cheap on dickblick.com, or a gator board), and after your painting is done and dry - flip it over onto a clean DRY pillowcase, wet the pack with a sponge (lightly but covered), lay a thin pillowcase/sheet overtop and iron the paper flat. Can take 10-15 minutes of continuous ironing, make sure to keep it moving. Make SURE not to get the front side wet.
Next, I would recommend at least 1 large round brush. I really like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00512C1VS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Then, for paints, I'd recommend if your budget is tight a Cotman set like this,
https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Colour-Sketchers/dp/B00004THXI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482286770&sr=8-1&keywords=cotman+watercolors
You can get this at Michaels but it's...ridiculously more expensive.
But if you can afford it, lines such as: Daniel Smith, M. Graham, Holbein. Remember that you don't have to just use one brand and pigments can vary from brand to brand! Check out:
http://www.janeblundellart.com/building-your-palette-of-colours.html
For color suggestions starting out.
Lastlyyyy, check out dickblick.com, cheapjoes.com, jerrysartarama.com for supplies. Cross check it with Amazon. Usually the art supply sites are a few dollars cheaper and that really adds up on tubes of paint. jacksonsart.com ships brushes for free to the US, tend to be a good bit cheaper, but shipping can take a few weeks.
$100 will get you pretty far! obligatory ymmv, a lot of supplies depend on what and how you paint (do you paint large or small? do you paint outside a lot and need a travel kit? and so on), etc, etc, but here is how i would spend the money:
kuretake gansai tanbi, 36 color set - the best set of watercolors i have used and relatively cheap, the colors are vibrant, mix well, and set beautifully.
probably where most of the money should go after upgrading your paints. i like the strathmore 500 series and the canson papers for sketching and learning. other higher end brands that are recommended a lot are arches, bee paper, and fluid 100. definitely try out both hot press and cold press, people usually develop a preference but one is not necessarily better than the other.
honestly, brushes are not that important as long as they are not frayed or shedding. i've seen tons of professionals use and recommend this cheap set by grace art. i also like the princeton neptune brushes.
if you still have money left, i would suggest trying something cool like metallic and pearlescent paints if it interests you. or use the money towards other mediums if you want to branch out.
Seconding /u/MrJangle that you definitely should start drawing before you can jump into painting. The Loomis books, especially Fun With A Pencil, will help you get started without requiring previous experience or specialized tools.
When you do feel comfortable drawing, and want to start adding watercolor:
watercolors LINK
we starting to use it in art schools and continue to use them in art academy. they really are good. no need to dig deeper in more expensive, pro watercolors.
fancy watercolors (i personally love them, but really, basically fo fun, mixed media) LINK
watercolor pad LINK
that's my choice. would highly recommend this producer, really great absorption, thick paper, different formats available. anyway, it's really good.
brushes is really very personal choice, depends on technic and such. I like this one LINK great for miniature work. You can look for some squirrel hair brushes in local store orLINK , they are good for starters and for wet painting.
EDIT. fanart sample where all those stuff used at once :P
I just started about a month ago and I had the same questions! I did some research on here and youtube to see what others recommended, and I decided on these:
Here's an album of some of the things I painted with the supplies I listed: https://imgur.com/gallery/cDXH13G
As for tutorials, I'm a fan of Coco Bee Art, Makoccino, and The Mind of Watercolor on youtube.
Hope that helps! And of course, these are just my own recommendations. Definitely go out and see what other people have to say.
I’m new as well but I’ve done lots (maybe too much) research. What is your budget? From what I understand Windsor & Newton Cotman paints are a good student/hobby grade paint. They sell them in nifty little 12 pan kits that pretty much provide all the colors you need to make good mixes.
Here is a travel set for about $13:
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Sketchers Pocket Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004THXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qq8Tzb8SY82G3
If you are willing to spend a little more on paint for artist grade I hear excellent things about these: St Petersburg White Nights Watercolour : NEW 12 Pan Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006FHNE3C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Gt8TzbT5PD01H
I’ve seen these really cool portable brushes: High-end art travel painting brush Synthetic Sable Round Hair Short Handle Brush for Acrylic Oil and watercolor painting 3Pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3VMDED/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5r8TzbVV97JR3
Or you can use a water brush: Pentel Arts Aquash Water Brush Assorted Tips, Pack of 3 (FRHBFMBP3) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AX31TZO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Os8TzbN7TW9AQ
As for Paper, I really want one of these myself: Moleskine Watercolor Album Sketchbook - 5"x8" (Spanish Edition) https://www.amazon.com/dp/8883705629/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vz8TzbWWMHY1M
I hope this helps! :)
I personally prefer the paint that doesn't come dry, so if you're willing to buy something as pricey as the big paint set, I'd say [go with this set instead] (http://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Water-12-Tube/dp/B001S7K8X8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420662136&sr=8-1&keywords=windsor+newton+watercolor+set). You can get vibrancy in the colors better since you can use them with very little water, opposed to dry sets where you need to start off with a lot of water to break up the paint.
Also, I love cheap brush sets. I find that the synthetic ones work just fine, you get a good amount for your dollar, and you don't have to worry about brush care since they're so affordable. Might save the money on pricier brushes when you've decided you wanna stick with this and you've learned more about the medium.
Have fun! The bird woman is pretty good; I like the blend of colours!
I’m the same as you and I get around it by using a grid. I was rereading Betty Edwards’ book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain (which I have purchased 3 copies of and I still can’t draw, haha) and I saw this drawing Vincent van Gogh made of a grid he used for learning perspective. It’s online here:
http://www.howtodrawjourney.com/vincent-van-gogh-drawing.html
I put a photo in PowerPoint, measure it (awkward but worth it to me) and then I put grid lines on it like the ones in van Gogh’s grid, a + and an x, four intersecting lines. Then I draw the same size rectangle or square on my paper and put the same grid lines. That allows me to get a drawing that’s much better than I could do freehand. (I think you can also use a grid to enlarge a photo when you paint it so, I don’t think my painting size is limited by the size of the computer screen. I haven’t tried that yet and I don’t know if this type of grid would be best for that. I prefer painting small watercolors anyway. Plus my laptop has a 17” screen so it isn’t that small.)
First I'm going to focus on watercolor painting and later I'll work on my drawing skills. I drew some apples freehand the other day and I realized my freehand drawing has improved a bit since I’ve been using the grid method.
Another even easier thing you could try is Saral graphite transfer paper. Or you could get a lightbox for tracing too. I didn't like regular tracing paper because it flips the image, unless you want to go over it several times, and I didn't.
https://www.amazon.com/Saral-Transfer-Tracing-Paper-Graphite/dp/B0019IKX90/
Thanks for the compliment and taking the time to peak! Here's what I do to get the most intensity/luminosity:
I hope this helps! Good luck!
Hi! I got started with watercolor using Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Sketcher Pocket Box http://amzn.to/2gepCLr , it is a good starter with all the basic colors. Right now I really love tube paints mainly because I can choose which colors I want. But they are more of an investment, and I would only recommend doing that once you figure out which colors and brands you like.
For paper, I would recommend using watercolor paper. Any brand will be good to start with. Also, one thing to remember is that watercolor paper comes in two paper textures - Hot press (smooth texture, like regular paper) and Cold Press (textured). For me personally, I love Cold Press. I enjoy having that little bit of texture show through, but it is all about preference.
For brushes, I would make sure you choose ones that are for watercolor, because they are designed to hold water. Don't get the really cheap ones, because those will fall apart. But you really don't need the super expensive kinds either. I would always buy mine when they were on sale. Also, you only really need one or two to start out with. I have several brushes, but I only really use about two or three of them.
Also, like the other person said, youtube is amazing for tutorials, and also product reviews.
between those two, i support the cotman.
HOWEVER, please consider the white nights set. i dont have this myself but it's a palette i've had on my list for several months now. it's the same price but the white nights is artist-grade (professional) paint. also, this Schpirr Farben set is also artist-grade. i also don't have this myself but is on my list. you can find reviews on youtube.
PM me if you're interested in my in depth review of the cotman pocket box set. i have this one.
EDIT: i'd like to add some pros and cons. the white nights set is very well known and has been around for a long time. many artists will vouch for it. however, the pans aren't of 'standard' size. as for the schpirr farben, that one is quite new i believe but it has great reviews. also, the metal box it comes with is versatile.
also note that these two sets i mentioned, both don't have the colour white. so you get 'more' colour which is very good in my opinion.
I've used Rembrandt (meh) and Derwent pencils - the Derwents are nice on the go, but my favourite so far is this:
https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Colour-Sketchers/dp/B00004THXI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491486681&sr=8-1&keywords=winsor+and+newton+watercolor
The Cotman sketchers kit. I have three tubes added to it - Payne's Grey, Ultramarine Violet and Leaf Green. There's three mixing spaces in the top, I just leave a bit of each colour squeezed in the top because it dries between uses, and I find it to be a good 'complete' colour kit.
If you want the 24 pan set, it's here: https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Water-Color-Metal/dp/B001M6VMTY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1491486681&sr=8-2&keywords=winsor+and+newton+watercolor
I like the half pans for sketching, but if I'm doing professional illustrations in my studio, I usually use tubes (Holbein or Winsor and Newton are my faves). I do keep going back to the red in the Cotman pans though!
Good luck!
Ah cool! Well I make Paint Sets for my etsy shop with Daniel smith and M Graham tube paints squeezed and then dried into little travel palettes. As I have all of the supplies, I've made sets for my kids that are around the same age. They are learning from an early age how to handle professional quality materials right off the bat, and the art of color mixing, which I think is important. So if you go for those tubes, I'd recommend getting her a little palette that she can squeeze a little bit of the tubes into and then allow to dry. I've been really happy with this palette . She would have room to slowly expand her colors -(future present ideas ;) That way the tubes won't get used up in a months time. I don't however give them my arches paper. They get the strathmore 400 :) so you could buy the palette and a pack of strathmore (50% off coupon at Michaels!) for about the same price as an arches pad. Boom, done! ;)
If you didn't want the tubes, and you wanted her to have more color choices, I'd go for the Windsor Newton cotman set at Michaels with a 50% off coupon. It'll cost about $15-20 that way.
Color and Light by James Gurney has a great section on understanding the importance of color theory with some very nice examples and it is easy to read/understand, as well as a lot of information on how to understand light/shadows. Not exclusive to watercolor but I think it is still a great resource. I haven't found a watercolor technique book I love yet, usually my go to for that is YouTube.
http://www.amazon.com/Color-Light-Guide-Realist-Painter/dp/0740797719/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453174518&sr=8-1&keywords=james+gurney
Hi! the notebook is this global arts materials one and the water brush is just the free one from my Sakura watercolor set! They're both pretty cheap materials - I have my eye set on a few higher end things, but I'm a firm believer that good art doesn't necessarily require quality supplies ;)
EDIT (forgot to respond to your second question): Oh, and I like the brush! I find the water barrel convenient when I'm sketching outdoors, although I do keep a jar for paint water when I'm painting at home still. It's very functional both ways :)
Here's a Koi set on Amazon that always seems to get a lot of love. And here's the Arches paper I was talking about. I checked- the half off price at Michael's is about the same as it is on Amazon, so if you want to stick with Amazon, there you go. And yes, yes the paper is that expensive for only 20 sheets, but as a learner, it's fine to use both sides of the paper :)
Also, don't worry about easels. Since watercolors are... wet, painting on a flat surface helps the paint not run all over the paper.
Thank you so much for such a complete, thorough, and well thought out response! Never did I dream you would respond with such a wealth of information! Which is why I must apologize for my tardy reply. My health is not the best and when the nephropathy kicks into high-gear I come to a complete stop with the pain.
Still, I am blown away with everything you posted and if anything, makes me want to pick your brain even more! I have read your response several times and kept wondering where to start with my response. So I think I will start where you finished.
"...I don't have anyone to geek out about watercolor with. Sorry for the wall of text!" PLEASE! No apology necessary! If anything, I owe you a WALL OF THANKS!
I totally get what you mean about not having anyone to "anyone to geek out about watercolor with." It really does make a difference in ones life, quality of life, when we can spend time immersing ourselves in the things we enjoy doing with others who also enjoy the same thing. I call those things the anti-toxins of daily life. The energies we derive from spending time with others enjoying the things that jazz up our lives and get our motors racing. I, too, have no one around here that can or will, "geek out" about watercolor or art in general.
Looking at your early work, thank you u/peekabook for such a GREAT question!, I think I am about where you were a few years ago. And, like you, I too have been watching Anna Mason, Steve Mitchel (Mind of Watercolor), and Louise de Masi. So, it is nice to know I am following your lead there.
As far as materials, I recently began transiting to Daniel Smith pigments and ordered the "DANIEL SMITH 285610005 Extra Fine Essentials Introductory Watercolor, 6 Tubes, 5ml "
I seem to be 'stuck' at the level you were at a few years ago. I have been painting/studying watercolor casually for about 2.5 years. Albeit, casually and sporadically because of my medical problems.
So, if you don't mind, can we 'geek out' about "Practice"?
Specifically, WHAT and HOW do you, did you, practice to get over that hump from the level you were at 2 years ago, to the level you are now that made me say, O!M!G!??
I have been thinking I need to find projects, subjects, ideas, that I can learn and practice on a small scale, due to my medical problems, and then transition what I have learned to a larger scale painting.
It is hard to describe but often I just do not have the energy, or the pain is so high I can not focus or sit for extended periods of time to paint or practice. So, any ideas on WHAT I can practice and or HOW to practice, so I can join you on the other side of this hump?
Thank again. And in case you are not yet sure, I absolutely LOVE your work! And definitely volunteer to be your watercolor net geek to geek out with!
I got the 24-set last year after reading lots of positive reviews on amazon.
Good stuff: it's portable, has a lot of colors, and they are vivid.
Bad stuff: they are super chalky and therefore difficult to work with, and the set-up feels clumsy to use.
My review is probably skewed because my usual pallet is artist quality tube paints, but I tried the Koi set once and never wanted to use it again. I should probably give it a second chance, and someone used to student paints will probably enjoy it.
After trying a few set-ups, this is my favorite travel kit. I did replace the pans with my prefered tube colors, and use a waterbrush.
Most of your typical writing pens (gel, rollerball, ballpoint, etc.) are NOT waterproof. A local arts/crafts store will probably have artist's pens, most of which are waterproof---just check the packaging to make sure. There are many good brands: Faber Castell, Prismacolor, Sakura, Copic, and so on. I just purchased these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K3KRMFI and they're fantastic. They come in multiple widths (the ones I ordered are super fine, my preference) so get a thickness that suits your taste.
Masking fluid can be tricky for sure! If you think you'll want to continue using it in the future, I would recommend picking up a ruling pen at some point. It will lay down masking fluid in pretty fine lines, and it won't screw up your brushes (though if you do use a brush, I'd recommend putting a tiny bit of dish soap on it first, it will help keep the fluid from sticking to your brush).
Here's the one I have:
Pro Art Ruling Pen https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XL1D26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_MVmmEIhX2fq67
Sure!
I learned on this Windsor Newton 14 color
https://www.dickblick.com/items/00325-1029/
Once you use all of a certain color then you can buy a more expensive, artist grade paint.
Want to start with artist grade paint? It'll cost you, but a little more. I've like all the Daniel Smith that I've tried.
https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Poured-Watercolor-Ultimate-285650009/dp/B07K27DGRD/ref=asc_df_B07K27DGRD/?tag=hyprod-
20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309741918693&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9074309840598442528&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028284&hvtargid=pla-584489304189&psc=1
I am not an employee of any art store or paint provider....
Merry Christmas
The pain is the least concern for watercolor. Paper is most important, then brushes, then paint. But if you need a new paint set:
https://www.amazon.com/MeiLiang-Watercolor-Perfect-Students-Beginners/dp/B07FYG3BBV/ref=sr_1_10?crid=2R72SJ0Z81C08&keywords=watercolor+set+professional&qid=1571087386&s=arts-crafts&sprefix=watercolor+set%2Carts-crafts%2C146&sr=1-10
Apparently this set is a rebranded Paul Rubens (professional) watercolor set. The frugal crafter Lindsay Werich reviewed it on YT.
You could also get the Van Gogh Pocket box. I started out with this one and still use it. Colors are pigmented, rewet easily, and it's not very expensive. It's similar to the cotman, both are very good.
Don't forget, the paper is key. Get good paper. Preferrably 100% cotton. And get a decent brush, not the $5 pack from the craft store. Hobby Lobby has some decent ones in the golden taklon series. But you can order a nice Escoda brush for like $10. IMO a #10 versatil or #12 perla will do almost everything you need.
Hmm, it sort of varies with a lot of stuff, but Prima is pretty portable, as is White Nights. Sennelier makes good stuff as well.
Water in my experience is a lot trickier. Again, you've got a great start by using thinner lines on the stems to show they're behind a transparent object. Since the thickness of the stems is similar below and above the water level, you could make the line even thinner (like, super thin implied baby lines) when it's underwater. Or, you could forego linework completely and rely on colour to show the form (which I think looks super cool with watercolours).
I think using a thin line for the water surface worked well. A way to push the depth further would be to use perspective. Continue the water line around the back of the vase to show the surface of the water as a flat circle, instead of a curved 2D line - image searching 'cylinder in perspective' can show I mean. If you do this, it's best to be consistent and do the same with the vase as well, otherwise it looks kinda weird.
Another theory about line weight applies to objects in perspective - the further an object is from the viewer, the less detail the viewer sees, so the line work should be thinner as the object moves back.
You've got the right idea about using colours to show some reflection on the surface of the water. I think by using perspective to turn it into a flat plane instead of a line, it'll also make it easier for you to visualize when you try to add those reflections.
As for colouring underwater, that's... something I'm still learning myself lol
There's lots of information out there on the internet about perspective and colour theory that goes into way more depth (hah) than I can, but if you're looking for books check out Color and Light by James Gurney and Perspective Made Easy by Ernest Norling.
When I started I got a set of Winsor and Newton Cotman colours...
Something like this
The Cotman sets are student quality rather than artists quality but they gave me a really good grounding in how to use watercolour. After about a year I moved on to W&N Artist Quality. The set I've linked comes with a small palette and a brush. In addition to that I'd get a flat brush and maybe one other round brush a bit bigger that the one supplied. The only other thing you need is water and some kitchen towel.
I hope this helps!
Those are pretty cool, and you can do some decent illustrations with them, but I wouldn't say you could 'paint' with them. What you want is a water brush and a small portable watercolor set, or small folding palette.
It's more functional, and you will be happier if you want to paint.
I have to second the good paper recommendation and/or a nice watercolor book. I love these hard cover Moleskine books. My bf got me one for Valentine’s Day this year and I’m almost finished with my second one.
Linkamazon link
The Moleskine watercolor albumare a good starter notebook. I have also started to use the Stillman & Birn - Beta Series and I really like the paper in that sketch book and prefer the soft cover. Stillman & Birn has more choices when it comes to different papers and binding options in their different Series. Hope this helps!
You may want to consider the Portable Painter
Or get a Cotman’s Pocket Box and put whatever half pans you want in that
Otherwise as far as I know that Whiskey Painters palette linked in a comment earlier is the only one with the set up you like.
Edit: after looking a little on Etsy under “vintage watercolor tin” I found this and I’m so sure you could clean it up and fill it with your favorites!
thanks! I feel using 100% cotton paper is one of the most important things for watercolor, the first time I used it was like an epiphany. Like, "Oh.. THAT is why I've been having so much trouble with xyz technique" most techniques are now substantially easier.
this is the one i use: https://amzn.com/B008N0BC2Y
usually its only like $13 but for some reason its $15 now, usually almost $30 in the stores around my house though
winsor newton is a great brand here is a link to a small set http://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Colour-Sketchers/dp/B00004THXI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451194532&sr=8-1&keywords=winsor+newton+set hope this helps
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Sketchers Pocket Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004THXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_584.Ab298Z73K
I bought this one a year ago and it is still going strong! Totally recommended it.
I love this set. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006FHNDH4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 St Petersburg White Nights Watercolour : 36 Pan Set
haha yes! this set actually has a really nice dinky little brush but if I am to get beyond A5 pieces I am going to have to get a bigger one!
This was the set I bought, btw.
Hey just was thinking if you're learning
http://www.amazon.ca/Color-Light-Guide-Realist-Painter/dp/0740797719
Is a fantastic book!
edit: fixed link that was posted on my phone
Winsor and Newton is one of the most reputable brands, used by many professionals. I highly recommend their starting pallet, it's what I first used and is very affordable.
Amazon Link:
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Sketchers Pocket Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004THXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wkokzb8B7G5BC
i have the same set, its the "sketchers compact set" in the link i believe. https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Colour-Compact/dp/B00004THXI?th=1
At this moment I'm using Kuretake 36 colour set. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001MPA6W4/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_W0EBCb4TNW996
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Sketchers' Pocket Box, Half Pans, 14-Pieces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004THXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JclDCbHYP1FCD
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00004THXI/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Oooh this is a fun game:
https://www.amazon.com/MEEDEN-Empty-Watercolor-Palette-Paint/dp/B01MRYR1VI/ref=sr_1_40?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303405&sr=8-40&keywords=watercolor
https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Water-Studio/dp/B000XYHYI4/ref=sr_1_43?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303405&sr=8-43&keywords=watercolor
https://www.amazon.com/Field-Artist-Watercolor-Journal-Hardbound/dp/B075ZN6XT3/ref=sr_1_66_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303688&sr=8-66-spons&keywords=watercolor&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Artify-Watercolor-Miniature-Carrying-Flannelette/dp/B078SQT3NW/ref=sr_1_72?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303688&sr=8-72&keywords=watercolor
https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Smith-285610005-Essentials-Introductory/dp/B00WT5VRF6/ref=sr_1_94?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303776&sr=8-94&keywords=watercolor
https://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Watercolor-Album-Sketchbook-Spanish/dp/8883705629/ref=sr_1_107?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303816&sr=8-107&keywords=watercolor
https://www.amazon.com/Paint-Brush-Brushes-Watercolor-Painting/dp/B00ZO90S1I/ref=sr_1_114_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303816&sr=8-114-spons&keywords=watercolor&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Watercolor-Block-Cold-Press-X12/dp/B0007XDHGO/ref=sr_1_115?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303859&sr=8-115&keywords=watercolor
https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Ph-Martins-400262-XXX-Watercolor/dp/B005TFSDF0/ref=sr_1_147?ie=UTF8&qid=1526304003&sr=8-147&keywords=watercolor
sorry for stupid long links