Material List

Paper:
Paper is the number one hindrance to watercolor. Arches paper is the only paper I've found that reliably performs. I could use other paints, other paintbrushes and still create good paintings, but without very good paper it just doesn't work.

Arches brand 140 lb cold press paper is ideal. I buy them in a pack of 5 - 22x30 sheets, about $40 at Blick. Buy the large sheets, fold them in half, and in half again to get smaller sheets, these are much more cost efficient than the blocks they sell. You do need a substrate to tape them to. I recommend gatorboard which are lightweight, durable and easy to cut to size. If out of stock you can check Artist and Craftsman in Saugus. Wood panels work as well.

If you’d rather have them precut, this 12” x 16” 20 pack of Arches on Amazon might suit your needs better and comes already attached to a backing board, no gator board needed.


Colors:

Ultramarine blue
Quinacridone Magenta
Nickel Azo Yellow
Phthalo blue (green shade)

If you want to get a full set of good colors this set by has some excellent colors that are reasonably priced. If you have other colors and want to use those, that's fine.

Palette

There are enamel coated aluminum ones like this one that you can hold in one hand and are much easier for plein air painting.

*A shelf on your tripod is handy.


Brushes
Rosemary company in the UK makes excellent brushes for reasonable prices.

I use a #8 and a #10 round, a larger brush 1” for spreading large amounts of water, and a 30mm hake.

If you want to just get a set, this one is a nice one (hake sold separate)

Misc

Umbrella - There are a few that work well. I like this one that clamps onto whatever you need it to. It does attach with a bungee cord to the stand so if the wind catches, the umbrella pulls out of the slot and lays on the ground without pulling your easel over. There’s also one by Guerilla which stakes into the ground.

Light tan masking tape - (no colored tape - can cause color/value errors) I use a lot so this 10-pack works for me

Ruler - I like a clear plastic one so I can see where I’m placing it. Helpful for any straight lines you’ll run into.

Backing board - something to tape your loose sheets of watercolor paper to. I mention gatorboard in the paper section above.

Paper Towels - Viva brand are good quality. A bungee cord can easily secure your paper towels.

Portable Easels - When outdoors or in the studio I use a very portable easel called the Leder Easel. Combined with a good tripod like this excellent one you can have a great setup in a short time that packs away neatly.

Seat - A foldable chair of some kind.

Paper and pencil for note taking.

Sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, lunch, water.

Class Policies

Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Refund

If a class is cancelled for any reason, there will be a full refund of your tuition. If you decide to cancel a class(es), we will refund your tuition payment, provided you notify us 2 weeks prior to the inception of the term. After this date no refunds will be given. Also, there is no refund or credit given for any absences which occur in the course of the term.

Classroom Etiquette
All Students will be expected to respect the following:

• Keep classroom and outdoor areas clean and neat

• Cellular phones on vibrate only

• If you have a personal call please take it outside and away from the group.