In May of last year, I dove back into watercolor painting, after having been coaxed into live-streaming my painting process, by several lovely and supportive art friends. In the sprit of sharing more of my watercolor process, this post will detail the most frequently used materials in my paintings and the reason(s) for their selection.
Watercolor Paper
My preferred paper, regardless of maker or type is acid free and/or archival. Acid-free for resistance to yellowing and archival, for its durability and longevity.
My favorite and most frequently used paper is Arches cold press watercolor paper. Arches archival papers have been a staple, throughout my creative journey and I cannot recommend them enough. With options for hot press, cold press, and even oil painting and acrylic papers, they provide a quality base for most traditional illustrative work.
For watercolor pieces requiring pen, pencil, marker, and/or fine detail, I opt for hot press and mixed media paper. For watercolor pieces that require more texture than detail, I prefer fine-grain cold press paper.
Painting or Drawing Board
Nothing supersedes the value of a well-prepped surface. As someone who favors wet-into-wet painting techniques for blocking in large areas of color, I have found that the most reliable method for securing my paper for watercolor painting is to pre-stretch and staple the paper to a painting board. While many artists find the tape method to be a sufficient way of securing paper throughout the painting process, I prefer the added security of having my piece affixed to the board with staples, reserving tape for masking purposes only. When a piece has been completed (and is thoroughly dry), I remove the staples, trim the edges, and the piece is ready for framing.
My favorite staple-friendly painting board is the Grafix Incredible Art Board. This lightweight board can be used with staples or tape, depending on preference. I have purchased a number of these boards for my own pieces and cut them down to my preferred size, accounting for the border and trim of the final piece.
Painter’s Tape
The best tape for my workflow is usually some form of painter’s tape. FrogTape and ScotchBlue provide a clean line, for masking the borders of my cold press watercolor pieces. When painting on hot press paper, I use FrogTape exclusively, as their delicate surface tape is very gentle on the paper surface.
Watercolor Brushes
When it comes to brushes, I am very much a creature of habit. I have used Princeton brushes, since the beginning of my watercolor journey and have yet to find watercolor brushes from another maker that I enjoy quite as much. I use a number of brushes from Princeton’s Heritage Series,Velvetouch, and Neptune brush line. I recommend the Heritage series for those who favor traditional watercolor and ink, Velvetouch for those who create mixed media watercolor using waterproof ink or fluid acrylic, and Neptune for those who favor wet-into-wet watercolor techniques or painting styles that require very soft and flexible bristles.
Brush and Pen Cleaner
Brush cleanliness can significantly increase the lifespan of most professional grade brushes. Many brushes in my collection are more than ten years of age and despite regular use, have maintained their shape and usability, thanks to healthful brush care habits.
An essential part of brush care is the prevention of unnecessary wear and tear on bristles. Knowing when to use brush cleaner and when water will suffice can have a significant impact on the lifespan of your brushes. When using dye-based inks or concentrates, I thoroughly clean my brushes using The Master’s Brush Cleaner & Preserver by General Pencil Company, at the end of my painting session. When using waterproof or acrylic inks, I use Dr.Ph.Martin’s Bombay Pen Cleaner on my brushes, as soon as I have finished using acrylic ink, preventing the acrylic from drying onto the bristles. For standard watercolors, I find that water is usually sufficient enough to clean my brushes, only reaching for brush cleaner at the very end of a painting day and only if a brushstroke does not run clear, after a thorough rinse in cool or lukewarm water.
Leak-Proof Palette(s)
As someone who paints multiple pieces at once, having several leak-proof palette boxes is an essential part of my creative workflow. When a break from working on one painting is needed, I can work on another, without sacrificing the colors I have pre-mixed for the previous piece, by using a different palette box.
The leak-proof aspect is of great importance, as it enables me to quickly and safely store my palette without causing unnecessary cleanup. On the off-chance that I close, lock, and turn my palette on its side, I can be sure that it will not leak color onto other projects, sparing me from untold horror.
While my most used watercolor palettes are the Mijello line of palettes from Martin, similar products can be purchased from several retailers, as well as local craft supply stores.
Watercolor
I currently use Daniel Smith Extra Fine watercolors and a number of watercolors, inks, and concentrates from Dr.Ph.Martin’s. When used separately, they are wonderful— when used together, they are a winning combination of brilliance. I cannot recommend both makers enough. For those who enjoy granulating color, I recommend Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor. For those who prefer non-granulating color, I recommend Dr.Ph.Martin’s Radiant Concentrated Watercolors.
Where to purchase
Most (if not all) of the products mentioned in this post can be purchased from the manufacturer or from Blick Art Supplies, my preferred art supply store. Their commitment to quality, great customer service, and price point are unmatched. Highly recommend.
* Arches Natural White Cold Press Watercolor Paper 140lb/300gsm
* Arches Natural White Hot Press Watercolor Paper 140lb/300gsm
* Grafix Incredible Art Board
* FrogTape Multi Surface Painting Tape
* Frog Tape Delicate Surface Painting Tape
* Scotchblue Pro Sharp Painter’s Tape
* Princeton Heritage Series 4050 Synthetic Sable Brushes
* Princeton Velvetouch Synthetic Brushes
* Princeton Neptune 4750 Series Synthetic Squirrel Brushes
* The Master’s Brush Cleaner & Preserver
* Dr.Ph.Martin’s Bombay Pen Cleaner
* Mijello Fusion Series Airtight/ Leakproof Watercolor Palette
* Mijello Perfect Color Watercolor Palette
* Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors
* Dr.Ph.Martin’s Radiant Concentrated Watercolors
* Dr.Ph.Martin’s Hydrus Fine Art Liquid Watercolors
* Dr.Ph.Martins Bombay India Ink
* Dr.Ph.Martin’s Spectralite Private Collection Liquid Acrylic
Happy painting!