The painting of the cardinals above was painted on Terra Skin paper with real birch bark glued on. The other areas were painted with watercolour paints. It was a very fun mixed media evening of painting and creating. no two paintings in the class were the same- that is for sure!
A preference of mine is to paint with Windsor and Newton tube watercolour paints, and oils. When painting in acrylic painting I use Golden brand of acrylics.
It is well worth your learning time to make your very own colour wheels to really understand, warm colours such as yellows and reds, and cool colours such as blues and greens, tints, hues and values and complimentary colours! A colour wheel can be printed off from a google search as well. The wheel is a good starting point to remind that opposites really do attract!
My brushes are artist quality from Curry’s art store. The staff can recommend what name brands of brushes to buy, but I do like the Curry’s brand, Windsor and Newton, and many others.
Your own painting can take you to a place of relaxation and a carefree zone where you accomplish a style of your own and a work that becomes a part of who you are.
Enjoy the process!
Water colour painting- 101
Surface for water colour painting
1) Arches Paper - 140 lb is excellent for water colour paintings, in sheets or block pads.
2) Canson 140 lb paper pad.
3)Strathmore 140 lb paper pad
The most important point to remember about your painting surface in water colours, is the quality of the paper. Any paper that is less than 140 lbs will not be a smooth surface and can ruin the look of your painting.
Some time ago I really enjoyed painting on Terra Skin paper. it was a thick slippery surface almost like a plastic feel. It is no longer available.
Watercolour Paint
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'Windsor and Newton' tube water colour paints- artist quality.
Brushes
Artist quality : Curry`s, Windsor and Newton, and many others recommended by your art supply store.
Suggested materials for water colour painting:
Masking tape
Board to tape your paper onto, such as an art board, or a card board, or a plastic board.
Soft pencil 4B, or 6B
Gomme eraser.
Ruler
A painting palette. I love to use an antique glass cutting board! i also have a plastic palette like a Tom Lynch type.
Kleenex/paper towel, or an old clean cloth.
Water containers - glass jars work fine.
Spray mist bottle- must produce a fine mist- not too wet.
A book to place under your work board to angle your paint surface up to about 20 degrees or so.
Title: Soaring.
Paints and substrate: Water colour and pastel on Terra Skin paper.
Mixing water colour paints.
The three primary colours are red, blue and yellow. Using one colour straight from the tube creates a crisp clear pigment in your work. Using mixed colours adds more depth to a painting.
Secondary colours are created y mixing two primary color together such as yellow and blue, to make green. See below.
Cool colours are- blues, and warm colours are yellows/reds.
It is helpful to use a colour wheel. To create shadows use the opposite colour on the wheel. It is called a complementary colour. For example on a yellow flower we can use violet to add contrast.
Paint can be mixed on your palette before you apply it to your paper, or colours can be mixed on wet paper as you are painting. It is a great idea to have a scrap piece of paper to test your colour before you paint on your work.
orange = red + yellow
green = blue + yellow
purple = blue + red
brown = red + yellow + blue
Secondary colours are created y mixing two primary color together such as yellow and blue, to make green. See below.
Cool colours are- blues, and warm colours are yellows/reds.
It is helpful to use a colour wheel. To create shadows use the opposite colour on the wheel. It is called a complementary colour. For example on a yellow flower we can use violet to add contrast.
Paint can be mixed on your palette before you apply it to your paper, or colours can be mixed on wet paper as you are painting. It is a great idea to have a scrap piece of paper to test your colour before you paint on your work.
orange = red + yellow
green = blue + yellow
purple = blue + red
brown = red + yellow + blue
Water colour paintings are painted often using transparent paints. This type of paint allows layers of colours to be applied on top of a dry light base coat of paint.
Opague water colour paints will cover the underneath wash totally. This can be useful to cover a mistake on the base coat of paint.
Opague water colour paints will cover the underneath wash totally. This can be useful to cover a mistake on the base coat of paint.
Use very clean water at all times when painting.
Good lighting. Natural light from a window is great.
When the paper is taped onto the board tilt the board an inch or two toward you by placing something under the top of the board that will lift and tilt the board slightly.
Water colour paintings should not be hung in direct sunlight. Good paper is acid free and an acid free backing from your framer should support the back of your work.
Water colour paintings look better when they are matted and placed in a frame under glass. A small portion of your work may make a greeting card.
Happy Painting!!
Good lighting. Natural light from a window is great.
When the paper is taped onto the board tilt the board an inch or two toward you by placing something under the top of the board that will lift and tilt the board slightly.
Water colour paintings should not be hung in direct sunlight. Good paper is acid free and an acid free backing from your framer should support the back of your work.
Water colour paintings look better when they are matted and placed in a frame under glass. A small portion of your work may make a greeting card.
Happy Painting!!
