Introduction to Watercolour with Qing Zhang (15/16 Feb)

Materials List

For beginners, the extensive variety of art materials can be quite daunting. However, it’s important to know that you can gradually add new products to your materials list as you progress. From a practical perspective, I advise against beginners buying an excessive amount all at once. The recommendations provided here are crafted with the principle of simplicity in mind, influenced by my personal preferences. If you already possess additional art materials, feel free to bring them along.

PAINTS

Watercolour paints are available in tube and pan forms. I recommend tube paints, preferably artist-grade or Winsor & Newton Cotman for student-grade. Brands suggested: Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith, M. Graham, Holbein. Please have at least three primary colours (red, yellow, blue) and one earth colour, as earth colours can save time when mixing medium-chroma colours.
Recommended primary colours: Quinacridone Rose (PV19), Hansa Yellow (PY3), Ultramarine Blue (PB29), Cobalt Blue (PB28). For earth colours, consider Burnt Sienna (PBr7 or PR101), Raw Sienna (PBr7), Raw Umber (PBr7). Pigment codes are in parentheses. If purchasing quality paints, pigment information is on the packaging. With the three primary colours, you can mix almost any hue and black. Using a limited colour palette makes it easier to achieve harmony in your artwork.

WATERCOLOUR BRUSHES

In order from large to small, prepare at least one mop brush, one round brush around size 10, and one round brush around size 4 for detailing. Watercolour brushes differ significantly from oil and acrylic brushes, so ensure you buy the right type. Recommended brands include Escoda, Princeton, Da Vinci. The synthetic brushes produced by these brands are of high quality too.

WATERCOLOUR PAPER

The best quality for watercolour paper is 100% cotton. Choose 100% cotton, 300gsm/140lb coldpressed (also known as NOT) or rough watercolour paper. Consider brands like Saunders Waterford, Arches, Fabriano. You may consider buying full-size sheets (76cm x 56cm), which we can cut down in class (tearing is better than cutting with scissors). One full-size sheet can be divided into 4-8 sheets, suitable for medium-sized paintings. For a two-day workshop, 2-3 fullsize sheets are enough. Use high-quality papers for paintings and additionally prepare some cheaper watercolour paper (non-100% cotton) for practice.

PALETTE

A regular watercolour palette should suffice. Try to choose one with a larger mixing area.

OTHERS

• If using loose sheets instead of a block, such as cut full-size sheets, you will need a support board. This can be MDF, plywood, or Perspex. I prefer Perspex for its smooth surface. If using MDF or plywood, seal it beforehand. Make it slightly larger than the paper you paint on; A3 size should be adequate.
• Bulldog clips or masking tape to secure the paper to the support board.
• Pencils (2B or HB), kneadable eraser.
• Water containers: please prepare two, one for cleaning the brushes and the other for clean water for mixing.
• Kitchen paper, old tea towels, or sponges for absorbing water.

Qing Zhang is a visual artist based in Melbourne. She draws upon everyday observations and personal experiences, blending them into her art , particularly watercolour painting, with which she has a profound connection. Qing’s passion for watercolour has become a paramount element of her creative expression.

Watercolour

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