Extended Post

I have also posted this video at The Sketchbook Challenge and I don't want it to go unnoticed if that blog is not on your radar.

But there were a few questions about materials over there and I wanted to talk about that here. I use M. Graham gouache, an opaque watercolor paint. This is a new choice. For years I have used a cheap, sub-student grade paint that worked just fine. Pelikan Opaque Watercolor Set

I was satisfied with the color intensity, price, rewetting ability. That paint set is great for the price. But then I decided (a wild hair caught my attention and I could not shake it), that I needed to honor my abilities and intention and that I needed to upgrade to professional grade paints. I don't regret having done it, quite the opposite.

But. That opaque set held me in its grasp for almost 10 years. I learned a lot while using it, it served me well and it was inexpensive. There is a lot to be said for that. I find that often times when I start talking technique, my student or readers will feel they need to use what I have. Like when I lecture about quilting, I will get asked, "what machine do you use?" To which I always answer, "It is the operator, not the machine".

I could also make the argument that you should make a solid commitment to your paints and prove to yourself that you are taking your art seriously by purchasing the best supplies possible right off the bat. But why? I think it is best that you TRY things out. Heck you can water acrylic paint down to the degree that I show within the video and get smashing results. In the meantime, you will see that yes, indeed, you do love painting in this manner and you should have the paints you desire.

It is difficult to be a conscious consumer, to slow ourselves down and question, if I buy this, will I use every last drop of it? As far as the M. Graham Gouache goes? I sure will-I have no doubt whatsoever. I have no intention of returning to my sub-student grade set. But I do value the time I spent with that set and think the art I made while using it is great.