In many of our courses, I’m very specific about the paper we use, but for this course we have a bit more flexibility and in order to make the materials more affordable this was designed with artist grade blocks and pads in mind.  

Paper: Choose  whatever fits into your budget (keep it artist quality, and try to stay away from student grade) all of these brands had satisfactory results. 

Papers tested 

• Arches 140lb CP (10”x14”)
• Fluid 100 300lb CP (12”x16”)
• Kilimanjaro 300lb CP (10”x14)
• Fabriano artistico 300 lb CP (12”x 14”)

About the sketches: 

Most lessons are simple enough that you can freehand them, but drawing is not your thing, sketches have also been provided. If your paper is larger than the drawing, just extend the lines, if the image is smaller make a boundary with a pencil line or tape. 

About the colors  

You may already have many of the colors, and many of the color combinations are variations of blends that even if you don’t have the exact color you may just want experiment, even palette mud can work nicely. Another option might be to completely shift the color into something really bright and lively - have fun with it.

Master Material List 

Where to find the brushes I like to use, visit Birgit's store

Brushes

• # 50 Wash Mottler (or other wash brush)
• #20 Wash Mottler (or 1” flat)
• # 30 Natural round brush
• # 6 natural round brush (optional)
• # 1 Squirrel quill brush find it on Amazon
• # 8, 14, 20 Sable / Synthetic blend round brush

Paper:  Pad or block of either Arches, Fabriano or Kilimanjaro either 140lb or 300lb CP paper (suggested size10”x14” or 12”x16”)

Transparent watercolor

• French Ultramarine blue
• Cobalt Blue
• W&N Blue (red shade)
• Cerulean blue
• Burnt Sienna
• Quin Gold
• Yellow Ochre
• Perm Sap Green
• Neutral tint
• Winsor Violet Diox
• Buff titanium (Daniel Smith)
• Sedona Genuine (Daniel Smith)
• Hematite (Daniel Smith)

Additional optional colors that were used

• French Ochre (optional)
• Raw Sienna (optional)
• Raw Umber (optional)
• Quin Burnt Sienna (optional)
• Burnt Umber (optional)

Other materials

• 2B pencil
• Covered palette
• Large Rinse bucket
• Paper towels
• Old Terry towel

Downloadable list below