Supplies
Below are the supplies you will need for my classes. If you are new to watercolors, you may want to order a kit from me.  The kit includes: 5 tubes of paint, several small pieces of Arches paper, three brushes, a pencil, and a small palette. It includes everything you need for a workshop or short class.  For a six week class, you may need to buy a little more paper, depending upon how much you practice.  The kit is $65, and you need to order by contacting me two weeks ahead of the class.  Because I order in bulk, the price is less than you would pay if you bought your supplies at Michael's or online. 

Paints

Professional grade watercolor paints are the best, such as: Winsor Newton, Daniel Smith, Holbien, Da Vinci, etc.  However, most student grade paints will work fine, such as: Cotman, Grumbacher, Dick Blick, Cheap Joe's, etc.  Please do not bring Michael's brand, Artists Loft watercolors.  They are opaque and have so much filler in them that they make muddy colors.  If you are new to my classes, I recommend the following colors to start out with: gamboge or azo yellow, alizarin crimson or rose madder, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, and sap or hookers green.  You can mix many colors with this palette. 

Paper

 I insist on Arches 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper for classes and workshops.  Good paper will accept the paint instead of resist it.  It is much easier to achieve painting success on quality paper.   You need at least 4 half-sheets for a six week class. A half-sheet is 15" x 11". For a workshop, bring at least one half-sheets.  You can use loose paper, a tablet, or a block.  The back side of old paintings is always fine to use. Also bring several small pieces of "scrap" watercolor (old paintings, etc.) to test colors and practice. 

Brushes

It's best to have an assortment of flat and round brushes. My recommendations are: 
  • 1" flat
  • 8 or 12 size round
  • 1.5 or 2" flat
  • Rigger (also called a liner)  brush- long, thin bristles
  • Scrubber brush (for taking paint off)
"Peg is such a great teacher. She always has examples to show, demonstrations, and time to give help. She is genuine, enthusiastic, and encouraging. I really enjoyed this class."

-Watercolor Student Feedback

Palette

A covered palette is best, but if you don't have one you can use two large clear or white plates or something you can mix paint in for washes. You need a well in the middle of the container to mix puddles of paint. I recommend the Robert E. Woods Palette.

Other Materials

You will need a large water container, paper towels, a board (a 16" x 24" piece of wood or foam core is fine), something to raise up one end of the board so it's tilted (block of wood, easel, etc), pencil, sketchbook, apron.

References: Drawings or photos of things that interest you, preferably with lights, darks, and middle-values.
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Problem paintings: Bring in paintings you're struggling with if you'd like me to take a look at them and give some advice.