What are the Best Watercolor Paints?

Winsor and Newton Watercolor Paints:

Winsor and Newton is a brand that I have used for over 35 years and are well-known for its high-quality watercolor paints. The company has been in existence since 1832 and has been a trusted name in the art supply industry ever since. Winsor and Newton watercolor paints are known for their vibrancy, clarity, and transparency, making them a popular choice for artists who want to create beautiful and detailed watercolor paintings.

One of the things that sets Winsor and Newton watercolor paints apart from other brands is their high pigment concentration. This means that the paints are incredibly vibrant and can produce very intense colors. This is particularly true of their professional range of paints, which are designed for experienced artists who demand the highest quality materials.

Winsor and Newton watercolor paints are available in a wide range of colors, with many shades that are unique to the brand. This allows artists to create a wide range of different color palettes and to experiment with different combinations of colors.

A great starter kit for beginners is this Lightweight Box of 24 Half Pans as it has many shades of the colors you will need without having to mix colors together too often.

If you want your paints to go a little further, my personal preference is to use the Winsor and Newton 14ml Tubes. I have listed links to the primary colors below for you or you can purchase an 8ml set of 12 Paints for a very good price through this link (12 Tube Windsor and Newton Set)

Cobalt Blue

Light Red

Pale Yellow

Cobalt Green

Another advantage of Winsor and Newton watercolor paints is that they are incredibly transparent. This means that when they are applied to paper, they allow the white of the paper to shine through, creating a luminous effect that is hard to achieve with other types of paints. This transparency also allows for easy layering of colors/washes, which is important when creating complex watercolor paintings.

In addition to their high pigment concentration and transparency, Winsor and Newton watercolor paints are also known for their excellent lightfastness. This means that the colors will not fade or change over time, ensuring that the artwork remains as vibrant and beautiful as the day it was created.

Winsor and Newton watercolor paints are also very versatile and can be used in a variety of different ways. They can be applied wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, or dry-on-dry, allowing artists to achieve a wide range of effects and textures.

Overall, Winsor and Newton watercolor paints are an excellent choice for artists who demand the highest quality materials for their artwork. With their high pigment concentration, transparency, lightfastness, and versatility, these paints are sure to produce stunning and long-lasting results.

Please feel free to contact me through my youtube channel or Instagram page if you have any questions about watercolor paints or materials and I will be happy to help. I also post weekly tutorials on a number of topics which are completely free:

Youtube Channel - Lets Paint Watercolors

Instagram - @LetsPaintWatercolors

Watercolor Tips for Beginners in 2023

Watercolor painting is a popular art form that has been around for centuries. It is a beautiful and versatile medium that allows artists to create stunning paintings with a wide range of techniques and styles. In this blog post, we will explore the basics of watercolor painting and I provide some tips and tricks to help you create your own watercolor masterpieces.

Materials Needed

To start your watercolor painting journey, you will need the following materials:

• Watercolor paints - Winsor and Newton are my preferred brand of choice (12 Tube Set)

• Watercolor paper - Arches Aquarelle 300 or 640gsm are my most used.

• Brushes - Pro Arte Brush Set is a great set for beginners.

• Palette - A good Deep Well Palette is good for mixing

Choosing the right materials is essential for creating beautiful watercolor paintings. You should choose high-quality watercolor paints, paper, and brushes to achieve the best results.

Watercolor Painting Techniques

There are many different techniques that you can use to create different effects with watercolor paint. Some of the most popular techniques include:

• Wet-on-wet: This technique involves applying wet paint to wet paper. It creates a soft, blended effect that is perfect for creating backgrounds and atmospheric effects.

• Dry brush: This technique involves using a dry brush to apply paint to dry paper. It creates a scratchy, textured effect that is perfect for creating detail and texture.

• Glazing: This technique involves layering thin washes of color on top of each other. It creates a luminous effect that is perfect for creating depth and richness in your paintings.

• Masking: This technique involves using masking fluid to protect areas of the paper from paint. It allows you to create sharp, clean edges and protect areas of white in your painting.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you create beautiful watercolor paintings:

• Start with a pencil sketch: Before you start painting, it is a good idea to sketch out your composition in pencil. This will help you plan out your painting and make sure everything is in the right place.

• Practice color mixing: Watercolor paints are translucent, which means that the colors can be mixed to create new shades. Practice mixing different colors to create a wide range of hues and shades.

• Experiment with different brushes: Different brushes will create different effects. Experiment with different brush sizes and shapes to create different textures and marks.

• Use different papers: Watercolor paper comes in a variety of textures and weights. Experiment with different papers to find the one that works best for your style of painting.

• Don't overwork your painting: Watercolor paintings are best when they are loose and free. Don't overwork your painting or try to fix mistakes. Embrace the imperfections and let the paint do its thing.

Conclusion

Watercolor painting is a beautiful and rewarding art form that can be enjoyed by artists of all skill levels. With the right materials, techniques, and practice, you can create stunning watercolor paintings that capture the beauty of the world around us. So, grab your brushes and paints, and start creating your own watercolor masterpieces today!