Watercolour Supply Shop

Starting watercolour classes doesn't have to make your wallet weep!  You might be surprised at how little you need to get started:

  • a round watercolour brush, size 4 or 6 recommended
  • watercolour paper (140 lb. hot or cold press)
  • watercolour paint
  • something to mix paint on - a plastic palette or even an old dinner plate
  • a cup of water

Other things that are not necessary but are nice to have are:

  • a paper towel or two
  • a pencil and eraser
  • washi or masking tape (Michaels usually has rolls for 50 cents!)
  • a white gel pen or white paint

If you need a little more guidance, I've included a list of my favourites below. 

 

Recommendations

If you're having trouble choosing your own supplies or have no idea where to start, here are a few suggestions of products I've tried.  If you do buy watercolour tubes individually, I'd recommend having the primary colours (red, yellow, and blue) along with black – you can mix the rest.  

* Amazon links are affiliate links but I provided links to better-priced options where available. Make sure you shop around for the pricier items like Arches and Silver brushes!

BRUSHES

  • GOOD:  Winsor & Newton Cotman, Size 6 Round (Michaels)
  • BETTER:  Wonder Forest Brush Set (Amazon)
  • BEST:  Silver Black Velvet, Size 6 Round  (Delta Art)


PAPER

  • GOOD:  Strathmore 8x10" Sheets, 10 Sheets (Amazon)
  • BETTER:  Wonder Forest 9x12" Pad, 20 Sheets (Amazon)
  • BEST:  Arches 9x12" Block, 10 Sheets (Delta Art)

PAINT

  • GOOD:  Arteza Pans, Set of 12 (Amazon)
  • BETTER: Winsor & Newton Cotman Tubes Set (Amazon) or Grumbacher Academy Paint Tubes (Michaels)
  • BEST:  Winsor & Newton Professional Tubes (Michaels)

MISC

  • Dr Ph Martin's Bleedproof White Ink (Amazon)
  • Gelly Roll White Gel Pen (Michaels)
  • Mixing Palette (Michaels)
  • Drafter's Tape (Amazon)
  • Retractable Eraser (Michaels)
  • A tumbler with a lid so you don't accidentally drink paint water (Amazon)