SUPPLY LIST FOR WATERCOLOR CLASS
Nancy Harkins, Instructor – 742-3011
TUBE WATERCOLORS:
I recommend using Artist Grade watercolors rather than student grade, as the Artist Grade are more concentrated, and you
will use less and get better results. Locally available brands are Daniel Smith (my favorite), Winsor & Newton, and M. Graham
(all at Ziegler’s). Hobby Lobby also has some but not all Winsor & Newton colors. www.danielsmith.com is the website
address to order online.
Colors: Scarlet Lake (W&N) or Organic Vermillion (DS)
Permanent Alizarin Crimson
Quinacridone Gold
Yellow Ochre
New Gamboge Yellow
Burnt Sienna
Burnt Umber
Cerulean Blue (PB35 on DS label)
Cobalt Blue
Ultramarine or French Ultramarine Blue (or Indanthrone Blue)
PAPER:
Paper is probably the single most important material in learning to paint watercolors. Inexpensive paper often works
AGAINST your efforts and will require you to learn all over again when you use quality paper. Please use only high quality
paper such as Arches, Fabriano, or Lana in 140 or 300 lb. weight (thickness) in Cold Press (CP) or Rough (R) finish. PLEASE
AVOID STRATHMORE AND CANSON BRANDS. They will make it more difficult for you to paint.
Pad or block of Arches, Fabriano or Lana paper, 140 or 300 lb., at least 10 x 14” size
(Single sheets of these papers, cut to size are fine, too.)
BRUSHES:
Although good natural hair brushes come to a useful point and carry more paint at a time, there are many adequate synthetic
brushes on the market that will do just fine. Do try to get something that has some resiliency and preferably comes to a
point. Hobby Lobby’s “Master’s Touch” are not too bad and do go on sale! Avoid soft “camel hair” or oil painting brushes
(usually have longer handles.)
1 ½” or 2” flat or a “one-stroke” which is thicker
¾” or 1” flat
#10 or #12 round
#3 or #4 script or rigger with a tapered point
PALETTE:
You will need a large plastic palette that has compartments around the outside edges in which to squeeze your colors and a
roomy area in the middle in which to mix lots of soupy paint. You can also use a large butcher tray that has no compartments,
but will need to make sure your soupy paint mixes do not touch your fresh colors. Most of the plastic palettes have lids,
which helps when transporting your gear. Robert Wood, John Pike, & Stephen Quiller all make good ones.
PERSONAL PHOTOS TO WORK FROM (especially landscapes, skyscapes, & architectural subjects.) Please no calendar or
magazine photos.
HARDBOARD (Masonite) cut near to the size of your paper (if you are using a pad or single sheets) Not needed with a
watercolor block.
BULLDOG CLIPS, 4 or more to secure single sheet paper to the hardboard
MASKING TAPE, just regular beige--NOT the blue color
WATER CONTAINER (should hold at least a quart)
WATER SPRAY BOTTLE
PAPER TOWELS or RAGS, TOWELS
PAINTING KNIFE WITH A FLEXIBLE TIP (to scratch away paint to make branches, etc. and for use with a watercolor block)
HB & 2B PENCILS
KNEADED ERASER
SKETCHBOOK
CAMERA (optional)