Submitted by: Steven Cronin

So youve decided to try your hand at the wonderful world of watercolour painting but how on earth do you choose from the vast array of materials available at your local art store? Having to decide from the huge assortment of paper, paints, brushes and mediums is enough to put you off painting before you even start!

The first important decision you are going to have to make is choosing your brushes. The brushes you select will be paramount in moulding your particular style of painting as you develop as a watercolourist.

A brief glance through several watercolour books will quickly demonstrate how every artist has their own particular style and technique, and in time you too will develop your own. And the principal determining factor will be your choice of brush.

Brushes come in all shapes and sizes. Large brushes help cover the paper quickly, essential if you want to paint fast and loose (my own preferred style). Smaller brushes allow a more intricate and delicate way of working that suits those that prefer the finer details in their compositions.

Then theres all that is in between, a myriad of choice that has influenced the diversity of watercolour painting styles and techniques through the centuries.

The size of paper you use will have a major bearing on your choice of brush. Generally, the smaller the paper format the smaller the brush you will be using. Larger paper will really let you go to town with some big brushes. Ultimately the choice is entirely yours.

Now Ive managed to confuse you further, Id like to introduce you to my own personal arsenal! Ive narrowed my brushes down to just three.

My main weapon of choice is a 1 inch hake brush. I probably paint about 95% of the picture with this brush. Its large size and wonderful ability to hold water makes it ideal for laying large washes in double quick time, handy when you need to get it all in before it dries.

Granted, it does take a little getting used to. The sheer volume of water it holds will initially drive you crazy! I tend to hold a folded up tea towel in my non-painting hand to soak up the excess water before going into the palette. Also worth considering is your choice of water jar. I use a collapsible jar with a well defined inward lip. Brushing against this lip allows me to remove a good deal of water from the brush before using the towel.

Ultimately, youll find its well worth persevering with; its versatility really is second to none. I really couldnt be without it!

My second brush is a inch flat. I use it chiefly for anything that needs a straight edge buildings, fence posts, boats, etc.

Finally I have the No.3 rigger brush used for the finer details such as figures, grasses and branches of trees, not forgetting that all important signature!

The brush is your tool to express yourself and your inner thoughts onto the paper through the medium of watercolour. Choose wisely and many a masterpiece awaits you. Happy painting!

About the Author: Steven Cronin is artist and author of oil and watercolour painting tutorial books aimed primarily at beginners. Visit his bookstore at

LearnToPaint.net

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isnare.com

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