Starting watercolour painting and wondering what you actually need?
You don't need a huge collection of expensive art materials to get started. Over many years of painting and teaching watercolour, I've tried plenty of different papers, paints and brushes. On this page I've put together the equipment I currently recommend, including the materials I use myself and the things that have proved particularly useful in my online watercolour classes.
If you're a complete beginner, start with the basics — good paper, a few reliable brushes and some decent watercolour paint. You can always add to your collection as your painting develops.
Learning watercolour is about experimenting, not having everything perfect from the start.
Over the years I've learned that good materials certainly help, but understanding how to use them is even more important. In my weekly online classes we look at how different papers, paints and brushes behave, and how a few simple techniques can make a big difference to your painting. The equipment on this page is what I currently use and recommend, but don't feel that you need to buy everything before you begin. Start with the basics, have a go and build your collection as your confidence grows.
Watercolour paper
Watercolour paints
A few brushes
A Palette
Water containers
Pencil and eraser
Kitchen or Paper tissue
Masking tape
You don't need everything on this list to start painting.
Watercolour Paper
My recommendation for beginners is to start with a good-quality watercolour paper rather than the cheapest paper you can find. Poor paper can make perfectly good painting techniques seem difficult.
I generally use Langton watercolour paper and suggest starting with a Not surface. As you become more experienced, you can experiment with smoother or rougher surfaces depending on the type of painting you enjoy.
Later, you might like to try Hot Press paper, which has a smoother surface and can be useful for portraits and delicate subjects, or Rough paper for paintings where you want more texture. A larger A3 or A2 pad can also be useful for bigger paintings.
Watercolour Paints
The watercolour paints I currently use are Rosa watercolours, and I've found them excellent for both my own painting and demonstrations. I originally used St Petersburg watercolours, but I have since changed to Rosa. I find Rosa paints very good to work with and they're now my preferred choice.
Watercolour Brushes
You don't need a dozen brushes!
My basic brush selection for general watercolour painting:
Mop
Round
Rigger/detail brush
TFor portrait work I also use:
Rosemary & Co Evergreen Flat No. 6
Rosemary & Co Pointed Round No. 5
Other Useful Watercolour Equipment
Gumstrip tape (for stretching watercolour paper to a board_
Drawing gum/masking fluid
Palette
Water containers
Kitchen towel
Pencil/eraser
Drawing Gum - (better than masking fluid).
Sennelier Art Masking Fluid & Applicator. For Artists Watercolour.
handy for masking fine lines
You really don't need to spend a fortune
One of the questions I get asked most often is whether you need expensive equipment to start painting. The answer is no. Good materials can make painting easier, particularly good paper, but learning how to handle water, paint and brushes is much more important than owning a cupboard full of equipment. if you need additional help don't hesitate to contact me alway's a pleasure to help.
Stretching Watercolour Paper
Want to know how I prepare and stretch watercolour paper?
Here's my demonstration showing the process.
These days I tend to soak the paper in the bath for around 10 minutes before stretching it.
Watch my watercolour paper stretching demonstration on youtube