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Art & Animals
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items I've always loved book illustrations, whether for children or those such as found in the Audubon books. Now I'm teaching myself to watercolor, which is different from every other medium I've worked in. Here are some of my favorite items found so far.
Sections
3
Creating Your Own Illustrations
Art Books that Teach and Inspire
YouTubers Who Instruct and Motivate
Creating Your Own Illustrations
Essential tools for watercolor
After struggling with cheap pan sets, I bought the Winsor & Newton “Cotman” student-grade set. The colors are perfect for the learning period and beyond.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Set, 20x5ml
I first saw Kuretake Gansai Tambi, Japanese watercolor paints on YouTube and was entranced. I now own the basic collection and can say they're smooth, intense, delicious.
Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolor Paint Pans and Sets
They may cost more than craft brushes, but Princeton brushes behave themselves. I currently own two of the basic round brushes, one is the size 12 and the other is size 8. I reach for one or the other consistently.
Princeton Aqua Elite 4850 Round 12 Brush
The other Princeton brush I own is the Neptune size 1 liner. There's absolutely nothing like it for painting the thinnest of lines, be they plant stems, grass, or bonnet strings.
Princeton Neptune 4750 Synthetic Squirrel Script Liner Brush, Size 1
A lot of watercolorists have switched to using washi tape for masking the borders of their paper. I've used artist's tape that's been around for years, and I can say that washi is better. And fun to look at.
Washi Tape Set 16 Rolls 15mm Wide Cute
I've been using kneaded erasers for decades. There's nothing like them. They pick up pencil without harming the paper and without leaving eraser crumbs. (They're also fun to play with.)
PRISMACOLOR Design Kneaded Eraser 3 Pack
If you use tube paints, you need a palette. I went for the inexpensive Mr. Pen, figuring I'd eventually find something “better.” It turns out this one by Mr. Pen serves me well for a long time.
Mr. Pen Airtight 18-Well Watercolor Palette
Professionals tout the benefits of Arches paper, but it's expensive. Try Baohong or Meeden 100 % cotton paper--they're the same company and are excellent. Choose the size you prefer and either cold (textured) or hot (smooth) press. I'm currently usin...
Amazon.com : Meeden watercolor paper
If you work with watercolors and don't have a hair dryer handy, you're often waiting for the paint to dry. The heck with your hair--blow dry your painting and get on with it. You need spend only a minimum on this handy tool.
REVLON Travel Hair Dryer 1875W Lightweight
Pigma Micron pens are bestsellers for good reasons: The ink is permanent and quick drying. The nibs (in 10 sizes) remain firm, unlike felt tips, and then pens are inexpensive.
SAKURA Pigma Micron Fineliner Archival Ink
The TWSBI Eco fountain pen has earned the hearts of many sketch artists. It has a large ink tank, is easy to clean, has a choice of nibs (I recommend Fine or Extra Fine), and performs like a champ on various types of paper. Made by a precision engine...
TWSBI ECO T Clear Fountain Pen F nib
This easel has quickly become one of my favorite purchases. Great for drawing and painting and also great for holding a book open to a picture I'm using for reference.
MEEDEN PRO A3 Tabletop Easel with Clips
Art Books that Teach and Inspire
Years ago, I tried to teach myself to watercolor using how-to books. They failed & so did I. YouTube is now my instructor, and the following books kickstart creativity on dull days.
“Animal Art” by Lorna Scobie is only the first of her books I've purchased. It's fun, it's inspiring, and you get to draw and paint directly in the book
Animal Art: 101 Creative Activities Guide
This is the next of Scobie's books I'll be buying. I've told myself I can't buy it until I've completed at least half of the animal art book. Sometimes I listen to myself and sometimes I don't.
365 Days of Art in Nature: Daily Inspiration
For each of the exercises in Leach's book, I've used the same methods but not necessarily the same image. I'm contrary that way. It's an excellent book whether you copy or not, and inspiration is to be had regardless.
Creative Abstract Watercolor: Beginner's Guide
I've owned “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” for years and cherish it because it pushed my drawing skills way beyond those I learned in art school.
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, 4th Ed
I don't own this book yet, but I will in the very near future. If you love painting flowers in watercolor, this book takes you through a large variety with instructions for each.
Watercolor the Easy Way Flowers: 50 Tutorials
Drawing or painting directly from nature is impossible when it comes to many animals, plants, and minerals. I rely on my collection of Audubon Field Guides. I've linked to a page where you should be able to find whatever you're interested in.
Amazon.com : Audubon field guides
YouTubers Who Instruct and Motivate
YouTube is filled with artists of all kinds who freely give of their knowledge. This is a list of my favorites wherein you might find some of your own favorites too.
Diane was the first artist on YouTube that I found, and she's still a favorite. She advocates for “loose” painting and for ignoring rules if you so wish. She's also delightful to listen to as she creates in real time, not refilming if she makes an er...
Diane Antone Studio
Harriet de Winton paints from nature, mainly botanicals, using her uniquely delicate style. She describes what she's doing as she does it, helping people learn her specialized techniques.
Harriet de Winton
Gary Frederick is painter with a fine sense of the whimsical. His quirky houses are sure to inspire you to make a few of your own.
Gary Frederick
Michele Webber is an art instructor in “real life,” and she's excellent doing the same on video. Personable, knowledgeable, and filled with tips and tricks that you'll want to subscribe to.
In the Studio with Michele Webber
M. D. Campbell has a lot to say and a lot to show. You never quite know where he's going artistically next, but it's both fun and informative to follow his meanderings.
M.D. Campbell
Mike Sibley is simply put, a very real sort of person, and he's got all kinds of art instruction and tips and ideas to share with you.
Mike Sibley
Helen Wells if filled with enthusiasm and ideas to get you started with your journey into art. She's one of those people you can't help but like.
Helen Wells Artist: Sketchbooks + Art Ideas
I try to never miss any of Toby's videos because what he paints and the things he says inevitably inspire me to get out my pen and watercolors. By giving permission to be wobbly or crooked, he's also giving permission to relax, which is essential no ...
TobySketchLoose - Artist and Urban Sketcher