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Kay Barnes Class Supply List
2008 Classes
The following is a recommended list of materials, NOT requirements. This is provided in response to requests from several attendees who don't already have the basic materials.
  1. I recommend a good covered palette - StaWet Pro-palette is what I'm currently using. John Pike or Robert E. Wood palettes are also quite good. You'll also need a board at least one inch larger (height and width) than the paper size you plan to paint on. (23" x 31" for full sheet watercolor paper or 16" x 23" for 1/2 sheet. Gatorboard, 1/2" thick, is GREAT.) Avoid masonite. You can't staple into it and it has acids in it that may leach into the paper.
  2. Always use professional quality (100% rag, acid free, pH neutral) paper. I prefer D'Arches 140 lb. You will need a few nice brushes. There are some very fine synthetics that perform well. I recommend Robert Simmons brushes (White Sable) as they perform well and are cost effective. They also keep their edge or point longer than most synthetics. As a minimum, have a 1" flat and a #12 round.
      Optional brushes are:
    • 1 1/2" or 2" White Sable #278W Robert Simmons
    • 1" Sky Scraper #755 Robert Simmons
    • #4 round scrubber (Cheap Joe's Fritch Scrubber)


  3. A natural cosmetic sponge or an elephant ear sponge.
  4. Other necessary items: #2 pencil, water container and spray bottle (I use a small Windex bottle), 1 kneaded eraser and a 2 oz. plastic squeeze bottle with a plastic tip for applying masking fluid (available at Ben Franklin).
  5. Additional helpful tools are: Winsor Newton colorless masking fluid and rubber cement pickup (to remove masking fluid). This you may use later and wait to purchase then. White facial tissues (without fragrance or additives) and paper towels, and a plastic water container 1 qt. or larger.
  6. Buy professional quality paints! They are better value in the long run because you'll use less and get better results. A lot depends on the particular color because manufacturer's colors will vary somewhat and you will need to experiment a bit to see which you prefer. But for starting out, you should have a "warm" and a "cool" color from each of the primary colors, plus a few "supplemental" colors. Here's a list of some of the colors on my own palette as a guide. You will develop your own palette based on your own personal preference as you learn.
 
French Ultramarine Blue
Rich Green Gold
Alizarin Crimson
Burnt Sienna
Quinacridone Burnt Orange
Sap Green
Quinacridone Magenta
Aureolin Yellow
Cerulean Blue
Raw Sienna
New Gamboge
Thalo Blue (RS)
Permanent Red
Cadmium Red Medium
Cobalt Blue
Quinacridone Violet
Quinacridone Gold
Olive Green
Quinacridone Rose

These paints can be purchased as a set at Daniel Smith Stores. Look for the Kay Barnes Artist Series paint set.

Take this supply list with you when you go shopping. Most stores will give you a student discount if you have a current supply list.