Recommended Materials List

Watercolor Using Decalcomania: Recommended Materials List Note: If you would like to create a tree image in this class, one of your tasks between now and the class is to find a tree image that you are excited about. Bring a photo that is close up of the lower trunk and that has lots of detail. Interesting roots, moss, etc. are a plus. I do have images of tree, but if you can find an image you are personally excited about that is the best. If you wish to paint a landscape you may wish to bring in a photo of that as well or have some general idea of the type of landscape you would like to create. If you are doing an abstract image you may want to think about over all design (will it have a horizon line, where will be focal point be...study other artist's abstract images if you have not painted abstractly before. This will help you to get a sense of design variables and color schemes that appeal to you. Bring in an image that gets you excited.  Paper – (1-2) Full Sheet Watercolor Paper (Full Sheet is 22” x 30”). I am partial to Fabriano Artistico Extra White which can be purchased from Cheap Joe’s Art Supplies (www.cheapjoes.com) in 10 sheet packages for $34.39 plus shipping-OR-I will have available sheets to be purchased at class for $3.00/sheet. Note, we will be working on one to two images of a tree, landscape or abstract image for the entire class. I am suggesting that you have two sheets as you may want to have two going at one time.  Support-I would recommend a sheet of foam core, plexiglass or masonite slightly larger than your paper to put your image on to transport. It will help to keep it from getting bent. You will also need some clips or tape to hold it on the board. And in inclement weather putting the image and support under a garbage bag will keep it dry.  Paints – There are many colors that work when painting trees so you may have in your existing palette colors that you can use. This is what I use when painting trees: Burnt Sienna, , Gamboge (sometime referred to as New Gamboge), Ultra Marine Blue, Prussian Blue, Yellow Ochre, Skip’s Green (A Cheap Joe Hue) or Sap Green, Peachy Keen (another Cheap Joe's Hue) and Napthamide Maroon (A Daniel Smith Hue). In addition, a tube of White Gouache and perhaps a spring green gouache if you want to paint moss on your tree (sometimes called Designer Gouache – do not get acrylic gouache). Note: It is my experience that students are disappointed in the quality of their paints if they do not purchase professional grade paints. Do not purchase Cotman, Academy or other student grade paints. The above hues will also work for a landscape painting. If you wish to paint an abstract any and all colors work. If you are painting a landscape or abstraction, you can use almost any hues you desire. For floral images you should have several shades of reds/pinks, orange and green.  Palette -There are many palettes available for watercolors and most are not expensive. However, I recommend that you purchase a palette with a cover so you can transport your paints at the end of class without a mess. Also a palette with a large center mixing area(s) is an important feature.  Brushes – There are many places that carry artist brushes: My advice is to buy the most expensive brush you can afford. The quality of your brush will make a difference in how easily you paint. It is your most important tool. Look for a brush that holds its point or sharp edge. It is very important that you purchase watercolor brushes…not acrylic or oil (hard bristle) brushes (however, one hard bristled brush is very useful for lifting pigment and softening edges). Here is what I use when painting trees. -1-1/2” or 2” wash. If you are on a tight budget a Hake or hogs bristle house painting brush will do. If you are using a house painting brush it should be new so there is no residual paint from a previous house painting project in the brush. -Cheap Joe’s Water Hawk No. 38 Round This is a $32 brush. If you don’t want to spend the money for this brush you can borrow mine, I have two that I am willing to share. This brush is only needed to put down the initial wet-n-wet wash -A #12 or #10 Round -No. 0 or 2 Round for fine detail -No. 5 Cheap Joe’s Golden Fleece Round This is a very useful brush that is economical. You may want a couple of these. Again Cheap Joe’s has a great line of cost effective brushes called Golden Fleece.  Water container (a shallow Tupperware type plastic container is perfect.)  Paper towels. I prefer Viva as they don’t have a pattern that will be transferred to the image when you mop up excess pigment or water.  Spray water bottle. This is a necessity and should be a bottle that has an adjustable nozzle that provides a stream or spray.  Pencils A #2 or #2B pencil is all you will need.  Kneaded Erasers – this type of eraser is important, as it does not contain oils that will resist the watercolor pigment.  We will use Saran Wrap or Glad Wrap, I will provide this for the first class, but you may want your own. If you are uncertain about purchasing any item on this list please feel free to give me a call at 443-8801 or cell 449-2558 . I would be glad to talk with you before you purchase. There is a wonderful art store in Portland called Artist and Craftman’s Supply at the intersection of Forest Avenue and Deering Street (Woodford's Corner). And there are also numerous online mail order suppliers, my favorite is Cheap Joe’s www.cheapjoes.com, or 1-800-227-2788 (as I’ve mentioned). Cheap Joe’s American Journey paints are a good value and they have a reasonable line of brushes (see above). Other online suppliers are Utrecht, Daniel Smith, ASW and Dick Blick. Just Google their names and you will find their websites. Allow two weeks for delivery.