If you're new to watercolor, walking into an art supply store can be a little overwhelming.
There are hundreds of brushes, dozens of papers, more paint colors than anyone could possibly need, and enough specialty supplies to make you wonder if you accidentally signed up for a second career.
The good news?
You don't need all of it.
After years of painting and teaching watercolor, I've learned that having the right supplies is much more important than having a lot of supplies.
In fact, one of the things I spend a lot of time teaching my students is how to get comfortable with the materials they already have.
You don't need the most expensive brush.
You don't need 47 colors.
And you definitely don't need every watercolor gadget that catches your eye.
You need a few good basics—and you need to understand how to use them.
So let's talk about what actually matters when you're putting together your watercolor supplies.
The Most Important Supply Isn't Something You Buy
After all these years of painting and teaching, I think the most important thing you can bring to your watercolor table is confidence in your materials.
You don't need to know everything before you begin.
You need to become familiar with your supplies.
Learn what happens when your brush is very wet.
Learn what happens when it isn't.
See how your paper responds.
Mix your colors.
Make ugly marks.
Try again.
That's how you stop being intimidated by your supplies and start feeling like you know what you're doing.
And that is really the goal.
Not having the biggest collection of watercolor supplies.
Knowing how to use what you have.
Because once you understand your materials, you can stop worrying about the supplies...
and get back to the part you actually came to do.
Paint.
Essential Watercolor Tools: What You Really Need to Begin
Starting with watercolor can feel overwhelming because there are so many options. But the heart of your practice lies in a few simple, quality tools that invite you to experiment and express.
What are Good Quality Watercolor Brands?
Choosing Your Watercolor Paint
This is where watercolor beginners tend to get themselves into trouble.
You walk into an art store, see a beautiful set of 36 colors, and think, “That must be what I need.”
It isn't.
You can create an enormous range of colors with a surprisingly small palette. In fact, I would much rather see a student learn how their paints mix than reach for a different color every time they need one.
Understanding your paint is part of learning to paint.
When choosing a watercolor brand, there are a few things that matter more than having a huge selection of colors:
Pigment Quality: Look for paints with a good concentration of pigment. Quality watercolor should give you strong, transparent color without requiring half the tube to get there.
Lightfastness: If you're creating paintings you want to keep, look for paints rated for good lightfastness. This tells you how well the pigments are expected to hold their color over time when exposed to light.
Consistency: Good watercolor should mix smoothly and behave predictably. You want to be able to control the amount of pigment and water rather than fighting with the paint.
And don't assume that the most expensive paint is automatically the best choice for you.
There are excellent student-grade paints that are perfectly suitable for learning, while professional-grade paints can be worth the investment as your skills develop.
My advice? Start with a manageable palette and learn what your colors can do.
Once you understand how your paint behaves, you'll find that you need far fewer colors than you thought.
Some brands offer student-grade paints that are perfect for beginners, while others provide professional-grade options for more experienced artists. It’s worth trying a few to see which feel right for your style and budget.
When I select paints for my watercolor art kits, I focus on those that balance quality and accessibility, so every artist can experience the joy of rich, glowing color.
The Magic of Brushes: Choosing and Caring for Your Tools
A Few Good Brushes
You don't need an entire brush collection.
Start with a good round brush or two, perhaps a larger wash brush, and something smaller for details.
What matters most is learning what your brushes can actually do.
One good brush can make a surprising number of marks when you learn how to use the tip, belly and pressure of the brush.
And this is where practice matters more than shopping.
A $15 brush in the hands of someone who knows how to use it will usually outperform a $40 brush that never gets used properly.
Here’s what I’ve learned about brushes:
Shape and Size: Round brushes are versatile for detail and washes. Flats are great for broad strokes and backgrounds.
Material: Synthetic brushes are budget-friendly and durable. Sable or squirrel hair brushes offer exquisite control and softness but require gentle care.
Care Tips: Always rinse brushes thoroughly after use. Shape the bristles gently and let them dry flat or with the bristles pointing down to avoid damage.
Good Watercolor Paper: The Foundation of Your Watercolor Practice
Watercolor paper is more than just a surface - it’s where your colors breathe and mingle. Choosing the right paper can transform your painting experience.
This is probably the place I tell beginners to spend their money.
Your paper makes a huge difference in how watercolor behaves.
Cheap paper can make you think you're a terrible painter when, in reality, your paper is fighting you.
Look for 140 lb. cold-pressed watercolor paper to start. It has enough texture to handle watercolor well without being difficult to work on.
You don't have to buy the most expensive paper available. But I would rather see a student use fewer sheets of good paper than a giant stack of paper that makes painting frustrating.
Investing in a few quality brushes and caring for them well will reward you with years of faithful service.
Weight: 140 lb (300 gsm) is ideal for most projects. It resists warping and holds water well.
Texture: Cold-pressed paper has a slight texture that adds character and helps hold pigment. Hot-pressed paper is smooth and great for fine detail.
Size: Start with manageable sizes like 9x12 inches to practice without feeling overwhelmed.
A Palette
You don't need anything fancy here either.A simple palette with wells for your colors works beautifully.And don't be afraid of a messy palette.
A watercolor palette that has been used is usually a sign that somebody is actually painting.
Mine aren't winning any beauty contests.They're working palettes.
Your palette is your mixing garden. A white surface helps you see true colors. Ceramic palettes are easy to clean and durable, while plastic palettes are lightweight and portable.
Beyond the Basics: Extras That Enhance Your Watercolor Experience
Two Water Containers
Yes, two.
One for the really dirty water and one for cleaner water.
It's a small thing, but it makes a difference.
And if you've ever accidentally dipped your clean brush into the water that looked like it came straight out of a mud puddle, you already understand why.
Paper Towels
Don't skip these.
Watercolor is largely about controlling water, which means you're going to need a way to remove some of it when you have too much.
Paper towels can help lift color, soften edges, blot excess water and rescue the occasional situation that looked much better five seconds earlier.
Yes, watercolor has situations.
Once you have your essentials, a few extras can deepen your practice and add joy to your process:
Masking Fluid: This liquid latex protects areas of your paper from paint, allowing you to preserve whites and highlights.
Spray Bottle: A fine mist of water can keep your palette moist or create interesting textures on paper.
Watercolor Pencils: These are perfect for sketching or adding details that blend with your washes.
Sketchbook: A dedicated watercolor sketchbook encourages daily practice and experimentation.
Each of these tools invites you to explore new techniques and express your unique vision.
Embracing the Journey with Your Watercolor Painting Supplies
Watercolor is a gentle teacher. It asks us to be patient, to observe, and to embrace happy accidents. The right watercolor painting supplies are like trusted friends on this path, helping you slow down and savor each brushstroke.
As you gather your tools, remember that the most important ingredient is your own curiosity and joy. Every splash of color is a small celebration of creativity and light.
May your paints flow like rivers, your brushes dance like spring breezes, and your paper bloom with the colors of your heart.
Happy painting!
