Create a starter kit for beginners with watercolor

Create a starter kit for beginners with watercolor. Dear friends welcome to the short journey that we will take today for beginners and want to know more about the watercolor technique! This new adventure was born with the desire to explore this universe together, step by step, experimenting with new techniques! But before we even reveal how to proceed to paint with this beautiful technique, we need to answer all those questions that arise when you find yourself having to buy your tools for the first time: that is, which colors to choose? What kind of album do I need? Which brushes to use? These are just some questions that those who want to start painting with watercolor usually ask me.

Colors

The watercolor colors are pleasing and extra-fine, in godets or loaves, in half godets or tubes. If you are undecided about which of these types to use, it will be beneficial to read the article dedicated to watercolor colors previously published on the blog! This article describes the difference between liquid, dry, and tube watercolors that will allow you to choose the colors you think are most appropriate for your needs. Today I present to you the pocket set of 12 half godets by Winsor & Newton. These colors are great for beginners but also for those who already paint in watercolor. In addition, the handy case will allow you to use it even in small spaces or to carry it comfortably with you. The set consists of the following colors: Pale Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Red, Crimson Red, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Veronese Green, Yellow Ocher, Natural Sienna, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Chinese white. In addition, the case is equipped with a brush and three compartments to dilute the color. This set offers the right balance between quality and accessibility and will allow you to take the first steps in the world of watercolor.

The albums and watercolor paper

Create a starter kit for beginners with watercolor

There are several watercolor papers, especially those that paint by diluting the color with water. It is advisable to use sheets of paper with a weight starting from 300 g. In addition, the watercolor paper also differs in the grain, that is, the effect that we perceive when we caress the surface of a sheet. The type of grain is chosen based on the result we want to obtain. If our work requires more precise contours and details, then the fine grain will be more suitable, having a smoother surface. If you are keen on painting more significant subjects or extensive color backgrounds, you can generally choose a coarse-grained album. That’s why it will be fine for beginners the fine-grained Canson-Montval watercolor block with excellent yield, which, thanks to the four glued sides that perfectly preserve the drafting of the paper, will allow you to paint directly on the album.

The brushes

Specifically, watercolor brushes must be particularly flexible. Having a good set of brushes is an investment that will last over time if you take care of it! ;-). But if you want to start with a purchase that gives you good results without spending very high amounts, then to start a good Da Vinci n ° 12 round tip will undoubtedly be for you. This type of brush is very well suited for painting more extensive backgrounds. Thanks to its particular flexibility, such as backgrounds or significant subjects, the tip retains the color very well and paints details while working at the tip. Another brush that I recommend is by Tintoretto, in marten hair, Kolinsky n ° 4 flat; this type of brush makes the application of color exceptionally full-bodied thanks to the softness of the bristles, its flat tip, and smaller size, although less used among watercolorists, can be helpful in painting elements with more intense color. Finally, the Winsor & Newton brush, Cotman, n ° 6 round, of medium size, can be used to paint both the details and the most watercolor areas with excellent elasticity and is ideal for those who are just starting.

In summary, here is the list of what you need to carry out today’s tutorial:

Color i: 1 set watercolor sketchers Winsor & Newton Cotman 12 half godets + brush.

Brushes: 1 Tintoretto brush, Kolinsky marten, flat 4; 1 brush by Winsor & Newton, Cotman, n ° 6 round, 1 da Vinci brush n ° 12 round tip.

Paper: 1 Canson-Montval watercolor block, fine grain

Other materials: 1 Pencil and eraser, a ruler, 2 containers for water, a palette with plastic or ceramic compartments, white cotton cloth or paper towel.

We make the color chart

Once you have chosen the right tools, it will be fun to make a color chart, as it is essential to know the actual color rendering on the paper. On a sheet of your album, equipped with a pencil and ruler, draw a grid made up of twelve squares of 2 cm per side. Once the grid is complete, paint the first square with pale Cadmium Yellow. Equip yourself with the Cotman brush n ° 6, moisten the brush in water and peel the brush on the yellow stick with circular and delicate movements. Once the tip is full of color, paint the square and continue with the following colors. Between one color and another, be careful when washing the brush using two jars of water to clean the bristles of any color residues. Once your brush is clean, lightly dab the tip on a cotton cloth or paper towel to drain the excess water and move on to the next color.

Color chart with transparency effect

Once the grid is finished, proceed by drawing on the remaining part of the sheet two columns divided into twelve rectangles of about 1.5 x 8 cm. Proceed by painting the individual rectangles horizontally, blending the color from the deepest tone to the lightest, obtaining the typical transparency effect that distinguishes the watercolor. As for the previous folder, apply the same procedure by painting every rectangle following the order of the set’s colors. For this exercise, use the Da Vinci round tip brush n ° 12, which will make it easier to dilute the color. Finally, once the color is dry, you can write in pencil the corresponding code of each color that you will find inside the package.