Watercolor Art Supplies 

The goal of this page is to give you the same experience and knowledge you would receive if you were in one of my classes or workshops.
There are so many art supplies to choose from online or in-store. I want to demystify what you need to create a successful watercolor painting. These are tried-and-true watercolor art supplies I depend on in my studio and I trust for my students learning journey.  And as always if you have a question please email me at popovichdale@gmail.com.

Just click on the name and the product information, photo and link to where you can buy will appear.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see my personal art book library and my wife, Marilee's art business books too. 

By the way, this is a work-in-progress page. It takes a while to link to all of my blog posts and videos. So check back often for additions. 
​Here's my printable watercolor art supply list you can keep with you while you are out shopping for art supplies. CLICK HERE
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AFFILIATE DISCLOSURES
Amazon: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
​
Blick Art Supplies: I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.​
VIDEO: Essential Watercolors for the Successful Artist 
To view the video on your smart phone turn horizontal.
Here's a video I created a few years ago where I walked the viewer through the Essential Watercolors for the Successful Artist. You will notice I no longer recommend:
  • A butcher's tray and slant tray. The MEEDEN Watercolor Palette has replaced it.

I also suggest in the video: It's up to you if you want to pick these materials and keep them with your supplies. But they are not necessary if you are a beginning student. Clicking on the name above and it will take you to the buy this product link.

The video runtime is around 11 minutes.
To view the video on your smart phone turn horizontal.

Watercolor Paints

  • Tube paints only
  • Here's my recommended brands
  • Click on brand name of choice and color will be revealed.
Qor Paints
II went to the Watercolor Society of Indiana meeting on March 17, 2019. Valeria Allen was their guest speaker from Golden Paints. My wife, Marilee won a set of QoR watercolors and I decided to take them for a test drive. Below are a video and here's a link to my 2019 Dale's Field Journal QoR Watercolor paints blog review. 
​
QoR Newsletter with Valuable Information
Here's a link to QoR watercolor newsletter, Just Paint. These two articles talk about the science behind QoRs watercolors answering your watercolor paint questions: 
Labeling and Lightfastness Ratings
The Science Behind QoR
QoR Watercolors Chart
  1. Click on the the VIEW QOR CHART HERE button below and it will take you to their 83 high-intensity colors chart.
  2. Once you are on the color chart click on a color chip, I selected cobalt blue. A visual will appear I feel is very helpful showing the depth of values, intensity and temperature​. They also share makeup of pigment below color chip illustration. 
My Recommended Colors
Here's what I have on my palette. I am currently experimenting with more of these amazing watercolor paints. I am personally having a love fair with this product.

​Remember click on the color bellow.
​​Cobalt Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Manganese Blue
Raw Sienna
Burnt Sienna 
Alizarin Crimson
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Yellow Medium
Sap Green
Olive Green
​Bismuth Vanadate Yellow
​Indian Yellow 
Transparent Brown Oxide
Transparent Pyrone Orange
​WINSOR & NEWTON PROFESSIONAL TUBE (NOT COTMAN)
Cobalt Bue
Ultramarine Blue
Manganese Blue
Raw Sienna
Burnt Sienna
Brown Madder
Alizarin Crimson
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Sap Green
Olive Green
Holbein Extra Fine Artists' Watercolors
Cobalt Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Manganese Blue
Raw Sienna
Burnt Sienna
​Brown Madder
Alizarin Crimson
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Yellow Medium
Sap Green
Olive Green
Blick Artists' WATERCOLORS
ROYAL TALENS: VAN GOGH
Cobalt Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Manganese Blue
Raw Sienna
Burnt Sienna
​Brown Madder
Alizarin Crimson
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Yellow Medium
Sap Green
Olive Green
ROYAL TALENS: Rembrandt Artists' Watercolor
Cobalt Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Manganese Blue
Raw Sienna
Burnt Sienna
​Madder Brown
Alizarin Crimson
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Yellow Medium
Sap Green
 Olive Green 
​GOUACHE
Winsor & Newton Designers Gouache Tube, 14ml, Permanent White

  • Winsor & Newton Designers' Gouache colours are made from the finest pigments, offering opaque watercolours with a flat, matt finish.

Watercolor Papers

I did a YouTube video three years ago about watercolor papers. At that time I hadn't discovered Indigo Artpapers. The video talks about what to look for and what to expect from the paper. Click on the video below, My Favorite Watercolor Papers.

Please Note: I no longer recommend watercolor blocks.
To view the video on your smart phone turn horizontal.
Indigo HANDMADE ARTPAPERS
Handmade Watercolor Paper
Pkg of 3 Sheets
22" × 30"640 gsm
​
​Eco-Friendly
ARCHES 
Bright White Watercolor
300# Paper
22”X 30”– Cold Press
Natural White Watercolor
300# PAPER: 22”X 30”– COLD PRESS
Fabriano watercolor paper
Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Paper 300 lb. Cold Press 10-Pack 22x30" - Traditional White

Brushes

I prefer real hair watercolor brushes if you can afford them. Here's why I like real hair brushes over synthetic brushes:
  • They hold more water and paint
  • Easier to control brush than synthetic
  • They last longer
​MY NEW FAVORITE – REAL HAIR, THREE BRUSH SET!
MEEDEN Squirrel Hair Cat's Tongue Shape Paint Brushes-3 Piece Set for Watercolors ​
Here's a link to my 2019 Popovich's Field Journal blog review:
1” flat brush​
I will be updating this section soon. But for the time being, I highly recommend real hair. It holds more paint and water and offers a more pleasing painting experience. 
#10 round
​I will be updating this section soon. But for the time being, I highly recommend real hair. It holds more paint and water and offers a more pleasing painting experience. 
#4 OR #6 ROUND BRUSH 
​I will be updating this section soon. But for the time being, I highly recommend real hair. It holds more paint and water and offers a more pleasing painting experience. 

Additional Supplies

Here's links to supplies that will round out your watercolor tools. I have two sections – the first list is must haves. The second include things like an iPad. If you don't own one consider for the future. If you do have one check out my YouTube video and hoe to get the most out of it. 
 Royal & Langnickel Sorrento Tabletop Easel
I carry this easel to all of my classes and workshops. I also use it in my studio. It's lightweight, rugged and compact. I've been using it daily for five years. Did you know Royal & Langnickel is in my backyard. Their headquarters is located in Munster, IN.

If you can’t afford a tabletop easel prop-up your painting board with a roll of toweling paper
18” X 24" x 3/4” DRAWING BOARD ​
  • Dimensions: 18” x 24” x ¾”
  • Ideal for drawing and drafting students
  • Honeycomb interior makes board lightweight and portable
  • Unfinished wood veneer surfaces and aluminum side edges
  • Solid wood frame for strength and rigidity
NOTE: In the video Essential Watercolors for the Successful Artist I also suggested going to your local lumberyard and getting a thin, lightweight masonite board. The will cut to the size you need for a nominal cost.
MEEDEN watercoloR palettE travel paint tray
​MEEDEN Airtight leakproof watercolor palette
travel paint tray. I personally prefer this palette 
because it’s easy to transport.
  • Keeps paint fresh 
  • Large Capacity - 33 deep slanted wells. Each well size: 1.37”long x 1”wide. The folding palette has a large color mixing tray, they lie flat and perfect for mixing once you open the paint palette fully
 
2b pencil and ebony pencil
​Faber-Castell Pencils, Castell 9000 Graphite art 2B pencils for drawing and sketching
Prismacolor Premier Ebony Graphite Sketching Pencils, Jet Black, Extra Smooth
Kneaded eraser
Large Grey Kneaded Eraser
by Faber Castell
  • Extremely kneadable and very absorbent
  • Leaves no residue behind
  • PVC free
Paper towels
I like the half sheets rolls. 
X-ACTO KNIFE
​
  • Precision knife with #2 large fine point blade for exact cuts
  • Designed to cut medium- to heavy-weight materials
  • Medium-weight aluminum handle is easy to maneuver
  • Easy-change blade system
  • Safety cap for storage and portability
 SMALL SPRAY BOTTLE
You can pick up a small spray bottle at the Dollar Store, hardware store or your local supermarket. Or grab this deal from Tolco Empty Spray Bottle 8 oz. Frosted Assorted Colors (Pack of 3.) Keep all three or find a friend.

NOTE: Watch the video Essential Watercolors for the Successful Artist and  learn my secret trick I do to make my spray bottle spit.
SPONGE
Stop by the Dollar Store and pick up a  cellulose sponge or click on the BUY HERE button and pick up an eight-pack of sponges. This should last a long time unless you have some spring cleaning!
OLD TOOTHBRUSH 
Use an old toothbrush or head over to the Dollar Store and pick up a medium bristle, flat-top brush. As some of you know I take my wife's toothbrush when she's not looking. :-))
​WATER CONTAINER
Find a container that holds a quart of water. I use an old DVD spindle cover. ​
MASKING TAPE (NO COLORED TAPE)
Tarol Masking Tape (Huge Pack of 6) Each Roll is ¾" x 33 Yards.

Here's why you don't use color tape – THIS IS IMPORTANT – the colors will influence your painting.
Non Essential  Supplies, but Nice to Have Onhand
ART MASKING FLUID
Apply with a toothpick or a wooden skewer. If you use an old paintbrush you don't mind ruining soap up with bar soup. If using a lot of masking fluid repeat often.. Wash immediately.
RUBBER CEMENT PICKUP
Use tool to pick up art masking fluid without damaging you painting.
​If You Can Afford These Supplies
iPAD
To view the video on your smart phone turn horizontal.
.I have gone through two iPads in my professional art career.  I would be lost without it. Besides sending emails to students and others I carry my portfolio, keep business records, calendar appointments, and photos. I paint from it, snap a picture as I go through the different stages of painting and so much more. 

I have been asked about painting from a smartphone but I say no. It's too small and why get eyestrain. 

There are a variety of iPads so go to an Apple store or a third-party Apple-approved retailer like  Costco, Best Buy or B & H Photography, AMAZON and compare sizes, if you want Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular (you are assigned a phone number which allows you to surf on the road but there are additional data charges), storage starts at 64 GB, and of course cost. I also recommend you buy Apple's AppleCare. Apple offers incredible service including phone and in-store. Well worth it. Once you have your information and what you want checkout online stores like Amazon. Oh, make sure you get the newest model you can afford. As the machine gets older software cannot be updated. 
​
My friend and co-teacher Robert J Krajecki's wife, Judy owns the iPad Pro. She is an amazing portrait artist and takes weekly life drawing classes. Typically she would set-up her drawing board with charcoal paper and started sketching. One day she sat next to a woman who was using her iPad Pro instead of the traditional charcoal and shammy.

The newest iPad Pro comes in 11-inch or 12.9-inch, storage starting at 64 GB, and allows you to sketch with the Apple Pencil. That's what Judy uses with an app called Procreate ($9.99.) I wish I could show you how awesome her sketches are and yes they look like charcoal drawings because of the app – VERY IMPRESSIVE!!!  I'm not going to fool you, it's a pricy piece of machinery but it may replace your laptop or desktop computer! To read more go to Apple iPad Pro go​ HERE. 

Here's a quick video I created about using the iPad – Tips & Techniques Thursdays: How to Use Your iPad as an Integral Artist's Tool. I created 11/05/2015. In the last few years, Apple has made some improvements like AirDrop which is not covered in this video. If you would like to learn or about this valuable function watch this video created by Apple Support. CLICK HERE 

The video in this section, Tips & Techniques Thursdays is how I personally use my iPad as an essential artist's tool. When I 'm working with my students and during demos, artists are intrigued with the way I alter photos' colors and values in seconds to create a stronger, more dynamic photo reference. In addition, I'll share how to download your camera's memory card. See how I will use this powerful smart tablet and why I think its one of my Essential Artist's tools. 
ipad case
This is a must. The case protects your expensive investment. A case is a personal choice but make sure it's durable especially for plein air painting. I know artists who find their plein air location, snap a pic of the scene and clip it to their board with a Tryone Gooseneck  Tablet Stand Mount Holder. See below. Why? This gives them a reference point where they started.
TRYONE GOOSENECK TABLET STAND, TABLET MOUNT HOLDER FOR IPAD IPHONE SERIES/NINTENDO SWITCH/SAMSUNG GALAXY TABS/AMAZON KINDLE FIRE HD AND MORE
My boss Frankie Johnson at Mainstreet Art Center bought a slew of Tryone Gooseneck Tablet Stand for her students. As you may know, I'm a huge iPad user but I always wanted to position it at eye level. Well, my wish has come true.
Preserving
Krystal Seal Self-Sealing Art, Print, and Photo Bag Pack 
I have used several different brands of plastic  bags but I like Krystal Seal Bags because they are easy to use, durable and crystal clear. Simply slip your mounted or unmounted art into a Krystal Seal Bag, fold over the resealable flap, and you’re ready to display or store your art in a print rack, flat file, portfolio, or storage box — while protecting it from dust, dirt, and fingerprints.

My go-to place for these bags is Blicks. They offer a wide variety​ of sizes.

Welcome to Our Personal Library

Below are several lists of our favorite art books and my wife, Marilee's marketing business art books.
Click on the book title and additional information will be revealed.

Dale's Art Books and DVDs

As you can imagine I have been collecting art books and videos for over 43 + years. These hard and soft covers books and DVDs are like old friends that come to my rescue when needed. I hope they will also become your friends.
BOOKS
CARLSON'S GUIDE TO LANDSCAPE PAINTING
Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting
I reviewed John Carlson's book in a blog post. Take a few minutes to find out why this book is a must for your library. CLICK HERE
​Put Your Paintings in Perspective​
​Robert J Krajecki is a friend and co-teacher at the Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago . As I mentioned ito my students this is an easy to understand book on perspective. Bob offers a vast understanding of 1, 2, and 3 point perspective. This is a must have book in your library.

Here's a link to a blog post I published several years ago. BLOG
Exploring The Nature of Watercolor
​This book presents a traditional approach to painting transparent watercolors with chapters on color, pattern and materials.   Many demonstration paintings and step-by-step paintings are included.
Principles and Techniques   of Drawing and Painting
The book includes all of what I feel is important for every artist.  A lifetime of painting, study, observation and conversations with many professional artists has made this book a reality. It is divided into my "42 Rules", explained and illustrated with over 200 diagrams, drawings and paintings.
​
Winslow Homer: An American Vision
Winslow Homer: An American Vision
by Phaidon Press

This is on of my all time favorite watercolorist. He always chalend himself with breaking the rules and he did.
THE LANDSCAPES - by RICHARD SCHMID 
THE LANDSCAPES - newly ENHANCED EDITION by RICHARD SCHMID 

Richard is one of most amazing living artists in the United States. I was lucky to take a workshop with him several years ago. I'm not going to kid you -- the book is pricey but worth owning.
​Light and Mood in Watercolour
The fluidity and versatility of watercolor makes it uniquely suited to capturing subtle variances of light and color. Internationally renowned watercolor artist David Curtis' comprehensive handbook offers expert guidance on harnessing the power of this medium to produce striking landscapes, portraits, and scenes. Curtis shares his methods for painting on location and in the studio, with sections devoted to selecting materials, developing ideas, choosing subjects and colors, and interpreting light effects. A generous selection of sketches, studies and finished paintings accompany in-depth instructions for each technique, along with invaluable bits of practical wisdom garnered from years of experience.
The Artists of Brown County
Here's another must have book in your studio. I refer to this book for creative inspiration when painting landscapes. I personally know Lyn Letsinger-Miller and she is a multi-talented woman who's knowledge of the Brown County art movement shines through. 

From the early 1900s through the 1940s, the scenic hill country of Brown County, Indiana, was home to a flourishing colony of artists who migrated there from urban areas of the Midwest. Now back in print, The Artists of Brown County, first published in 1994, is the classic book on the history of this remarkable art colony.
Following an introduction to "Peaceful Valley," as the area was affectionately called, chapters are devoted to 16 of the artists, including three couples: T. C. Steele, Will Vawter, Gustave Baumann, Dale Bessire, the photographer Frank M. Hohenberger, Adolph Shulz and Ada Walter Shulz, L. O. Griffith, V. J. Cariani and Marie Goth, Carl C. Graf and Genevieve Goth Graf, Edward K. Williams, Georges LaChance, C. Curry Bohm, and Glen Cooper Henshaw. Lavish color reproductions of the artists' work accompany the biographical sketches. Rachel Berenson Perry's introduction places the Brown County art colony within the broader context of American regional art.
DVDS
​Inter-Relationships of Drawing & Painting by Irving Shapiro
Mr. Irving Shapiro AWS (1927-1994) my mentor, teacher, boss, and friend. Found this DVD on Ebay. It's so nice to hear his voice during this interviewed and demonstration.
MAGAZINES

Marilee's Business Art Books and Podcasts

 I have been working on Dale and other artist's marketing for years. Here are a few books I depend on to help promote Dale, his workshops and paintings.  If you sell your work, participate in shows, or do commissions you need these tools.

I also have included a link to my favorite podcast for working artists. Enjoy. Just make sure you have a pad of paper and pen for notes!
BOOKS
I'm a big fan of having a library of reference books. No one book has the silver bullet but a collection of reference materials will give you a roadmap to marketing your artwork. 
I'd Rather Be in the Studio: The Artist's No Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion
I'm a great lover of Alyson Stanfield's book. We own several additions of her books. I have to say they are tattered, marked-up, and tons of postit notes decorating the pages. I also recommend her podcasts.
Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist
​I thought this book was full of great information for the artist. Not everything applied to Dale's kind of art medium, but I could relate to most in the book. Plain and simple facts that were easy to understand. I read this on my iPad and loved the feature where you could click on the websites of the artists that the author does Q&A's with, to see what they were all about, before you read the interview. It literally came to life for me. This is one of our 'go to' book for whatever comes our way in our artistic life. 
Art Money & Success: A complete and easy-to-follow system for the artist who wasn't born with a business mind. Learn how to find buyers, get paid ... nicely, deal with copycats and sell more art. 
By Maria Brophy. Easy to read and filled with strategies and encouragement, this must have book will help any artist gain confidence and overcome challenges when speaking about their work and marketing to their audience.
PODCASTS
Leslie Saeta offers nine+ years of weekly one-hour interviews, discussions and art business advice. Once you listen to several you will start binge listening.
​ARTIST HELPING ARTISTS
Artists Helping Artists is the #1 Art Show on Blogtalk radio! For over 9+ years Leslie Saeta discusses a specific topic that addresses how to sell more art on-line, along with guest artists, gallerists, and others sharing their knowledge of the business side of art. Leslie Saeta is an artist who paints with a palette knife to create vibrant, colorful paintings. Having spent 30 years in marketing her unique combination of talents has led to a successful career in art. Her non-traditional approach to marketing her art on the internet has created her desire to share her art marketing success with others
Art-marketing and artist career consultant Alyson B. Stanfield of ArtBizCoach.com offers motivation, inspiration, and and practical tips to help artists promote themselves in today's crowded art market.  I personally listen to listen while I go walking. The only problem with Alyson's podcasts is I have to stop every few seconds to write down another great thought. Carry post-it notes with you!
ART BIZ SUCESS PODCASTS
Looking for art career inspiration and ideas while you’re working in the studio or schlepping your art across the country? Alyson Stanfield helps you be a more productive artist, a more empowered artist, and a more successful artist.
​
ART MARKETING ACTION PODCASTS 
Alyson B. Stanfield of ArtBizCoach.com has a collection of older podcasts from 2003-2010 in bite size in 5-6 minutes recordings.  Art-marketing and artist career consultant offers motivation, inspiration, and and practical tips to help artists promote themselves in today's crowded art market. This is the audio version of the Art Marketing Action newsletter.
Sergio Gomez offers s lot of art business information from his personal experiences. A Chicagoian, he has produced a serious of videos called Breakfast with Sergio.
Breakfast with Sergio
What We Use to Film Our Videos
Isn't it amazing 14 years ago who would have ever thought we or the rest of the world would be broadcasting on Facebook Live, YouTube. or creating online education. We are still surprised and touched when we get a note from someone in Poland, reconnect with a past American Academy of art student or hear kind words from an artist who is housebound and is excited they can take classes from me. Every day we thankful we are so blessed. 

We believe in passing on our knowledge so here some of what we use for our broadcasting. If you have something you like using for podcasts or YouTube let us know and we will share. This list will be growing so come back soon.
iPhone
We use one or two iPhone 6s to film
apple computers
As you have figured we are an Apple household. Marilee learned in the early '90s on a Mac because it was and still is the industry-standard in the graphic design world. Our suggestion is to go online and read about the computers they offer apple.com. Then go down to your local Apple store and talk to one of their associates. Ask questions, take notes and figure out what you can afford.

I'm not going to kid you Apple's are pricey, The design is beautiful but more importantly, the support is amazing. Marilee's laptop was two years out of warranty so took it into the store with a problem. They ran a diagnostic check and uploaded the current operation system FOR FREE! 

Marilee says to buy the newest model, with the most hard drive and ram you cam afford .  That this should last you for many years and you what the storage space and speed. 

Our suggestion is to buy an extended warranty on your Apple devices. This extends the time you can call in to ask questions. Here's a true story: Marilee updated her operation system on her iPod. Once she did the device wouldn't start. She called Apple. After trying a few things she was instructed to ship it back to Apple. They sent her a box the next day, postage free. Off it went to California. She tracked the package online and noticed it went to California and then China. 

The iPod was a Christmas gift from me to her and I had it engraved saying You are the music in my heart! Marilee also had scratched the back of the iPod too. The engraving was there but the wear and tear and scratch were gone. She received her iPod a few days later but it was a NEW device! We have many other stories about why you need to get the warranty--just ask and we will tell.
​Tri-Pod Mount for your smart phone
​Ulanzi ST-03 Metal Smart Phone Tripod Mount with Cold Shoe Mount and Arca-Style Quick Release Plate for iPhone Xs Xs Max X 8 7 Plus Samsung,Cell Phone Tripod Holder Clip Adapter for Joby GorillaPod

​With this mount you can attache the mic.
TRI-Pod
We are very lucky Marilee's dad had a collection of solid tripods we inherited. The older models from the '60s or '70s are heavier and nor substantial than today's models. Our suggestion is to check out your local resale shops or garage sales before buying new.
Movo VXR10 Universal Video Shotgun Microphone
Experts say the #1 annoying problem with online videos is sound quality. We use this mic for our recordings. The wind guard is a must for outdoor recordings.
iMovie Vidio Editing
Apple offers o free video software to run on your Mac. It's simple no frills and easy to learn software. 
“I’ve enjoyed attending Dale’s art classes for over fifteen years now. His knowledge and skill with watercolors is exceptional. He's good at introducing students to all the basic principles; but also, to encourage them to try new things that may go beyond their comfort zone. Watching him do a demo can be almost magical. As a student I know there is always more to learn, and more magical paintings to create.”
READ MORE

– Kathleen Godshall, Studio Class
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