Favorite paper - Watercolor
When it comes to choosing watercolor paper, there are a few important factors to consider.
First and foremost, you'll want to look for paper that is specifically designed for watercolor painting. This type of paper is typically labeled as watercolor paper or cold-press paper. It is made to absorb water well, allowing the watercolors to spread and blend beautifully.
Next, it's important to consider the weight of the paper. The weight of watercolor paper is measured in pounds per ream (lb), and a higher weight generally indicates a thicker and more durable paper. Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose between lighter-weight papers, such as 90 lb or 140 lb, or heavier-weight papers like 300 lb. Additionally, you might want to consider the texture of the paper. Watercolor papers can have either a smooth, hot-press texture or a slightly rough, cold-press texture. Cold-press paper is more commonly used as it holds the paint and water better, allowing for more intricate details and textures. Finally, it's always a good idea to test out different brands and types of watercolor paper to see which one suits your personal style and needs the best.
My favorite watercolor paper is the Arches Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper. It has a beautiful texture that adds depth and character to my paintings. The paper is made from 100% cotton, which gives it a sturdy and reliable feel. The cold-pressed surface allows the paint to flow smoothly and retain vibrant colors. I also appreciate that this paper is acid-free, making it archival and long-lasting. Overall, the Arches Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper is a high-quality option that I love to use.
In addition to Arches, you can consider a few other excellent watercolor paper options. One popular choice is Fabriano Artistico, which offers a reliable and high-quality surface that holds watercolor well. Its smooth texture makes it ideal for detailed work and it comes in various weights and finishes to suit different preferences. Another great alternative is Strathmore known for its durability and ability to handle multiple layers of paint without tearing or warping. Its rough and/or hot-pressed versions afford different textures and are favored by many artists. Lastly, Canson is a more affordable option that still provides good quality watercolor paper, available in different sizes, weight, and textures to meet artists' needs and preferences. Overall, these options broaden the choices for artists seeking dependable alternatives to Arches.
Foxgloves - Tutorial
A few days ago I saw a majestic foxglove in a neighbor’s garden. It was standing gracefully amidst the flowers with its delicate bells. I felt compelled to capture the beauty of the foxglove on paper, using my set of watercolor paints. I used a blend of purples and pinks on my palette.
How to Paint Foxgloves with Watercolor
Watercolor is a versatile and beautiful medium for capturing the delicate and vibrant nature of flowers. Foxgloves, with their tall spires and bell-shaped blooms, are particularly captivating subjects for watercolor painting. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, here is a step-by-step guide on how to paint foxgloves with watercolor.
Materials Needed:
Watercolor paints (preferably in shades of pink, purple, and green)
Watercolor paper or a watercolor sketchbook
Round paintbrushes in various sizes
Water container
Paper towels or a clean cloth
Step 1: Observe and Sketch
Begin by studying references or real foxgloves to understand their shape, structure, and color variations. Pay attention to the curving stems and the arrangement of the bell-shaped flowers.
Once you have a good understanding, you can make a rough sketch of the foxgloves on your watercolor paper. Keep the lines light and loose, focusing on capturing the basic shapes and proportions.
Step 2: Paint the Stems and Leaves
Use a thin brush to carefully paint the stems. Allow the paint to flow and taper naturally to imitate the slender stems. Next, move on to painting the leaves. Use a mixture of green and yellow, adding variations in tone to create depth. Paint the leaves with broad brushstrokes, capturing their wavy edges and jagged texture.
Step 3: Paint the Flowers
Now it's time to bring those beautiful foxglove blossoms to life. Begin by mixing a variety of pinks and purples, creating different shades and tones for each flower. Start with the darkest shade at the base of the bell-shaped flowers and gradually lighten the color using water. You can add details using pens and other mediums. I added details with markers and a black fine pen.
Have fun xx
Lysa
Note * My original watercolor is available here
Painting on black paper
Watercolor black paper is a unique and interesting medium for artists who want to experiment with traditional watercolor techniques on a non-traditional surface. The dark background of the paper provides a striking contrast to the bright, vibrant colors of the watercolor pigments. The opaque nature of the paper allows for the creation of dramatic, bold color effects, while the texture of the paper creates interesting and unpredictable patterns. However, painting on watercolor black paper may require some adjustments to traditional watercolor techniques, as the colors may not blend or layer in the same way as they would on white paper. Overall, watercolor black paper is an exciting material for artists looking to explore the creative potential of watercolor painting.
If you are looking to paint with watercolor on black paper, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the best results.
Make sure to use opaque white watercolor to create lighter colors on the black paper.
Layer the paint on thickly and let each layer dry completely before proceeding to the next.
Avoid using too much water.
Consider using metallic or iridescent watercolors to add shimmer and shine to your painting.
Lastly, practice and experiment with different techniques to create unique and beautiful watercolor paintings on black paper.
Here a re a few of my favorite supplies to paint on black paper.
My favorite watercolor pan sets
Hello ! I hope you are doing well. Here is a list of my favorite watercolor pan sets. I’ve tried several different palettes in the last decade and I’ve learned to love a few of them. These palettes work well for me and for my art practice but keep in mind that they might not work for you.
Derwent Watercolor pan set
I love this one, I think It is a perfect palette to start with. I often suggest it for my workshops.
Daniel Smith half-pan set
This half-pan set comes in a black metal box and includes a bonus 12 empty half pans. It’s high quality, more on the expensive side by really worth your money.Kuretake palette
The colors are really beautiful and it has a nice texture. I really enjoy all the kuretake watercolor palettes that I’ve tried.
Cys
This one is new for me I really love how the colors shimmer. It is really tiny making it a nice palette for outdoor painting!
Voilà ! I also love the other derwent palettes and palettes by prima watercolor as well.
