Core Painting Supplies

General supplies referenced in demos and assignments:

This is where I want you to use what you are already working with. Growth during the course is built on you developing strategies to support what you're already working with.

Please note that I receive a small commission when you order supplies using the links to Blick Art Materials or Amazon.

Watercolour paints (I use tube paints squeezed into my watercolour palette and allowed to dry until set)
Preferred brands: Daniel Smith, Schmincke, Holbein, Sennelier, QoR, Rockwell, M Graham
Watercolour brushes (soft synthetic in a variety of sizes)
Preferred brands: Escoda, Rosemary & Co, Lebenzon
100% cotton Watercolour paper (Arches, Fabriano, Saunders, Hahnemühle)
Sketchbook or notebook (for notes and reflection during lessons)

Note: This web page goes more deeply into my favourite suppliers and offers some discount codes: LINK

Experimental Mark-Making Tools

Module 3: Save a Painting With Experimentation

Kakimori dip pen
Reed pen
Stick for mark-making
Posca paint marker (black, fine point)

These tools are used to create imperfect or “flawed” marks that encourage experimentation and loosen control. Look at your own art supply collection and find tools you can use to make interesting marks in the paint!

Mixed Media Colour Tools

(Used for developing paintings and experimentation)

Caran d’Ache Neocolor II water-soluble crayons
Stabilo Woody water-soluble crayons
Chalk pastels

Uses mentioned:

Adding vibrant colour
Creating line and texture
Melting or softening colour with water spray

Pattern & Texture Tools

Stencils (this is my favourite tree stencil from Blick)
Spray bottle (for spraying diluted watercolour) Amazon link
Magic Eraser microfiber sponge (for lifting pigment)

Uses mentioned:

Creating pattern
Lifting colour through stencils
Adding sprayed colour effects

Books to Study Further

Because this course is designed to teach colour fluency based on your personal experimentation and palette, I'd encourage you to start with books on artistic mindset that will support your artistic voice and growth. Here are a few of my favourites:

The Artist’s Journey: Bold Strokes Toward a More Authentic Self — Nancy Hillis

Creative Authenticity: 16 Principles to Clarify and Deepen Your Artistic Vision — Ian Roberts

Your Inner Critic Is a Big Jerk: And Other Truths About Being Creative — Danielle Krysa

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear — Elizabeth Gilbert