My Favorite Materials
For my watercolor paintings I use materials that meet my aesthetic as well as practical
requirements. There is just no point in using paints with consistencies I don't like, opacity that doesn't please me to look
at, or a finished look that is dull. I often have to 'resist' the latest product offerings because, despite their
inviting appearances, I know their chemistry just won't work for me. My best advice to anyone is to experiment a little,
but know what does or doesn't work for you, and stick to what works.
Paints
I have had the best luck with TRANSPARENT watercolors.
With this paint chemistry, I can glaze away without fear of 'mud'.
Fortunately, Daniel Smith, Inc., in Seattle, Washington, has quite a selection of fine, transparent watercolor
paints. I especially like the quinacridone colors available from this source. I also use a few paints from other manufacturers
because of their wonderful color--such as Holbein's Opera and Winsor-Newton's Permanent Rose.
Brushes USE THE BEST BRUSHES YOU CAN AFFORD.
Trying to get by with inexpensive brushes is about like trying to build a house
with a pickaxe. Any job is easier with the right tool, and brushes ARE the watercolorist's most important tool.
I personally love the Daniel Smith Autograph Series Kolinsky Sable brushes. The points on these brushes, and the
reservoir of held water is completely dependable. In fact, I do most of my paintings with one paintbrush - a #9 round.
Paper and Illustration Board
I prefer to use illustration board or 300# paper because my backgrounds are often created wet-into-wet. For paper,
I love the Fabriano papers: using the hot press for the more traditional paintings; the rough for a more
textural quality.
I use the Strathmore 500 Illustration Board, regular or velum surfaces-- for those paintings where much of the painting's
texture is to come from the background.
For traveling, plein aire and small demonstrations, watercolor blocks are the most convenient.
