So, you’ve resolved to explore the colourful world of watercolours. You made a good decision! But if you’re anything like me during the early stages, you are most likely staring at one of those walls that carry various watercolour paints tubes in an overwhelming manner. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. We can delve into how you may select ideal watercolours for yourself. Trust me, it will be interesting!
My Experience with Watercolour Painting
Before we get into it, let me tell you about my experience with watercolour painting. My journey in painting using watercolours began as a way of winding down after leaving the office. Just painting a little here and there as one unwinds is such therapy. However, choosing my first set of watercolours? That’s another story altogether. Deep down, I was lost in the sea of colours, brands and terms I didn’t know existed. Does that ring any bells?
My first visit to the art store remains fresh in my mind. The employees were helpful, but I still felt like I was cracking a code. To me, pan sets and tubes are the same thing: artist-grade, student-grade—what language are they speaking? But after several trials (also because my buddy Google could not leave me alone), voila! This time, let me rescue you from such ignorance.
Understanding Watercolors: Tubes Versus Pans
First things first, let’s discuss some rudiments here. The primary designations of watercolour paints are tubes and pans.
Tubes are small, squeezable containers holding paint. They are best used when working on large pieces or if you like to mix your colour shades at home.
On the other hand, pans refer to solid blocks that become activated once they are moistened with water. I usually carry a pan in my pocket so that I can paint while in the park or in a café.
What’s more, let’s compare the differences between artist grades and student grades
Artist-grade watercolours are high-quality paints with rich pigments and excellent lightfastness (fancy talk for how well the colour holds up over time). These are the paints professionals use. They’re a bit pricier, but oh so worth it. Think of them as the gourmet chocolates of the watercolour world.
Student-grade watercolours offer a cheaper option for newbies needing time to sharpen their skills. Although they may be less bright and permanent, they’re good for practising lines and shapes without thinking about money issues at all.
Alright, let’s move on to my favourite brands!
Winsor & Newton: These people are simply legends in the world of watercolours, and their artist-grade paints are just amazing—very bright and easy to use in any manner one can think of. They also make suitable student-grade paints called the Cotman series, among others.
Daler Rowney: Another treat for artists out there are Daler Rowney products! The pigments in their paints are rich and unusual. Additionally, they have a selection of granulating colours that create texture in your artwork.
Shopping At Artist Material
If you are in the UK (you can buy them from anywhere else, too, because almost all of us like internet shopping, don’t we?), then make sure to check out Artist Material. It is one of the most amazing online art stores ever. Various products from different brands are available, and they offer excellent customer service. Besides, they usually offer bonuses and discounts that no one can resist.
I still remember the first time I placed an order for artist-grade paints from Artist Material. When it arrived, I felt like a child receiving gifts from Santa on Christmas day. They even threw in a free brush! Little things mean so much sometimes.
Making up your colours
So, how do you decide which colours to get? That’s the fun part! Most sets contain primary colours such as red, yellow, and blue, among other essentials. This provides a perfect foundation since you can make many colours from just a few tubes/pans.
When I started, most basic 12-colour kits fit my requirements well enough for me to experiment and find a style. I have some must-have primaries that I love and other crazy but interesting colours without which I can’t work.
Tips for Trying Out Your New Paints
So, you bought your watercolours—what now? Here are some suggestions to help you begin your journey:
- Swatch Your Colors: It’s another term for testing. You should make little charts with smears of all the hues, then see how they look on paper. This will help you understand the paints and how they react to one another.
- Play with Water: When painting, it is essential to understand that watercolour’s best buddy is water. Change the amount of water used and observe how it affects the pigment’s coverage. Lighter and more transparent washes are achievable through increased water volumes, while bold and rich strokes can be achieved by reduced water content.
- Mix And Match: Do not be scared to mix shades. This is where magic occurs; try your unique tints and see what is produced. Be surprised!
- Practice Makes Perfect: Do not feel pressure if the first few pictures do not turn out the way you wanted them to. Keep playing with them again and experiment with different projects until they do.
Wrap-Up: Ready, Set, Paint!
So, there you have it – your ultimate guide to choosing suitable watercolours. Whether you go for tubes or pans, artist grade or student grade, the most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity flow. Remember, every artist’s journey is unique. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
And if you’re looking for a great place to start, check out Artist Material. Their selection and service are top-notch, and they’re always there to help if you have any questions.
Happy painting, my friend!
