Kris Storey
Ever since I can remember I have always loved to draw and paint. In watercolor I find a medium that not only allows freedom and spontaneity but also shines with brilliant translucent color.
I want my pieces to reflect the beauty of creation both in nature and in man because we were created by a wonderful heavenly father who loves as and has high and wonderful thoughts toward us. I want my work to reflect His character, His love, His design and His faithfulness.
I enjoy painting a variety of subjects from birds, flowers and still lifes, to peoples of the world, and highlighting social issues to raise awareness for change.
Watercolor Materials List
Everyone has a different budget and is starting from a different level of experience so this list is intended to be a basic outline of what is needed. If you have time to order materials online Cheap Joes is a good place for reasonable prices.
Brushes
The better the quality the easier it will be for you to enjoy painting with watercolors. It's better to have a few really good brushes than many poor quality ones. Look for brushes that come to a good point and hold a lot of water without going limp.
Meininger Art Supply offers a line of Meininger brand synthetic blend brushes that are reasonably priced. Hake and chinese brushes are a cheaper alternative, however the hairs tend to come out while painting and they can go limp easily.
• Get a few rounds, sizes #14, #10, #5. Flats 3/4" or 1". Hake 1 1/2".
Paint
I will be using artist grade tube paints but if you are just starting and want to use pan paints that's OK too. Yarka is a very good brand and comes in sets. Tube Paints also come in sets and will give you a starter selection of colors for watercolor painting. You can start by using brand name "academic" or "student" grade watercolors until you can commit your resources to buying "artist" grade watercolor supplies. If you already have your own set up bring that. I use the Steven Quiller pallet and list of colors.
I suggest the following palette of 12 colors:
• Cadmium Yellow Light or Bismuth Yellow
• Cadmium Orange
• Cadmium Red Orange or Vermillion
• Cadmium Red or Permanent Red
• Quinacridone Rose or Permanent Alizarin Crimson
• Quinacridone Violet, or Magenta
• Ultramarine Violet
• Ultramarine Blue Deep
• Pthalocyanine Blue
• Pthalocyanine Turquoise
• Pthalocycnine Green
• Permanent Green Light
I also use Opera Rose from Winsor & Newton
Paper
Use any watercolor pad, block, or sheet paper with a weight of #140 lb. or higher. The heavier the paper, the less likely you'll have to deal with the warpage of the damp paper while painting. Strathmore 400 Series is OK for practice exercises.
• Arches 140lb cold press is best for actual paintings.
Palette
If you use a pan set of paints an additional plastic palette to use along with the one included would be helpful.
If you are using tube watercolors a covered plastic palette makes for the least waste and most convenience. I use a round palette but other styles are OK.
A few more odds'n'ends will round out your basic supplies.
• #2 standard pencil
• kneaded eraser
• small spray bottle
• straight edge
• and an old towel
• paper towels (Viva work well)
• masking tape
• a couple of large metal clips or push pins for holding your watercolor paper
• half inch foam board large enough for your paper size
• 2 water containers
I will probably demo using some additional items but can let you know before hand.