Watercolor Painting Supply Recommendations

Watercolor Paint BrushesA good brush can make a big difference in control and paint flow. I prefer sable brushes for their spring, fine points, and ability to hold paint. Here are the four brushes I use most of the time and recommend for small scale work.

Round Brushes for Detail Work
These are ideal for intricate details, fine lines, and delicate edges. My favorite is the Winsor and Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable Pointed Round, size 1. It is responsive, precise, and well balanced.
– Size 000 (very very small)
– Size 0 (very small)
– Size 1 (small)
– Small Brush Kit Has a 1, 0, 00

Angled Flat Brush
This brush works in two ways. You can use the flat edge for broader strokes and washes or the angled tip for finer lines. It is especially useful for traveling or plein air painting because it can replace two brushes. I work on a smaller scale, so these sizes suit me well. If you work larger, you may want to scale up your brush sizes.
– Size 6 to 10 millimeters
– Size 3/8 to 1/2 inch

Starter Watercolor Brush Kit
If you’re just getting going with watercolor brushes, a starter set (pictured here) can be a smart way to build your toolkit. For example, this kit is a solid pick: Maestro 8-Piece Watercolor Sable Brush Set. It gives you a variety of useful brush shapes and sizes so that you can try out different styles and figure out what works best for you without committing to costly individual brushes. If you feel like you want smaller brushes you could always add the Small Brush Kit.

Watercolor PaperChoosing the right paper is just as important as choosing your paints and brushes. I prefer cold pressed paper because it has a slightly textured surface that holds pigment well and works beautifully for washes, layering, and detail.

Cold Pressed vs. Hot PressedCold Pressed Paper
This paper has a medium texture that gives your paint something to grip, making it ideal for most watercolor techniques. It is forgiving, handles layering well, and allows for a range of effects from smooth washes to more textured strokes.

Hot Pressed Paper
Hot pressed paper has a very smooth surface. It is great for fine detail work and creating clean, crisp lines, but it does not absorb water as quickly and can be less forgiving for beginners.

When you are starting out, cold pressed is a versatile choice. It balances texture, absorption, and ease of use, which makes it perfect for students and hobbyists alike.

What to BuyFor most watercolor work, I recommend 140 lb paper. This weight is sturdy enough to handle washes without warping too much and works well for both small and medium-sized paintings.

Two reliable brands I often use are:
– Canson – Affordable, widely available, and consistent quality. Great for students and hobbyists.
– Strathmore – Excellent surface texture and pigment absorption, perfect for more detailed or layered work.
– Mini Journal – This is the journal I give to my students in the Watercolor Journaling class.

Both brands offer cold-pressed sheets or blocks, which are ideal for most watercolor techniques. I usually work small, so I often buy larger sheets and cut them down. This is a great way to save money. If you are starting out, you don’t need to buy a large pad, testing a few sheets first can help you find the surface that works best for your style.

Watercolor PalettesA good palette makes mixing and using your paints easier, whether you are at home or on the go. One of my favorite options is a simple pie tin. It fits perfectly in a one-gallon zip lock bag for travel, and I can place a small jar of water in the center. I like being able to freely mix colors around the whole tin, and once the paints are out of the tube they harden. This makes it perfect for travel because you just add water to refresh the paint into a usable state.

On a recent trip to Puerto Rico, I also tried a new travel palette that I really liked. It allowed me to enclose my four favorite brushes within the case, which made it easy to travel light while still having all my essential tools at hand. Both options are excellent, and choosing between them depends on whether you prefer a flexible mixing area or a compact, all-in-one travel setup.