In Reply to: Re: The best supplies for watercolor posted by Mark on 06/03/01 at 2:11 PM:

I paint in oils, but I've been interested in learning watercolor.

On artist seems to think very highly of rough paper, but I can't imagine how anyone can create something detailed with it.

Whose watercolors are the best? Should I grind my own? I've read about additives like honey and ox gall.

:
: Watercolor paper comes in Rough, Cold-pressed, and Smooth - smooth being the best paper for highly-detailed work, and rough for more abstract representations (generally speaking). Cold pressed (also called NOT) is the most popular. You can buy packets that include a couple of paper samples of each (Strathmore sells one I know of) so you can test the different surfaces to see which you prefer.

: As far as paints go, there are many excellent brands available without going to the trouble of grinding one's own pigments. I would recommend Winsor & Newton Artists' Water Color, but there are several other professional-level paints out there as well (Maimeri, Daler-Rowney, Holbein). If you're on a little more of a budget, try the Winsor & Newton Cotman line...

Intended to suggest at this late date, in addition to paint you'll want gummed paper tape to mount the water color tape to the paper support - you can probably find excellent info in your public library. One book I highly recommend is Exploring Color -Nita Leland. She also discusses much about handling the support.