Supply List for First Time Watercolor Students

If you already have supplies, use them! If you see something you like other than these at the store, get them!  These are just suggestions; you don’t have to get these exact supplies. Shop around, sign up for student discounts at stores. I've put together this basic supply list for the person who has never taken a class before, if that's you, this will set you up for success in your upcoming watercolor class. You'll need Paint, Paper, Brushes, and a few other things to get started.

Watercolor Paint Tubes:

Be sure to get at least one yellow, one red, and one blue. Here are a few good-quality watercolor paint sets

Watercolor Paper:

You will find paper in different formats, there's block format, sketchbook, spiral, or loose sheets, and any are ok. Look at the weight, get 140lb or 300lb for your projects. Anything less than 140lb is ok for practice, but it curls, tears, and dissolves very easily, so you don’t want to use it for your projects. Watercolor paper is specifically designed for watercolor painting, don't use mixed media. Aim for 10x14" or 12x16".

Watercolor Brushes:

Invest in watercolor brushes in various shapes and sizes. Be sure they say watercolor, not acrylic or oil. The most commonly used brushes include round brushes (size 4, 8, and 12) and flat brushes (3/4 inch or 1-inch wide).

Palette:

A mixing palette is essential for blending and mixing colors. You can choose a traditional one made of plastic or porcelain or opt for a disposable palette pad.

Masking Tape:

This is useful if you are not working on a block of watercolor paper. You can tape your watercolor paper to a board to prevent it from buckling when wet. You will also need a foam board, or something similarly sturdy to tape your papr to.

Pencil, Paper, and Eraser:

You'll need a pencil and some paper for sketching and your watercolor compositions and an eraser for any mistakes or guidelines you want to remove. A kneaded eraser is great for removing extra graphite from your watercolor paper.

Remember, this is just a basic supply list to get you started with your fist watercolor class. As you progress and explore more techniques, you may find additional materials that suit your style and preferences. Enjoy your upcoming watercolor journey, see you in class!