Brushes, Paper, Other Equipment & the Workspace

Brushes

The brush sets

The brushes are now available as both a full set of 5 brushes and also a top-up set. My technique makes a lot of use of the tiny brushes and that means they tend to wear down more quickly than the bigger brushes in my set.

If you’re in the UK or US I’ve created a list of where to buy brushes and all the equipment online here.

Paper

Other equipment & how to set out your workspace

Buy online

If you’re in the UK or US I’ve created a list of where to buy all the equipment online here.

And you can download a PDF listing all the recommended equipment on this page.

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44 Comments

  1. Cynthia D Ward on November 16, 2016 at 3:38 am

    Wonderful introduction Anna, so good to have found you and I so look forward to learning from you having found your paintings to be ‘simply beautiful’…..! Here in the US, have found Princeton Velvet touch to be very good, a synthetic.
    Also have Raphael kolinsky. Have to buy the sizes you advise as well as wishing for an iPad ! So hard to really see from the computer screen or a photo….not sure I heard what paints you are using…..but I have Windsor Newton. I agree about
    the Hot Press, Arches. Will wonder now about the Canson and what you find ‘also good’ about it. Cheers and Thank You, Cynthia Senior Sonoma, CA

  2. Ginny Latham on March 19, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    Have downloaded a tutorial and would like to purchase some brushes – how do I get ‘on-line’ I have now password, etc.
    (in America) Ginny

  3. Robin on April 20, 2017 at 8:28 pm

    I LOVE botanical art, but we could never afford the originals. I’m excited to be learning how to create my own! I’m taking your rose class on Craftsy — working my way through the techniques slowly — and I’m completely amazed at how far I’ve come after only two attempts to paint the wild rose. I really enjoy your style of teaching because it’s both practical and intuitive, and suits me perfectly. Thank you, Anna, for sharing your amazing talent.

  4. Nan on April 25, 2017 at 12:23 am

    I am so very happy to have found you. I have painted with water colors all my life, but was always told to loosen up, make it more free and watery, and NOT draw with a pencil first.; but I was not comfortable with this method. So for years I have painted botanicals in the “Adult Color books” that are out now. Finally I have found YOU! I am so excited to take your online class.

    • Anna Mason on April 25, 2017 at 11:43 am

      Oh glad you found me Nan and I hope you enjoy the classes!

  5. Girish on May 3, 2017 at 5:35 am

    Hi Anna, Thanks for the many informative videos on youtube; very helpful. I have a couple of question. In one of the videos you used a synthetic mop brush to paint background around magnolias. What brush size/brand did you use for that? Secondly, can I use masking fluid on a partially completed floral painting to wash paint the background, and them come back and complete the flower painting?

    • Anna Mason on May 3, 2017 at 5:25 pm

      Hi, the mop brush was a Rosemary & Co Series 304 – size 1 or 0. i don’t think it works to apply masking fluid over paint as you’ll likely lift off the paint when you try to remove the masking fluid.

  6. BJ Dickhute on May 23, 2017 at 12:42 pm

    QUESTION — about the Daler-Rowney Artsphere Arts and Craft Center. The easel that is pictured on Anna Mason’s website is not the easel that is available in the US from the providers I have contacted. The difference would be that the THREE supporting pegs on Anna’s are missing from the easel that is available in the US. My concern would be that the paper block or your work would slide off the surface without those pegs. Where can one purchase the exact same Daler Rowney easel that is pictured on Anna Mason’s Website and with the 3 supporting pegs ??

    • Anna Mason on May 23, 2017 at 8:00 pm

      It’s the same one, I just added another block from an old art sphere I had. But you don’t need 3 as you can just rotate the whole board part around and move the pegs so that they would be on the shorter edge if you’re using smaller paper.

  7. Jacqueline Sumerling on June 24, 2017 at 11:52 am

    Hello Anna, I am a new member and enjoying the tutorials very much, but need to purchase new brushes as mine are too big, can I buy through you please?.

  8. Michael Parry on July 9, 2017 at 2:52 am

    Great tips on what equipment and supplies to use. thanks for all you do and have done.

  9. Deborah Wilson-Zweig on August 3, 2017 at 2:40 am

    Anna,
    I have been in the class for some time now, and I must admit everything you have on the list is well thought out (you’re a pro after all), and makes every step of the process enjoyable. The easel really saves my neck and back! Love the brushes, the paper, the paints, videos… sharing and critiquing… all Excellent! Thank you so much for all the thoughtful detail you provide.
    I’m pursuing my dream of learning how to paint realistically with watercolor, and I think this class is awesome!

  10. Donna Bouchillon on August 11, 2017 at 12:59 am

    Anna,
    Your work is beautiful. I’ve been painting in watercolors for a while and am interested in your classes. I feel uncomfortable using your drawings. Don’t you worry about people using your drawings and classes to sell as their own? Will the classes work for me if I find photographs to draw my own paintings that are similar subjects?

    • Anna Mason on August 11, 2017 at 1:00 pm

      The techniques will work on your own photos but you really don’t need to worry about using the photos I supply. I am more than happy for people to use them to paint their own paintings so long as they don’t sell them on as prints or anything. That’s all spelt out in the Terms of Purchase for the online school. If you’re looking to sell work, then complete the tutorials but then work from your own photos to create art you can sell.

  11. Monaxx on August 13, 2017 at 7:51 am

    Hello dear Anna
    As I said before I am from Iran, and because of the sanctions we have lots of restrictions in equipments, I can find winsor set , I can’t find single one, but here is PWC watercolor from Korea, what do you think, please please help me, I decided to prepare my equipment and then register in your school.
    Thanks Mona

    • Anna Mason on August 14, 2017 at 12:33 pm

      The thing to do Mona is to choose paints based on the pigment numbers. In the PDF I have here on the website I list the pigment numbers used in all the paints I recommend. So if you can’t get the same brand, just look for the same pigment numbers in the brand you can find. The manufacturer should list the pigment numbers on the packaging or at least their website. We look forward to seeing you in the School!

  12. Sue West on November 24, 2017 at 9:08 pm

    Hi Anna,

    i purchased the flower watercolor class from Craftsy. For about a year in my spare time, I have been trying this and that as far as mediums and my desires. I have seen a little of your work and am totally excited. This is what I want to do….i think. I watched your explanation of brushes and what to look for in a brush. Is there a link for purchasing your brushes?

  13. Oscar O. on March 4, 2018 at 3:14 am

    Can one apply your techniques to other subjects like landscape?

    Thanks
    Oscar

  14. Oscar O. on March 4, 2018 at 3:42 am

    Can I use paint from M.Graham as long as I find the same pigment name? They stay soft even when you put them away and reconstitute very easily.

    • Oscar O. on March 4, 2018 at 3:48 am

      Also do all manufacturers use the same pigment number…has it been adapted by all companies?

      • Sherri Landoni on March 17, 2019 at 3:27 pm

        Hi 🙂
        Yes, ALL pigment numbers are for that specific pigment. The color *names* can vary greatly between companies, however, which is why purchasing by pigment number is the way to go….*although*! One thing to keep in mind is that even between companies that particular pigment number *color* can vary greatly 🙂 The manufacturing process is different for each/most companies 🙂 I have a number of the *same* pigment number all from different companies because of this 🙂

        But, my opinion is…to keep it simple…find the company that you like and stick with their paint until a time when you want to branch out, if at all 🙂

  15. Tech Genie on April 12, 2018 at 3:35 pm

    HI group,
    I sometimes use a light box when drawing/tracing an image from a photo. Is this appropriate for Anna’s classes or is it of value to go through her process of tracing?

    • Anna Mason on April 13, 2018 at 8:59 am

      Tracing’s fine, we supply a drawing for each class that you can easily trace.

  16. Ann on June 17, 2018 at 9:16 pm

    QUESTION — I really like your style of painting. I am in the free class because want to learn your method and consider becoming a member but I can´t find information about how one gets to scan the finished work or do you use a camera to get the pictures ready for digital editing? I wonder which scanner or camera works best for dinA3 paintings because I only find scanners for dinA4- paintings wich does not allow the level of detail I want to achieve. Please let me know if you have any recommendations!

    • Carrie (Team Anna Mason Art) on June 18, 2018 at 11:22 am

      Hi Ann, most people paint using the 9″ x 12″ Arches watercolour blocks which Anna recommends – these scan easily just using a home A4 scanner. If people choose to paint in A3 size they generally have to take it to a professional printer to print out the PDFs as not many people have an A3 printer at home. I would also assume they have to do the same for scanning. Anna just uses an inexpensive pocket camera for taking her photos to paint from. You can read more about that in her blog here.

  17. Marie on October 23, 2018 at 6:22 pm

    Hello Anna,
    I am so happy to have found you because I am bored to always work very evanecent paintings. I like the energy that is in your creation. I want to register for your courses but I have two questions:
    1) Can I use Schmincke Horodam colors or is it better to buy W & N?
    2) On the videos you have started the translation into French because I do not understand the explanations well. Thank you

    • Anna Mason on October 24, 2018 at 12:34 pm

      Thanks Marie! to answer your questions: 1) Schmincke is a great brand so if you have a lot of Schmincke colours you will likely be able to substitute them, and we offer substitution info in the School Help Centre. 2) We don’t have a French translation (we have a LOT of videos running to hundreds of hours) but ALL videos do have English subtitles available so you can always look up anything you don’t understand. I hope this helps!

      • Marie on October 29, 2018 at 11:26 pm

        Thank you very much for your answer. I ordered your brushes, I can not wait to receive them and start taking your classes. Best regards from Switzerland.

        • Kristen Durman on July 22, 2020 at 3:26 pm

          I’m very interested in purchasing your brush set but can’t seem to find how anywhere. Could you please tell me how? Thank you SO MUCH!

  18. Vidya Sureshkumar on December 4, 2018 at 12:39 am

    what kind of items do you use to stretch the watercolour paper?

    • Carrie (Team Anna Mason Art) on December 7, 2018 at 8:55 am

      Hi Vidya, there’s no need to stretch the paper with Anna’s method as she paints using a glued block and this holds the paper firm so it doesn’t warp when wet.

  19. Vilynn56 on February 15, 2019 at 3:51 am

    Hello Anna, Looking forward to learning your techniques as I am a new Watercolor enthusiast! I find it easier to have all the correct materials to start with; so while I wait for arrival; watching your videos! It’s nice to meet you!

  20. Sherri Landoni on March 17, 2019 at 3:19 pm

    Hi, I am so excited to have found you! We are now trying to decide which payment will work for us so I thought I would ask my most important question…or it is a comment as well.

    I do NOT draw 🙁 That is actually the part that worries me most! I just joined a online class for beginning drawing, but have not even started yet. I have tried many times to follow an online tutorial for beginners, but, sadly, my images never come out even or *balanced* as in proportionally correct even after weeks of daily short practice.

    Am I just at a loss and will always be unable to produce my own WC designs due to this serious limitation?

    Thank you for *any* insight you can provide!
    By the way…my username for years has always been; *WaterColor Seasons*!, because Watercolor is my favorite and I have dreamed of being able to learn…the not drawing aspect has always kept me from it. But I am in my 60s now and I don’t want to miss out any longer IF possible 🙂

    • Carrie (Team Anna Mason Art) on March 18, 2019 at 8:13 am

      Hi Sherri, you can send an email to [email protected] for more information about the School. However, a full drawing to trace from is included with every tutorial, so you don’t need to worry at all about not being able to draw, as you can just trace the drawing which leaves you time to focus on the painting! There is also a drawing video available in the Knowledge Base, but most people prefer to concentrate just on the painting. Hope this helps…

  21. Arndrea Laporte on June 17, 2019 at 10:54 pm

    I am new to painting but I’m looking forward to learning on this forum. I started this past February and I have sold one painting thus far. I will post that one and an airplane that I painted for my husband for Fathers Day.

  22. eugene baron on August 22, 2019 at 4:20 pm

    Hi,
    First, I must say your new baby girl is precious and very photographic. Also, I have been off to a slow start in your school. I have now arranged for the time necessary for a neophyte to learn the art. Your school is very complete, reflecting the work you and staff must have expended. Wish me luck !

    • Carrie (Team Anna Mason Art) on August 27, 2019 at 11:33 am

      Good luck Eugene and happy painting! We hope you love the School as much as we do! 🙂

  23. Jennifer Hansen on February 3, 2020 at 12:40 am

    I’d love to know how long the actual brushes (together with their handles) are – I often paint on the go, and fitting them into my travel painting kit is always a trick… I did check online, but couldn’t seem to find that detail.
    Cheers!

  24. marika roth on July 21, 2020 at 5:02 pm

    I was not able to find the supplies list. Can you please tell me where to look for it? thank you

  25. Kathleen on September 9, 2020 at 5:50 pm

    Hi Anna. I’m wondering what easel you use to do your 18×24” paintings

  26. Julia Bayes on January 9, 2024 at 3:51 pm

    Can I ask what is the best angle for daylight desk lamp to reduce ‘sheen’ when painting?

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