Wethersfield Academy for the Arts
431 Hartford Ave. WethersfieldCT 06109 860-436-9857
Frank Costantino Watercolor Workshop
Suggested Materials & References
The quality of your materials is a continuing step in striving for quality results. A solid base of well-researched, long-lasting supplies
should become evident with progress in the medium. Some varied finish and weighted papers & extra tubes of pigments
will be available for student experimentation.
Papers: 140 lb. Watercolor blocks (9” x 12”, or 11” x 14”, either hot and/or cold press finish or both), preferably LanaAquarelle, D’Arches, Fabriano, Winsor Newton or equal. Option:If preferred, individual 140 lb. cut sheets, up to 15” x 20”and pre-stretched on rigid board may be used also.
Brushes: Sable/synthetic blends, or other composition; Loew Cornell, Robert Simmons, Winsor Newton, Isabey brands or comparable quality. Loew Cornell brands are the most economical and durable. Rounds - #6, 8, 10, 14 and/or 20; Flats – ½”, 1”, 1-1/2”; or othershapes if desired, filberts, mops, chisels, etc.
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Colors: 10 tubes of pigment, professional (not student) quality –DaVinci, WinsorNewton, Daniel Smith, Holbein, or Schminke – 1.) Lemon Yellow, 2.) Cadmium Yellow, 3.) Raw Sienna, 4.) Cadmium Orange,
5.) Cadmium Red, 6.) Carmine or Winsor Red, 7.) Cobalt Blue, 8.) Cerulean Blue, 9.) Prussian Blue,
10.) French Ultramarine Blue, 11.) Viridian Green, 12.) Perm. Alizarin Crimson, 13.) Burnt Sienna.
*Some sample tubes of colors will be provided complimentary by instructor’s sponsor, Golden QOR watercolors.
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Trays:Pigments should be put in plastic slotted mixing trays or field palettes (12-16 slots). Paints can be arranged in color wheel sequence, or warm and/or cool groupings. Two water containers for rinsing; extras may be on hand.
Pencils: H, HB, and/or B, and a sharpener; kneaded and/or white plastic erasers.
Boards and panels: A 12” x 18” rigid gatorboard or comparable stiffboard(s) for mounting loose sheets; in addition to watercolor blocks. Masking or drafting tape will be somewhat adequate for mounting loose sheets, but wetter washes may curl paper and lift tape, giving poor results.
Related Studio Materials: 3/4” 3-M Scotch draftingtape, or blue painters tape (both low tack), small watercolor strips for testing; bulldog clips, sponges, blotters, X-acto knife, etc. A limited number of Trays/Palettes, and Field Sketch Boxes will be available for sale during the seminar.
References: Subject images for practicing, from photos or magazines, and/or reproductions of fine art watercolorists, pertinent to individual’s interests or painting styles.
Reading/Study Material: There are many titles on watercolor painting that are available at art/supply bookstores or on-line.Authors,and friends of the instructor, Charles Reid, Jeanne Dobie, Don Andrews, James Gurney, Alvaro Castignet, and other artists cover many aspects of the medium. Participants will find such books both useful and inspirational in preparation for the workshop. Out-of-print editions are exceedingly worth the trouble & expense for the serious watercolorist.
“Application, technique and color theory (the basics) were very comprehensive, especially in light of the fact that many attendees seemed to be very experienced; I was pleasantly & gladly surprised to get this instructor.” A.B. Boston, MA