by Cindy Tabacchi

Created on: August 16, 2009

Watercolor is an easy, fun medium for creating art. Color theory, composition and design can be explored freely with watercolor paint, paper, and brushes. Several techniques may be used with watercolors for varying effects including painting wet on wet, wet on dry, layering washes, and more.

Watercolor paper comes in cold press, hot press, and rough. Rough paper has the most texture, and its hills and valleys can result in interesting effects when paint is added. Hot press is the smoothest and has the finest texture. Cold press has a moderate amount of texture and is the paper most commonly chosen by watercolor artists.

Watercolor paper comes in several weights ranging from 90 lb. to 300 lb. based on the pounds per ream of paper. Most artists prefer to use at least 140 lb. paper. Papers vary somewhat between manufacturers, so sampling different papers is advisable. Paper can be purchased in pads, in blocks or in large sheets. The large sheets are usually the most economical and can be torn into whatever size is desired.

Natural bristle brushes work best with watercolor as they hold the paint well. Good sable brushes may be the biggest expense for the new watercolor artist, but good brushes can make all the difference when painting. If brushes are properly cleaned and stored after each use they will last for many years.

Brushes come in many sizes and shapes. Beginning artists would do well to choose a variety of brushes, as budget permits, including a flat brush for washes, two sizes of round brushes and at least one line or detail brush. More brushes can be added later as needed.

Now for the best part: the paint. Watercolor paints come in tubes and cakes. The tubes of paint are concentrated liquid paint that can be placed on a pallet or paint tray. They can be used wet, blended with water, or they can be allowed to dry and reactivated with water. The cakes of paint are already dry and sized to be dropped into a paint tray. They are also reactivated with water for use. Both types are good and chosen based on personal preference.

As with paper and brushes, paint comes in different grades. The better quality paints, usually professional grade, have the greatest amount of pigments and produce the best results. Not surprisingly, they are the most expensive. However, watercolor paints are very concentrated. When mixed with water for painting, a little paint goes a long way, so they last a long time. If cost is a

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>