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!
Here is my list of basic supplies:
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:
When you buy watercolor paper, the cover usually mentions the weight and texture.
Even if you are buying Student grade paper, I highly recommend using 140 lb cold pressed paper because it handles the wetness better and buckles relatively lesser than a lighter weight paper.Here are 2 of my favorites:
- Canson XL 140 lb cold pressed paper, good for practicing the brush strokes, techniques and for simple projects
https://amzn.to/3EopxjO-Canson Montval Artist series is a good choice if you are using techniques with more water and also
for adding more textures.
https://amzn.to/3ZG0Ary ( Canson Montval 9 x 12 inches)
2. Paint:- Winsor and Newton Cotman series Tube colors are very good for getting started.
https://amzn.to/42F3ugW - (Winsor & Newton Watercolor Starter Set, 10 Tubes)- The colors are vibrant, they move and blend well
-Work well for creating textures using Salt
-I squeeze out some paint from the tubes onto my palette and let it dry.
Whenever I want to paint, I just reactivate the colors by adding a few drops of water.-Occasionally when I need more color to paint a bigger area, I squeeze out fresh paint from the tube and use it.
-You can also buy individual tubes online and in stores
-If you prefer to use pan colors you can use the Winsor and Newton pan set. It’s small and easy to carry around.
https://amzn.to/440N7x6. ( Winsor and Newton pan half pan set)*Please note: The student grade colors are not lightfast, so if your artwork is exposed to direct or indirect sunlight for a long period of time, the colors will fade. So please display your art on a wall away from sunlight : )
3. Brushes :
A couple round brushes with a good tip and one flat brush should be more than enough to get started.
Here are 2 of my favorite sets:Zen Art supplies brush set
Princeton Heritage Synthetic Sable watercolor brush set
https://amzn.to/44Bu24C4. Two bowls for water :
-One to clean the brushes
-The other for clean water to mix the colors and for wetting the paper (if you work wet on wet)
5. A rag or paper towel to wipe the brushes
6. Kneaded Eraser : I highly recommend using a kneaded eraser because regular erasers are too rough for the Watercolor paper
and bruise the surface. And since watercolors are transparent, the bruised surface shows even after paint is applied .
https://amzn.to/45qOEvB ( Kneaded eraser)
7. Masking tape or Washi tape to tape your paper on to a firm surface, to reduce ‘buckling’
(Buckling: When water soaks in, the paper fibers swell unevenly, so some areas puff up and others sink, creating little hills and valleys.
As it dries, those ripples often stay, making it harder to paint smooth washes. )
And here are Some Extra Supplies , just for Fun : )
Arteza Watercolor round pads
https://amzn.to/42dNB1T - (Arteza Watercolor Round Pads, 6.5" Diameter, 2-Pack)Bookmark pad
https://amzn.to/3ZIsVxs ( Hahnemuhle bookmark pad)Spray bottle
And most importantly the mindset to allow yourself to explore and play!
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!