Must-Have Watercolor Supplies for Beginners

Start your watercolor journey with these must-have supplies that make painting joyful and approachable for beginners.

Beginning with the right tools can make your watercolor experience so much more enjoyable. Here’s a list of simple, high-quality supplies to help you get started.

1. A Watercolor Sketchbook

Look for a journal with thick, cold-pressed watercolor paper. It should hold washes without buckling. If this paper seems too thick for your liking, check the label for “good for light washes” at the very least.

2. A Basic Set of Paints

Start with a curated set of high-quality paints like Beam Paints or Winsor & Newton Cotman. A small palette goes a long way.  You can get a decent small set of good paints for under $50.

3. Round Brushes in Two Sizes

A size 6 and a size 10 round brush will give you the flexibility to paint details and broad strokes.

4. A Mixing Tray

You don’t need anything fancy. A ceramic dish or plastic palette will do beautifully.

5. A Soft Pencil and Waterproof Pen

Use these for sketching outlines or adding notes to your journal pages.

Want a complete list? Visit My Watercolor Supply List

Keep your supplies simple and well-loved. The most important thing is that they invite you to paint.

Join me for an artful retreat and I’ll walk you through how to use each of these watercolor tools in real time!