Thursday, September 6, 2018
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Watercolor Conspiracy
Hi Loves.
Today we will discuss watercolor conspiracy. WHOA! Hold up, T. There's a conspiracy?! How so? Well not really a conspiracy more like a difficult medium to master or is it? Do I use pan watercolors or use straight from the tube?
Watercolor...grrr...grunt...no never...why?! Well its not as difficult as you may think. I'm going to explain a few easy ways to get started and where to find supplies that are affordable.
Mistakes in watercolor don't always come from lack of knowledge---most likely fear. Let's face it watercolor has a bad rap for misbehaving. Its a medium meant to be 'free'. Yes, free.
I will be the first to admit that I threw brushes across the room and let the paint box collect dust. However, I decided to just 'play' and take the stress off. I sat at the kitchen table and just explored lines/shapes until I got the feel of how 'free' my mind needs to be.
Your mind, T? Yes....I want you to think of watercolor as a 'mindless' art that can do its own thing for you without a lot of effort. Let the water do the work.
Let's discuss mediums first. There's pencils, crayons, pans and tubes of watercolor...not to mention marker pens. Slow down...breath...relax.
Watercolor pencils - pencils used to draw a layout, add a highlight, add texture or add a shadow.
Watercolor crayons - crayons with a waxy feel but can blend smooth to create large backgrounds or vibrant color on the go. You can use the watercolor crayon on paper or brush-to-watercolor crayon.
Watercolor pans - little to large kits of semi wet to dry watercolors. You will find most watercolor artists aka 'players' use these. They can be bought in a variety of ways. Student to professional. Inexpensive to 're-mortgage the home honey.' Useful for travel.
Watercolor tubes - you can use them from the tube but your color will be more like acrylic instead of the delicate watercolor most crave. The bonus to tubes is a small tube will last quite awhile. The second bonus is you can put all kinds of brands together and create epic play. You can also choose your own color palette.
Some brands of inexpensive watercolors will feel chalky whilst others will feel smooth. Both have their uses. :)
You can buy acrylic brushes that will perform just fine until you can afford to get a decent set of watercolor brushes. The brush brand to avoid for watercolor is Plaid. They leave hair behind and don't hold their shape well. I suggest Master's Touch from Hobby Lobby.
A plastic palette with a lid (24 wells) is about $2.99 and a perfect way to start if you are buying tubes of watercolor. I use everything. Can't blame a girl for wanting a variety can you? The other item is an art towel. You don't want a terry towel for this. Think soft and knit as they won't leave their texture behind.
Masking tape is okay to use to tape your paper down. However, painter's tape is better. It will give you a crisp edge without your watercolor going under the edge. Always let your painting dry before you remove tape. Do NOT pull the tape 'up' from the paper. Keep the pulled tape as close to the paper as possible. Before putting any tape down on the paper, place the tape on your clothing and pull off. This move will help remove some tackiness.
How do we keep our wet paper wet longer? Is it possible? Yes, it is. A few drops of Glycerin to your 'clean' water will keep the paper wet for a longer period of time. You will also need 2 watercolor bins. One for laying in clear color and one for washing your brush between colors.
We are ready to go now, T. Let's paint.....hold up, Buttercups. You need a bit of paper knowledge first. I finally found my watercolor success with the brand Canson 140 lb. cold press available at Walmart and at supply stores. Cold press has a texture to the paper. Hot press is flat.
Artist's Loft sells a paper pad for $5. I would buy that just to get the 'feel' of watercolor on the brush. This would be the time to zone out and just squiggle until you feel comfortable to try a painting. Plus it takes the stress off from wasting good paper.
The biggest mistake a newbie in watercolor can make is the size of the project. I want you to start small. Cut your paper down into squares no larger than 5 x 5. Anything larger will set you up for a stressful play.
The best advice is to use a brush slightly larger than the one you think would be fine. A small brush will take longer to cover the area and will leave 'blooms'. Blooms are flowers with a hard edge...some techniques call for these but for most these will ruin your project.
We will not discuss techniques today because I want you to play. Enjoy making a new friend in watercolors. A difficult medium can make you feel accomplished once mastered. OH wait...you can't master watercolor. Watercolor is your master. Just let it be. : )
Below are links to some of may favorite watercolors and an Arteza affiliate link. I will post a coupon code for 10% off that is good through September 21, 2018. I get a small percentage if you use my link.
Affiliate Link: http://arteza.com/?a_aid=Cracked_Heart_Studio
Watercolor Real Brush Pens:
https://arteza.com/collections/markers/products/arteza-real-brush-watercolor-pens?a_aid=Cracked_Heart_Studio&a_bid=71ef2756
Woodless Watercolor Pencils:
https://arteza.com/collections/pencils/products/arteza-woodless-watercolor-pencils-set-of-24?a_aid=Cracked_Heart_Studio&a_bid=29196977
Arteza - 5.5x8.5" Watercolor Pad (90 Sheets Total, 140 lb/300gsm Cold Pressed Paper) - 3 Pack
https://arteza.com/collections/sketchbook-paper/products/5-5x8-5-watercolor-pad-3-pack?a_aid=Cracked_Heart_Studio&a_bid=15687a32
Arteza - 9x12" Watercolor Pad (140lb/300g, 32 Sheets, 2 Pack
https://arteza.com/collections/sketchbook-paper/products/9x12-watercolor-pad-140lb-300g-32-sheets-2-pack?a_aid=Cracked_Heart_Studio&a_bid=64ab796d
The Coupon Code for 10% off is: "ArtfulSassy1"
The coupon will be valid from August 21th till September 21th
Canson® XL® Watercolor Pad
http://www.michaels.com/canson-xl-watercolor-pad/M10145805.html?dwvar_M10145805_size=12%22%20x%2018%22#q=canson+watercolor+paper&start=1
Yasutomo® Niji® Pearlescent Watercolor
http://www.michaels.com/yasutomo-niji-pearlescent-watercolor/10522637.html
Artist's Loft® Necessities Watercolor Pan Set
http://www.michaels.com/artists-loft-necessities-watercolor-pan-set/M10192181.html?dwvar_M10192181_count=28
Reeves® Watercolor Set
http://www.michaels.com/reeves-watercolor-set/M10289431.html?dwvar_M10289431_count=18
Color Splash Watercolor Crayons By Recollections
http://www.michaels.com/color-splash-watercolor-crayons-by-recollections/10463351.html#q=recollections+watercolor+crayons&start=1
Watercolor Paint Cake & Brush Set
https://www.hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/Painting-Supplies/Watercolor-Painting/Watercolor-Paint-Cake-Brush-Set/p/80826124
Premium Watercolor Paint
https://www.hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/Painting-Supplies/Watercolor-Painting/Premium-Watercolor-Paint/p/80851871
Yasutoma Niji 18-Color Watercolor Set
https://www.hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/Painting-Supplies/Watercolor-Painting/Yasutoma-Niji-18-Color-Watercolor-Set/p/7022
Orange Taklon Acrylic & Watercolor Paint Brushes - 10 Piece Set
https://www.hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/Brushes/Orange-Taklon-Acrylic-Watercolor-Paint-Brushes---10-Piece-Set/p/80870977
Light Brown Taklon Acrylic & Watercolor Round Paint Brushes - 10 Piece Set
https://www.hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/Brushes/Light-Brown-Taklon-Acrylic-Watercolor-Round-Paint-Brushes---10-Piece-Set/p/80870971
I'll seek you out soon.
Blessings,
Sassy T
Today we will discuss watercolor conspiracy. WHOA! Hold up, T. There's a conspiracy?! How so? Well not really a conspiracy more like a difficult medium to master or is it? Do I use pan watercolors or use straight from the tube?
Watercolor...grrr...grunt...no never...why?! Well its not as difficult as you may think. I'm going to explain a few easy ways to get started and where to find supplies that are affordable.
Mistakes in watercolor don't always come from lack of knowledge---most likely fear. Let's face it watercolor has a bad rap for misbehaving. Its a medium meant to be 'free'. Yes, free.
I will be the first to admit that I threw brushes across the room and let the paint box collect dust. However, I decided to just 'play' and take the stress off. I sat at the kitchen table and just explored lines/shapes until I got the feel of how 'free' my mind needs to be.
Your mind, T? Yes....I want you to think of watercolor as a 'mindless' art that can do its own thing for you without a lot of effort. Let the water do the work.
Let's discuss mediums first. There's pencils, crayons, pans and tubes of watercolor...not to mention marker pens. Slow down...breath...relax.
Watercolor pencils - pencils used to draw a layout, add a highlight, add texture or add a shadow.
Watercolor crayons - crayons with a waxy feel but can blend smooth to create large backgrounds or vibrant color on the go. You can use the watercolor crayon on paper or brush-to-watercolor crayon.
Watercolor pans - little to large kits of semi wet to dry watercolors. You will find most watercolor artists aka 'players' use these. They can be bought in a variety of ways. Student to professional. Inexpensive to 're-mortgage the home honey.' Useful for travel.
Watercolor tubes - you can use them from the tube but your color will be more like acrylic instead of the delicate watercolor most crave. The bonus to tubes is a small tube will last quite awhile. The second bonus is you can put all kinds of brands together and create epic play. You can also choose your own color palette.
Some brands of inexpensive watercolors will feel chalky whilst others will feel smooth. Both have their uses. :)
You can buy acrylic brushes that will perform just fine until you can afford to get a decent set of watercolor brushes. The brush brand to avoid for watercolor is Plaid. They leave hair behind and don't hold their shape well. I suggest Master's Touch from Hobby Lobby.
A plastic palette with a lid (24 wells) is about $2.99 and a perfect way to start if you are buying tubes of watercolor. I use everything. Can't blame a girl for wanting a variety can you? The other item is an art towel. You don't want a terry towel for this. Think soft and knit as they won't leave their texture behind.
Masking tape is okay to use to tape your paper down. However, painter's tape is better. It will give you a crisp edge without your watercolor going under the edge. Always let your painting dry before you remove tape. Do NOT pull the tape 'up' from the paper. Keep the pulled tape as close to the paper as possible. Before putting any tape down on the paper, place the tape on your clothing and pull off. This move will help remove some tackiness.
How do we keep our wet paper wet longer? Is it possible? Yes, it is. A few drops of Glycerin to your 'clean' water will keep the paper wet for a longer period of time. You will also need 2 watercolor bins. One for laying in clear color and one for washing your brush between colors.
We are ready to go now, T. Let's paint.....hold up, Buttercups. You need a bit of paper knowledge first. I finally found my watercolor success with the brand Canson 140 lb. cold press available at Walmart and at supply stores. Cold press has a texture to the paper. Hot press is flat.
Artist's Loft sells a paper pad for $5. I would buy that just to get the 'feel' of watercolor on the brush. This would be the time to zone out and just squiggle until you feel comfortable to try a painting. Plus it takes the stress off from wasting good paper.
The biggest mistake a newbie in watercolor can make is the size of the project. I want you to start small. Cut your paper down into squares no larger than 5 x 5. Anything larger will set you up for a stressful play.
The best advice is to use a brush slightly larger than the one you think would be fine. A small brush will take longer to cover the area and will leave 'blooms'. Blooms are flowers with a hard edge...some techniques call for these but for most these will ruin your project.
We will not discuss techniques today because I want you to play. Enjoy making a new friend in watercolors. A difficult medium can make you feel accomplished once mastered. OH wait...you can't master watercolor. Watercolor is your master. Just let it be. : )
Below are links to some of may favorite watercolors and an Arteza affiliate link. I will post a coupon code for 10% off that is good through September 21, 2018. I get a small percentage if you use my link.
Affiliate Link: http://arteza.com/?a_aid=Cracked_Heart_Studio
Watercolor Real Brush Pens:
https://arteza.com/collections/markers/products/arteza-real-brush-watercolor-pens?a_aid=Cracked_Heart_Studio&a_bid=71ef2756
Woodless Watercolor Pencils:
https://arteza.com/collections/pencils/products/arteza-woodless-watercolor-pencils-set-of-24?a_aid=Cracked_Heart_Studio&a_bid=29196977
Arteza - 5.5x8.5" Watercolor Pad (90 Sheets Total, 140 lb/300gsm Cold Pressed Paper) - 3 Pack
https://arteza.com/collections/sketchbook-paper/products/5-5x8-5-watercolor-pad-3-pack?a_aid=Cracked_Heart_Studio&a_bid=15687a32
Arteza - 9x12" Watercolor Pad (140lb/300g, 32 Sheets, 2 Pack
https://arteza.com/collections/sketchbook-paper/products/9x12-watercolor-pad-140lb-300g-32-sheets-2-pack?a_aid=Cracked_Heart_Studio&a_bid=64ab796d
The Coupon Code for 10% off is: "ArtfulSassy1"
The coupon will be valid from August 21th till September 21th
Canson® XL® Watercolor Pad
http://www.michaels.com/canson-xl-watercolor-pad/M10145805.html?dwvar_M10145805_size=12%22%20x%2018%22#q=canson+watercolor+paper&start=1
Yasutomo® Niji® Pearlescent Watercolor
http://www.michaels.com/yasutomo-niji-pearlescent-watercolor/10522637.html
Artist's Loft® Necessities Watercolor Pan Set
http://www.michaels.com/artists-loft-necessities-watercolor-pan-set/M10192181.html?dwvar_M10192181_count=28
Reeves® Watercolor Set
http://www.michaels.com/reeves-watercolor-set/M10289431.html?dwvar_M10289431_count=18
Color Splash Watercolor Crayons By Recollections
http://www.michaels.com/color-splash-watercolor-crayons-by-recollections/10463351.html#q=recollections+watercolor+crayons&start=1
Watercolor Paint Cake & Brush Set
https://www.hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/Painting-Supplies/Watercolor-Painting/Watercolor-Paint-Cake-Brush-Set/p/80826124
Premium Watercolor Paint
https://www.hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/Painting-Supplies/Watercolor-Painting/Premium-Watercolor-Paint/p/80851871
Yasutoma Niji 18-Color Watercolor Set
https://www.hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/Painting-Supplies/Watercolor-Painting/Yasutoma-Niji-18-Color-Watercolor-Set/p/7022
Orange Taklon Acrylic & Watercolor Paint Brushes - 10 Piece Set
https://www.hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/Brushes/Orange-Taklon-Acrylic-Watercolor-Paint-Brushes---10-Piece-Set/p/80870977
Light Brown Taklon Acrylic & Watercolor Round Paint Brushes - 10 Piece Set
https://www.hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/Brushes/Light-Brown-Taklon-Acrylic-Watercolor-Round-Paint-Brushes---10-Piece-Set/p/80870971
I'll seek you out soon.
Blessings,
Sassy T
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