THE COLOURS

For some years I have used Winsor & Newton Artist Watercolours, holding these paints in very high regard. I suppose my palette could be described as "split primary" with earth colours.

cadmium scarlet (PR108), light red (PR102), permanent alizarin crimson (PRN/A + PR206)
french ultramarine (PB29), cobalt bue (PB28), cerulean blue (PB35)
cadmium lemon (PY35), cadmium yellow (PY35 + PO20)
gold ochre (PY42)
burnt sienna (PR101)
burnt umber (PBr7 + PR101 + PY42)

I am still experimenting with different pigments, but find the ones above to be most suited to the sort of work I am trying to accomplish. I buy 37ml tubes for those paints I use a lot of.

THE BRUSHES

For brushes I have used the excellent Stratford & York Rydal Gold brushes, and have sizes 16, 10, 6 and 3. They are synthetic, have wonderful fine points, and are very inexpensive. Sadly these are now out of production, so I have chosen to use the DaVinci Cosmotop Mix B brushes, and have sizes 6 and 12. I also have a set of "Sceptre Gold" flats by Winsor & Newton, which are excellent  for getting a sharp chisel edge, as well as doing broad washes with plenty of water. Often I will use a 3/4 in flat for the sky areas and rounds for the rest of the picture, plus a half-rigger for fine lines. Recently I have purchased a Daler-Rowney Diana No 6 kolinsky sable brush, and it immediately became my favourite, a superb brush. Together with a Stratford and York Balmoral No 12 (got it half price!), also kolinsky sable, this pairing look like being regulars for all my paintings. And I may even be brave enough to get a No 10 Diana!

THE PAPERS

Most paintings are done on Saunders Waterford 140lb NOT, although I am also trying 200lb NOT, which stays damper for longer and therefore easier to work. I usually stretch my paper using a stapler to avoid cockling. Just taken delivery of some HOT PRESSED paper also; will report in due course.

THE PAINT MIXER

For a palette my preference is for plastic or enameled metal, and folding. These do not move about on the table, and keep the paints fresh, clean and useable, especially if I put a damp sponge in before closing the lid. I like the little wells for the simple reason that they are easier to clean up than enclosed pans. I also like three or four mixing areas so that I can prepare washes in advance.