Essential Watercolor Painting Supplies for Beginners

Getting Started with Watercolor Painting

Starting your watercolor journey doesn't require a huge investment. With a few essential supplies, you can begin exploring this beautiful and expressive medium. Here's what every beginner needs to get started.

1. Watercolor Paints

For beginners, I recommend starting with a basic set of 12-24 colors in either pans or tubes. Student-grade paints from brands like Winsor & Newton Cotman or Grumbacher Academy offer excellent quality at an affordable price. As you develop your skills, you can gradually invest in artist-grade pigments.

2. Watercolor Paper

Quality paper makes a significant difference in watercolor painting. Look for cold-pressed paper with a weight of at least 140 lb (300 gsm). This weight prevents excessive buckling when wet. Brands like Strathmore 400 series are great budget-friendly options for practice. I buy the large Strathmore pad and cut my paper to the size I want!

3. Brushes

Start with three essential brushes: a large round (size 10-12), a medium round (size 6-8), and a small detail brush (size 2-4). Synthetic brushes work well for beginners and are more affordable than natural hair options. Look for brushes that hold their point and spring back into shape.

4. Palette

A simple white ceramic plate or plastic palette works perfectly for mixing colors. If you're using pan paints, many sets come with built-in mixing areas. The key is having enough space to create your color mixtures.

5. Water Containers

Use two containers—one for rinsing your brushes and one for clean water to mix with your paints. Any clean jars or cups will work, though dedicated watercolor containers with multiple compartments can be helpful. Most of the time I use 1 jar and wash it out frequently!

 

Tips for Choosing Your Supplies

Don't feel pressured to buy the most expensive materials right away. Student-grade supplies are perfect for learning techniques and building confidence. As you discover your preferences and style, you can gradually upgrade individual items.

The most important thing is to start painting! Experiment with your supplies, practice different techniques, and enjoy the process of learning this wonderful medium.

Happy painting!