My materials and 'Black Sheep' brush
Since people regularly ask and my use is fairly consistent, these are my main materials. This is not a recommendation and I don’t wish to be a brand ambassador, but am very happy to let people know what I use.
Paint (tube paints)
Phthalo Blue (Red shade) – known as ‘Winsor Blue (Red shade)’ if buying the W&N brand, French Ultramarine, Indian Red, Light Red, Raw Umber, Winsor Lemon (or other cool, saturated yellow), Cobalt Turquoise, and (any) scarlet-type red. The last three of these I use little. Brand: Usually W&N Professional range, except Phthalo = Ken Bromley (rather than Winsor Blue..).
Click HERE for information explaining my choice of colour palette.
Paper
Bockingford, 200lb (420g), Not/Cold-pressed.
Easel
‘Jakar Lightweight Adjustable Watercolour Easel’
(Model as purchased approx. 2015/16. I believe it has changed slightly since, to the effect that the legs may not spread quite so widely. That’s a real pity, but overall I think this is still as good an outdoor easel to purchase as any other I’ve seen. It is also possible to remove a nut and make your own ‘modification’ to enhance the leg spread, making it more stable than the majority of other easels – essential for painting in the UK’s often windy weather!)
For my plein air /residential courses, you’ll find a link to a fuller, suggested ‘materials list’ on the relevant pages.
Brushes
I use a bare minimum of brushes. Mostly just two types. For large areas of wash (such as skies) I use a large squirrel mop, currently being the relatively affordable Jackson’s own brand Series 828, size 15 (model as of approx 2017/18, in case sizes might have changed since). I have one, look after it, and thank the squirrels regularly.
The Black Sheep
My ‘right hand man’. You can find out more about it here.