Water color painting is challenging and tends to frustrate many beginners. This article will highlight some of the essential tools to help you overcome that challenge.

Soft sponge: Keep plenty of small, soft sponges to erase water color painting mistakes. The removal process consists of warm water and a sponge. Gently pat the affected area until the mistake disappears.

Paper: It's best not to start off with a cheap paper grade. There are perfectly adequate rag-content papers you can use for practice. However, you should switch to a hand-made paper as quickly as you can. It takes paint better.

Along with the type of paper, consider the grade. You can achieve consistent effects under ideal conditons when you use the same grade of paper again and again.

Next, consider the weight. As a beginner, you'll use a lighter weight, possibly 72 pounds. However, as you gain experience and become more competent, you'll discover the lighter paper won't hold up when you apply a heavy wash.

Finally, the paper texture must be right depending upon the artist's technique. Some artists prefer the rough paper because it softens edges and creates textures. The 300-pound rough is a good choice.

Sand paper is used to scratch off paint where you need more white, and masking tape is useful to cover areas that you will either leave white or paint later on. If you want to create softer effects, an ordinary butter knife can scrape paint.

You can use mat knives to nick and scrape paint areas to highlight white accents. Wet down paper with a cosmetic sponge - you can even use it as a paint brush! Paint rags are necessary for wiping brushes and creating cloud effects.

Here's something you may not have thought of - a hand mirror. Use it to look at your picture in reverse. When you view your water color painting in reverse, many things become immediately clear, such as picture balance.

A low sketching stool will help your water color painting, because working close to the ground is easier on you. Correct your sketches before committing to painting with a kneaded eraser.

Gather these tools and paper to help you create and paint the best water color paintings possible! Good luck, and happy painting.