Watercolour Set for Aged Beginner.

[IamEarthymama]

I have recently picked up my pencils and started drawing flowers.
I really enjoy it and thought I would like to try painting.

Having worked in early years and poster paints I would like to try something more delicate. 😊🌸

I have seen an in your own time on-line course I can sign up for. I would like some recommendations as to which basic set of paints and brushes would be best?

I don't want to spend a fortune in case I don't enjoy it so up to £30 is probably my budget.

Have a look at the derwent website fo basic sets. Theres usually an offer for a percentage off your first order. Arteza seems to be a popular brand - available on amazon.

But it depends what you want - do you want tubes or pans (solid blocks), travel sized, what sort of grade - student grade or the more pigmented, more expensive artist quality? If it's for a course they may want you to have specific colours...

starfishmummy
Thank you.

I will check the course requirements.

I must admit I really don't have a clue about water-colours so I know I must do some research.

I really am a beginner and don't know if I have any aptitude at all. I want to give it a go though so here we are.

Winsor Newton Cotman is a popular choice for beginners. The quality is pretty good. In fact, quite a few professional artists use it too!

This looks like a really well thought out set, which should allow you to mix pretty much any colour you want:

www.cassart.co.uk/painting/watercolour-paints/painting-sets/cotman-sketchers-pocket-box-including-1-artists-watercolour-half-pan-cass-exclusive.htm?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&productid=4346&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInv2jwtvW8AIV4RAGAB2XiwTFEAQYASABEgIaVvD_BwE

It looks like the set comes with a brush, so you may want to try that out first before buying more. If you want more brushes, I can recommend a brand called Escoda. Their Versatil range is really good for use with watercolour and reasonably priced.

Your post doesn’t mention paper, but paper is actually by far the most important thing in watercolour. You can paint something beautiful with rubbish paint, or a crappy brush, but if your paper is rubbish you’re making things a lot more difficult and frustrating for yourself than they need to be.

I’ve not tried this paper myself, but it has good reviews and is reasonably priced (for watercolour paper!)

www.cassart.co.uk/surfaces-category/watercolour-paper/cold-pressed/cass-art-watercolour-gummed-pad-300gsm-12-sheets.htm

I would suggest pans for a beginner, especially if you're looking to do something delicate. You don't need every colour under the sun, but you won't be able to mix everything. As a PP said, check to see if there are specific colours required. I like the Winsor & Newton Cotman compact set with 14 half pans, you'd be amazed what you can do with a travel set. Check around re prices: www.jacksonsart.com/w-n-cotman-watercolour-compact-set-14-half-pans

Try not to use black pigments if you can -- better to use combos such as ultramarine + umber , cadmium red + cerulean blue, alizarin crimson + green etc.

Brushes - you need a wash brush and a decent round brush that comes to a good point.

Have kitchen roll to hand and clean water to combat accidents, and try not to dip your paintbrush in your cup of tea.

C*razzzycat
RyvitaBrevis
*
Thank you both for these suggestions.

I think the small Cotman sets are good, too. For brushes I would recommend getting maybe a fairly good 14 round brush, and a 8 or 10 round brush to start with, along with the brush in the Cotman set.

I agree Cotman is good to start. Yes to round brush with good point. I also have a brush called a "rigger" that is great for thin lines like stems.

Paper is huge. I have been using mostly mid range cold pressed but recently got some hot pressed to use for more delicate work.

Emma Jane Lefebvre and Shayda Campbell are two watercolour painters who have some good instructional videos on Youtube.

Have fun.

It is necessary to wait for the first lessons, where they will talk about the necessary materials. Then you will be able to spend less than if you bought everything in advance.

I wanted to add that I have a small set of iridescent watercolour that I enjoy using as a highlight.