I am using a split primary palette, that means I am using a warm and cool version of each primary.  The colors I am using are from the essential set from Daniel Smith but you can use whatever brand you have. See below for suggestions. If you don’t see a color you have just swatch out the color and look at it and see which way it leans. Honestly, I mix more by eye than color name and you will too as you gain more experience.

Warm red: Pyroll Red, Cadmium red, Scarlet, Pyroll scarlet (look for a red that leans toward orange)

Cool red: Permanent alizarin Crimson, Quinacridone Rose, Rose Madder, Magenta (look for a purple leaning red)

Warm yellow: New Gamboge, Cadmium Yellow, Indian Yellow (look for a yellow that leans to orange)

Cool Yellow: Lemon Yellow, Hansa yellow, Cadmium Lemon, cadmium yellow light (A green leaning yellow)

Warm Blue: Ultramarine (French Ultramarine), cobalt blue (purple leaning blue)

Cool blue: Pthalo blue, Prussian blue (green leaning blue)

Try and get the most clear and vivid colors you can because you can always dull them down but you can’t brighten a dull color. To learn more about a split primary palette view my free tutorial here or for a more in-depth tutorial check out this wonderful Craftsy class. I also wanted to mention that I enrolled in Anna Mason’s excellent Craftsy class Fantastic Fruit Texture and Form ans while her style is very different from mine I am enjoying how she builds up layers of tight detail. I have not got too far into her class but I have already found valuable take-aways (like picking up a small brush once in a while LOL!)

Video! *BTW I am also reviewing and demonstrating the use of a new light box, if you are not in the market for a light box you can skip to 8:45 for the real time painting tutorial. If you are looking for a light box this one has my approval!

Supplies:
140# watercolor greeting card  *these are 3″x5″ but I used 5″x7″ in the video
Daniel Smith essential set watercolors (pyroll scarlet, Quin rose, Hansa yellow, new gamboge, pthalo blue, ultramarine)
Uniball signo white gel pen 
*Note, instead of using the pen you can use masking fluid prior to painting.

Reference photo

Litup Light Box Review

I have to be honest, I was not in the market for a light table but I was intrigued when the company asked me to review this, I typically used transfer paper to transfer my sketches to watercolor paper and that seemed fine. I really did not think I would use a light table that much and they are typically $200-$400 for a decent size table that would be of use to me as an artist.

I was wrong, I can see myself using this every time I paint.
Pros:
Bright, even, strong light
Sturdy and well made
Easy to set up and use (plug it in, turn it on)
Long enough cord (about 5 feet)
I can transfer a light pencil sketch and use what ever I want (pencil, pen, marker etc) on my good paper and not be stuck with the colors available with transfer paper.
Price, it is on sale for $119.99 (comparable light table at my online art supplier runs $300)

Cons:
I really can’t think of a negative, I mean $120 is a chunk of money so make sure it is something you will use.

I did not think I needed this but now I am so glad I have it because I can transfer detailed drawings onto watercolor paper with no waxy lines, it will make pen and ink work a breeze too!

I asked about embossing with stencils and they said it should work just be carefull not to scratch the table, I think placing a page protector or clear plastic bag under the stencil will prevent this.

I also want to mention that I have not had this light table long so I can’t comment on how long it will last. The reviews on amazon are excellent though and it has an 18 month warranty.

I give the litup table a big thumbs up and recommend it to anyone wanting a light table at an affordable price. It is on sale for $119.99 (regularly $129.99) during back to school time. You can find out more here.

Disclaimer: I was not paid to do this review but I did receive the Litup light box for free. Links for the art supplies are affiliate links to Simon Says Stamp and I receive a small portion of the sale at no addition cost to you. Thank you for your support and til next time happy crafting!.