Watercolor is a popular and portable medium that offers simplicity in its usage. However, it can be a bit tricky and requires patience. One key aspect to understand when working with watercolors is the selection of the medium and its materials. Let’s discuss each category in detail.

Watercolors and their Types:

Choosing high-quality watercolors is essential. Pay attention to the color pigments used in the watercolors. Different brands offer different grades, which indicate the quality of the paint pigment. Also, consider the lightfastness of the paint, which determines how well the color lasts over time. Paints with low lightfastness may fade easily. Additionally, be aware of the opacity levels of the paint, as some colors have varying levels of transparency and thickness, requiring layering for desired effects.

Watercolor Medium Paper and Important Information

 

Watercolor paper comes in different textures: hot press, cold press, and rough. Hot press paper has a smoother texture compared to the other types. Rough paper has the highest level of roughness and is commonly used for abstract and expressive watercolor paintings. Cold press paper, on the other hand, is versatile and suitable for various watercolor techniques. It offers good control for both wet and dry techniques. Consider your intended style and choose the appropriate paper type. Personally, I prefer brands such as Montval, Hannehmühle, and Arches for watercolor paper. Select acid-free paper and store it in a dry environment.

 Palettes and Masking Fluid

I find porcelain palettes to be the easiest to clean. Opt for a white palette since watercolors are transparent, and using a colored palette can affect the appearance of the mixed colors on your palette. When it comes to masking fluid, it’s essential to store it properly. This product tends to dry quickly, so if you don’t use it often, it’s best to hold off on purchasing it. Store masking fluid in a cool, room temperature environment to prevent it from drying out and becoming hard. Additionally, keep in mind that certain papers may not withstand masking fluid, as removing the masking may damage the paper.

Embarking on a Watercolor Adventure Watercolor has been a medium I’ve worked with for a long time, particularly for urban sketches and live paintings on the streets due to its portability. Watercolor products are available in boxed sets, making them easy to carry anywhere.

 

 

One of the aspects I appreciate most about watercolor is the unexpected effects that arise, particularly from the transparency of the colors. These are some essential tips for selecting watercolor materials. If you have any additional questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to me through my social media channels. Thank you.