ArtCenter Manatee


Terry Denson Watercolor
Supply List




Students Materials List

Recent work: 1-3 recent paintings for evaluation if you have them.

Stuff to draw from: Preferably your own photographs’ ideas for paintings, etc. I have a stack of photographs but something you have experienced works best. Small photos clipped from magazines or newspapers are the least desirable.

Paper: 1 full sheet (22’ x 30”) of 140 lb or 300 lb cold pressed watercolor paper or a block of watercolor paper, 11” x 15”or larger. I recommend Arches. Avoid Canson. I recommend more experienced students work half sheet or larger. Extra scrap watercolor paper for testing colors.

Paints: Get a tube of each of the following if you don’t already have them:
Winsor, aureolin, or transparent yellow
Yellow ochre
Burnt sienna
Burnt umber
Cadmium red or scarlet lake
Permanent alizarin crimson
Permanent rose
Cobalt blue
Manganese blue or cerulean blue
Phathlo or Winsor blue
Ultramarine blue
Phathlo or Winsor green
Hooker’s green

Optional colors:
Quinacridone Gold
Quinacridone Burnt Orange
Sap Green
Green Gold
Permanent rose madder
Permanent red-violet or quinaridone violet
Raw sienna

Buy artist grade paints such as Winsor & Newton, Holbein, MaimeriBlu or Daniel Smith. American Journey, Da Vinci and Van Gogh are okay if you have them. Do not buy student grade paints such as Cotman or Grumbacher.

Palette: Something to serve as a palette box, such as a white plasticized plate, butcher tray, white melamine plate (will become stained). I recommend a regular watercolor palette with 16 or more individual wells for colors and a large mixing area..

Water containers: A 2 pint, or larger, container and a gallon container. Sizes are approximate. Recycle something.

Brushes:
A No. 12 natural bristle or blended bristle short-handled round watercolor brush.
A 1” round mop or 1 ½” flat wash brush. You want a brush that will hold lots of water.
Recommended additional brushes:
A No. 6 and a rigger brush
Natural bristle brushes come in all price ranges. Squirrel blends are inexpensive, keep a decent point and hold a lot of water. Sable and sable blends come in all qualities (and prices). Some good brands to begin with: Winsor and Newton. Buy better than the series 136. It won’t hold a point. Their Spectre II are wonderful but very expensive. Silver Black Velvet Rounds. These are “mops” but they hold an acceptable point and come in small, med & jumbo. Inexpensive but I use them a lot. Stratford and York: The amethyst line is a good quality blend. It is pricey for a beginner but doesn’t require a loan to purchase and is good for advanced work. They also have a squirrel hair blend similar to the silver black velvet called Jet. These hold lots of water and have a great point. Loew-Cornell: Reasonable priced and mid quality. Make sure you get watercolor brushes. Most are synthetic but hold a good amount of water. Daniel Smith black squirrel blends. They have two levels of quality. Both are good brushes. The Series 27 has a good point.

Easel or painting support: This doesn’t have to be fancy. A varnished piece of Masonite propped up 3-6 inches in the back will do. If you are using a watercolor paper block or Aquabord you have built in support. If you use 140 lb single sheet paper it will buckle with large washes. Stapling or taping it to a board, like Masonite, varnished wood or ½” Gatorboard will prevent buckling.

Masking Tape: The low tack green or blue type

Drawing Supplies: White eraser, HB pencil, drawing pad, preferably the same size as your watercolor paper, Optional: Gray Scale Markers (Prismacolor), 3 values (lt., med., and dark), wax free graphite paper if you are transferring a drawing. There will be one light box available

Masking Fluid: If you use masking fluid bring some liquid dishwashing soap in a small sealable container, like a 35 mm film canister. I recommend Pebeo brand.

Brush Washing Soap or Saddle Soap

Optional: Hairdryer (one will be available), an old hand or dish towel. Paper towels are available.

IF IN DOUBT DON’T BUY IT. Come to class first to see what works best. If you can’t get everything don’t worry about it. I’ll share. Call if you have questions. Terry Denson, 727-698-2285.
Sources for Watercolor Supplies Local sources:
Michael’s Arts & Crafts, 66th St & 34th Ave., St. Petersburg
Expensive, brush quality is poor and there won’t be anyone there who can give you good advice.
Central Art Supply, 1114 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Masterpiece Art Supplies, 758 Belcher, Clearwater
Pearl Paint Company, www.pearlpaint.com, 3916 West Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL, (813) 354-8555
You will make up the cost of fuel in the savings.
AOE Supply Inc., www.aoeartworld.com, 12908 N 56th St, Tampa, (813) 989-0302
Keeton's Office Supply Co, www.keetonsonline.com, 817 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton - (941) 747-2995
Art & Frame of Sarasota, www.in2art.com, 1055 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL (941) 366-2301

Internet sources:
Art Supply Warehouse, www.aswexpress.com
Cheap Joe’s Art Supplies, www.cheapjoes.com
Daniel Smith, www.danielsmith.com
Dick Blick, www.dickblick.com
Jerry’s Artarama, www.jerrysartarama.com

You’ll pay shipping costs with these places but the savings may be worth it, especially with ASW and Cheap Joe.

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