Watercolor Painting Supply Recommendations
Choosing the right materials can make a huge difference in the ease, enjoyment, and final look of your watercolor paintings.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade your toolkit, here are the supplies I personally use and recommend to my students.
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 is a list of brushes I use most often 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.
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.
Custom Cutting PaperI often buy larger sheets of watercolor paper and cut them down to the size I want. When planning your cuts, consider standard framing sizes. For example, a 4×6 mat will need a little extra paper around your painting so it can be mounted cleanly.
I always add about half an inch to both dimensions. That way, I can tape down a quarter inch and still have a quarter inch of extra margin for mounting. For example, if I want a finished 4×6 painting, I will cut my paper to 4 1/2 by 6 1/2 inches. This makes taping, framing, and presenting your artwork much easier.
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.
Watercolor Boards
Watercolor Field Trip participants will have the opportunity to make their own boards during the first Wednesday session.
I make my own watercolor boards using materials from the hardware store. My favorite are 1/8 inch MDF panels that are pre-finished with an acrylic top coat. The top coat makes cleanup easy and allows tape to be removed without damaging the surface. You can also buy pre-cut boards if you prefer.
I like boards that are lightweight and easy to carry, especially for outdoor painting. Thicker boards are heavier, which is why I stick with 1/8 inch panels. Since I typically work small, in sizes like 4×6 or 8×10, this thickness is perfect.
A key consideration is that you need space to tape your paper down. To give yourself enough room, I make my boards 10×12 inches, which provides an extra inch around an 8×10 sheet. This also allows me to tape down two 4×6 pieces of paper at once if I want.
The Watercolorist’s Essential NotebookThe Watercolorist’s Essential Notebook by Gordon MacKenzie is a concise, inspiring guide that blends practical watercolor techniques with artistic insight, encouraging painters to build skills while developing their own expressive style. Buy the Book
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Let’s make it happen!
I currently offer two types of private watercolor classes: Watercolor Postcard Painting or Watercolor Journaling. Either can be done as a tour or done independently of a tour. I occasionally partner with other businesses to host classes around the area as well.
Check out The Roaming Studio, where art meets adventure! The offerings include Watercolor Field Trips and Creative Escapes.