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Description
I made this materials list as a commission for someone awhile ago and have been meaning to update it to post here on DA and I finally found the motivation. So here are my materials I use for painting with explanations and suggestions for everyone who has asked what I use to paint and ink with. These were collected over years- so you definitely wouldn't have to start with everything on the list, but hopefully it proves useful!
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Do NOT repost on any site without my written permission. Be respectful.

STRETCHING INFO

Stretching your paper for watercolor is extremely important, especially when you're planning to work on something for a long time. Proper stretching allows you to work on a flat surface for the entirety of your painting without the painting buckling, as wet paper does naturally. I laid out the materials you need above, but if you want to see my process, here is a video tutorial of the exact way I stretch my work.

Stretching Tutorial Video

I often see people use tape to stretch their paper, but I find this incredibly unreliable. Even professional grade tapes cannot accomplish what tacks or a staples can. Stretching is done to anchor the paper while it has expanded with water, so it can no longer shift or buckle when dry or re-wet. (Just like an oil/acrylic canvas is stapled around a frame)

You do not have to stretch every piece- if I'm doing a simple sketch or a painting that will not cover the entire canvas, I can deal with the slight warping. But 90% of my work is stretched and the benefits are wonderful while working. Also with this method, your finished watercolors will not warp once cut off the stretching board so they're easier to scan, ship, store, and frame.

Here is a tutorial on DA by the incredible blix-it . As she mentions, the staple holes won't matter if you give your painting enough room. Cut the painting off the board with a razor blade and trim the edges. Leave a white boarder like she shows and your work will be much easier to mat! www.deviantart.com/blix-it/art…

Description
I made this materials list as a commission for someone awhile ago and have been meaning to update it to post here on DA and I finally found the motivation. So here are my materials I use for painting with explanations and suggestions for everyone who has asked what I use to paint and ink with. These were collected over years- so you definitely wouldn't have to start with everything on the list, but hopefully it proves useful!
___________________________________________________________

Instagram || InPrnt || Behance || Facebook || Tumblr || Twitter

Do NOT repost on any site without my written permission. Be respectful.

STRETCHING INFO

Stretching your paper for watercolor is extremely important, especially when you're planning to work on something for a long time. Proper stretching allows you to work on a flat surface for the entirety of your painting without the painting buckling, as wet paper does naturally. I laid out the materials you need above, but if you want to see my process, here is a video tutorial of the exact way I stretch my work.

Stretching Tutorial Video

I often see people use tape to stretch their paper, but I find this incredibly unreliable. Even professional grade tapes cannot accomplish what tacks or a staples can. Stretching is done to anchor the paper while it has expanded with water, so it can no longer shift or buckle when dry or re-wet. (Just like an oil/acrylic canvas is stapled around a frame)

You do not have to stretch every piece- if I'm doing a simple sketch or a painting that will not cover the entire canvas, I can deal with the slight warping. But 90% of my work is stretched and the benefits are wonderful while working. Also with this method, your finished watercolors will not warp once cut off the stretching board so they're easier to scan, ship, store, and frame.

Here is a tutorial on DA by the incredible blix-it . As she mentions, the staple holes won't matter if you give your painting enough room. Cut the painting off the board with a razor blade and trim the edges. Leave a white boarder like she shows and your work will be much easier to mat! www.deviantart.com/blix-it/art…