Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour is still formulated according to their founding principles; to create unparalleled colours which offer artists the widest and most balanced choice of pigments, as it was in 1835 when William Winsor and Henry Newton introduced the first moist watercolours to the world.
Large Range of Single Pigment Colours
Our range uses only the finest pigments which is why they are known for their brilliance, permanence and strength of colour. With 79 single pigment colours, we offer the widest range of modern and traditional pigments.
Unrivalled Transparency
Formulated using the highest quality methods to achieve optimal pigment dispersion, our unrivalled transparency means every wash will remain vibrant and luminescent.
Lightfast and Permanent
104 out of 108 colours in the Professional Watercolour range are rated AA or A for permanence to ensure that the colours used today will appear the same for generations to come.
Accessible but uncompromising on quality with good tinting strength. Available in 40 colours.
Fine Art Pigments
Cotman Watercolours uses fine art pigments with reduced pigment load than the Professional Watercolour range, making them an accessible choice while still uncompromising on quality.
Transparent Colour
Formulated to create uniform consistency, the transparent quality of Cotman Watercolour is perfect for new users.
Lightfast and Permanent
Rated AA and A for Excellent and Good lightfastness, Cotman Watercolour gives artist the reassurance expected from a quality watercolour range.
Watercolour Mediums are used to create an even wider variety of techniques and effects for your work; from increasing drying time, improving flow and changing gloss and texture, they provide limitless opportunities. The Winsor & Newton range also includes art masking fluids to keep areas of the paper white.
Mediums
Add a small amount of medium to your colours to impart the desired properties to the watercolour.
Gum Arabic
Gum Arabic is the main binder in watercolour. It controls the flow of wet colour, slows drying and increases gloss and transparency. Using allows colour blending for longer and reduces staining.
Dilute with water as required.
Ox Gall Liquid
A wetting agent used for smooth washes and to enhance flow when mixed directly with watercolour. Reducing surface tension, It can also be used on very hard-sized paper. Add 3-4 drops per cup of water.
Blending Medium
Slows drying and maximises the working time of your watercolours, allowing you to achieve smoother blends. Use the Blending Medium to work different colours into each other or to show a single colour in all its intensity levels. Ensures pigments remain on the surface and strengthens their bond. It does not affect the colour or its other properties and for maximum effect dilute with the medium only, but can also be mixed with water.
Extends working time even in hot climates.
Granulation Medium
A low- viscosity formula, that increases the granulation of colour, giving a natural mottled appearance to colours which usually give a smooth wash (e.g. Winsor Blue), or enhancing the effect of granulating colours (e.g. French Ultramarine). For maximum effect dilute colour generously with medium alone.
Texture Medium
An additive that contains particles that add fine texture and can be used to give the impression of depth and structure. Creates a rough-looking surface to watercolour paintings. Apply directly to paper or mix with watercolour, it can be used to apply layers of colour. Shake well before use.
Aquapasto
A translucent gel that increases the viscosity of watercolour and gouache. Use this gel additive to thicken your colour, Aquapasto adds a plasticity, to give an impasto effect to your painting.
Effects
Effect auxiliaries enrich your watercolour painting adding for instance pearlescence or helping to lift paint off.
Iridescent Medium
Bring shine to your artwork by adding lustre with Iridescent Medium. Pearlescent particles add metallic effect to watercolour and is particularly effective when mixed with transparent colours especially over dark backgrounds. Mix with transparent watercolour or apply over a dried wash. Shake well before use.
Lifting Preparation
Prevents watercolour from sinking into the surface permanently. Apply Lifting Preparation directly to paper first and allow to dry before painting. Allows for easy removal of watercolour, using a wet brush or rag, with minimal or no traces. This is helpful for later corrections or when certain effects are intended.
Masking fluids
Apply to paper where you want to preserve its original colour. Protects the areas you do not want to paint.
Art Masking Fluid
A lightly tinted liquid, used to temporarily mask and preserve the paper when applying colour, as it prevents the paint adhering to the paper. Especially useful when trying to create fine details.
Do not apply on damp or soft sized paper. Remove as soon as possible after application. Brushes can be cleaned with water if washed immediately after use.
Colourless Art Masking Fluid
A colourless, non-staining liquid, used to temporarily mask and preserve the paper when applying colour, as it prevents the paint adhering to the paper. Especially useful when trying to create fine details.
Do not apply on damp or soft sized paper. Remove as soon as possible after application. Brushes can be cleaned with water if washed immediately after use.
Permanent Masking Medium
A non-removable, water repellent liquid designed for masking specific areas of paper, making them resistant to water and colour. When dry, the medium will repel washes and omit areas, preserving the original colour. Excellent for detail. Apply directly to the paper or tint with small amounts of watercolour. Allow to dry completely before overpainting.
