What paper do you use?
"I use Arches 300 lb. Cold Press paper. I cut it to size (an inch larger than I want to paint on and tape it to a board with Scotch Brand 3 M Masking Tape on all four sides. Then I wash the paper surface with warm water and a wash cloth and then I allow the paper to dry horizontally. Sometimes I use Winsor and Newton 300 lb Cold Press paper because it doesn't require pre-washing but the colours tend to sink in slightly more than on the Arches and I find the Arches a lot easier to scrub. Since last year I 've also been trying Cheap Joe's Kilimanjaro paper and I love it. It's consistent, bright, responsive and less expensive.
What brand of paint do you use?
" For thirty years, I have used Winsor and Newton Select List Watercolours. Within the past six months, I took a chance and ordered some American Journey artists' watercolours from Cheap Joes. Low and behold, these paints seem wonderful; smooth, bright, and less expensive. I am careful to only order the paints that are the most lightfast since I don't want to fall in love with a colour that is the least bit transient.
My main colours are Paynes Gray and Burnt Umber (plus some Winsor Violet) for the darks and Indigo and Sepia for even more intense darks. I use Paynes Gray and Winsor Yellow Light for subtle greens and Winsor Blue (Green Shade) or Prussian Blue and Winsor Yellow Light for sharper greens. Since I went painting with Denise Comeau, I love Sap Green for its' intensity. How did I ever manage without Sap Green? I also couldn't live without Winsor Violet. I throw it in everywhere; sky, shadow, darks.
For light sky-blues I like the Cerelean Blue by Horadam, (Scmincke). It's a lot more transparent than the Winsor and Newton Cerelean. I also use Ultramarine Blue (green shade) or Permanent Blue by Winsor and Newton, as well as Winsor Blue (green shade) and Winsor Blue (red shade). Of course nothing replaces Prussian Blue completely. Is it obvious that blue is my favourite colour?
For reds, I have permanent Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red Medium and Winsor Red. I do use Permanent Rose but I am searching for an even more intense pink that is also fully light fast.
For Yellows, I use Naples Yellow for glazing or to make transparent colours opaque. My main yellow is Winsor Yellow light and I also use Winsor Yellow Deep or Cadmium Yellow med."
Where do you buy your supplies?
I love Cheap Joes Art Supplies in Boone, North Carolina. It is cheap, friendly and reliable. I request that most supplies get sent parcel post to Canada and this avoids the twenty-five dollar brokerage fee.
I also love Daniel Smith located in Seattle Washington. It has a fabulous catalogue and a great line of their own paints and brushes which are all terrific and of professional quality.
Sometimes, I order from Above Ground Art Supplies in Toronto, The catalogue isn't very helpful, but the prices are okay for Canada (although everything is cheaper from the US even with duty, shipping and the dollar exchange). Their service is fast and reliable.
Where in the world do you like to paint?
Well, I haven't been to very many different places having waited until mid life to really start traveling but so far I love every place I've been: even Quirpon Island north of Saint Anthony, Newfoundland. I was there all alone for 12 days one June and it snowed a bit every day! Of all the places I've painted, I think I love Italy the best. I love the passion and speed of life, the yellows, and the food. I loved England (partly because I can communicate with the people and read the signs) but mainly because I feel totally comfortable there traveling and painting by myself. I traveled there three years in a row, making sure I had at least one day in the National Gallery in London each trip. I particularly love Spain (perhaps because it is warm and the wine and food is so good). The mountain village of Frigliana was home to me three Marches in a row. Earlier this year I painted in Thailand and in the SouthWest USA. Most of all I like to paint my home, Nova Scotia. I love our water, our old (for Canada) buildings and our gentle, laid back spirit. Every international painting trip has given me new ideas, colours and approaches that I continue to use in my Nova Scotia paintings and I see my own landscape with fresh eyes.