My Art Materials

I have explored the world seeking out the very best papers, graphites and paints with which to make drawings and watercolors.

In my search, durability has mattered as much as beauty. To this end I have researched everything I can get my hands on about light-fast pigments (colors that resist fading), and acid-free materials (so the paper does not yellow or deteriorate over time).

Below is a listing of the materials that make up my drawings and watercolors. Although expensive, they ensure artworks that will last unchanged for centuries, when properly displayed.

Drawing Materials

Papers

Khadi handmade cotton paper / 320 gsm / rough-textured surface / decorative deckled edges on all four sides / 100% Long Fiber Cotton Rag / acid free / from Khadi Mill outside the village of Tarihal near Hubli in Karnataka, South India / available at Blue Rooster Art Supplies, Hiromi Paper, Amazon, and other art supply stores

Strathmore Series 400 drawing paper / 130gm (80lb.) / medium-textured surface / acid free / from Strathmore Mill in Appleton, Wisconsin, United States / available at many art supply stores

Graphite

Staedtler graphite (more than 90% based on natural raw materials) / HB hardness / 0.7mm thickness / from Staedtler Mill in Nuernberg, Germany / available at many art supply stores

Spray Fixative

Krylon Workable Fixatif / acid free / applied to finished drawings to add a temporary protective layer over graphite until displayed behind glass / from Krylon Products Group in Cleveland, Ohio, United States / available at many art supply stores

Watercolor Materials

Papers

Khadi handmade cotton paper / 320 gsm / rough-textured surface / decorative deckled edges on all four sides / 100% Long Fiber Cotton Rag / acid free / from Khadi Mill outside the village of Tarihal near Hubli in Karnataka, South India / available at Blue Rooster Art Supplies, Hiromi Paper, Amazon, and other art supply stores

Saunders Waterford watercolor paper / 300gm (140lb) / rough surface / archival and acid free / from St. Cuthbert’s Mill in Somerset, England / available at Jackson’s Art Supplies, Blue Rooster Art Supplies, and other art supply stores

Graphite

Staedtler graphite (more than 90% based on natural raw materials) / HB hardness / 0.7mm thickness / from Staedtler Mill in Nuernberg, Germany / available at many art supply stores

Watercolor Paints

Finest artist-quality pigments / only the most durable pigments used from European color houses with at least a century of experience in making durable artist paints: Sennelier, Schmincke, MaimeriBlu, and Winsor & Newton / all available at Jackson’s Art Supplies

For an exact listing of the pigments used, click here (then scroll down to the subscribe area)

Painting Gear

For a detailed look a my painting gear (palette, paintbrushes, easel, and other items), click here.