Watercolor Basics: Supplies

Get Ready to Paint With Me!

Welcome to the world of watercolor!

In watercolor painting, professional supplies are very important, especially when it comes to brushes, paper and paint. Let's start with brushes: Loew-Cornell Ultra Round Brushes (series 7020) brushes are soft and flexible, hold a lot of water, have an exceptional point, and are happily inexpensive...perfect for a budget-conscious beginner and versatile enough for the advanced watercolorist. I discuss these brushes at length in Watercolor Painting Tools that I Love: My Favorite Budget-Friendly Brushes.

Good quality watercolor paper is essential, but unfortunately it can be pricey. Watercolor paper is available in a variety of brands, weights, textures and sizes; I like to purchase full sheets and then tear them to the size I need. Arches 140 lb Cold Press paper is a good choice, and if you buy it in a pad or a block the price is fairly reasonable, especially if you have a coupon! I generally purchase my supplies online at places like Dick Blick, but I've also seen Arches blocks and pads at Michael's and Walmart. Above all, be sure the paper you have is 100% cotton. It is very important that you not use student grade paper!

Finally, the type of watercolor paint that you use can make or break a painting. I recommend artist grade watercolors in tubes. Yes, they are expensive, but a little goes a long way! Student grade paints like Cotman may save you money but you will not be happy with the results. As far as colors are concerned, your palette should include at least one warm and one cool version of each primary color...transparent, non-staining colors if possible. You can find the full list of colors and brands that I use here, but you shouldn't feel you have to buy them if you have professional paints in comparable hues.