Supplies

These are the required supplies for my classes and workshops. They're also a good guide for anyone who is working in watercolors. If you have questions about supplies, you are welcome to call me at (540) 886-2177.

​ Also, I offer a "Beginner Kit" with paint, paper, and brushes for $50. You must let me know at lease two weeks before the first day of class if you want a kit. If you are lacking something else, let me know and I will see if I have extras.

Paints

Whatever watercolor paints you have are probably fine. If you are coming to one of my classes, make sure you bring a yellow, a red, a blue, and some colors you can use to mix up darks such as Raw Umber, Prussian Blue, and Paynes Gray.

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 lease 4 half-sheets for a six week class. A half-sheet is 15" x 11". For a workshop, bring at least two half-sheets. 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. If you are coming to one of my classes and want me to bring you paper, please contact me two weeks in advance and I will bring a fill sheet for you for $6.

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
  • Fritch scrubber
  • Bristle brush
"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.