My Materials

Welcome to my creative sanctuary!

I often get asked about the specific tools I use to capture the rustic charm of countryside cottages and the serene beauty of the coast. I believe that while art comes from the heart, the right materials act as a bridge between your vision and the paper.

Below is a curated list of my "must-have" supplies. These are the exact products I use daily in my studio for my watercolor and ink illustrations.

Note: The links below are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my art and allows me to keep creating. Thank you for your support!

1. Watercolors

For my style, I look for paints with beautiful granulation to mimic the texture of old stone walls, weathered wood, and sandy shores.

Schmincke Horadam Watercolors: My absolute favorite for their pigment quality and flow. I prefer the tubes so I can fill large palettes for big washes.

[Check Price on Amazon: Schmincke Horadam Artist Watercolors]

Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors: I specifically love their Primatek series. The natural minerals create stunning, organic textures perfect for coastal landscapes.

[Check Price on Amazon: Daniel Smith Watercolor Set]

2. Brushes

In my "ink and wash" technique, I need brushes that can hold a lot of water but still maintain a sharp point for those tiny window panes and garden details.

Fuumuui: Excellent colour carrying capacity - soft synthetic squirrel bristles provide superior control & colour flow. They feel like an extension of my hand.

[Check Price on Amazon: Professional Watercolor Brush Sets]

Princeton Heritage (Series 4050): These synthetic sables are incredibly durable and snappy, ideal for detailed architectural work in my cottage paintings.

[Check Price on Amazon: Princeton Heritage Series 4050]

3. Paper

Paper is the foundation of watercolor. To achieve those soft bleeds and vintage textures, I always opt for 100% cotton paper.

Arches Watercolor Block (140lb Rough): The rough texture is perfect for my style. It catches the pigment in its "valleys," creating a lovely, weathered look.

[Check Price on Amazon: Arches Watercolor Block - 140lb Rough]

Fabriano Artistico: A wonderful alternative that offers a unique whiteness, making coastal blues really pop.

[Check Price on Amazon: Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Paper]

4. Ink & Pens

To create my signature line work, I use inks that are 100% waterproof so they don't smudge when I apply watercolor over them.

Sailor Fude de Mannen (Bent Nib): This pen is a game-changer! By changing the angle, I can go from a hairline stroke to a thick, bold line. Perfect for sketchy, expressive trees.

[Check Price on Amazon: Sailor Fude Pen]

Rohrer & Klingner SketchINK: A pigmented, waterproof ink that is safe for fountain pens and dries incredibly fast. Perfect for drawing fine outlines.