EXPERIMENTING WITH Art Materials
Over the years we have often been asked about the art materials we use. The truth is that over the years we have experimented widely with many, many different materials, and now have far too large a collection to list on a webpage! Of course we each have our favourites, colours, brushes, papers etc., that we return to time and again, but the most important piece of information you can take away from this page is that we experimented.
Our most important discovery is that it is not what you use that really matters, but what you do with it. Buying the same brushes that we use will not enable you to paint the way we paint. Buying the same papers will not allow you to achieve the same effects. Buying the same paints will not mean that you are able to mix the same colours. BUT, experimenting with the materials you have will teach you what you are able to achieve; making your own decisions about the results will lead to you developing your own style.
So what follows are some general comments which may help you. Maybe you like an effect one of us produces and would like to try to emulate it. Maybe you just need some ideas for something new to try. Whatever the reason for your interest, take the following as starting points for your own experiments!
Quality
Watercolour is an extremely sensitive medium, which is why it is so exciting to use, and also why it has a reputation for being the most difficult medium to work with. The quality of watercolour materials varies enormously. When using ‘Artists Quality’ materials you will become aware of the fact that the materials themselves are helping you along, even doing the work for you. On the other hand, poor quality, and even some of the better student quality materials, will not only hinder you, but may even prevent you from achieving the effects you are looking for. It is better to buy fewer decent materials and experiment with them than to buy a large range of materials that thwart your efforts. Always buy the best materials you can afford!
Papers
Watercolour papers can vary in colour and texture.
Singularly the most important factor in achieving particular effects, the choice of paper has more effect on the results than almost anything else. This may surprise you, as few people consider the enormous technological effort that goes in to designing papers! Surface texture, the method of sizing, the colour of the paper and the weight of the paper all act independently and together to alter the textures in the finished watercolour painting.
Papers we use regularly are Bockingford (NOT and rough), Fabriano Artistico, Fabriano 5, Two Rivers, and Canson. All papers are 300gms/140lbs or heavier, and below 425gms we always stretch ( See Art Tips ‘ Stretching paper' ).
Paints
We always use Artists Quality paints.
The difference between Artists’ Quality and student quality paints is remarkable. It is easily seen by comparing two paints ( often by the same manufacturer), one Artists Quality, the other a student quality. The Artists Quality paint will flow better, the colour will be richer due to the higher proportion of pigment used, which is often also of better quality than that used in the student paint. There will be less (if any) ‘filler’, and they will dry brighter and clearer. Artists’ Quality are therefore easier to use, and give better results.
Although more expensive to buy, due to the richer colours and tone achievable, the price difference is a fraction of what it appears to be. The majority of manufacturers will label their Artists’ range as just that; other ranges do not have that claim on the packaging.
We use a range of makes, including Daler Rowney, Winsor and Newton, Holbein Watercolours, Rembrandt, Daniel Smith, Schmincke. We both prefer tube paints, as it is much easier to achieve large quantities of darker tones. That said, St Petersburg White Knights are great pan paints, and very useful en plein air.
Colour is very subjective, and entirely personal choice. We have come to our ‘studio palettes’ ( the colours we own) through experimentation!
BRUSHES
We are constantly experimenting with brushes to discover new marks we can make. It is not the brush but your hand doing the work. Shown here is a selection of favourite brushes, and some of the marks achievable with them. Good quality brushes such as those shown will hold a decent reservoir of paint and, importantly, spring back into shape as they are used. Size, shape and even the type of filament ( sable or synthetic) of brush are a personal choice.
Makes we use are Pro Arte, da Vinci and Rosemary’s Brushes, amongst others.
ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS
For those completely new to watercolour painting we have developed a list that gives you a good start at a reasonable cost.
Paper : Bockingford 140lbs (300gms) This paper is very forgiving; it allows washing off mistakes many times before the surface deteriorates. It is also a nice texture to work on, helping to develop textures. Masking fluid and masking tape can be used on it without damaging the surface, and it takes a fair amount of rubbing out pencil lines. All great for beginners! It is a good enough quality that many professional continue to use it regularly.
Paints: Artists’ quality, Daler Rowney or Winsor and Newton. One of each primary ( red, yellow and blue) is better than a student set - see above. Two of each, a warm and cool of each primary is even better! Buy 5ml tubes, and keep your eye on the websites below for bargains. Choose from:
REDS: Permanent Rose, Alizarin crimson, Cadmium red
BLUES: (French) Ultramarine, Cobalt Blue
YELLOWS : Lemon Yellow, New gamboge (hue), Raw Sienna.
Also very useful are Burnt Sienna, Daler Rowney permanent mauve ( known as Winsor Violet in Winsor and Newton), and sap green.
Brushes: Pro Arte rounds, sizes 4, and 8 or 10, rounds, series 007 prolene plus. These have good filaments that hold their shape well while painting, good reservoirs ( the amount of paint they hold)
You will also need a palette, a sketchbook, 2B pencil, an eraser and kitchen roll. Oh, and plenty of clean water!
buying art materials
Online we find the following shops very useful and reliable:
Jacksons Art Supplies Jacksons are giving their website a new look over the next month or so. If the new design of Spring catalogue is a hint of things to come it will make shopping online a pleasure. It is very clear and easy to use!
ART SHOPS
After many years of being the best art shop in the area Harbeton Art Workshop closed in December 2016. This art shop has been sadly missed by the many local artists who were grateful of the service it provided. Knowledgeable staff and the opportunity to see colours and sample materials before buying them should not be underestimated, nor set aside for the sake of saving a few pennies by buying online. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ART SHOP! If you know of a great art shop local to you please send us details and we will add their details here.
Truro Arts Company Not quite so local, but very good. knowledgeable staff, and a good range of artist quality materials. And there is an excellent cafe adjoining the art shop! if you are in Truro it is worth a visit. (Not an on-line shop)
Bargain Arts We know the shop in Topsham, a real treasure trove. Don't be misled by the name, the staff know their products and can advise you on what to buy. They stock a good range of artists quality materials. (Not an online shop. Tel 01392 758511 )