Several excellent books suggested by the instructor for this workshop are “Creative Discoveries in Watermedia” by Pat Dews, “Creative Artist” by Nita Leland, and “Discovering the Inner Eye” by Virginia Cobb.

Nylon brushes

Since manufacturers often have their own numbering system for brush sizes the following are width of the brush in inches:

Flat Brushes:

1 ½” or 2” (a good house painting brush will do)

1” (#12)

½” – 5/8” (#8)

¼” – 3/8” (#4)

Round Brushes:

3/16” – ¼”

1/16” – 1/8”

+ an Old Toothbrush

Painting surface OPTIONS (minimum sizes 16” x 20”):

Since much of our time will be spent with experimental studies, I advise a cheap a painting surface like:

Painted 3/16” or ¼” thick Masonite (use left over wall paint-any color)

*Painted Matboard or Illustration board (use left over wall paint-any color)

*Painted Foamboard (use left over wall paint-any color)

¼” thick Gessoed Canvas Board

¾” thick Gessoed Stretched Canvas

*These surface materials will need to be painted on the backside as well to reduce curving.

Acrylic Paints:

[I encourage the purchase of the cheapest paints possible. Since acrylic paints are a by-product of petroleum that might be easier said than done. But paints are sold in different “grades.” The cheapest are usually in bottles—ok for brushwork. More expensive paints will be in tubes and they vary by brand name and quality---great for application with a palette knife. Since you will not be trying to paint masterpieces, go for the cheap.] In addition you will be able to thicken the paint somewhat with either gel medium or molding paste.

•Black, White, red, yellow, blue, orange, green purple and brown—pretty basic colors. Beyond those colors it is pretty much a personal choice and not necessary for this workshop.

Additional supplies:

•Spray bottle for water with a fine mist setting

•Palette or painting knife

•Natural and/or synthetic sponges

•Polymer medium

•Gel medium and/or molding paste

•Open container for water

•Wax paper or Saran Wrap

•Glass or plastic sealable containers for extra or leftover paints

•Mixing boards or palettes-preferably disposable

[Aluminum foil is a good substitute. Mixing paint on wax paper, however, can be frustrating. Old dinner plate(s) work well, but they have to be cleaned with hot water.]

•Rags and/or paper towels

Additional materials to be shared:

Scrap fabric, rickrack, and/or ribbon; sand; string; other types of thin materials than can be glued to the painting surface to create low relief surfaces