Just get started!
Supplies really do make a big difference in the Watercolor process!
But if the thought of ‘wasting’ the expensive supplies is stopping you from actually painting, then it’s better to just use some basic supplies and actually paint more consistently.
Being a perfectionist, I started with the best paper and paints out there— but once I had them, I was so scared to waste them that I would just wait for inspiration to strike so that I could create ‘that masterpiece’ using my amazing supplies! Needless to say, I did not really learn much!
I feel that when you are just getting started, it’s okay to use student grade supplies if that helps you overcome the feeling of ‘wasting the supplies’ and lets you paint more consistently, rather than having the best professional grade supplies but painting once in a blue moon!
Because growth happens only with consistent practice!
So get the basic supplies, play, and enjoy the process…….and once you start understanding watercolors better, you can always upgrade your supplies!
🖌️ Basic Watercolor Supplies (Quick List)
Please note that I have included some links for the supplies and they are affiliate links. If you use these links and purchase the supplies, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thanks for your support!
Paper
Paint
Brushes
Tools & Accessories
Two bowls for water (one for rinsing, one for clean water)
Rag or paper towel to wipe brushes
Masking tape or Washi tape to secure paper
Bonus / Fun Extras
Spray bottle
And most importantly — the mindset to explore and play! 🎨
Below are the reasons I love and recommend each of these supplies, along with some tips on how to use them effectively.
🧾 Paper
When you buy watercolor paper, the cover usually mentions the weight and texture.
Even if you’re buying student-grade paper, I highly recommend using 140 lb cold pressed because it handles wetness better and buckles less than lighter paper.
My favorites:
Canson XL 140 lb Cold Pressed Paper
Great for practicing brush strokes, learning techniques, and doing simple projects.
Student grade but performs really well for everyday studies.
Canson Montval Artist Series (9 x 12 inches)
Ideal for techniques that use more water or layering textures.
Feels sturdier and gives smoother washes.
🎨 Paint
Winsor & Newton Cotman Series Tubes
Vibrant, easy to blend, and perfect for beginners.
Great for creating textures (like using salt!).
I squeeze some paint onto my palette and let it dry — then reactivate it with a few drops of water whenever I paint.
For larger areas, I just use fresh paint from the tube. You can also buy individual tubes online or in stores.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Pan Half Pan Set
Compact and travel-friendly.
Perfect if you like painting outdoors or on the go.
💡 Note: Student-grade paints aren’t lightfast, so if your artwork will be displayed, keep it away from direct or indirect sunlight to prevent fading.
🖌️ Brushes
A few good brushes go a long way!
Start with a couple of round brushes with good tips and one flat brush for washes.
Recommended sets:
Both hold water well and give you great control whether you’re painting fine details or larger washes.
💧 Other Essentials
Two bowls for water
One for cleaning brushes, the other for clean water to mix colors or wet your paper (for wet-on-wet techniques).Rag or paper towel
To blot brushes, control moisture, and lift extra paint.Gentle on watercolor paper — regular erasers can bruise the surface, which shows through transparent layers.
Moldable, so you can shape it to lift specific areas.
Masking or Washi tape
Use it to secure your paper to a firm surface and minimize buckling (when the paper ripples after getting wet).
Buckling happens when fibers swell unevenly, creating little “hills and valleys” that affect smooth washes.
🌟 Extra Supplies (Just for Fun!)
Arteza Watercolor Round Pads, 6.5" Diameter (2-Pack)
Perfect for creating fun circular pieces and experimenting with compositions.Hahnemühle Bookmark Pad
Great for quick practice or making small, giftable art pieces.Spray bottle
Handy for reactivating paints or creating texture effects.And most importantly… the mindset to explore and play!
Remember: watercolor is as much about discovery as it is about technique. Let yourself experiment.
Whenever you find yourself saying :
“I’m not good at this.”
➡ Change it to: “With every brushstroke I am progressing”
“I’m wasting paper and paint.”
➡ Change it to: “Supplies are tools for learning and are helping me grow!”
“My painting doesn’t look perfect.”
➡ Change it to: “It’s about enjoying the process of creating, not about perfection”
“I keep making mistakes.”
➡ Change it to: “Every time I make a mistake, I learn something new about the process”
“I don’t know where to start”
Change it to: “I can start small and simple , play, and learn as I go.”
“I’m scared I’ll ruin it.”
➡ Change it to: “ It’s just paper and paint, if i mess this one, I can just take a
new paper and start fresh again”
Anytime we learn something new, we are stepping out of our comfort zone.
Be kind to yourself and allow yourself to enjoy and embrace the process!