By Charlie

Getting New Art Supplies

Written by Charlie O'Shields

There’s really nothing more exciting than opening a fresh tin of watercolor paint. It’s like a box of little gourmet candies, just waiting to be sampled. Combine it with a fresh sketchbook and it’s a little slice of heaven. I have to admit that I still have a tin or two that are waiting for me to actually try them. I know one day I’ll dive in and make a proper mess, but right now, they’re just waiting for their day in the sun. When I first started painting with watercolor a couple of years ago, I wanted to try everything in sight. My wallet, however, was wincing, so these days, I’ve relaxed a bit and simply enjoy the supplies I already have. In truth, you don’t need a lot of supplies to enjoy watercolor, which is exactly what made me fall in love with this medium. Once you discover what you love, just a few colors, a little brush, some water and some paper is all that’s required to make a little magic and have a ton of fun! No elaborate studio is needed, just a bit of perseverance and a touch of passion. That, to me, is the best part of this amazing medium.

Although I don’t sketch on the go, as my life simply isn’t set up that way, I love having my supplies in a tiny form factor that I can carry with me at all times. On the impossible chance I actually have a moment to sketch during the work day, at least I know that I’ll be properly prepared. But, I’m actually quite content with my little nightly ritual. It’s very comforting and relaxing to paint at home, away from crowds and noise. Just me, a little glass of wine, placed on the opposite side from my water to avoid confusion and catastrophe, and a bit of music. Sure, the clock is ticking on, and each one of these posts is a bit of a race to the finish. I have to complete them in proper time so Philippe and I can move on and enjoy our evening together. Often, in less than an hour, I have to complete both the doodlewash and the post. I’m thankful to those of you who read these rambles, because they always come from the heart, but are typed rather frantically and with no actual editing. It’s truly a wonder that anything legible appears here at all. But the package of a quick little doodlewash and quicker still post is indeed the signature that has become my art.

This little tin was loosely modeled after one I received from Da Vinci Paint Co. and although I’ve been using their wonderful tube paints lately, I never used the tin. Instead, I’ve sent it to Jessica, so she can do a proper review for us in the future. And tonight, I have another chance for you to get something new and wonderful. I’m giving away 5 Hahnemühle Leonardo, 600gsm, 9.4″x12.5″, 10 sheet blocks to the first 5 artists who’ve not yet received Leonardo paper from me yet. Simply reply below with the phrase, “I Love New Things!” to let me know you’d like one and tell me what type of paper you’d prefer: Cold Pressed, Hot Pressed, or Rough (US/Canada only). And be sure to watch next week for another awesome giveaway that will combine both of my current loves of Hahnemühle Paper and Da Vinci paints! Yeah, my favorite thing in the world is actually sharing the love with all of you, and that singular amazing experience of getting new art supplies!

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About the Doodlewash

Da Vinci Paint Co.: Da Vinci Yellow, Hansa Yellow Deep, Da Vinci Red, Alizarin Crimson, Red Rose Deep, Ultramarine Blue, Leaf Green, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, and Payne’s Gray.  Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book.
  #WorldWatercolorGroup - Day 7 - Getting New Art Supplies - Watercolor Travel Set - Doodlewash

Charlie O'Shields

Creator of Doodlewash, founder of World Watercolor Month (July), World Watercolor Group, and host of the Sketching Stuff Podcast. Sharing watercolor illustrations and stories while proudly featuring talented artists from all over the world!

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78 thoughts on “Getting New Art Supplies”

  4. I already feel blessed by the supplies I have, and what you have shared with us, so I don’t need to be in the running for this. I did want to say thank you for the work you’ve put into this site and the Doodlewash Community that is growing everyday. It is wonderful to enjoy with what we have. We appreciate your art and your stories as well. Thank you again Charlie.

    Reply

    1. Thank you sooo much, Laura!! I’m so thrilled you like Doodlewash!! 😃💕 It’s my little labor of love, this site. It makes me so happy to know that people are enjoying it!! And yay to getting new art supplies!! hehe

      Reply

  5. I Love New Things!…and I have heard watercolor papers can make a big difference in results. I have only used Strathmore cold press and would love to try hot press (or anything different). Thanks very much.

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  7. Pretty as the tin is, don’t you just want to dip your brush into your new paint set? Yummy as dessert.

    Just to let you know about trying new watercolor supplies: I bought a set of 24 QoR watercolors tubes, based on Jessica’s enthusiastic review of the paint quality and features. Then had to wait till early this summer when my arm had healed enough so I could paint again. They are as wonderful as she described and I love them. Her review is somewhere on this site, so anyone else who’s curious can probably find it.

    One of the other truly wonderful things about watercolor paints is that even the tiniest bit of paint can be renewed with a droplet of water. They never go bad or get ruined. I have plenty of acrylic and oil tubes that the passage of time has made unusable, expensive paints dried to fossil substance and locked inside their metal tubes, about as lively as dinosaurs.

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  14. I Love New Things! I’m sure I’m late for this, but it’s true anyways. 😉 I love trying out new and different art supplies. I’ll look forward to Jessica’s future review of the tin of paints that is sort of like your painting. 😛

    Reply

  17. It’s a good thing I’m already getting some of the Hahnemühle paper. Your posts usually appear during the time I cook dinner. I’d be pulling my hair out because I’d kept missing the chance to win, lol. I love your tin. They’re an addiction of mine – not just the ones with paint. Although I usually end up converting them to hold paint.

    Reply

  19. Speaking of new stuff, I have received a couple of sweet gifts from Cheap Joe’s through Charlie’s good offices. Sweet though the teeny, tiny palette is it was the large box it came in that gave me joy. Have you read the warning signs on his packaging? I tried to add some pictures but I lost everything. Maybe I can share them with you on Facebook. Thank you Charlie for brightening my days.

    Reply

  20. It may only take you an hour but your paintings and stories always look like you have spent a lot of time on them. I could never do both or even one in an hour. It takes me time to break into new things. I like looking at them in their new state for a while before tearing into them. I am really enjoying the paper and the sample dots I won from DaVince and Cheap Joe’s. Thank you so much.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Mary Beth! 😃💕 I truly appreciate your comments. They are so encouraging to me. It’s tough to show up each day and make a post. To know that people are actually out there enjoying them keeps me motivated to keep DOing and making more! Thanks my friend!

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  22. I too love new things! That is why I must thank you for the paper you sent! So I am not eligible, but I wanted to drop by and see what fun things you are painting with today.

    Reply

    1. Aww you’re so sweet, Jill!! 😃💕 You’ve commented more than I’ve had the opportunity to lately!! Thank you so much for that! I keep hoping life will slow down a bit so I can visit more blogs, but things have been crazy lately. Here’s to another glass of wine!! LOL

      Reply

  29. I love new things! and the joy of “old” familiar things too, like seeing Doodlewash in an email subject line. But a piece of new paper, a square of new colour – joy!

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  31. We are all packed in the event we have to evacuate the barrier island we live on tomorrow because of Hurricane Irma bearing down on the entire state of Florida. We have reservations for our family on the mainland in Orlando, 60 miles away, and I have .already packed my Escada travel brushes plus my new little DaVinci pallet of 18 color dots and my Stonehenge hot press paper tablet, thanks to Doodlewash for both of these.

    Reply

    1. Awwww… stay safe, Kaye!! 😃💕 Sending you good thoughts and a big hug during this time. And secretly thrilled that I helped you pack appropriately. One should always have art supplies for any and all journeys. Much love my friend!!

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  33. I always marvel at how much you accomplish in such a short time, Charlie! It takes me days and days to do one simple little piece! lol I have no need nor want of anything at this point except to find a palette that will work for my needs where I’m not juggling everything. The quest is on!! 😀

    Reply

    1. Hehe… cheers to the quest! And thanks so much, Von! 😃💕 Actually, although I use photo references, I learned much of my techniques from urban sketching classes. That’s were I learned tricks for speed! I highly recommend them.

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  36. I Love New Things! Hot press is my choice if I should be so lucky.
    Keep up the good work. I really enjoy this site and have recommended it to some fellow
    Sketchers.

    Reply

  37. I’m way too late for the giveaway (and honestly, do not need more things), but it’s true: I do love new things.

    A couple years back, a tornado ate my town and all my stuff. (No, really.) ALL my art supplies…poof.

    The blessing wrapped up in that was that I could only create with what I could find, so I got a lot of fun experience in trying stuff that I might not otherwise ever had a chance to try…AND I got ALL NEW STUFF, eventually. It’s been like two years’ worth of Christmas up in here. 😀

    Reply

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