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painting with kristin
watercolor beyond the basics
Welcome to my Curated Collection of Lesson Plans, Tutorials and Supply Lists


Supply List for First Time Watercolor Students
If you already have supplies, use them! If you see something you like other than these at the store, get them! These are just suggestions; you don’t have to get these exact supplies. Shop around, sign up for student discounts at stores. I've put together this basic supply list for the person who has never taken a class before, if that's you, this will set you up for success in your upcoming watercolor class. You'll need Paint, Paper, Brushes, and a few other things to get s


(No-Mess) Masking Fluid Application
Think of masking fluid like gum. It's sticky, it clings, and once it gets onto something (like a paintbrush, your clothes, the carpet), it can be such a nightmare to remove that you end up throwing things away. Don't worry, I've made all these mistakes so that you don't have to. Here's all my tips for keeping your masking fluid under control.


Brush Accessories
I've explored a world full of intriguing paint brush accessories, finding myself time and again amazed at how they can enrich my art journey. Over the years, I've tried, tested, and embraced a plethora of accessories, from permanent brush holders that attach to my table, to cleaning tools, and even protective cases that safeguard my precious brushes from home to the schools I teach at and back again. Each of these tools has its unique charm and utility, contributing to a seam


The Four Stages of Watercolor Paper: Wet, Moist, Damp, Dry
Watercolor painting requires an understanding of the various stages of paper used in the process. The four main stages are wet, moist, damp, and dry. Each stage has its own characteristics and can affect the outcome of a painting in different ways. Wet : This is when you first apply water to your paper. In this stage, your paper is as saturated as its going to get and from here, begins the drying process. Moist : This is when the paper has been saturated with water and allowe


Acrylic Painting: Basic Supply List
Acrylics have long been a favorite medium for artists of all levels due to their versatility, quick drying time, and brilliant color...


12 Part Circle Division Tutorial
Welcome, artists and teachers! Let's learn how to divide a circle into 12 equal parts. It's a pretty simple technique that is essential...


How to Use White Watercolor
The world of watercolor painting holds a stunning spectrum of colors, but there's one color that often gets overlooked: white. While it...


Transfer an Image onto Watercolor Paper (4 Methods)
Today I'm breaking down four effective methods for transferring images onto watercolor paper: the Graphite Transfer, the Lightbox/Window Tracing, the Tracing Paper Method, and the Projector Method. Each technique is detailed with step-by-step instructions, making them easy to follow and apply to your own artwork. Method 1: The Graphite Transfer Our first method involves the use of graphite to transfer your image. You can buy a graphite stick for a faster process, or pick up a


A Quick Guide to Watercolor Brushes
Whether you're a budding artist exploring the world of watercolors or a seasoned professional, understanding your tools, especially the...


Creating and Managing Paint Inventory
Every artist, whether professional or hobbyist, eventually builds up a colorful collection of paints. To effectively manage this...


How to Fill Your Empty Watercolor Palette
Preparation: Begin by gathering all the materials you'll need. This includes your watercolor paint tubes, an empty watercolor palette...


Understanding Watercolor Paper: Types, Usage, and Importance
Watercolor paper is a crucial element in the world of watercolor painting. It's not just a surface to paint on, but it plays a...


How to Use Tubes of Watercolor Paint
Using tubes of watercolor paint can be a bit different than using pans or cakes of watercolor. Here's a basic guide on how to use tubes of w


How To Use Watercolor Pans
Using watercolor sets of pans is a popular choice for many artists due to their portability and ease of use. Here's my basic guide on how to
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