Featured piece
Watercolour beginner mistakes: the five that matter most
Most early frustrations with watercolour come down to the same handful of problems. Understand what they are and why they happen, and the medium becomes considerably less mysterious.
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On technique, materials, and artists.
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How to care for watercolour brushes: the habits that make them last
A good watercolour brush looked after correctly will outlast a cheap one by years. The habits that protect it take less than two minutes per session.
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The best watercolour brushes under £30: tested and recommended
You do not need to spend a lot to get a watercolour brush that works. Here are the sub-£30 brushes worth buying and what each does best.
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Kolinsky sable vs synthetic brushes: is the difference worth the price
The gap between kolinsky sable and the best synthetic brushes has narrowed considerably. Whether it has narrowed enough depends on how and what you paint.
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Earth pigments in watercolour: PY43, PR101 and why the codes matter
Two tubes labelled Yellow Ochre can behave very differently in a wash. The pigment code tells you which one you have.
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Where to buy watercolour paper in the US: a guide by format and budget
The right supplier depends on whether you want individual sheets, blocks, or pads, and how far you are willing to travel or wait for delivery.
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Where to buy watercolour paper in the UK: a guide by format and budget
The right supplier depends on whether you want individual sheets, blocks, or pads, and how much you want to spend on postage.
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Best hot press watercolour paper for botanical work
Materials Paper Guide Hot press paper rewards precision and punishes impatience. For botanical work, fine detail, and pen and wash, it is the right surface. Choosing the right one matters. 6 min read At a glance Fluid 100 Hot Press holds detail through the most layers. Hard, even sizing keeps edges crisp on the third…
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How to mix neutrals in watercolour without mud
Technique Colour Guide Mud in watercolour almost always comes from one of two things: the wrong pigment combination, or touching a wash that is not yet dry. 8 min read At a glance Mud comes from too many pigments or too much interference. Every additional pigment in a mix increases the chance of a dull…
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Watercolour brush shapes: what each one actually does
Materials Brushes Guide Watercolour brush sets tend to contain more shapes than most painters end up using. Understanding what each one does prevents buying brushes that will sit unused. 8 min read At a glance A round is the default brush for almost everything. A size 8 or 10 round with a good point covers…
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Wet on dry watercolour: structure without losing freshness
Technique Paint Guide Wet on dry has a reputation for producing stiff, overworked results. That reputation is about poor execution, not about the technique itself. 8 min read At a glance Damp is not dry. The most common wet on dry mistake is applying the next layer too soon. Wait until the paper feels cool…
The Letter
New writing from the site, the occasional material recommendation, and brief notes on painting. Sent monthly, nothing more.
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