Beginning & Advanced Watercolor Supply List- weekly classes in Raleigh/Durham areas
Beginning Watercolor (newbies or those wishing to relearn the basics)
Have you always wanted to learn watercolor but didn’t know where to start? This welcoming class will teach you everything you need to begin painting with confidence. Learn about the best papers, paints, and brushes while discovering how watercolor creates beautiful luminous effects that can’t be achieved with any other medium.
Through a series of fun painting projects, students will learn wet-on-wet washes, wet-on-dry techniques, layering colors, and other essential skills used by professional watercolor artists. Follow along with the instructor’s demonstrations or bring your own subject matter and receive individualized instruction. No prior watercolor experience is required—just a willingness to experiment and have fun!
Watercolor Again! (suitable for students with watercolor experience)
Dive into the dynamic world of watercolor in this vibrant and adventurous class! Explore an array of expressive techniques—from unexpected color harmonies and dramatic monochrome granulation to painting on unconventional surfaces that push your creativity. Each session features fresh demonstrations covering diverse subjects and styles, ensuring every class feels like a new artistic journey. With personalized guidance tailored to your evolving skills, this course is perfect for those with some watercolor experience ready to expand their visual voice and experiment boldly. Let your brush take the lead!
Thanks for registering for the class. This is a bare-bones supply list. I will show you the brushes and paints I use in the class and you are welcome to purchase additional supplies as we continue. However, I do not want you to spend a lot of money on supplies you might not need or want. Please call or email if you have any questions and I look forward to seeing you.
Supplies to bring:
MOST IMPORTANT: Good watercolor paper. You can have the best brushes and paints in the world and you will not be able to paint anything (worth a darn) with cheap paper.
Buy several 22×30 sheets of professional watercolor paper (or a block of paper). I use Arches or Fabriano Artistico 140lb Cold press or rough surface. We will work on 1/4″ sheet sizes (11×15”) or smaller . Do not cut paper before class though. I could not find good prices on individual sheets online (unless buying pack of 10 which is a LOT of paper). I would purchase individual sheets in stores.
Watercolor blocks are as good as individual sheets.
Fabriano Artistico 140lb 12×16″ Block
Arches 11×14 block 20 sheets
Do NOT buy watercolor pads. This is the cheapest paper made by manufacturers- it might have a good name on the front (Saunders, Fabriano, etc) but this is inferior paper. DO NOT BUY
PAINTS
Colors: All colors are Winsor & Newton unless specified. Other brands will work too but might not be the same paint.
Mandatory- Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, Winsor Yellow, Rose Madder (Turner), Sap Green, Perinone Orange (Daniel Smith), Yellow Ochre, Imperial Purple (Daniel Smith)
Winsor Newton Ultramarine Blue
Winsor Newton Burnt Sienna
Winsor Newton Winsor Yellow
Winsor Newton Sap Green
Daniel Smith Perinone Orange
Winsor Newton Yellow Ochre
Daniel Smith Imperial Purple
Turner Rose Madder
Highly Recommended- Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Titanium White
Winsor Newton Cobalt Blue
Winsor Newton Cerulean Blue
Winsor Newton Titanium White
Additional Colors for Watercolor Again!
(only for those taking Watercolor Again!)
Daniel Smith Shadow Violet
Daniel Smith Lunar Black
Lavender (Holbein)
Jaune Brilliant #2 (Holbein)
You are always welcome to use your own colors too but these are the colors I will be using often
Brushes
I recommend having at least three brushes- #6 round brush, one mop, and a rigger. Make sure the mop has a nice point and doesn’t look like a makeup brush.
Richeson Silver Velvet #6
Richeson Silver Velvet #2
My students have bought this set online and they seem to work ok. The hairs fall out a lot but they are mop brushes with decent tips.
Professional Watercolor Squirrel Hair Paint Brushes by DUGATO
Optional
Harmony Squirrel Mop #6 Brush:
Harmony Squirrel Mop #2 Brush:
I also use a #4 Rigger brush to get details:
And a tiny spot toner 2/0 for itty bitty details:
Richeson 1/2″ flat.
Supplies
Paper towels. I use Viva w/ no pattern. Available at any grocery store.
One small bottle of masking fluid. Make sure liquid isn’t clumpy or solidified. I use Pebeo and Graffix though Daniel Smith and Winsor Newton Masking fluid will work too. Do NOT buy Winsor Newton Permanent Masking fluid
Pebeo Masking Fluid (big bottle) You don’t need the big bottle to start.
Pebeo Masking Fluid (small bottle) recommended
Cheap medium sized brush for masking fluid. Get the cheapest #4 or #2 round brush available. Find something on clearance if possible.
Water container. This can be anything. Seriously. As long as it holds water. Think cereal bowl size.
Watercolor Palette- I like the Sterling Edwards Big Brush palette but I also own several Richeson Covered Palettes. Make sure your palette is big enough to mix lots of paint with water so you have big puddles of color ready to go.
Sterling Edwards Big Brush Watercolor Palette
Drawing supplies. Pencils, white erasers, pencil sharpeners
Spray Bottles
Holbein Spray Bottle
Spray Bottle
Other Supplies
Water resistant board to put paper on. This could be gatorboard, plexiglass, or wood. You could even cover cardboard with freezer paper and put watercolor on top.
2” masking tape or painters tape
Sense of humor (required)
You can purchase all these supplies online by clicking on the links above. These are all affiliate links and I do earn a small commission (at no charge to you)
You can also purchase supplies in person:
Jerry’s Artarama- 3060 Wake Forest Rd. Raleigh, NC 27609
I purchase most of my supplies at Jerry’s Artarama in the Holly Park shopping complex near Trader Joe’s. They have everything in stock and the best prices. I do not receive a kick-back for sending students to Jerry’s- this is where I shop.
Artpost Supplies and Studio- 718 Iredell St. Durham, NC 27705
Michael’s & Hobby Lobby (several stores in area)
Michaels and Hobby Lobby have a small selection of painting supplies. Prices are high unless you have a bunch of coupons. You can easily save 25% ordering online at art supply stores online:
Online: Cheap Joe’s, Jerry’s Artarama, Blick, Utrecht
Hi, I’ve registered for the “rule breaking watercolor” class at Pullen Arts Center in June and I don’t see a supply list for that specific class; can you let me know what I’ll need? I’m very interested in learning new techniques, but as an occasional painter I don’t want to invest in a lot of supplies that I may not use again. Thank you!