Course Materials

Expressive Drawing, Painting & Mixed Media Techniques Course by Jonathan Simon, MFA (instructor)
and Chad Neuman, PhD (producer)

Here are the materials needed to follow along in this course. I also include project-specific information
in text and video format at the beginning of each section.

You don’t need to use the same brands that I use, or the specific colors of paint, but having the same
types of material will make the instruction more relevant. For example, be sure to have graphite pencils,
but they don’t have to be the same brand.

We have included links here, but there are also local art stores (in the U.S., Hobby Lobby, Michaels, etc.)
that should have some of these types of materials as well, or larger stores like Wal-Mart or Target might
have some brands but not all. These links are NOT affiliate links; they are just normal links to online art
websites where the materials can be purchased, in case you do not have all the required or optional
materials. You can browse the example links and check out the photos, even if you end up purchasing
the supplies somewhere else, either at a store or online.

For an economical option, you can use regular paper and graphite pencils, and pens and markers, and
then use watercolor and acrylic paint for the projects that use paint. However, if possible, we do suggest
you get the other materials in order to follow along, such as blending tools and the calligraphy pens in
the landscape project, and India ink (used for painting or adding a color wash) and pastels in the other
landscape project. I also use charcoal (vine and compressed) in some of the projects.

We have also attached this information as a PDF support file, so it can be easily printed. There is also a
helpful handout regarding the hardness scales of graphite pencils and a handout on paper types and
terms.

While I don’t mention it in the videos, you can clean your paint brushes with regular liquid soap and
water, or a professional art brush soap - https://www.amazon.com/General-Pencil-105-BP-Masters-
Preserver/dp/B0027AEANE/.

Please note that in the list below, not all materials are required, per my notes. Also, I repeat some of the
materials, since we use watercolor, watercolor or mix media paper, and pencils in various projects. I
have listed them with details in each section, so each project’s materials list is complete, even if the
materials overlap partially with another project. There is a lot of variety as well (some projects use pens
and markers, acrylic, or charcoal, while others do not). Let’s get started mastering these materials and
methods to produce artistic, creative, and expressive works of art!

Online Art Supply Stores:

https://www.utrechtart.com/

https://www.dickblick.com/

https://www.jerrysartarama.com/
Expressive Ink Pen Eye Drawing with Watercolor
Paper

I use Canson Watercolor Paper XL (12 x 18 in / 30.5 x 45.7 cm, 140 lb / 300 g) in this project, but any
type of watercolor paper should work. Here are some Canon watercolor pads -
https://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-xl-watercolor-pads/

Watercolor Paint

For watercolor paint, you can use either watercolor tubes or a set of pans. Here is one brand I like, but
any brand works for this project, and this is just an example vendor that sells watercolor paints, brushes,
and sets. Of course, a local store might have this or other brands as well.

Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Tubes - https://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-

newton-professional-watercolor-tubes/

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Tubes - https://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-

newton-cotman-watercolor-tubes/

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Pan Sets - https://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-

newton-cotman-watercolor-pan-sets/

I use the following colors in this project, but you don’t have to use the same colors, of course:

Cotman Watercolor: Cadmium Orange, Cerulean Blue Hue, and Permanent Rose

Pencil

Any pencil works, but I use a Tombow pencil in this project. Here are some nice sets of pencils:

Tombow Mono Professional Drawing Pencils - https://www.dickblick.com/products/tombow-mono-

professional-drawing-pencils/

Brushes

Watercolor Brushes - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/brushes/watercolor/

Other Optional Materials

Gesso - https://www.dickblick.com/products/golden-acrylic-gesso/

Water in a Spray Bottle

Salt - heavy or thick grain and fine or table salt

Flowing Fish Drawing with Color Wash
Paper

Vellum - If you follow along by using vellum paper like I do for this project, I suggest getting a heavier
weight. For example, this is a heavyweight vellum at 90 lb -
https://www.dickblick.com/products/borden-and-riley-116-artist-sketch-vellum/

If you don’t have access to vellum, tracing paper would work for the fish drawing.

I use Canson Mix Media Paper (14 x 17 in / 35.6 x 43.2 cm, 98 lb / 160 g) for the color wash background
in this project, but any type of mix media or watercolor paper should work. I only use part of the paper
for the color wash, because the pad I used is larger than the vellum that we lay it over. Here are some
Canon watercolor pads, although, of course, other brands or any type of watercolor or mix media paper
should work for the color wash background - https://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-xl-mix-
media-pads/

Pencil

A basic pencil works for the fish drawing in this project. I include a 6B, 3B, 2B, B, and an HB. I like
Tombow but any brand should work. Here are some nice sets of pencils:

Tombow Mono Professional Drawing Pencils - https://www.dickblick.com/products/tombow-mono-

professional-drawing-pencils/

To sharpen the pencil, you’ll need a pencil sharpener or razor.

Paint Brushes

For the brushes, make sure to get a round and a bright or chisel. The round brushes are helpful for
smaller details and thinner lines, while the bright or chisel brushes are flatter and apply the paint
differently than the round. I go over mark making with the brushes in this course. I also use a short
handle, 3/4” flat, stroke brush.

There are many brands, and people can buy individual or sets of brushes.

Example Flat Brushes - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/brushes/shapes/flat/

Example Round Brushes - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/brushes/shapes/round/

Any type of brush works, so if you only have an oil or acrylic brush that is okay, but a watercolor brush is
deal for this project - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/brushes/watercolor/

Erasers

A kneaded eraser is helpful, but a regular pencil eraser works if you don’t have access to a kneaded
eraser. Here are the tools I use, with examples:

Electric Eraser - https://www.dickblick.com/products/sakura-cordless-electric-eraser/

Kneaded Eraser - https://www.dickblick.com/products/generals-kneaded-eraser/

Mechanical Eraser - https://www.dickblick.com/products/generals-factis-mechanical-eraser/

Blending Tools

Stumps - https://www.dickblick.com/products/gray-paper-stumps/

Tortillon - https://www.dickblick.com/products/tortillons/

Colour Shaper Pastel Blending Tool - Here are some example colour shapers -
https://www.dickblick.com/brands/colour-shapers/

Ink

When I paint the back of the vellum to add color, I use Dr. Ph. Martin's Bombay India Inks, specifically
teal, magenta, white, and yellow - https://www.dickblick.com/products/dr-ph-martins-bombay-india-
inks/

It is helpful to have a tray to nest the ink and to mix the ink with water as needed. This can be a
porcelain tray, but other types of bowls could work. This works as a palette to mix the inks as needed.
Here are some porcelain nesting bowls - https://www.dickblick.com/products/nesting-porcelain-bowls/

Other Materials

Graphite Powder (optional) - I use General’s graphite powder, and here is a link to General’s graphite
powder on Amazon, but it’s a bit expensive. Alternatively, we can shave some graphite off a graphite
pencil if you don’t have access to graphite powder. https://www.amazon.com/GeneralS-Powdered-
Graphite-Description-Overpainting/dp/B00SG3CK92/

Cup of Water

Sponge

Colored Paper and Paper with Design - I show how we can add colored paper or paper with designs for
the background of the fish drawing, but this is optional. Of course, I show how to produce an original
color wash, so that might be preferred.
Ink and Watercolor Expressive Portrait
Paper

I use Canson Mix Media Paper (14 x 17 in / 35.6 x 43.2 cm, 98 lb / 160 g) for this project, but any type of
mix media paper should work. Here are some Canon watercolor pads, although, of course, other brands
or any type of mix media paper should work for this project -
https://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-xl-mix-media-pads/

Pens and Markers

I use a variety of pens and markers in this project, and they all have different marks and styles. I
demonstrate how to catalog their marks and explore how rubbing alcohol affects the texture of the
marks. These are the pens and markers I use in this project, but you can use other types or brands, of
course. I suggest using a variety, because some have thicker and some have thinner lines and marks, and
some have a more definite edge while others are softer.

Artline 5109A Whiteboard Marker

Sharpies - skinny and fat

Ball Point Pen

Liner pen - Staedtler pigment liner .7

Example Staedtler Pigment Liners - https://www.dickblick.com/products/staedtler-pigment-liners/

Watercolor Paint

For watercolor paint, you can use either watercolor tubes or a set of pans. Here is one brand I like, but
any brand works for this project, and this is just an example vendor that sells watercolor paints, brushes,
and sets. Of course, a local store might have this or other brands as well.

Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Tubes - https://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-

newton-professional-watercolor-tubes/

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Tubes - https://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-

newton-cotman-watercolor-tubes/

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Pan Sets - https://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-

newton-cotman-watercolor-pan-sets/

I use the following colors in this project, but you don’t have to use the same colors, of course: yellow
ochre, lemon yellow, and green.

Brushes

Watercolor Brushes - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/brushes/watercolor/

I use a 2-inch, flat watercolor brush.

Other Materials
Water in a Spray Bottle

Safety Goggles - This is important for when we use rubbing alcohol.

Rubbing Alcohol - Use rubbing alcohol that has at least 91 percent isopropyl.

White Conté - I add some highlights with white conté - https://www.dickblick.com/products/conte-

crayons/

White Charcoal Pencil - I also add highlights with white charcoal pencil. This set includes one -
https://www.dickblick.com/products/generals-charcoal-pencils-and-sets/

Pencil - A basic pencil is needed for when drawing the layout of the face, before we draw with the pens
and markers. I like Tombow but any brand should work. Here are some nice sets of pencils:

Tombow Mono Professional Drawing Pencils - https://www.dickblick.com/products/tombow-mono-

professional-drawing-pencils/

To sharpen the pencil, you’ll need a pencil sharpener or razor.

Atmospheric Ink Landscape with Acrylic Wash
Paper

I use Canson Mix Media Paper (14 x 17 in / 35.6 x 43.2 cm, 98 lb / 160 g) for this project, but any type of
mix media paper should work. Here are some Canon watercolor pads, although, of course, other brands
or any type of mix media paper should work for this project -
https://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-xl-mix-media-pads/

Ink

When I paint the black ink for the landscape, I use Dr. Ph. Martin's Bombay India Inks, specifically black
star India ink, matte - https://www.dickblick.com/products/dr-ph-martins-black-star-india-ink/

The ink is waterproof when dry, which is important, so it doesn’t smudge when we add the acrylic color
wash later.

We need to have a tray to pour the ink into. This can be a porcelain tray, but other types of bowls could
work. We also need a tray or bowl to mix the acrylic that we use for the color wash in the second part of
this project. Here are some porcelain nesting bowls - https://www.dickblick.com/products/nesting-
porcelain-bowls/

Pen Nibs and Brushes

Pen Nibs - These are used for calligraphy but can used for drawing the landscape in the project,
especially since we want some areas to feature fine lines. Be sure to get a holder that holds the pen
nibs. Here is an example - https://www.dickblick.com/products/speedball-fine-point-dip-pen-nibs-and-
holder/

Brushes - I suggest using round brushes which are longer, which are used for acrylic or oil but can be
used for applying the ink in this project. I also use a short-handled watercolor brush. I suggest using
round brushes for the details with the ink, but a flatter, wider brush for the application of the acrylic
color wash.

Acrylic Paint

I use Airbrush Acrylic Paint from Golden in this project, specifically quinacridone red and hansa yellow
light, but you can use other colors, of course. Here are some fluid acrylics -
https://www.dickblick.com/products/golden-fluid-acrylics/

You could use tubed acrylic instead but be sure to dilute it a little bit with water.
Ink and Pastel Artistic Tulip Landscape
Paper

I use Canson Watercolor Paper XL (12 x 18 in / 30.5 x 45.7 cm, 140 lb / 300 g) in this project, but any
type of watercolor paper should work. Here are some Canon watercolor pads -
https://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-xl-watercolor-pads/

Ink

To paint the landscape, I use Dr. Ph. Martin's Bombay India Inks, specifically yellow and teal -
https://www.dickblick.com/products/dr-ph-martins-bombay-india-inks/

I also use blue ink from Higgins - https://www.dickblick.com/products/higgins-drawing-inks/

It is helpful to have a tray to nest the ink and to mix the ink with water as needed. This can be a
porcelain tray, but other types of bowls could work. This works as a palette to mix the inks as needed.
Here are some porcelain mixing bowls - https://www.dickblick.com/products/nesting-porcelain-bowls/

If you use another brand, that is fine! However, please make sure they are waterproof inks.

Brushes

You will need some flat brushes as well as some rounds.

Example flat brushes - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/brushes/shapes/flat/

Example round brushes - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/brushes/shapes/round/

Any type of brush works, so if you only have an oil or acrylic brush that is okay, but a watercolor brush is
deal for applying the ink - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/brushes/watercolor/

Fan Brush - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/brushes/shapes/fan/

Mop Brush - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/brushes/shapes/mop/

Pastel

After painting the colorful landscape with ink, we let it dry and then we add the tulips with pastels. I use
the following colors: yellows, greens, orange, reds, pink, and magenta, and white stick of pastel.

Other Soft Pastel Sets - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/drawing/pastels/soft/

Medium and Hard Pastel Sets - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/drawing/pastels/medium-hard/

Other Materials

Water

Spatula or Squeegee (optional)

Feather (optional) - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/crafts/basics/feathers/

Charcoal Still Life with Masking Methods
Paper

I use Canson Mix Media Paper (14 x 17 in / 35.6 x 43.2 cm, 98 lb / 160 g) for this project, but any type of
mix media paper should work. Here are some Canon watercolor pads, although, of course, other brands
or any type of mix media paper should work for this project -
https://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-xl-mix-media-pads/

Charcoal

Vine Charcoal - For vine charcoal, I suggest purchasing soft sticks and medium sticks. Some are available
from Winsor & Newton. For example: https://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-vine-
and-willow-charcoal-packs/ I also suggest the Nitram brand and use it in this project:
https://www.dickblick.com/products/nitram-fusains-soft-charcoal/

Compressed Charcoal - Compressed charcoal is darker than vine charcoal, and it is more difficult to
remove with an eraser. Like vine charcoal, it can be used to draw large areas of value or specific, fine
details. Both vine and compressed charcoal can be blended. I prefer General’s Compressed Charcoal,
available at https://www.dickblick.com/products/generals-compressed-charcoal/

Eraser Tools

Electric Eraser - https://www.dickblick.com/products/sakura-cordless-electric-eraser/

Kneaded Eraser - https://www.dickblick.com/products/generals-kneaded-eraser/

Chamois Cloth - Chamois cloths are used for adjusting value in drawings. They are helpful for wiping out
larger or smaller areas of tone or value. Example: https://www.dickblick.com/products/natural-artist-
chamois/

Masking Tools

Rubber Cement

Rubber Cement Picker Upper - https://www.dickblick.com/products/crepe-rubber-cement-pickup/

Blue Painter’s Tape

Masking Fluid - Here is an example - https://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-colorless-

art-masking-fluid/

Other Materials

Fixative - https://www.dickblick.com/products/spectrafix-spray-fixative/

Water in Spray Bottle

Acetone (optional) - As explained in the videos, this material is dangerous. Follow all safety guidelines
printed on the product. You can just use water instead, if you want or do not have access to this.
Denatured Alcohol (optional) - As explained in the videos, this material is dangerous. Follow all safety
guidelines printed on the product. You can just use water instead, if you want or do not have access to
this.

Safety Goggles - This is important if you use acetone or denatured alcohol to adjust the texture.

Matches or Propane Torch (optional) - As I explain in the video, be careful if you slightly burn the edges
of the artwork like we do with matches. Make sure there is water and a fire extinguisher nearby, and do
NOT do this part of the project if you are not an adult. We did not use the propane torch but mentioned
it because some artists prefer that. If it’s used during the day or in a lit area, the flame is not visible, so it
can be even more dangerous. Again, follow all safety precautions if you burn the edges of the paper
with matches.
Final Project: Portrait and Cityscape Artwork
Paper

I use Canson Mix Media Paper (14 x 17 in / 35.6 x 43.2 cm, 98 lb / 160 g) for this project, but any type of
mix media paper should work. Here are some Canon watercolor pads, although, of course, other brands
or any type of mix media paper should work for this project -
https://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-xl-mix-media-pads/

Charcoal

Vine Charcoal - For vine charcoal, I suggest purchasing soft sticks and medium sticks. Some are available
from Winsor & Newton. For example: https://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-vine-
and-willow-charcoal-packs/ I also suggest the Nitram brand and use it in this project:
https://www.dickblick.com/products/nitram-fusains-soft-charcoal/

Compressed Charcoal - Compressed charcoal is darker than vine charcoal, and it is more difficult to
remove with an eraser. Like vine charcoal, it can be used to draw large areas of value or specific, fine
details. Both vine and compressed charcoal can be blended. I prefer General’s Compressed Charcoal,
available at https://www.dickblick.com/products/generals-compressed-charcoal/

Charcoal Pencils - I suggest using charcoal pencils between H and 6B as far as range. As far as brand,
General’s produces some excellent charcoal pencils. This charcoal pencil drawing kit includes an HB
pencil, two 2B pencils, two 6B pencils, a charcoal white pencil, and other items such as two kneaded
erasers, an artist’s pencil sharpener, and some charcoal sticks:
https://www.dickblick.com/products/generals-charcoal-pencil-drawing-kit-no-15/

Pencil

Any pencil works, but I like to use Tombow. Here are some nice sets of pencils:

Tombow Mono Professional Drawing Pencils - https://www.dickblick.com/products/tombow-mono-

professional-drawing-pencils/

India Ink

Any black Indian ink that is waterproof works. I use Blue and Black Higgins Waterproof India Ink -
https://www.dickblick.com/products/higgins-drawing-inks/

To add color, I use Dr. Ph. Martin's Bombay India Inks, specifically teal and magenta -
https://www.dickblick.com/products/dr-ph-martins-bombay-india-inks/

It is helpful to have a tray to nest the ink and to mix the ink with water as needed. This can be a
porcelain tray, but other types of bowls could work. This works as a palette to mix the inks as needed.
Here are some porcelain nesting bowls - https://www.dickblick.com/products/nesting-porcelain-bowls/

Brushes

We use flat brushes and rounds in this project.

Example Flat Brushes - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/brushes/shapes/flat/

Example Round Brushes - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/brushes/shapes/round/

Any type of brush works, so if you only have an oil or acrylic brush that is okay, but a watercolor brush is
deal for this project, for applying the ink - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/brushes/watercolor/

Erasers

Electric Eraser - https://www.dickblick.com/products/sakura-cordless-electric-eraser/

Kneaded Eraser - https://www.dickblick.com/products/generals-kneaded-eraser/

Mechanical Eraser - https://www.dickblick.com/products/generals-factis-mechanical-eraser/

Blending Tools

Stumps - https://www.dickblick.com/products/gray-paper-stumps/

Tortillon - https://www.dickblick.com/products/tortillons/

Colour Shaper Pastel Blending Tool - Here are some example colour shapers -
https://www.dickblick.com/brands/colour-shapers/

Pastel

I add some color with blue or teal and blue-green colored pastel.

Two example sets:

Blick Pastels - https://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-pastels/

Faber-Castel FC128224 Creative Studio Soft Pastel Crayons (24 Pack), Assorted -
https://www.amazon.com/Faber-Castel-FC128224-Creative-Crayons-Assorted/dp/B000OMMN4A/

Other Materials

White Conté - I add some highlights with white conté - https://www.dickblick.com/products/conte-

crayons/

Gesso - https://www.dickblick.com/products/golden-acrylic-gesso/

Fixative - https://www.dickblick.com/products/spectrafix-spray-fixative/

Water

Rubbing Alcohol (optional) - Use rubbing alcohol that has at least 91 percent isopropyl.

Safety Goggles - This is important for when we use rubbing alcohol.

Rubber Cement

Rubber Cement Picker Upper - https://www.dickblick.com/products/crepe-rubber-cement-pickup/

Sharpening Pad - I use this to sharpen the charcoal pencil.