Supplies
A basic watercolor setup can fit into a small desk drawer. I focus on supplies that are comfortable to use and easy to replace rather than buying every tool at once. Having fewer supplies also makes it easier to figure out which materials actually affect my painting. I would rather become comfortable using what I already have before investing in something more expensive.
My beginner supply list
- Watercolor paint: A small set with a few dependable colors is enough for most projects.
- Watercolor paper: Thick paper helps handle moisture and repeated washes.
- Round brushes: One medium brush and one small detail brush cover many techniques.
- Water containers: Two cups help keep clean water separate from paint-filled water.
- Paper towels and a mixing palette: Both make it easier to control the amount of water on the brush.
Choosing paper
Paper weight is commonly described in grams per square meter (gsm). Many painters choose 300 gsm paper because it generally holds up well to wet techniques. It is useful to experiment with both cold-pressed textured paper and smoother hot-pressed paper. I have noticed that the paper can make a bigger difference than people expect. Thin paper may wrinkle when too much water is applied, which can make practicing washes frustrating. Starting with paper made for watercolor gives me more room to experiment without worrying as much about damaging the page.
Supplies at a glance
| Item | Purpose | Beginner tip |
|---|---|---|
| Round brush | Washes and details | Use light pressure for thin strokes. |
| Watercolor paper | Painting surface | Tape the edges for a clean border. |
| Mixing palette | Combining colors | Test new blends on scrap paper. |
| Clean water | Lightening color | Change the water when it becomes cloudy. |
You can learn more about art materials from Blick's learning resources.