Hi sweet friend!
If you’re reading this, then it probably means you’re curious about exploring the wonderful world of watercolors (YAY!).
I remember when I first started many years ago. To be totally honest, I didn’t know anything about watercolors when I picked up a random set at a department store. I also used the absolutely worst type of paper – 3×5 notecards! I even had a whole website called Notecard Poetry because I would create mini art pieces, not really understanding how watercolors really work and also how important paper is (SO IMPORTANT).
Let me help you avoid making the same mistakes as me and share with you my favorite supplies to get you started (also supplies that are fairly inexpensive so you don’t feel like breaking the bank by trying out a new hobby).
1. Most Important Watercolor Supply Is Paper!
The most common mistake I see beginners make (hey I was there too!) was using the wrong paper for watercolor painting. This is so important because it has the ominous power to ruin your whole experience.
I highly recommend investing in watercolor paper. A common brand that I use is Canson 140 Lbs watercolor paper. I have honestly used this brand for a lot of my professional watercolor illustration work that ends up getting scanned and then used digitally. I also use this brand in my in-person watercolor workshops. This brand has never sponsored me (yet) though I sure wish they did!
Once you’re totally sure you love watercolors (please say YES!), then you can invest in more expensive type of paper. But as a beginner, I found that this watercolor paper works great and it’s especially nice to get larger pads and then tear the paper in half or quarters so that the size of the paper isn’t so intimidating.
2. My Recommended Watercolor Palette
We live in a wonderful world of abundant watercolor palette choices! That can be great but also intimidating if you’re brand new to this medium.
My best recommendation is to get this watercolor set (or one similar) because: it is affordable, it comes with a great number of colors, it’s flat and portable, AND the colors are vibrant.
I use these watercolor palettes for my workshops and they last for a long while. My favorite part is that you can just open up this palette and find a color option that is already available, a color that speaks to you! This palette also helps you eliminate the stress of worrying on how to mix colors properly. While color theory is important, it is not essential to be able to enjoy expressing yourself creatively.
3. My Recommended Watercolor Brush
Again – so many choices here as well!
My favorite watercolor brush for beginners is the Princeton Snap Synthetic brush. These come in all shapes and sizes and they can withstand some roughness (for example if you forget your brush dipped in a jar of water, you likely wont go to watercolor jail).
Looking for other fun watercolor supplies to try?
Check out my FREE guide of my recommended supplies!
