When beginning to paint in watercolor you might be limited by choices of watercolor supplies available to you, or be overwhelmed by the choices depending on where you shop or live (I’m speaking from experience here).

Early on I got some great advice from a talented watercolor instructor to use the best supplies that I could afford.

I did a great job on my paints and brushes, however, I needed to do some adjusting on my paper.  I’m so glad I did!

For my watercolor paper when I first started I went to my local craft supply store and picked up a packet of 140 lb cold pressed watercolor paper.  I have tried two different brands over the years just to compare quality.

Paper, paper, paper

If I had to give a tip for watercolor painting it would be choose your paper wisely.

Followed closely by your paints, brushes, etc.  I just had to add that.  They are so important too in quality.  I couldn’t help myself.  Sigh.

My all time favorite paper to paint on is Fabriano 300 lb cold pressed.  I’ve painted on their 140 and 300 lb.  I still prefer the 300 lb the best.

I started a little painting exercise this afternoon on both a store brand 140 lb paper and my favorite 300 lb paper.  I used the same paint colors, washes, and method of laying down the paint.  I wanted you to see how just using the different quality of paper can change the overall painting.  I won’t be finishing the store paper one btw.   🙂

Painting in watercolor is exciting and surprising when the color moves and travels across the paper the way it is supposed to.  If you are having trouble or maybe wondering about a painting, take a look at your supplies.  Especially your watercolor paper.  Maybe you might want to try a new one!

I’m always looking at what other artists are doing and what paints and supplies they use.  That’s what sparks the creative juices!

What tip would you give someone starting out in watercolor?  Or, if you are just starting, what is something that you are wondering about?

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Thanks for stopping by!

Denise