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Art materials are unique to every artist. We all have personal reasons why we prefer one brand/item over another. I would say the single biggest determining factor for most artists in choosing their equipment is their style of painting and what they want to achieve. Some of the questions I get asked the most is, "what brand of paint do you like best?" and "what is your favourite brand of watercolour brushes?"
My own first watercolour brushes were quite nasty, I knew it back then because my dad taught me to paint with sables. The shape was wrong and difficult, it didn’t hold much water and the bristles were stiff and flicky – sometimes I felt there was more paint on me than the painting (I hear you all laughing – stop that!! Xx). My excuse is that was accidental flicking (control yourselves!!). A problem I encountered was being encouraged to paint “Big” but all I had, all I could get, were small brushes – mama mia!! However, I was lucky to be a member of a great local art group through which I met fantastic artists and found my way to their workshops. Interestingly, they all used flat brushes – yay for me!! Brushes: Selecting a watercolour brush can be a bit overwhelming especially when you visit an art supply store and see all the goodies!! I like to use a combination of both synthetic and natural hair brushes. I love the Daler Rowney Sapphires and Silver Black Velvet and Princeton Neptune. I also have a variety of natural hair brushes from several different manufacturers like Da Vinci, Escoda and Rosemary. My first flat brush was a 2 inch squirrel wash brush which cost $300. Since then I have also purchased the 1.5 inch and a 1 inch which I love so much!! They’re synthetic/squirrel blend, very soft and perfect for watercolour because they hold a lot of water and paint for washing and blocking-in and more paint when needed. Their softness also means an easier, more reliable glaze, they won’t lift colour while you’re trying to put it down. I use my 1 inch for about 95% small plein air work. I also have synthetic flat brushes to hand, 1”, ¾”, ½” and ¼”. They are all different brands Daler Rowney system 3, W&N and da Vinci. I use a da Vinci #6 squirrel mop, with a lovely fat belly and point, I can paint a complete small painting because of its versatility – fat brush strokes with the belly and detail marks with the point. It’s great for studio painting and en plein air. It has lovely long bristles and the ferrule is positioned to avoid scratch the paper. I also have a #4 but I use it less often. My detail brushes are from Daler-Rowney, Sapphire S85. I always have #14 or #12, #10, #8, #6, #4 to hand. I love these brushes because they don’t have a point – they’re rounded. They are a sable/synthetic blend and hold lots of water and paint and make interesting shapes. My own style of painting is traditional techniques x10!! I use very loose brushwork in the beginning of a painting then I add calligraphic detail marks toward the end of each painting. I prefer geometric shapes I can create with a flat brush over round brush shapes. Paint: I always choose tube colours over pan colours. I've been using a combination of Winsor & Newton professional grade paint for close to 30 years, I started with Cotmans but quickly grew out of it as I discovered it’s limitations. I also love Schmincke but I don’t like their lids as they often stick and require time and additional muscle. Another brand I use is Holbein, although they have a bad rap for using many pigments in each colour, I have never found that to be a problem. I have tried many other brands but generally I have found them lacking compared to W&N or Schmincke. If I have one 5ml tube of W&N, I need 3 tubes of any other brand. Paper: I prefer to paint on Arches cold press medium 300gsm 100% cotton rag. Arches is a company that has been around for a very long time and the quality is always consistent. For students and my studio “playing” I recommend Fabriano Artistico Cold press 300gsm 100% cotton rag, it is exhibition grade and takes a lot of punishment but is more affordable. The materials you choose will have a lot to do with the style of your painting and your goals. I suggest doing some exploring on your own to see what YOU like best. In my experience it’s best to get recommendations from other watercolour painters who paint in a style you like. You may start out with one brand, but as your style develops you may find that a completely different type of brush, paper, or paint, is something that you like more. Paint and paint often. Experiment and play with different types and brands of supplies. Eventually you will land on something that works best for you.
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AuthorPaintBox Tips, secrets, random thoughts, Poetry in watercolour is made in the freedom of the here and now. Amanda Brett Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working - Pablo Picasso There are no mistakes in watercolour, just some extra surprises!! Categories
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What my readers and viewers have to say
Your emails are so informative! I must confess I've watched a couple of your demos from beginning to end, and it makes me want to watercolor!!! I've only ever painted with oil or acrylics and haven't know how to begin with WC. Your content is excellent!
Susan VN Hi Amanda
Thank you for your tips. They inspired me to practise and I realised I haven’t been loading the brush properly. I learnt about adding more paint, and not water, to washes. In today’s tips I like the idea of painting with purpose. Your tips are very helpful. I very much appreciate receiving them. Elizabeth Hi Amanda I enjoyed your post and generous tips. Looked up Dan Burt I begin to see that you can colour any subject to give it pizazz so long as the tone and form is correct Certainly adding value now to my attempts Thanks heaps Annie
Yes very wise words. Agree with not fussing and agree with comments about good quality paint. Well written and inspirational as always. Cheers Janet xxxx Archives
January 2025
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