supplies
These are just the items I recommend — not necessarily the cheapest place you can find them at any given time, so shop around a little!
New to watercolor?
Grab these to get started — this is everything you need for your first session.
- Paints: Winsor & Newton Cotman Pocket Set
- Brush: Princeton Heritage Series, size 8
- Paper: Canson 9 × 12, cold pressed
- Palette: Small folding palette
- Other: pencil, eraser, water cup, spray bottle, paper towel, masking tape
Paints
- Winsor & Newton Cotman Pocket SetBeginner
Convenient ready-to-go option. Still grab a separate palette — you'll need more mixing space.
- Winsor & Newton Student grade — full set or individual tubesIntermediate
For working with liquid watercolors that dry down (like in class).
- Winsor & Newton Professional tube watercolorsAdvanced
My most-used paints.
- Sennelier honey-based watercolorsAdvanced
Appear slightly glossier after drying — beautiful pigments.
Brushes
- Princeton Heritage Series, size 8Beginner
A good brush makes a huge difference. Start with just this one, but make the investment.
- Princeton Heritage Series — expand your size rangeIntermediate
I still use this series! Start adding sizes — a size 2 is great for details.
- Large wash brushAdvanced
Worth adding eventually for covering large areas quickly.
Paper
- Beginner
- Beginner
- Arches Block 12 × 16Advanced
Cotton paper — holds water differently and is worth the upgrade when you're ready.
Palette
- Intermediate
- Large folding paletteAdvanced
Personally prefer this one — more mixing room.
Other
Starting out
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Water cup
- Paper towel
- Masking tape
- Surface to tape your paper to
Clipboard, sturdy cardboard, or any flat surface you can tape to.
- A table you're okay getting wet
As you continue
- Masking fluid
- Fun mediums — iridescent is a great one to try