Best Watercolor Supplies: Everything Artists Need To Create!
The ARTEZA watercolor paint set is a must-have for artists because its 60 shades come in easy-to-squeeze tubes and bonds to the paper surface fast. But for illustrations and posters, the HIMI Gouache Paint Set is a dependable option. Thinking of transforming commonplace scenes into something extraordinary? Getting your hands on the right watercolor painting […]
The ARTEZA watercolor paint set is a must-have for artists because its 60 shades come in easy-to-squeeze tubes and bonds to the paper surface fast. But for illustrations and posters, the HIMI Gouache Paint Set is a dependable option.
Thinking of transforming commonplace scenes into something extraordinary? Getting your hands on the right watercolor painting supplies is all you need to create your watercolor masterpiece.
Too often beginners, though, feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of watercolor supplies on the market. As a result, they end up purchasing the wrong art supplies. This is why I decided to highlight my favorite watercolor art supplies that offer great value for money.
Best Watercolor Supplies For Beginners
1. Watercolor Paints – ARTEZA Watercolor Paint
- Highly Pigmented Colors - These paints are rich with pigment...
- Paint Conservation - With the paint in tubes, you can...
Among the various watercolor paints I have tried, the ARTEZA Watercolor Paint is a great set for both advanced painters and beginners alike, as it comes in easy-to-squeeze tubes. The box contains 60 highly pigmented shades, including burnt umber, titanium gray, scarlet red, and stone blue. Overall, this set contains each and every primary color you’ll need to add life to your creations.
Building layers won’t be challenging with this watercolor paint set, as the binder adheres to the paper quickly. Glazing, layering, blending, gradient, dry brush or wet brush painting– you can use it for a variety of techniques to create your masterpiece.
Equally noteworthy is that these brilliant shades are ACMI-certified, so they are non-toxic and safe for people of all ages. Coming only in a semi-gloss finish, this watercolor paint is available in 3 pack options, ensuring you can pick accordingly.
Not to forget, a sturdy box is included in the package for users to keep the paint colors organized.
2. Gouache – HIMI Gouache Paint Set
- 24 LASTING VIBRANT COLORS: each color has 30 ml large...
- HIGH-QUALITY PAINT BRUSHES: Highly durable brushes, 2 flat...
Searching for opaque paints for comics, illustrations, posters, and other design works? Well, the HIMI Gouache Paint Set would be a worthy addition to your art supply kit.
The consistency of each of the 24 non-toxic vibrant colors is thick and more viscous than watercolor. Therefore, it retains spatula or brush marks, giving your watercolor paintings a brilliant texture. And if you want to make them thin, dilute the paints with water, and you’ll be good to go!
Other than artist-quality watercolors, 3 paint brushes are supplied with this paint set– 2 flat tip brushes and 1 round tip brush.
Where most gouache paints come in tubes, HIMI supplies them in unique jelly cups of 30 ml. There’s no chance of the paints drying or cracking, as the jelly cups feature lids to keep the shades creamy and wet.
What’s more, the portable carrying case comes with a pen tray where you can store the watercolor brushes for your ease. Best of all is this set is covered by a 100% money-back guarantee?
3. Natural Bristle Brush – Jieklove Artist Paint Brushes Set
- PREMIUM DURABLE WOODEN HANDLE ； Artist Paint Brush Set，...
- BELIEVE YOU CAN COMMAND THE PRICE YOU WANT FOR YOUR...
The jieklove Artist Paint Brushes Set is ideal for students and artists venturing into the world of watercolor paintings because it contains 13 kolinsky sable brushes, including fan, flat and round brushes.
Stiff and ideal for oil painting, the fibers of these natural hair brushes are constructed using hog hairs that are knotted together and adjusted with hands. Because of this, hardly any hair is left on the canvas while painting.
Added to that is an aluminum ferrule that keeps the bristles intact so the hairs don’t stick and destroy your masterpiece. Even the handles are anti-peeling, provided you soak them in water for 48 hours before use.
Unlike synthetic brushes, cleaning these brushes is a breeze– simply use a lint-free cloth to wipe them, and the bristles will be squeaky clean. These brushes are suitable for multi-functional use, from craft art painting to watercolor painting, so they are worth every cent.
4. Synthetics Bristle Brush – ARTEGRIA Watercolor Brush Set
- Designed For Water-Based Paints - Wide variety of shapes and...
- High Absorption, Consistent Flow - Soft synthetic squirrel...
Elegant, durable, and relatively affordable, the ARTEGRIA Watercolor Brush Set contains 10 lightweight and well-balanced brushes. Further their short handles enhance the user-friendliness of these brushes.
What I especially like about these short-handle brushes is that holding them for long periods does not put unnecessary pressure on the hands or cause hand fatigue.
Blending natural squirrel brush characteristics with the springiness of synthetic filaments, these brushes ensure smooth and precise strokes. Also, they are easy to clean and last longer than natural squirrel brushes.
As for the ferrules, they are double-crimped to ensure the bristles do not shed during usage. Flat brush, dagger striper brush, or round brush– this set contains brushes of all sizes and shapes. Be it large washes or fine brush strokes, you can pull off every watercolor painting technique with ease.
Unlike most cheap-quality synthetic brushes, the handle doesn’t flake, thanks to the varnish coating.
5. Masking Fluid – Winsor & Newton Art Masking Fluid
- Art masking fluid is a pigmented liquid composed of rubber...
- For masking areas of work needing protection when color is...
Want to achieve the bokeh effect without tearing watercolor papers? Try the masking fluid from Winsor & Newton that creates a protective mask on watercolor paper.
Composed of pigment and rubber latex, this art masking fluid is usable on dry papers, white papers, and previously colored areas. Upon application, it acts like skin by sitting over the areas of the watercolor pads that you wish to shield from the color wash. When you’re done applying the color wash, gently remove the masking fluid, and you’ll be good to go!
The Art Masking Fluid is yellow in color, so it may not be a suitable choice for soft papers. In that case, you can opt for the colorless fluid offered by the brand.
Besides a 2.5-ounce bottle, it’s available in 2.54 fluid ounces and 8.4-ounce bottles, along with gum arabic binder and gouache tube pattern.
6. Masking Tape – ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape
- READY. SET. PAINT!: 6 rolls of 0.94 inch wide ScotchBlue...
- DAMAGE-FREE PAINTING TAPE: Adhesive tape can stay on...
There’s no better way to mask a watercolor than using painter’s tape. And when it comes to masking tape, I prefer the ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape because it is 0.94 inches wide, decent enough for DIY projects like plein air painting.
Secondly, it’s easy to apply– clean the watercolor paper, lay the tape, secure it and let it set. After removing it, what I like the most is that the tape doesn’t leave a sticky residue behind, despite being a strong adhesive tape. So rest assured, your creations won’t be ruined.
Its functionality isn’t limited to watercolor painting, as it can be used on glass, tiles, baseboards, trims, and textured walls. What’s even better is that this solvent-free watercolor paint is resistant to sunlight, UV rays, and moisture.
7. Sea Sponges – Lullingworth Natural Sea Sponges
- VALUE PACK: 2 unbleached natural sea sponges. Reusable &...
- SPONGE SIZE: Approx 5"-5.5" (measured when sponges are wet)
Achieving certain effects using brushes is difficult, and that’s why sea sponges are among the most important watercolor painting supplies that every artist must have.
Of all the sea sponges, I like the Lullingworth Natural Sea Sponges because their naturally irregular surface finish makes them ideal for creating a variety of effects. I have created effects like marbleizing, faux finishes, texturing, and many more on watercolor paper.
Sporting a blend of light brown and yellow color, each sea sponge is unbleached and weighs around 5” to 5.5” when wet.
With these sponges, creating special effects by applying multiple layers on watercolor paper or cold press paper is easy-peasy because of their fibers. Better yet, they leave no hairs on the paper like paintbrushes and are easy to clean.
Not to forget, these carefully sourced sponges last for months if cared for properly; hence, they are an economical option.
8. Absorbent Paper Towels Or Cloths – WypAll Power Clean X80 Heavy Duty Cloths
- This red jumbo roll contains 475 WypAll Power Clean X80...
- Proprietary HydroKnit technology is fast absorbing to wick...
From wiping excess paint from the brush to absorbing artist-grade paints from the watercolor pads, the WypAll Power Clean X80 Heavy Duty Cloths is up to tackle all kinds of tasks. That’s because this red jumbo roll is woven with high-tech HydroKnit fast-absorbing material, which scrubs off liquids quickly and efficiently.
On top of that, soft pulp fibers attached to a polypropylene base sheet are used in this paper towel roll for quick absorbency. Not just that, but it also adds to the longevity of the cloth, meaning it will last for years despite being used regularly.
Where other cleaning towels and rental shop towels are unusable after rigorous cleaning, these are reusable towels.
Other than red color, they are sold in blue and white colors and 3 size options. And since they score high on durability, you can use them for a variety of tasks like cleaning grease, and oil, wiping metal shavings from textile machinery, and so on.
9. Watercolor Paper – Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad
- Acid-free
- Made in the USA
For larger watercolor paintings with less details, the Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor Paper Pad will be the right pick. Wondering why? Well, its cold press surface is the reason why it’s a popular option among watercolor artists.
Because of the little bumps, this paper responds well to a variety of techniques, from sgraffito to wet-on-wet paint technique.
Even beginners can get their hands on this watercolor paper pad because its smooth side is ideal for practicing and perfecting techniques. Moreover, it’s acid-free, meaning your artwork will be preserved for years to come.
Sheet pack, tape binding, and wire binding– this watercolor paper pad is available in 3 styles to cater to the needs of all kinds of artists. You’ll also be pleased to know that it comes in 3 sizes, from 9 x 12 to 18 x 24.
Oh, and it’s sold as a package of 24 smooth paper and cold press paper sheets, so you can create plenty of artwork on them.
10. Watercolor Pencils – Castle Art Supplies 72 Watercolor Pencils Set
- MADE TO MAKE IT EASY Ultimate watercolor pencil set, named,...
- TOTALLY ALL YOU NEED Arranged in vibrant color families, the...
With the Castle Art Supplies 72 Watercolor Pencils Set, creating everything from simple sketches to fully developed masterpieces is easy. Just activate them with a little bit of water and a paintbrush, and the pencil lead will blend and dissolve by melting. Whatever you make using them will appear like a painting.
These highly pigmented vibrant color pencils feature break-resistant leads, which create their mark like colored pencils.
Arranged in a 3-hinged high-grade tin box, these watercolor pencils are named, numbered, and color-coded for ease of use. You can access the 3 pencil trays by lifting each, as they are removable.
Over and above that, these intensely pigmented colors are carefully curated by studio artists to allow artists to experiment with a variety of effects like gradation, blending, and wet-on-dry paper technique. Finally, this watercolor pencils set is backed by a unique money-back guarantee.
11. Watercolor Brush Pens – ARTEZA Real Brush Pens
- Amazing Quality for the Money: Try them & see for yourself....
- Endless Creative Options: Use your Arteza Paint Brush Pens...
Sporting fine and flexible tips, the ARTEZA Real Brush Pens are ideal for creating delicate watercolor effects. But its use isn’t limited to that; you can use it for coloring, dry-brush painting, sketching, calligraphy, and other art-related tasks. Therefore, it’s among the versatile art supplies for beginners.
Consisting of 24 premium colors, including peach and dolphin gray, the pens are neither too long nor too short but just of the right height. Even the weight of the pen is evenly distributed, so using it for long hours won’t cause hand fatigue.
Because of the precise control offered by these lightweight pens, creating gradients or light pastel washes wouldn’t be a problem.
Aside from the 24 real brush pens, the box contains 1 water brush pen to add dimension and fine lines to your artwork without the fuss of cleaning the brush sets. I also like the pigment indicator at the very end of the barrel, because of which I didn’t have to uncap the pens during usage.
12. Watercolor Markers – ARTEZA Watercolor Markers
- Self-Moistening, Self-Cleaning Durable Nylon Bristles: You...
- Highly Pigmented Water-Based Color That Won’t Bleed: Our...
Want to improve your watercolor painting skills without learning dozens of wash techniques and details? Then these watercolor markers from ARTEZA would be ideal for beginners as their ease of use allows budding artists to master their watercolor painting skills at their pace.
Sold as a pack of 48 colors, these watercolor markers are highly pigmented, which is why they are also suitable for illustrating and calligraphy. Despite being highly pigmented, these water-based ink markers do not bleed onto the paper. Rest assured, they won’t damage your precious artwork.
The claim of non-toxicity is testified by the ACMR certificate, so it’s completely safe for use for people of all age groups.
Boasting a slim profile, these markers are ergonomically designed to prevent hand fatigue. Other than the 48 well-crafted pens, the package contains 1 water brush pen, which comes in handy for creating gradients and blending harsh lines.
All things aside, you need not wash these markers, as they feature self-cleaning nylon bristles, which are self-moistening too.
13. Graphite Pencil – Mr. Pen- Sketch Pencils For Drawing
- This Set Offers The Core Range Of Harnesses Of Graphite...
- Includes 14 Graphite Pencils (6H, 5H, 4H, 3H, 2H, HB, B, 2B,...
Designed for both novices and professionals alike, the Mr. Pen – Sketch Pencils For Drawing comes in a set of 14 in a tin box. That means the package includes pencils of a variety of hardness from HB and 6H to 8B and 10B.
Because of this reason, this sketch pencil set is a must-have for artists of all levels– beginner, intermediate and advanced.
What makes these pencils ideal for sketching, drawing, hatching, writing, and professional graphic and artistic applications is their super-bonded lead. And since the pencil marks are easy to erase, these pencils are usable on a variety of papers, including sketchbook paper, student-quality paper, and hot press paper.
Another aspect that deserves mention is that these graphite pencils can be sharpened with ease. With the ARTEZA sketching pencils, you need not worry about lead breakage because the tin box keeps them safe from all kinds of damage.
14. Palette – Mr. Pen- Airtight Watercolor Palette
- Package includes 1 airtight watercolor palette with 18 wells...
- Mr. Pen airtight watercolor palette is made of sturdy white...
Compact and portable, Mr. Pen – Airtight Watercolor Palette features 2 large mixing areas surrounded by 18 small sections for colors.
Measuring 10.6” x 5.2”, I find this palette ideal for small to medium watercolor painting projects. So, professional artists, weekend warriors, and students will find this palette feasible for their watercolor painting projects.
Though made of plastic, the palette isn’t flimsy; rather, sturdy material is used in the construction. Unlike other palettes, it comes equipped with an airtight lid to keep the paints wet and fresh. Therefore, you won’t have to empty paints into containers after use.
Cleaning this palette wouldn’t be a time-consuming task, as you can take it off and wash it under running water, which would be done within a few minutes. All in all, this palette (painting) is ideal for mixing watercolor, acrylic paint, and water-based pigments.
15. Support Panel/Drawing Board – Artlicious Drawing Board
- DESIGNED FOR COMFORT - Our drawing boards for artists are...
- SMALL BUT SPACIOUS - At 13 x 17 inches, the art board is...
Despite being lightweight, the Artlicious Drawing Board has a strong and supportive surface, offering artists an even surface to draw and sketch.
Made of MDF wood, this classic style drawing board features a low-profile metal clip to anchor sheets and pads, so you can doodle without issues. And if you’re working on your masterpiece outdoors, you can use an elastic band to keep your blank canvas flush against the tote board. On top of that, this drawing board has a thumb handle for easy portability.
At 13 x 17”, this sturdy drawing board is large enough for artists to recapitulate whichever scene they want. Furthermore, it is neither too small nor too large, meaning it would fit in travel bags and tote bags easily.
16. Kneaded Eraser – Faber-Castell Kneaded Eraser
- Quality – ergonomically shaped quality eraser for soft...
- KNEADABLE – This eraser is extremely kneadable and...
PVC-free and smudge-free, the Faber-Castell Kneaded Eraser is an ergonomically-shaped eraser that works well for soft corrections like pastel, pencil, and charcoal work. Furthermore, this soft eraser is absorbent and kneadable, which means it’s usable for final drawing touch ups and cleaning slides.
This kneaded erase from Faber-Castell leaves no residue because it’s absorbent. Hence, it’s an excellent choice for graphite and colored pencils.
You’ll be pleased to know that this eraser comes in a plastic case, so dirt won’t settle on it. The plastic box also allows for easy storage after use, so your rubber won’t get lost in your art supply kit.
Best of all, this eraser is relatively affordable in comparison to other options on the market.
17. Watercolor Spray Bottle – Holbein Watercolor Spray
Another must-have watercolor tool for beginners is the Holbein Watercolor Spray.
Holbein Art Supplies have been supplying professional-grade art supplies since 1900– its watercolor spray is no exception. Besides re-wetting watercolors on the palette, this spray can be used for a variety of watercolor painting techniques.
Furthermore, its atomizer nozzle makes it an easy-to-use product. All you need to do is fill the bottle with water and a pigment, shake it rigorously to mix, and add more water, and your mixed media is ready to spray.
I also like the fact that this 4 1/2-inch tall bottle is equipped with a non-clogging nozzle. Therefore, you won’t face any issues while using this on your stunning masterpieces.
18. Pipettes – VCCGY Plastic Transfer Pipettes
- 40Pcs disposable transfer pipettes, capacity: 3ml.
- Material: made of high quality plastic, translucent white...
As the name suggests, the pipettes from VCCGY are made from plastic, but even then, they aren’t flimsy. Instead, they are surprisingly sturdy. That means they will last for a good number of years and come in handy for thousands of artworks.
Being 5.8” long and 0.52” wide, these transfer pipettes are translucent, which means you’ll be able to see the quantity of watercolor left in them. And since the pipettes are numbered, it makes it easy for artists to see the amount of watercolor paint or other medium sucked in.
Equally remarkable is the fact that these transfer pipettes do not leak, so your product wouldn’t be wasted. Not just that, but you can use them around your artwork without worries, as they won’t spill on them.
While they are supposed to be use-and-throw, you can reuse them by washing them. Hence, the VCCGY Plastic Transfer Pipettes offer excellent value for money.
19. Brush Soap – Tritart 100% Vegan Paint Brush Cleaner Soap
- Clean Your Brushes - Maintain the beauty of your makeup and...
- Effective Formula - We have created this oil brush cleaner...
Don’t want your paint brushes to lose their beauty? Adding the Tritart 100% Vegan Paint Brush Cleaner Soap to your art supply kit will be the best bet.
Made of 100% vegan ingredients, this paint brush cleaner soap cleans the paint brushes excellently without ruining their bristles. Besides, its unique formula conditions the bristles and returns them to their original form after cleaning, ensuring your brushes are as good as new.
What makes it a necessary art supply is its ease of use. Just moisten the brush by soaking it in warm water and keep rubbing it over the soap till it’s cleaned.
Interestingly, it comes in a travel-friendly size, so you can carry it to your art classes, school, and wherever you go. Oh, I forgot to mention that this soap cleaner has a pleasant lemon smell, which is a bonus!
FAQs Related To Watercolor Supplies
A 200 GSM cotton paper is good for watercolor painting for both professionals and beginners having experience with sketchbook papers. As an artist, you should remember that the lower the GSM, the more easily the paper will warp on exposure to watercolor paints.
Yes, acid-free paper, more commonly used for oil painting, can be used in place of watercolor paper. You can draw on it anything you want, be it a tree, goat, marketplace, or anything you want!
Yes, Canson watercolor paper and pads are good for watercolor painting, but they won’t be the ideal choice for experienced artists. But if you cannot afford to spend lavishly on watercolor papers and the cost is an important factor, you can go for them.
Tip
Watercolor brushes are as important as watercolor paints, as they influence the finished work. Good-quality brushes offer controlled washes and aren’t too firm, allowing you to paint evenly when compared to low-quality brushes. Thus, it’s important for artists to invest in good-quality brushes on Amazon, especially if you’re on a budget.
Final Words
Phew! That was a lot of information on watercolor supplies needed for beginners to get started with watercolor painting in their art studio.
Having the right watercolor painting supplies will help you master watercolor techniques with ease. Once you understand the basics, mixing colors and achieving the desired textures won’t be much of a challenge.
If you don’t know where to start, I’d suggest getting your hands on basic supplies like watercolor papers, colors, and markers. With time and practice, you’ll understand what you need to create high-quality artwork with your watercolor palettes.
