I feel like my 3rd grade teacher… remember when you would whisper something to your friend and the teacher would say, “If have something to say, you should share it with the group.”
I’ve decided that if people email me questions, chance are, others will have the same question, whether they know it or not. Here is one I got last week – and one I remember wondering when I was starting too.
“Would you be willing to tell me the type of watercolor paper and paints you use? My supplies are mostly from my local Michael’s store, but I want to upgrade without too much expensive experimenting. So I wondered what you’d recommend.”
I remember wondering if using less expensive paint would be bad for business. Is it necessary to invest in the highest quality for licensing? I decided the answer was no. Here is how I responded:
“I use paper and paint from Michael’s too… if I need really vibrant colors I use some guache too but mostly the Academy and Cotman watercolors and Strathmore paper. (With coupons whenever possible!) I haven’t found a need to get more expensive supplies – except for an extra color here and there – and have done just fine. It’s more about the art and presentation than raw materials.”
If you are creating to license, you don’t have to worry about the longevity of the actual painted item. (Not that I know if there are any longevity issues…) I paint. I scan. It’s all captured digitally. I have to worry about backing up my work in case of computer gremlins.
In talking to other artists, I think the quality of other paints (acrylic, oils, etc) can have an effect on your painted results, but for watercolors, I’m building a nice little business with paints you can find at Michael’s, AC Moore, Hobby Lobby or any other general craft store.
It’s what you do with your supplies that matters most!
Happy painting!
– Tara
coool! thanks for sharing!
😉
Ha. but that brings up another question… do you use a special scanner?
I do have a high-end scanner… I have a large format Epson Expression so I can scan up to size A4 paper. 🙂
I’m smiling, Tara. I have Windsor Newton (top of the line) watercolors I bought in England over 30 years ago, I think. Probably felt they were “too good” to use when I first got them and then I moved on to other things. I’m not sure of the time frame now and why I did not use them for the series I did for my Masters Degree in Creative Arts.
Bottom line to this story is I’ve recently resurrected the latter series and had them professionally digitally scanned (they had to be flattened first) to have as a line for sale as limited edition (I think) prints – I put them up on Nature’s Treasures Interpreted – http://www.naturestreasuresinterpreted.com
I basically use the same stuff. But here’s a question: What do you do with that mountain of art that has been scanned? I can’t bear to throw it away!
I have it organized by collection in the empty paper pads and on a bookshelf… you never know if you might need it again. I can’t throw them away either!
personally I think it makes a huge difference what you use.. I only use Holbein gouache and Strathmore Bristol plate paper.. I worked in a print studio for a few years and the Korean women who were amazing painters who did work for Calvin Klein, Donna Karen etc. would use these paints from Korea and the best sable brushes you could buy.. it makes a big difference when painting flowers and plaids and details.. with that said I did skimp on certain white paint I would use Rich art instead of the gouache but when they discontinued I had to buy it!
The best deals ever for paint– way beyond anything you would get for discount at Michaels is at
Dick Blick!! everyone has to know that is the source for all art supplies hands down! There just isn’t a better deal out there and they ship for free in orders over 200.00 so worth it! I buy bulk .. much cheaper in the long run. So there you go major inside info from me!!
Awesome – thanks for the tip I’ll give Dick Blick and the paints a try. 🙂
So you use a $2500 scanner and cheap paint… hmm, I think I’d go the opposite way, but to each her own…