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. [ HOME ]