Paints
Pan sets are affordable and easy for starting out with watercolor painting. You may remember the classic tempura pan painting set from elementary school. It usually comes with its own brush and a lid with water wells for mixing paints.
Artist-grade pan sets are similar in that they usually include a preselected set of paint colors. Sometimes they include a brush or watercolor pen brush. Some professional watercolor pan sets are sold with optional individual pans so you can customize the colors within the set.
Mix tube paints with water on a palette to create and mix your own colors. If using tubes, as much or as little paint can be used, as desired. Additionally, there are many more color options than found in a ready-made pan set.
PALETTES
Watercolor palettes come in many different shapes and sizes. There are plastic, acrylic, enameled metal, and ceramic watercolor palettes. I prefer using plastic or ceramic palettes. The palette you choose should have enough wells for both setting up your colors and for mixing colors.
Plastic palettes are lighter weight and low cost. I find ceramic palettes look nicer and are easier to clean. The paint seems to slide off easily without staining. Ceramic palettes are sturdier but heavier. If traveling, I use plastic palettes because they are lightweight, flexible, and less likely to break.
Watercolor pen brushes are a portable type of brush for painting on-the-go. Some paint sets come with a watercolor pen brush and are convenient for traveling. There are also some complete sets of watercolor pens in different pre-mixed colors that can be used as conveniently as markers. Unscrew watercolor pen brushes and fill them with water. Then simply dip into pans of watercolor paint and mix as desired. Squeeze the handle to release more water as you paint. Use sponges for cleaning the brush tip between colors. All brushes should be cleaned after use with plain water. Because watercolor paint is water-based, warm water is all that is needed for cleanup. There are some brush soaps and conditioners available but are not necessary. While you can use a liner brush to “sketch” directly onto the paper with paint, I often prefer to use pencils and pens to do my initial sketching. Light pencil marks can give the work just a hint of foundation and extra lines can be erased. Pens add a more dramatic look, with definite lines that can complement the watercolor painting. If using pencils, make sure to have a sharpener and erasers on hand. Test the erasers on your paper to make sure they do not tear or smudge the surface. Markers can bleed through watercolor paper or run when mixed with water. Make sure to test them first on a small sheet of paper to see if you like the finished results. Find a quiet location where you can work without distraction. Make sure there is enough lighting so you can see your work and colors clearly without straining your eyes. Have a source of water close by for refilling your water jar and cleaning up.WATERCOLOR PEN BRUSHES
PENCILS, PENS & MARKERS
