Watercolour Materials and Equipment | Drawing board, paper, palette and paint

📚 My book, Seasons and Reflections, is available as an eBook and a re-released hardback from Amazon or at a discounted rate through my website: www.andrewpitt.co.uk where there are also links to other videos and painting resources.
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I've had a lot of questions about the equipment I use in my other painting videos, so I've put together a short video going through what I use.
The drawing board I use is homemade. It consists of a piece of Perspex, about 3mm thick, stuck to a hardboard MDF board, with a piece of canvas that I have glued along the edge to act as a hinge.
Paper:
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Bockingford Not surface 200lb
Arches Rough 140lb/300lb
Palette:
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My palette is a replica of an old fashioned Binning Munro Box.
www.watercolorpaintboxcompany....
www.littlebrassbox.com/
Colours:
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All Winsor and Newton Professional Artist Quality.
Windsor Blue (Green Shade)/(Phthalo Blue)
French Ultramarine
Cobalt Blue
Cerulean Blue
Burnt Umber
Burnt Sienna
Light Red
Cadmium Red
Raw Umber
Raw Sienna
Aureolin Yellow/Cadmium Yellow
Cadmium Lemon
Alizarin Crimson
Viridian Green
Cobalt Violet
Payne's Grey/Ivory Black
Two colours I've been trying out, but don't use much:
Turquoise
Cadmium Orange
Brushes:
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All my brushes are round. The main difference is the hair, some are squirrel mops, but I've started to use more Chinese brushes made of goat or wolf hair.
Pencils:
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I use a 4B

[@LauraGYoung]

Fantastic idea about the perspex! I just found your channel, and it reminds me that a few early promises of the Internet are finally coming true. It took a few years, but now well-honed artists as yourself are finally being properly filmed and more broadly shared. There's quite a few online watercolorists that are talented, but there's something to be said for the steady experience of someone who's painted thousands of sheets, sun and rain, wash after wash, stroke after stroke. It really shows. Thanks for being so generous with your knowledge, especially during a time when many of us have not been able to get out and about.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks for you generous comments. There are more videos and workshop films at www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@paulzarganis]

Love your simple and sincere way of delivering your experience with watercolour!! Thanks so much for that video!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch - very kind. There are many more videos at www.andrewpitt.co.uk and on my KZbin channel.

[@patrujo]

He lives dangerously or loves the taste of paint in his coffee. I can never leave any beverages near my table when painting. Anyhow. I love this guy. He’s a great teacher

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. I haven’t poisoned myself yet! www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@bryn3457]

Now that’s a very comfortable looking studio. All that’s missing is a hot cup of tea and a gentle rainfall. Thanks for posting.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@bagpipes978]

Thank you very much for identifying your materials. You answered my question about the board, in particular. I also now know which paints to purchase. Thanks again! I am a subscriber and look forward to continuing to learn from you. You are truly a gifted and BRILLIANT artist!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks for your kind comments, they are much appreciated.

[@fr7115]

I can't thank you enough for the valuable lessons I'm receiving from your channel! You are such a gifted man! Blessings!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Oh, thank you, that’s very kind. I appreciate you taking the time and trouble to get in touch - thank you. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@TheTrudeman]

I have learned more from 3 or 4 of your videos than a lifetime of "mucking about" as you say. Most importantly: quick, lively strokes, adjusting colors while moving through a passage, looseness in the skies, increasing contrast and brightness within the point of focus. Thanks for your generosity.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for your encouraging words. Very kind of you. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

Andrew, thank you so much for all your help. I’m a longtime painter, but as you probably know we never stop learning with watercolor. Your paintings are so lovely, and I appreciate you sharing all your knowledge. Tallahassee Florida

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for your kind words.

[@abdlatifsirim4299]

Thank you. It's a good video to share, especially for beginners. I like your idea of using perspex instead of masking tape. It's practical and clean. Tqvm Sir.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks

[@bethjames9246]

Thank you Andrew Pitt! Your work is beautiful!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you. Very kind. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@jasperlotushawkins7607]

Many thanks, Andrew!

[@meiredeabreu8665]

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing your studio and art material, loved to seeing this!!!!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for getting in touch.

[@christophharman5325]

Thank you for taking the time to share with us your wonderful craft!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks for getting in touch. Much appreciated.

[@lucidstates6787]

you are the "Bob Ross" of watercolor. You have a hypnotic voice, im new to watercolor with only a few years of acrylic and oil to my name. I love watching your videos they really inspire me to stop watching videos and actually paint more. Thank you.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks for getting in touch. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@JayNathanWatercolor]

Thank you for this video Andrew. As a beginner in watercolour I do enjoy how you teach and share with us. Always very clear and lots of information.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mitchmenzmer3185]

Thank you! Very helpful information. I like the simplicity of your setup and your approach.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@HARDYSPAINTINGADVENTURES]

thank you Andrew il be ordering some tubes and see how i get on

[@saraht4973]

Love this philosophy. You make my day!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you for your kind comments. Much appreciated.

[@lindathaxton1994]

Thank you, you answered my question about your set up - ingenious!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad to help!

[@laurahale5774]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for getting in touch. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@dulcieogilvie5786]

Fascinating! Thank you

[@Rachel-art-and-design]

Lots of great information. I am painting at my dining table right now but hoping to have a studio space soon and it is nice to see how you have your work space organized. Love your videos. Thanks.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch and your encouraging remarks.

[@bturner908]

Wonderful information and excellent video! Thank you for sharing!!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deannerader6527]

Enjoyed seeing your set up. I also loved your painting of the palette, brushes, etc.! Last year I bought a brass palette from the Paint Box in the UK and I love it! It's easy to travel with and paints are on the bottom so they don't mess up other paints on the other side like my other metal palette from Holbein.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch.

[@joycegilley6601]

Most enjoyable and informative video!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you very much for your encouragement.

[@mervwright2611]

Hi Andrew ! I just found your channel. I've been painting since about 1973, various media , plus pottery, metal art, forge work, etc. I.ve been following : Dave Usher, Alan Owens, Karen Rice, Steve Cronin, Paul Clarke, plus afew others..........I really like your work ! I paint mainly land and seascapes, with various brushes, oriental, hake, mops, plus many brushes I've modified for certain jobs, you have probably done the same. It is great to have found you, keep up the work, love it. ! Merv from BC, Canada

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch - enjoy your painting.

[@jodalry]

Many thanks Andrew, this video answers the question I left on one of your other about your Perspex art board frame. 🙂👍🏻

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks.

[@marcosferraz.ilustra]

Extremely useful indeed! Thanks for sharing.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. There are other videos on my KZbin channel. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@mell5111]

Thank you for your wise advice!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad you are enjoying the videos. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@paulashcroft556]

Informative, thanks Andrew.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

My pleasure!

[@ma.cristinasilvafernandez5003]

Just enjoy the painting ❤️

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Yes, exactly. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@charlotte0069]

Recently taken up watercolour and found your Chanel. Your explanations and approach to teaching are very clear, thank you for sharing. Your paintings are beautiful, I notice in the background Maldon... my favourite view.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. Maldon is my home town.

[@wenwake7584]

I've been painting with large brushes recently and learned some valuable lessons as a consequence. Your advice is spot-on and I wish I'd learned this earlier! Love the deckle page edges. It truly gives a fresh look and I think I'll be stealing that golden nugget and applying to my set up. Thank you for sharing. Great advice and I'm looking forward to catching up with your other videos. Kind regards.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@jillayne2263]

Thank you for this. I had wondered about your painting board and think it's very ingenious; I also like the "deckle" edge it affords. The run through of the brushes was especially helpful as I'm definitely guilty of the beginner's "small brush syndrome" so will remedy that straight away.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. We all reach for the false security of a small brush at times. Using the biggest brush you feel you can manage will eventually improve your brush control. Good luck!

[@raymondtheriault2555]

Very nice video, it's useful and accessible. You have a natural talent for presenting and teaching. Kudos.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you very much. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@gusefulbeauty]

Thank you for this very helpful video!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you.

[@Tracy_Catchpole_Art]

Thank you for this very informative answer ti my many wuestions previous. I like the palettes you showed, also you have created a great frame.. Paper and brushes are great to experiment with... I am so enjoying the process and learn everytime I paint... Thank you for your clarity in your videos. Great to watch your processes and fabulous to see your creations from start to finish.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks for getting in touch. Glad the videos have been helpful. Best wishes.

[@peggypeter8070]

Mr. Pitt, I’d like to tell you how very much I love your work! I dream about having your talent and wish I had started at a much younger age. I live in Florida, US and have been to your country a few times-Loved it! We were fortunate to go over when your weather was very beautiful, not much rain! I will continue to follow your vlogs and instructions😃 🍺Cheers to your good health!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Oh, that’s very kind. Many thanks for taking the trouble to get in contact. Your support and encouragement is much appreciated. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@veerpat5331]

Thank you!! You are an inspiration apart from painting knowledge shared, the love and effort being so senior. So stay safe and best of health ;)

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch.

[@sylviapubl3680]

Hello from Elgin, Illinois! Thank you for sharing your considerable talent, experience, & knowledge of watercolor! Just starting to explore landscape painting in watercolour after training in botanical art. I find myself needing to expand my skills into a looser, more relaxed, realistic style. You are helping me to do that and I am sincerely grateful for having found your channel!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for your kind words and encouragement. A new video will be released this Friday which I hope you will enjoy. Thanks again. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@pkheine]

What a small world. I grew up in Elgin but now live in Georgia. Isn’t Andrew great!

[@julianosorio1360]

Hola Andrew, thanks for your answer about palette,. I found this video about material!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Oh good. Thanks.

[@crashrr2993]

Crikey, that palette box was a special treat! Beautiful piece of work but… I think I will wait on that one till I’ve earned it by selling my first painting!

[@sunflowerarts5]

Hi Andrew this is a very good ideas .....and thanks for your tutorial....

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in contact. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@Outandaboutwithpoggy]

Thank you Andrew for such sound advice, always used Cotman for years but this week decided to dig out all my old painting bits and bobs with one exception, put the Cotman to one side and I’ve purchased a tin of 24 pans of W & N professional watercolours, never used them but I felt it was time to give them a try, thanks for such an interesting and informative video, there are many art instructors on KZbin but I’m liking your relaxing approach to teaching, the way you describe what you do and why you do something, no rushing, I have subscribed and liked, sadly being disabled and not able to get out a lot I will be working from photographs for most of the time. But they will be photographs from places I used to visit so memories hopefully will help to convey my thoughts and feelings, not painted for quite a long while now, but having watched you videos a couple of time now I feel inspired enough to give it a go, thank you, Mike, West Bromwich

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks for your kind message. Your support and encouragement are much appreciated. I think you will notice quite a difference when you start to use the professional watercolour paint. The colours will be richer and clearer. Keep the pans moist so the paint is soft. We have just made another video which will be released tomorrow (Friday) afternoon, so please look out for that. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks again for getting in touch. Happy painting.

[@SC4RArt]

WOW! Beautiful...Thanks for sharing, Thumbs up! 👍👍👍

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for visiting

[@lizday8140]

Such a lovely explanation of things! I like your custom board frame. I had the idea to do something similar with magnetic sheets with a cut out in the center, made to traditional photo mat sizes, where you can secure your paper between that and a lightweight metal board, like a sheet music stand. I have seen magnetic photo frames that stick to the refrigerator, for you to put your kid's artwork in, so that was what gave me the idea to use the magnets as a mask. I have tried testing the theory with some strip magnets and a cookie sheet I have and it, too, gives a little bit of a deckled edge. Some might not like that, and want the clean edge, but anything to not have to use all that tape! Good day to you!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

The most important thing is to keep things simple.

[@jamesdeckman6796]

Such an informative video. I have been using a palette that is round and wondering why I don't like it. Now I see that there is another way to bring the pigments together simply. Thank you very much. Your work is so much like I want to paint. In 30 years or so, I might get there. ;-)

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. Glad it was helpful.

[@polobracher]

Thanks a lot for the tips!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

No problem, as they say now-a-days.

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Ohh wow that’s very interesting with the variety of round brushes that you uses to get the variety of different brush strokes & textures. I definitely love your mat board setup instead of using masking tape for the edged borders. I also find it interesting that you use 4 varieties of each of the primaries instead of just two. Some of the earth colors I have never thought about as varieties of the primaries like you have mentioned. Thanks for sharing this wonderful informational video with us. I have just recently subscribed to your channel after first watching your how to make your mat board setup. I am looking forward to learning lots about watercolor painting from your channel

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Good luck with your painting.

[@vincefenton]

Hello Andrew, I have just found your videos and am absolutely bowled over by your excellent material. I’ve been painting in watercolour for around 55 years now and love your idea of having a Perspex frame to secure your paper, such a simple yet effective idea. Thank you so much for the time you put into your videos which I thoroughly enjoy… every blessing to you and yours ☺️

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Hi Vincent, Many thanks for your kind words. They are much appreciated. The videos are a family affair. My wife does the filming and our son edits the film to produce a coherent and, hopefully, helpful watercolour workshop. Happy painting. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@vincefenton]

@@AndrewPittArtist in that case Andrew, please pass my thanks to your wife and son for the good work they do too. I’m off now to find out how I can successfully cut a square out of Perspex ☺

[@AndrewPittArtist]

@@vincefenton It can be tricky stuff to cut. Make sure it is secure and clamped firmly. Alternatively there are plenty of companies that will cut clear acrylic (perspex) with a laser which gives a cleaner cut. Good luck.

[@vincefenton]

@@AndrewPittArtist many thanks Andrew, I shall leave you alone now 😂

[@tashak8946]

Thank you for describing your supplies.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

You are welcome.

[@dogwhiskers8]

Thank you!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

You're welcome!

[@lindaolsen7828]

Thank you for your explanations. I wish I'd had this help before I ended up with a small fortune in brushes!!!! And let's not forget paint!

[@christinedrake1645]

useful for sure.... thank you

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks.

[@lululatortue8229]

merci pour vos conseils

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@youwatchme0808]

thanks for sharing, it seems a few artist that i follow enjoy using those Chinese ink brushes....

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@frenchgrama]

Very interesting, thank you...

[@AndrewPittArtist]

You’re welcome.

[@LuchaCatDIY]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch.

[@WBanduMedia07]

Thanks lot.

[@lukeensign7636]

As said by others - thanks for sharing. This stuff is awesome! I recall you discussing - in one of your videos - advice for aspiring painters on size of paper. I find myself frustrated by trying to add too many details into a small page, but fear I may be overwhelmed by an enormous size. What’s your advice on size to start with? I’m really striving for what you often describe as a “fresh” look. Thanks again for the videos!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

I think the best way to get a fresh look is to try to paint a sort of sketch on, say, a half-imperil sheet, 15’’ x 22’’, with as big a brush as you can manage for as long as possible, before going for a smaller one to add a little detail. And touch the paper once. Avoid going back and tidying up your brush strokes. Live with your mistakes. Good luck. Just enjoy the painting process.

[@Anonymously_Innocuous]

Thank you for your generosity in preparing and posting your videos. I've used mostly Arches in the past, but recently I've been trying to learn how best to use Bockingford; your explanation of the differences was helpful. Of the demos which you've posted, which, if any, were done on Bockingford? Thank you!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

I think all are on Bockingford, as far as I can remember. Thanks for your interest.

[@beckyhofer4328]

Andrew, thank you for this clear presentation of materials, I especially enjoyed the presentation of your palette. It’s simple and well organized. One question: how did you create the clear plastic frame that you slip your paper into? I love that idea! Thank you for your generous teaching. Becky from California

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. My plastic frame is clear acrylic, 3 or 4 mm thick. I have made them myself but cutting by hand is tricky. I have had some of various sizes made professionally. Companies who sell clear acrylic use a laser cutter, which gives a much cleaner edge. I’m sure you’ll be able to find a supplier near you. In the UK a lot of shops have installed screens of this transparent acrylic round their counters to safe guard the shop staff from this wretched virus, so it is probably easier to get now, thanks to Covid 19! The frames are the same size as a mount/ matt. Hope this helps. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@patriciasell]

Thank you. I just made a comment and here I found my answer. 😂 great info ❤

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Oh good. Thanks. Glad the videos are helpful.

[@felipecoelho1936]

tks a lot

[@AndrewPittArtist]

You are welcome

[@tiggerlechien1354]

You make 11 minutes fly by.

[@subrinahanson9712]

Thank you for the wonderful demonstrations with all those pearls of wisdom. You mentioned somewhere that you painted with just 8 colors for many years and I am curious as to which ones they were? I find myself struggling with to many choices.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. For many years I used 3 blues, 3 reds and 2 yellows: Windsor/Thaler Blue, French Ultramarine and Cobalt Blue; Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna and Light Red; Raw Sienna and Cadmium Yellow. The main thing is to exploit this range of colours and accept their limitations. Thanks for your interest.

[@subrinahanson9712]

Thanks so much Mr. Pitt.

[@kiritsi100]

Thanks for sharing this Andrew. Love your work. Can you recommend a palette similar to yours that I can get here in the US at a more affordable price? Thanks so much!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Holbein make metal palettes which fold in a similar way. They make several sizes. All enamel on tin. I think they are more readily available in the US than the UK. Thanks for your interest.

[@davejenner7966]

Andrew, many thanks for the content, do you need to stretch the papers you mentioned?

[@AndrewPittArtist]

No. I never stretch my paper. I don’t find it necessary.

[@daphnecastaneda7549]

♥♥♥

[@bassinthebox]

Sir, the video is great and love your style of painting.. May I ask what brand of brushes you recommended mostly?

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. I use a variety of brushes. I suppose I use Chinese calligraphy brushes the most. I do not have a favourite brand. All my brushes are round and I prefer natural hair. Hope this helps.

[@RobertHopkinsArt]

It appears that you have a single sky-light above you in your studio for lighting? Right shoulder? Did you plan where the opening is positioned in the roof (northern light)? The colors of your finished paintings have an "outside toning" to them which I don't always see with other artists. Refreshing!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in contact. I think if my studio paintings have an outdoor look it is less to do with the light (my skylight actually faces east) and more to do with the fact that I paint a lot outdoors and have done for over 60 years. And I do aim to retain that fresh outdoor look. Thanks again for your kind remarks.

[@RobertHopkinsArt]

Well, however you are doing it the results show nicely. Keep up the great work and sharing with others!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

@@RobertHopkinsArt Thanks

[@jasonpye3289]

Hello, I like the idea of your board you made with the hinged plastic suround it looks like it's A3 size or bigger with an approx 45mm boarder could you let me know thinking of making 1 for A4 paper and one for A3 paper I have watched all your KZbin videos and find them very helpful looking forward to some more Many thanks for your help Jason

[@AndrewPittArtist]

The over all size of my drawing board is 50cm x 70cm. I essentially have boards the same size as a mount, so that the actual painting size is about half-imperial, which is 15’’ x 22’’. I tend to buy full sheets for watercolour paper. I have several drawing boards of different sizes. For each size the Perspex is essentially the same size as the mount I would use.

[@juansantiago2986]

Thanks for sharing your experience in such a simple an effective way. I tried to start practicing with the Chinese brushes but found than the hair from the ones received is very long, any comments about that?

[@AndrewPittArtist]

It can take a little while to get used to the brushes. Hold them at the end, away from the hair end and practise painting with them by holding the handle almost perpendicular to the paper. Good luck. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@scarz1951]

Andrew, when you use cad yellow is it the light, medium or deep (dark) shade? Same question for your cad red. Light, medium or dark? Thank you. I'm still struggling with cloudy skies. Turns out fine in one painting but the next painting I botch it and start over.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. I use straight Cadmium Red and Cadmium Yellow (from Jackson’s Art Supplies in London). I often use Aureolin yellow instead of cadmium, it is more transparent. Incidentally, the first of a new series of Watercolour Workshop tutorials is now available at www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@carolynrobinson9502]

May I ask how you keep your paints so moist during your painting process. Mine dry or harden not only during a painting session, but especially between sessions. I find myself discarding paint between sessions because they just don’t rehydrate well, even when pre-spraying with water. I’m using the same brands as you. I love your painting and teaching style. Thank you!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

I don’t do anything special to my paint. I suppose my palette is fairly airtight when closed up. I will say I paint regularly so the paint doesn’t get time to dry out. Some colours dry more quickly than others. Cobalt Violet, for example, seems to form a skin very quickly. Sorry I can’t be more helpful. Thanks for your interest.

[@galalady1]

I am a new painter. You commented that your board is not an alternative to stretching the paper. So, my question is do you stretch it before you put it between the boards and how do you do thatÉ Just discovered you. I love the transparency of your paintings Thank you

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. No, I never stretch my paper. I simply put it on my drawing board. Thanks for your interest. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@galalady1]

Thanks for your reply. Greatly appreciated as you must be very busy. From Canada

[@user-np8iv9jt7l]

I'm from Canada and am not familiar with the "perspex?" clear sheet you use for your drawing board. What is it made from? Do you puchase it with the hole cut out or do you do that yourself and if so, how? Thank you for all the useful information and demonstrations you share.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. I have had so many queries about my drawing board that we have made a short video giving more information. The video will be released on Friday, 12 May. It will be available on my website, www.andrewpitt.co.uk and KZbin. My drawing boards are home made. I think perspex is called plexiglass in the USA, so it probably has the same. some in Canada.

[@barbaralyn7019]

I love your frame! I know it wouldn't last as long, but would a regular mat frame work too?

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Yes, I sure it would except, of course, the edges will soon quickly get wet and soggy. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@barbaralyn7019]

Do you get the deckled edge from paint seeping under the frame, or is the frame edge roughly cut? It looks very nice!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

@@barbaralyn7019 The deckled edge comes as a result of not painting carefully up to the edge. The frame edge is straight. If washes seep under the frame you can get a watermark, but bleeds can usually be wiped with a damp cloth.

[@peterhall7972]

Hello Mr Pitt , some people say they can't get that violet tint when mixing Light Red and French Ultramarine . Any advice on that. Thank you and the best to you

[@AndrewPittArtist]

It can be hard to get the ‘sweet spot ‘ when mixing two strong colours together. My only advice is persevere and perhaps add a little Raw Sienna to the mix, but not so much it starts to mix with the blue and go green. Good luck.

[@marcrespicio6593]

I wish I could could afford those materials. 🥺

[@polochon7]

Very good demonstration. How did you cut the Perplex drawing board Please?

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. It can be tricky cutting Perspex/clear acrylic. I drilled a hole in each corner, then used a keyhole saw and finished off with an ordinary wood-working saw. There are many businesses that sell clear acrylic sheets which will cut to your requirements with a laser cutter which gives a much cleaner edge. Hope this helps. Good luck.

[@polochon7]

@@AndrewPittArtist thank you very much for your response very precise, I think I will try right now.

[@rosescaglione81]

How do you cut the inside edge on plexiglas (perspex)?

[@AndrewPittArtist]

I drill a hole in each corner then use a key hole saw. Make sure the plexiglass is held rigid. There are lots of companies which will cut clear acrylic with a laser cutter, which gives a cleaner job. Good luck.

[@joycezuiderveen3625]

How did you go about cutting the center out of the Perspex? I think in the USA we call it Plexiglass.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

I simply drilled a hole in each corner. Then used a key-hole saw with a fine tooth to cut the ‘hole’ out. Keep the sheet rigid as it can easily crack. You may be able to find someone who has a laser cutter. That will give you a cleaner cut. In the UK a lot of shops use Perspex as a virus-protector so there are more handymen experienced in working with this stuff. Hope this helps.

[@joycezuiderveen3625]

@@AndrewPittArtist Thank you! That was very helpful! I do love your work.

[@zuheyr1]

Dear Andrew, what color would you use if you painted really candy pink rose, rose seems to be impossible to get from any color except for the rose. Which rose do you use?

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Try Genuine Rose Madder, although I’m no expert on flower painting.

[@juliepaul9563]

Try Permanent Rose (Quinacridone), it's a cool red that tints that lovely candy pink, and is more light-fast than Rose Madder.

[@zuheyr1]

@@juliepaul9563 Thank you!

[@magaligenno1035]

Thank you for your explanations. Could you tell us what is the size of the paper you use for your watercolors, please? Thanks

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in contact. The picture size is half sheet, or half imperial, about 15’’ x 22’’. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@RobertHopkinsArt]

In regards to half-Imperial: I have only been painting on quarter-Imperial. Do you find it is easier to be "loose" in your painting style since the paper is larger, or is it harder? I will give half-size a try on my next painting. I have a tendency to get "bogged down" with wanting to paint all of the details.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

@@RobertHopkinsArt I think we tend not to use a large brush on small sheets. So you are probably right. The bigger the better. Remember, loose is how you want the picture to look. Not a description of how you feel when you are painting.

[@RobertHopkinsArt]

Thank you for those insights, Andrew! :)

[@eepsers1]

Do you stretch your paper?

[@AndrewPittArtist]

No, never. I don’t find it necessary.

[@biancolatte9087]

are your watercolor paints gouache paint?

[@AndrewPittArtist]

All are transparent watercolour. Not gouache.

[@mariapazaristeaguirre4491]

Hello, sorry I did not understand. You use "canvas" in front? How do you prepare that canvas. Looks like plastic

[@AndrewPittArtist]

I only use a strip of canvas to make the hinge on my rating board, so I can lift the top perspex sheet to slip the paper in. The video should help make this clear I hope.

[@davidjackson7974]

Bockingford is not a cotton paper as arches is isn't it?

[@AndrewPittArtist]

No, you are quite right. Bockingford is a cellulose paper.

[@christinetite2829]

Dear Mr. Pitt; I am struggling in my efforts to duplicate your Perspex drawing Mount. On one video you show a breakdown which seemingly appears to be a half sheet (30 x 22), which covers the whole area of the MDF board, which is also the same size as the perspex, prior to cut out. Am I to understand you need the larger sheet (in between the MDF bd and perspex to hold down the paper to be painted on to prevent buckling. With a 15 x 22 sheet as displayed in video "Reflections" it is only the size of the cut out, how then can the perspex mount press your painting surface flat? Or were you using a different sized mount at that time. Please make clearer for me as this is the only thing preventing my happy launch into water colour. I have treated myself to all supplies your programs suggest, as I sincerely wish to optimize my success and enjoy painting. I look forward to your response and offer my thanks to you and your family in appreciation of your marvellous videos. Respectfully submitted, Christine from Canada. (sorry this has been rather wordy, smile)

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Hi Christine, Thanks for your message. Here goes at an answer, but please get back to me if it is still not clear. You are quite right, I have several different sized drawing boards and the border measurements also vary. I have some which are made so the paper fits a standard size frame. It keeps the framing costs down. In the UK, one standard frame size is 40cm x 50cm. So this is size I cut the paper which covers the base board. The perspex is cut to the size of mount I would use, in this case, the mount has a 7.5cm border top and sides and 8.5cm border at the bottom. The actual picture size is then roughly quarter imperial. The paper is obviously held in place by the wide perspex border and as I paint I can get a sense of what the finished painting will look like in a frame. The watercolour can be framed without a mount as well as long as there is a spacer between the glass and paper. This method shows off the deckled edge of the watercolour which adds to the freshness of the painting. So, start from the standard frame size available in Canada and work backwards. You will waste a bit of paper but it is still cheaper than having individual frames made. I also have some drawing boards measuring 15’’ x 22’’ (half imperial) which I use outside. And the border is then only about an inch all round, enough to hold the paper down, but not so big as to catch the wind. I hope this helps. Good luck.

[@christinetite2829]

@@AndrewPittArtist Dear Mr. Pitt, So very gracious of you to respond so quickly and in good detail, thank you! I had a few aha moments and will gratefully follow your design and measurements so patiently explained, and appreciate your time and attention to my request. As well, now I grasp the fact that, yes, some paper is lost, for benefits of framing costs which is a consideration. At that time the paper and various perspex border measurements were my stumbling blocks. Happy you have made that clear to me . Thank you again and I look forward to many enjoyable hours of painting, now with watercolours. (smile). Christine (chilly Canada)

[@AndrewPittArtist]

@@christinetite2829 Glad that’s helped. Happy painting.

[@cheryldodd-marko9787]

🕊🇺🇲💕

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@fistralnick]

Could do with info whether using tubes or pans? And advice on assuming using tubes, colours drying up and rewetting. Great video otherwise.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

I use tubes - Winsor and Newton professional artist watercolours. As I paint regularly I have no drying problems. I understand there are various methods of keeping colours moist, such as covering colours with cling film, putting the palette in the fridge. I’m afraid I can’t vouch for any of these as I’ve never used them. I do know you shouldn’t keep enamelled metal palettes wet. Sorry cannot help more. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@flatbrokefrank6482]

Do you have a brother called Jim ? - Stay safe

[@AndrewPittArtist]

No. Sorry.