Suggested Supplies

We will be focussing on ink and watercolour techniques in this class, but my style of sketching is loose and approachable - requiring only a small selection of supplies.

As such, the required and suggested supplies are quite minimal and very flexible. You can find my favourite supplies by clicking the button below.

My Favourite Supplies

Minimum Suggested Supplies

There is a basic list of supplies that I think is flexible and more than sufficient to create your ink and watercolour people.

  • Surface

    • Student grade watercolour paper, 300gsm (140lbs) in weight, A4 (UK) or Letter (USA) in size. I prefer cold pressed paper. This paper might be in loose sheets, or in a sketchbook

  • Sketching implement

    • A waterproof fineliner, or a sketching fountain pen (a cheap option is a 'Platinum Preppy')

    • Look for the words 'permanent' or 'waterproof' on the fineliner

  • Waterproof Ink (if using a fountain pen) - such as platinum carbon X ink

    • Important note here - not all waterproof inks are fountain pen safe

  • Watercolour paints

    • A student grade starter set is an affordable option and plenty to get started

  • Watercolour brush

    • As a minimum, I would suggest student grade size 6 and 12 round brushes. These sizes are approximate and just a guideline

Recommended Supplies

For those of you more confident in your artistic direction, there is a slightly ‘enhanced list’ of recommended supplies. These are not necessary, but you may begin to appreciate there is a quality difference as you progress your techniques and style.

  • Surface 

    • Professional grade watercolour paper, cold pressed, 300-450gsm (140-200lbs), A4/Letter in size, 100% cotton

    • My preference is for sketching on gummed 'blocks' of watercolour paper

  • Drafting implement

    • 0.5mm mechanical pencil, such as a Rotring Tikki, and a putty eraser

    • I actually very rarely use a pencil, but that doesn’t mean you can’t

  • Sketching implement 

    • My favourite sensibly priced option are the 'TWSBI' branded pens (ECO or diamond 580, with an extra fine nib)

  • Waterproof Ink (if using a fountain pen)

    • Platinum Carbon X Ink is still my favourite

    • Important note here - not all waterproof inks are fountain pen safe

  • Watercolour paints

    • I enjoy having 10-14 colours, mine are presently exclusively from Daniel Smith simply because I trust and understand them

  • Watercolour brush

    • Flat brushes, large Chinese brushes, and mop brushes can add some flexibility to your painting processes