A sketchbook, any size, but I like at least an 8-1/2" by 11"
Pencils (I use HB, 2B or 4B, but bring whatever you like to use)
A kneaded rubber eraser and a white or pink pearl eraser
A roll of paper towels
A ruler
A regular sponge and a sea sponge
2 water containers or a Brush Bin or other art water container
Paper:
At least 140 lb. cold-pressed (more texture) or hot-pressed (smooth texture) watercolor paper, pad or a watercolor block in a size you want to work on. If you choose a watercolor block, you will only be able to work on one painting at a time, because the paper is glued to the block.
If you choose a watercolor pad or paper rather than a block, you will need a roll of 1" to 1-1/2" masking or artist’s tape, and either a drawing board or a piece of foam core to tape your paper to, about 6" larger than your paper on all sides.
Some scraps or inexpensive watercolor paper to do exercises on
Brushes: Synthetics are fine
(Use whatever you have, but these are my general suggestions, and you can add more as you go)
Flat watercolor brushes: 1/2" and 1"
Round watercolor brushes:
#10 and/or
#12 for a larger brush with a good point
#8 and #6 rounds with a good point
A giant #36 like Cheap Joe’s Giant
Golden Fleece, if you want to loosen up!
A liner or rigger brush (long and narrow hairs)
A watercolor plastic palette with lots of wells for mixing, or a flat butcher’s tray.
Watercolor paint:
If you already have some, use those, but these are my specific recommendations. I recommend professional-quality tube watercolors like Windsor and Newton, Grumbacher, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, etc., but if you don’t want to spend much at first, student-grade is fine, like Cotman (Winsor & Newton) and Academy (Grumbacher).
Cobalt Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Cerulean Blue
Cadmium Red Medium
Alizarin Crimson or Permanent Rose
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Lemon Yellow
Raw Sienna or Aureolin
Burnt Sienna
Raw Umber
Burnt Umber
Pthalo Green, Hooker's Green, or Viridian
Chinese White Ivory Black
Good suppliers:
Online: Dick Blick, Cheap Joe’s, Jerry’s Artarama, Utrecht
Brick and Mortar: Walls Alive in New Town will give you a 10% discount when you tell them you are taking a TCAG class, and if they don’t have it, they will order what you need. They are very nice and helpful. The College Bookstore (B &N) in Merchant’s Square has some art supplies, but is expensive. Jerry’s has a store in Virginia Beach, Fairfield Shopping Center, with good prices. Hampton Roads Wholesalers, Michael’s and Ben Franklin also have art supplies in Newport News.