Monday, March 7, 2011

Favourite Art Materials


Hi Everybody. I am so happy to be part of this blog.

Above is a watercolor and colored pencil painting that I did recently to represent me as a character. I like otters and I like to paint, seemed like a good match.

Arches watercolor paper is my preference. Anywhere from 140 to 300 lb. cold press. I've try out other papers from time to time but always end up back with Arches. It seems to be the only paper that can take how rough I can be with it. I like to rub away and scratch into it, glue things on it, and have been known to take very fine sandpaper into a wash for a textural effect. Prismacolor is my favorite color pencil; they have a rich creamy pigment. And lastly, my first choice for watercolor pigments are Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors, then Da Vinci Artist's Quality Watercolor, and at the moment I am fairly happy with Holbein Artists Watercolor. Anyone else really meticulous about their brushes? I can't walk into an art store without having a good look at brushes (though I am always on the look out for a premium drawing pencil). Having said that, I take very good care of my brushes and have brushes I still paint with that are 15 years old.

6 comments:

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

How awesome you sharing your special needs for making fantastic watercolor illustration. This is super grand and such fabulous detail. Great work you have done and welcome. Looking forward to seeing more of your work. I will have to check out your watercolor supplies now. Great to have you here.
V

Artoholic said...

Such character in your otter's face - that look of steely determination once a brush is in hand!

I am a secret hoarder of watercolour accoutrements. It's always a thrill to try new brushes, brands or colours, but I always seem to come back to old favourites.

Cheers,

Cindy

Sophie said...

This is beautiful! Soft, nice color, graceful.

Linda Kay said...

this is so beautifully done--excellent.

Gay McKinnon said...

This is really lovely - the otter looks so well grounded somehow! and the texture of the coat is so beautifully painted. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

Leen Christens said...

The colours and the fur is perfect! Great work!