Preparing your space can be a fun and exciting time to set the stage for your art-making adventures.
This course does not require a large space or expensive materials. You can get started with the basics (see materials list below) and add more goodies as you feel inspired.
Start by gathering your 100 pieces of watercolor paper. We suggest buying larger sheets of 140 lb paper and cutting them down into a similar size such as 8” x 8”, 9” x 9”, or 10” x 10.” The size and shape are really up to you.
You’re welcome to use any watercolor paper you like, just be sure it’s at least 140 lb weight, so it can withhold wet medium and paint. Here’s a link to an affordable option we like.
There are a few ways to cut your paper. If you have access to a paper cutter, this will make the job quick and easy. We recommend pre-measuring your paper and marking the measurements with pencil marks to make the cutting process easy (see video). You can also use a box cutter or an Exacto knife with a straight edge (a metal ruler works best). Good old fashioned scissors are also an option. It’s also worth asking your local office supply store if they are able to do the cutting for you.
As for your materials, amazing discoveries can happen as a result of working with limited supplies, so no worries if you don’t have lots of options. Working with what you have allows you to really get to know those materials and encourages you to add in new materials in a more mindful way.
SUGGESTED MATERIALS:
One of the best ways to develop a style that is unique to you is the explore a wide variety of different materials in different ways.
Below you’ll find a list of the materials we use in the course, but it’s absolutely OK if you don’t have everything on this list. The most important materials to have are a basic set of acrylic paints, watercolor paper, and your favorite brushes.
All the exercises can be modified to work with what you have, and you can always add in more materials as you go… follow your cravings and trust your curiosities!
▪ 100 pieces of square paper, cut to approximately 9 in x 9 in
▪ Acrylic paints in a variety of colors, ideally including both fluid and heavy bodied paints. At a minimum, be sure to have yellow, red, blue, black, and white.
▪ A variety of paint brushes and foam brushes
▪ A collection of pens + markers such as Sharpies, colored paint pens, microns, jelly roll pens, and any other favorites you love to work with.
▪ Potatoes (or other vegetables) and a knife for carving
▪ Rubber “Easy Cut” and a simple carving set
▪ Manilla envelopes and an Exacto knife
▪ Pencil and eraser
▪ Spray paint or spray ink
▪ Set of watercolor paints
▪ Magazines and or collage papers
▪ Acrylic gel medium for adding collage materials into paintings
▪ Any other paints or mixed media materials you want to explore