Finding the right art supplies can be challenging, especially when it comes to watercolor painting. You might think this would be no big deal; you just go to the store and buy what is on the shelf.
You would only "wing it" if you are just looking to play around with this medium. If you are a serious artist, then you are after quality paper and brushes.
Why is this important? Because the paper and brushes you use will play a part in how your painting will turn out.
If the paper is too thin or too thick with indents the water will not flow correctly. I have used very thick paper in the past and the indents took away from my finished painting; it didn't look natural.
Then you have your brushes and there are hundreds to pick from. Many times, cheaper brushes will not hold enough water to help you achieve what your heart desires.
Because I paint in a loose style sometimes even abstract, I like my natural squirrel hair paint brushes. These beauties are pricy; I have a few and was planning on buying more.
Grabie Watercolor Brushes
A lot of what I am about to share came about through trial and error. In the early days I visited Hobby Lobby and Michaels and found I did prefer the second for art supplies. But still their inventory was limited so this took me to the web.
This is when I found my squirrel hair watercolor round brushes. I love them and was hoping to purchase a few more but was startled by the sticker price as they had increased to almost a $100 per brush.
This led me on a new search where I found synthetic squirrel hair paint brushes from Grabie. I was incredibly skeptical, but I ordered their set of synthetic squirrel hair round brushes anyways.
More than anything I was curious and if they would work like my natural brushes because they have sort of a quill presence.
The brush is a bit stiffer which does offer the artist more control and they do hold a lot of water which was good. I can see the pros and cons when comparing to the natural but after several paintings I was rather pleased with this purchase.
The best part there is no bristle shedding; I believe that is due to how they are constructed around the base. These brushes are also very comfortable in your hand.
So yes, I am pleased, they are packaged beautifully and protected upon arrival in a draw string bag and floral container. I liked that! The price was a crowd pleaser and needless to say I have been painting like crazy.
Canson Watercolor Paper
Now for the watercolor paper the selections are unreal and for me in the early days this had to be an in-person purchase. So, I have tried several brands since beginning this journey in 2019.
I landed with the Canson XL series. Now this doesn't mean I won't change brands later but for right now it's the perfect fit. It comes in a variety of sizes and offers 30 sheets per binding; it is easy to remove without adding creases to the paper.
Durability is a heavy weight with light indents; this works well with my painting style because I use a lot of water. More than most I would assume because I like the flow of quickly blending colors.
You can't beat the price point, so even if you just want to play around with watercolors Canson is a win. For good watercolor painting brushes and paper, I am recommending Grabie and Canson.
I hope you found this helpful and visit my Etsy shop for some spring inspiration. New products will be coming over the summer.
Be the Good,
Carole West
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