Artist July issue

1. Use acrylics. Watercolour is harder than oils; acrylic is cheaper and less pungent than oils. And if you happen to use brown paper, acrylic offers nice opaque whites for highlights. The standard approach for watercolour is that white is the paper showing through; I can't say that I've come across watercolour on brown paper. 2. Paper gets used once, then you move on. Don't worry about it. If you're just starting out, get inexpensive cartridge paper (that'll be white), a nice big board, some gummed tape and stretch the paper (effectively, pre-wet it) so it doesn't wrinkle when you apply the paint. And if you're buying paper in pads, use the card on the back, too - acrylic works really well on it! (And no need to stretch). 3. Watercolour paper is a) expensive and b) confusingly varied (by weight and surface texture, not to mention what it's made of). But almost always white or cream. I tend to buy it on special offer... There's a watercolour forum on this site. If you really want to know, ask there... and be prepared for varied opinions :-)

As Amanda at first suggested start with acrylics. buy system 3 colours, some cheapish brushes(cheaper than good watercolour ones) a pad of acrylic paper some sticky tape a thick plywood board and get started. ....Be prepared to paint dozens of paintings that you will not want anyone to see its only paint and paper and its expendable. it's all part of your learning experience, something we have all gone through and continue to do so. go to the acrylics section and learn things there. Read books on what you want to do or you will spend a lot of painting time asking questions. which you may get a variety of answers,all helpful.watercolour is the most difficult medium to start with I found but if you are determined to go there then READ about it as much as you can before buying the wrong materials.Brown paper comes into that category! But don't be afraid to ask questions on the Forum .there is a wealth of good knowledge there. good luck..........Syd :-( :-)

Watercolour paper is nearly always white; there are tinted papers, but I've never found them helpful.  Gouache responds well to tinted paper; acrylics .... well, you can paint with acrylic on just about anything.  <div> </div><div>Don't let anyone put you off watercolour, if that's what you want to do.  But other than laying down an initial wash on the paper of Raw Sienna, I'd leave coloured papers until much later.  </div> This thread is closed a commercial venture.