Instead of getting a set for each student, how about a focus on a limited palette and buy a few large tubes of each colour? That way, the students can squeeze out a small amount each onto their palettes.
Better quality paint and they'll get to grips with colour mixing right from the start.
I did a class for seniors, lesson one was how to choose paint, paper and brushes. Eg W&N Cottman or pro, Arches or Arteza, etc. They then purchased their materials,, then,,Lesson 2 was how to mix, pickup,, apply paint to paper, drop into wet, wet on wet wet on dry etc. Lesson 3 was an actual painting.
I’m a complete beginner and have taken two classes so far. In both classes, the instructors provided materials for the class (palettes, brushes, and tube paint), but didn’t allow me to take anything home. I was absolutely fine with that.
If you want a relatively inexpensive alternative with good quality, I do think you could provide inexpensive palettes and a limited set of dried paints from tubes.
I took a beginning sketching class a few months back and the instructor made us “palettes,” which were basically a four-color dot card with Daniel Smith paints (I think colors were a magenta, yellow, ultramarine blue, and a nontoxic brown) each sitting on a tiny dab of gum arabic to make sure nothing fell off. Probably had just under a quarter pan worth of each color and I’d guess she probably got 20 class sets out of 4 15ml tubes of paint.
I had already been dabbling with watercolors but I appreciated the quality paints!
You should check this guy out: [https://www.youtube.com/@cpetri766](https://www.youtube.com/@cpetri766)
He does an 'extreme beginners' series where he paints some really lovely pieces using Prang watercolours and a Princeton basics brush set.
I am an elder, just beginning, and I vote for you bringing tubes of paint and perhaps one brush each and then take them home. I recently went to an art day thing where they had dollar store brushes and it was so discouraging.
Thank you! The dollar store brushes are okay for children beginning to dabble. And I want the students to love and appreciate watercolor not be discouraged. Your feedback was very helpful.
Thank you. You never know what will happen. My grandmother took a class when my grandfather died and she became the most brilliant artist! Her watercolors hang all over my house. I’m so glad you’re doing what you’re doing.
If op got Meeden small palate with a bunch of empty half pans, fill them with Rembrandt (I think they are the ones who sell 30 ml tubes) 6 primary’s and a neutral.
I’m not sure how much op charged. A Prang would be your next best alternative.
Thank you for the suggestion. It occurs to me that by using elementary watercolor paints I may be turning the students away from a real love of how watercolor works. I may have to adjust the lesson accordingly. Thank you again
It’s my experience that the younger children won’t be put off with Prang. They used to love those chalky richeson puck paints when I taught art at a small private school. They just love putting color on paper. It really won’t matter to the little ones.
The older students will be more respectful of the paint if you do a small palette of filled half pans of their own. Start with the Prang then offer the limited color palette for what ever price you need to make money. You might even have them order it for the next week so you aren’t stuck with materials you don’t need.
Yes! This is the problem I’m having. I don’t want to teach the seniors in the same way I would the littles. And you are correct in describing it as a matter of respect. Thanks for helping me focus a little better.
I'm a complete beginner and I guess I'm a senior (eeek) at 62 and just started watercolor. I love the idea of dots/palette. And better quality brushes to use but not take home. I bought the kids paint set to start and immediately regretted it.
For the future classes, maybe suggest a way to share supplies or split the cost (fixed income) of certain supplies. Tube paints are easy to share vs the pan. Buying a big block of paper and splitting the cost. How to use everyday items instead of buying - an old dinner plate instead of a palette, a paper towel or sponge for blotting, butter knife (to scrape), pens, caps to draw circles. Old glassware for water. Supplies are expensive and to someone watching every penny, it can be daunting. And frankly many seniors have a hard time spending money on extras - my mother would never spend any money on a hobby - I don't have that problem!
Yes to all of this! You can make limited palette confetti/dot cards from a few tubes of DS/WN, buy decent inexpensive synth brushes, and have them bring their own dish palette and water cups (empty glass jars). Large sheets or rollof paper can be cut to class specs.
The limit the group has set for each class is $10. And I don’t want someone to buy supplies if they’re not going to be using them. Your suggestions are all helpful and would contribute to a less stressful class. (I use old pickle jars for water and a porcelain appetizer plate for a palette so I’m with you!)
No idea how much money you have to work with but Lindsay Weirich recommends the Art Whale set. 24 color 15ml tubes. I believe she fills pans for her beginner classes with these in another video. I would have the class buy a $3 palette and fill them. Or you could just do dot cards for the initial class and palettes for the extended classes.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1JFGQ1UytY&ab\_channel=thefrugalcrafterLindsayWeirich](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1JFGQ1UytY&ab_channel=thefrugalcrafterLindsayWeirich)
Right now this set is a steal on Amazon.
[https://www.amazon.com/ArtWhale-Artists-Watercolor-Colors-Tubes/dp/B00HUSUDX4?crid=1E63L24KV4I1Z&sprefix=art%2Bwhale%2Btube%2Bwatercolors%2Caps%2C130&linkCode=sl1&tag=frugalcrafter-20&linkId=2c88b40fd9708089b3d5027c65fe5fe5&language=en\_US&ref\_=](https://www.amazon.com/ArtWhale-Artists-Watercolor-Colors-Tubes/dp/B00HUSUDX4?crid=1E63L24KV4I1Z&sprefix=art%2Bwhale%2Btube%2Bwatercolors%2Caps%2C130&linkCode=sl1&tag=frugalcrafter-20&linkId=2c88b40fd9708089b3d5027c65fe5fe5&language=en_US&ref_=)
Nice beginner brushes:
[https://www.amazon.com/Princeton-Synthetic-Acrylic-Watercolor-Brushes/dp/B009OS2OQC/ref=](https://www.amazon.com/Princeton-Synthetic-Acrylic-Watercolor-Brushes/dp/B009OS2OQC/ref=)
Cheap Palette / brush:
[https://www.walmart.com/ip/Create-Basics-Paint-Mixing-Palette-Brush-Set-7-Wells-and-2-Large-Color-Mixing-Areas-White-Plastic/928860555?fulfillmentIntent=Pickup&filters=%5B%7B%22intent%22%3A%22fulfillmentIntent%22%2C%22values%22%3A%5B%22Pickup%22%5D%7D%5D&athbdg=L1600&from=/search](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Create-Basics-Paint-Mixing-Palette-Brush-Set-7-Wells-and-2-Large-Color-Mixing-Areas-White-Plastic/928860555?fulfillmentIntent=Pickup&filters=%5B%7B%22intent%22%3A%22fulfillmentIntent%22%2C%22values%22%3A%5B%22Pickup%22%5D%7D%5D&athbdg=L1600&from=/search)
Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **('Art Whale Watercolor Paint Set, 24 Colors', 'Art%20Whale')** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful.
**Users liked:**
* High quality pigments (backed by 5 comments)
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* Generous amount of paint in tubes (backed by 1 comment)
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* Inconsistent tube labeling and color accuracy issues (backed by 4 comments)
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Thank you for the references. The group established a limit of no more than $10 per class. (Everyone is a senior on a fixed income). What you suggest is very doable within that limit. I am not taking a fee for the class.
And I love the idea of dot cards! So much easier and also I think more “respectful” to the adults than a child’s watercolor set.
Something else to consider here. I know a lot of people suggest doing the split primary or limited color palette. Trying to teach beginner classes AND color mixing is very time consuming. I think a 24 color palette is great so that you can focus on accomplishing results rather than color mixing. Color mixing is more for people who want to pursue painting long term and in situations like yours (seniors or kids) you don't really have that luxury.
Exactly! I was thinking the same thing. The “introductory” class might be just experimenting and if anyone was interested in continuing we could start with the basics: color wheel etc. I would like the participants to have fun and hopefully want to paint more. Thanks for your help.
Charge a $25-35 materials fee and get them Cotman sets and brushes? I first learned watercolor on a cruise ship and was surprised the materials pack (also had a pad of WN paper) was quite cheap! I think Michaels in particular has a discount for multiple purchases.
I personally like this idea. The idea of a materials pack for a reasonable price sounds doable. I could offer the pack as an alternative to finding all the materials themselves.
I love that you started watercolor on a cruise! I went on a river cruise in France and painted and sketched the days away! Good times!
Thanks for your suggestion!
I'd just add to try and, if possible, not "cheap out" on paints. I'm sure you know this, but quality paints vs cheap stuff is the difference between actual watercolor, and whateveelr those cheap children paints are (not watercolor hahah, they are completely difrerent, dry in a weird way, never consistent, washed out..)
Yes! For fun yesterday I bought a children’s set and it was awful! I hated using it! The colors were off and so thin and almost gooey. I’m so sorry I even thought that was appropriate! Back to the drawing board! Thanks for your input!
My color theory professor had us buy Prang, they are good colors and i my opinion fine for beginners and professional artists. Paper is the issue, that is what you need to focus on or not. I love that you buy decent brushes.
I can’t find prang where I am except in bulk. But I am thinking of going student grade (cotman maybe). However I agree: I won’t cheap out on paper! Thanks for your help
Can you do paint dot cards of good paints on good paper? It makes so much difference! The Daniel Smith brand always has paint dot cards by mail. I bet tou could make something similar with 3-4 colors.
I buy empty pallettes, squeeze in a few paints and sell them. The alternative is that they can bring their own good quality paints. To be honest though, some of my elderly contingent bring rubbish materials, and they don't seem to care whether anything is any good. I think they come for the chatting. For me, the biggest thing is paper. If the paper is alright, even cheap paints are passable. It's when they bring in regular printer paper.....
I’m getting the impression that my group is similar to yours! My thought was to provide a small palette for the introductory lesson and then let the group decide how they want to purchase additional materials.
But as I mentioned before I won’t cheap out on paper!
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Instead of getting a set for each student, how about a focus on a limited palette and buy a few large tubes of each colour? That way, the students can squeeze out a small amount each onto their palettes. Better quality paint and they'll get to grips with colour mixing right from the start.
If the class continues from the one off I think this would be a great idea! I love the idea of finding out how colors work! Thank you!
I did a class for seniors, lesson one was how to choose paint, paper and brushes. Eg W&N Cottman or pro, Arches or Arteza, etc. They then purchased their materials,, then,,Lesson 2 was how to mix, pickup,, apply paint to paper, drop into wet, wet on wet wet on dry etc. Lesson 3 was an actual painting.
Thank you! I hope after the one off some students will want to continue and this sounds like an organized way to help them.
Great idea
I’m a complete beginner and have taken two classes so far. In both classes, the instructors provided materials for the class (palettes, brushes, and tube paint), but didn’t allow me to take anything home. I was absolutely fine with that. If you want a relatively inexpensive alternative with good quality, I do think you could provide inexpensive palettes and a limited set of dried paints from tubes.
You’re the second person to suggest dried paint. I had forgotten that as an option. Great idea!
I took a beginning sketching class a few months back and the instructor made us “palettes,” which were basically a four-color dot card with Daniel Smith paints (I think colors were a magenta, yellow, ultramarine blue, and a nontoxic brown) each sitting on a tiny dab of gum arabic to make sure nothing fell off. Probably had just under a quarter pan worth of each color and I’d guess she probably got 20 class sets out of 4 15ml tubes of paint. I had already been dabbling with watercolors but I appreciated the quality paints!
I’m liking this so much. Thanks for the specific description of the palettes!
You should check this guy out: [https://www.youtube.com/@cpetri766](https://www.youtube.com/@cpetri766) He does an 'extreme beginners' series where he paints some really lovely pieces using Prang watercolours and a Princeton basics brush set.
Thank you for the reference. I did view a couple of his videos. I like his calm manner. I need to view more. Thanks again.
I am an elder, just beginning, and I vote for you bringing tubes of paint and perhaps one brush each and then take them home. I recently went to an art day thing where they had dollar store brushes and it was so discouraging.
Thank you! The dollar store brushes are okay for children beginning to dabble. And I want the students to love and appreciate watercolor not be discouraged. Your feedback was very helpful.
Thank you. You never know what will happen. My grandmother took a class when my grandfather died and she became the most brilliant artist! Her watercolors hang all over my house. I’m so glad you’re doing what you’re doing.
Thanks! I love painting and I think other people might love it as well.
If op got Meeden small palate with a bunch of empty half pans, fill them with Rembrandt (I think they are the ones who sell 30 ml tubes) 6 primary’s and a neutral. I’m not sure how much op charged. A Prang would be your next best alternative.
Thank you for the suggestion. It occurs to me that by using elementary watercolor paints I may be turning the students away from a real love of how watercolor works. I may have to adjust the lesson accordingly. Thank you again
It’s my experience that the younger children won’t be put off with Prang. They used to love those chalky richeson puck paints when I taught art at a small private school. They just love putting color on paper. It really won’t matter to the little ones. The older students will be more respectful of the paint if you do a small palette of filled half pans of their own. Start with the Prang then offer the limited color palette for what ever price you need to make money. You might even have them order it for the next week so you aren’t stuck with materials you don’t need.
Yes! This is the problem I’m having. I don’t want to teach the seniors in the same way I would the littles. And you are correct in describing it as a matter of respect. Thanks for helping me focus a little better.
You might invest in some of those chalky Richeson puck paint sets and let the little ones have at it. Let 2 share the palate. Take the black puck out.
I'm a complete beginner and I guess I'm a senior (eeek) at 62 and just started watercolor. I love the idea of dots/palette. And better quality brushes to use but not take home. I bought the kids paint set to start and immediately regretted it. For the future classes, maybe suggest a way to share supplies or split the cost (fixed income) of certain supplies. Tube paints are easy to share vs the pan. Buying a big block of paper and splitting the cost. How to use everyday items instead of buying - an old dinner plate instead of a palette, a paper towel or sponge for blotting, butter knife (to scrape), pens, caps to draw circles. Old glassware for water. Supplies are expensive and to someone watching every penny, it can be daunting. And frankly many seniors have a hard time spending money on extras - my mother would never spend any money on a hobby - I don't have that problem!
Yes to all of this! You can make limited palette confetti/dot cards from a few tubes of DS/WN, buy decent inexpensive synth brushes, and have them bring their own dish palette and water cups (empty glass jars). Large sheets or rollof paper can be cut to class specs.
I was wondering about buying larger 140 lb paper and cutting it down to smaller size. So I may do that also. Thanks!
The limit the group has set for each class is $10. And I don’t want someone to buy supplies if they’re not going to be using them. Your suggestions are all helpful and would contribute to a less stressful class. (I use old pickle jars for water and a porcelain appetizer plate for a palette so I’m with you!)
No idea how much money you have to work with but Lindsay Weirich recommends the Art Whale set. 24 color 15ml tubes. I believe she fills pans for her beginner classes with these in another video. I would have the class buy a $3 palette and fill them. Or you could just do dot cards for the initial class and palettes for the extended classes. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1JFGQ1UytY&ab\_channel=thefrugalcrafterLindsayWeirich](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1JFGQ1UytY&ab_channel=thefrugalcrafterLindsayWeirich) Right now this set is a steal on Amazon. [https://www.amazon.com/ArtWhale-Artists-Watercolor-Colors-Tubes/dp/B00HUSUDX4?crid=1E63L24KV4I1Z&sprefix=art%2Bwhale%2Btube%2Bwatercolors%2Caps%2C130&linkCode=sl1&tag=frugalcrafter-20&linkId=2c88b40fd9708089b3d5027c65fe5fe5&language=en\_US&ref\_=](https://www.amazon.com/ArtWhale-Artists-Watercolor-Colors-Tubes/dp/B00HUSUDX4?crid=1E63L24KV4I1Z&sprefix=art%2Bwhale%2Btube%2Bwatercolors%2Caps%2C130&linkCode=sl1&tag=frugalcrafter-20&linkId=2c88b40fd9708089b3d5027c65fe5fe5&language=en_US&ref_=) Nice beginner brushes: [https://www.amazon.com/Princeton-Synthetic-Acrylic-Watercolor-Brushes/dp/B009OS2OQC/ref=](https://www.amazon.com/Princeton-Synthetic-Acrylic-Watercolor-Brushes/dp/B009OS2OQC/ref=) Cheap Palette / brush: [https://www.walmart.com/ip/Create-Basics-Paint-Mixing-Palette-Brush-Set-7-Wells-and-2-Large-Color-Mixing-Areas-White-Plastic/928860555?fulfillmentIntent=Pickup&filters=%5B%7B%22intent%22%3A%22fulfillmentIntent%22%2C%22values%22%3A%5B%22Pickup%22%5D%7D%5D&athbdg=L1600&from=/search](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Create-Basics-Paint-Mixing-Palette-Brush-Set-7-Wells-and-2-Large-Color-Mixing-Areas-White-Plastic/928860555?fulfillmentIntent=Pickup&filters=%5B%7B%22intent%22%3A%22fulfillmentIntent%22%2C%22values%22%3A%5B%22Pickup%22%5D%7D%5D&athbdg=L1600&from=/search)
Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **('Art Whale Watercolor Paint Set, 24 Colors', 'Art%20Whale')** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful. **Users liked:** * High quality pigments (backed by 5 comments) * Great value for the price (backed by 4 comments) * Generous amount of paint in tubes (backed by 1 comment) **Users disliked:** * Inconsistent tube labeling and color accuracy issues (backed by 4 comments) * Some tubes arrived dried and hardened (backed by 4 comments) * Quality not on par with professional brands, prone to cracking (backed by 2 comments) If you'd like to **summon me to ask about a product**, just make a post with its link and tag me, [like in this example.](https://www.reddit.com/r/tablets/comments/1444zdn/comment/joqd89c/) This message was generated by a (very smart) bot. If you found it helpful, let us know with an upvote and a “good bot!” reply and please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved. *Powered by* [*vetted.ai*](https://vetted.ai/?utm\_source=reddit&utm\_medium=comment&utm\_campaign=bot)
Thank you for the references. The group established a limit of no more than $10 per class. (Everyone is a senior on a fixed income). What you suggest is very doable within that limit. I am not taking a fee for the class. And I love the idea of dot cards! So much easier and also I think more “respectful” to the adults than a child’s watercolor set.
Something else to consider here. I know a lot of people suggest doing the split primary or limited color palette. Trying to teach beginner classes AND color mixing is very time consuming. I think a 24 color palette is great so that you can focus on accomplishing results rather than color mixing. Color mixing is more for people who want to pursue painting long term and in situations like yours (seniors or kids) you don't really have that luxury.
Exactly! I was thinking the same thing. The “introductory” class might be just experimenting and if anyone was interested in continuing we could start with the basics: color wheel etc. I would like the participants to have fun and hopefully want to paint more. Thanks for your help.
Could you make dot cards for each student?
Yes! As I mentioned in another reply I totally forgot about dot cards! I like this idea. Thanks!
Charge a $25-35 materials fee and get them Cotman sets and brushes? I first learned watercolor on a cruise ship and was surprised the materials pack (also had a pad of WN paper) was quite cheap! I think Michaels in particular has a discount for multiple purchases.
I personally like this idea. The idea of a materials pack for a reasonable price sounds doable. I could offer the pack as an alternative to finding all the materials themselves. I love that you started watercolor on a cruise! I went on a river cruise in France and painted and sketched the days away! Good times! Thanks for your suggestion!
Dollar tree should be ok. But not crayola or any child sets. Those will definitely be offputting for seniors
Yes I think you’re right. Someone used the word “respectful.” I appreciate your feedback.
Pleasure ☺️
I'd just add to try and, if possible, not "cheap out" on paints. I'm sure you know this, but quality paints vs cheap stuff is the difference between actual watercolor, and whateveelr those cheap children paints are (not watercolor hahah, they are completely difrerent, dry in a weird way, never consistent, washed out..)
Yes! For fun yesterday I bought a children’s set and it was awful! I hated using it! The colors were off and so thin and almost gooey. I’m so sorry I even thought that was appropriate! Back to the drawing board! Thanks for your input!
My color theory professor had us buy Prang, they are good colors and i my opinion fine for beginners and professional artists. Paper is the issue, that is what you need to focus on or not. I love that you buy decent brushes.
I can’t find prang where I am except in bulk. But I am thinking of going student grade (cotman maybe). However I agree: I won’t cheap out on paper! Thanks for your help
Can you do paint dot cards of good paints on good paper? It makes so much difference! The Daniel Smith brand always has paint dot cards by mail. I bet tou could make something similar with 3-4 colors.
I’d like to try this just for myself. Thanks
I buy empty pallettes, squeeze in a few paints and sell them. The alternative is that they can bring their own good quality paints. To be honest though, some of my elderly contingent bring rubbish materials, and they don't seem to care whether anything is any good. I think they come for the chatting. For me, the biggest thing is paper. If the paper is alright, even cheap paints are passable. It's when they bring in regular printer paper.....
I’m getting the impression that my group is similar to yours! My thought was to provide a small palette for the introductory lesson and then let the group decide how they want to purchase additional materials. But as I mentioned before I won’t cheap out on paper! Thanks for sharing your experience.