Have you been searching for a creative outlet or contemplating a new hobby? Art might be just the thing you need to unleash your creativity. Painting or drawing can be a great therapeutic and enriching experience in which one can express oneself and grow as an individual. Whether you want to play with bright watercolours or dive into the world of versatile acrylics, getting started means equipping yourself with the right tools.
Watercolour Paints
Watercolour paints are a fantastic starting point for new artists. They’re easy to use, highly versatile, and perfect for creating soft, layered effects. You can play around with transparency and colour blending, whether painting landscapes or abstract pieces. They’re also relatively affordable, with starter kits offering a range of colours to explore.
These can take two main forms: in pan or tube form. In pan form, it takes up solid blocks of pigment with the addition of water; these are portable and nice for quick sketches. Tube forms give a richer depth of colour and can work in larger projects where you might require more or less dense pigmentation.
Watercolour Paper
If there is one watercolour supply that should not be skimped on, it’s paper. The high-quality watercolour papers are pretty much the most important factor in the whole process of working with watercolours. Choosing the right paper is paramount when working with watercolours. This paper is prepared for the peculiar demands of this medium, as opposed to ordinary paper.
The most obvious reason watercolour papers are used is because they can absorb water without buckling or disintegrating, which is really important for achieving clean washes and vivid colours. This specialised paper may be made from cotton or wood pulp. Cotton paper, which is of higher quality, has great absorbency and strength and hence serves as an excellent surface for wet-on-wet or dry-brushing watercolour techniques. Wood pulp paper is cheaper but less durable and is suitable for beginners in their first strokes.
There are three textures in which watercolour papers are available: hot press, cold press, and rough. What is the smoothest watercolour paper? Hot press paper has the smoothest surface, making it ideal for detailed work or when you want clean, sharp lines. Cold press paper has a slightly textured surface, the most versatile and popular for both beginners and professionals alike. It holds paint exquisitely, allowing a mix of precision and flow.
Rough paper is aptly named, as it has a pronounced texture and is ideal for bold, expressive pieces where you want the texture to come through in the paint. Another aspect is that of the weight of the paper. The heavier ones-often labelled as 300 gsm or higher will be less likely to warp if wet at all, even without stretching. Lighter papers require stretching, so you’d have to soak the paper and then secure it to a board before painting.
Investing in good watercolour papers may seem like an unnecessary expense for a beginner, but it really makes all the difference. With the right papers, you can take full advantage of the bright, fluid nature of watercolours, and that makes learning and enjoying the medium much easier.
Pencils
The pencils form the very basics of drawing, shading, and painting. For a newcomer, a set of different hardness levels of graphite pencils is a good start. The hardness of the pencil corresponds to numbers and letters; common examples are 2B, HB and 4H. Softer pencils like 2B will make lines darker and smoother. HB is medium and can produce both lighter and darker marks. Harder types, such as 4H, could be used for lighter sketches. Good quality pencils can make a big difference, especially when blending or erasing. Look for brands that offer smooth lead and sturdy construction.
Colour Pencils
Coloured pencils offer a wonderful introduction to working with colour, especially if you’re not ready to dive into paints. They’re highly portable and easy to use, making them perfect for sketchbooks or detailed illustrations. Coloured pencils can range in quality from the basic student grade to professional sets with rich pigments. Professional pencils often yield better colour payoff and may blend more smoothly. Coloured pencils can be either wax-based, soft with a more vibrant finish, or oil-based, harder with finer details.
Acrylics
Acrylic is an incredibly versatile and welcoming medium for beginners. Acrylic paint dries fast, making it very easy to clean up while easily emulating both watercolour and oils in technique. Acrylics lend well to playful experiments in bold colour, texture, and layering.
To get started, you can begin with a minimal set of primary colours and achieve a wide range of hues. Additionally, you will need brushes and a palette for mixing paints. Acrylics work well on a variety of surfaces, from canvas to wood and even paper. Their versatility lends them well to new artists looking to experiment with different styles and techniques.
Starting your painting journey can be a very exciting time. You get to pick all of these mentioned items and carefully curate a kit that will help you express yourself and let your creativity shine. From the choice of high-quality watercolour paints and paper to experimenting with acrylics and canvases, each tool will play a vital role in shaping your experience.
