Watercolor Supply list and recommended brands

Written By Emily Ingram-Patel

These are the watercolor supplies I recommend for my classes or if you’re just planning on starting watercolor painting in general. I spend way more time than I would ever like to on finding the most eco-conscious, vegan, cruelty-free, and affordable art supplies that I can, so check out the recommendations and suggestions below if you’re a conscientious shopper too.

I try to give a variety of sufficient-quality products at a range of prices. How much you spend on them is totally up to you, but just keep in mind that art supplies tend to be better when you spend more on them. If you want more options, this link gives great advice on finding more vegan supplies.

The short and long of what you’ll need:

  • Pencil and eraser

  • Watercolor paints (at least 2 hues each of reds, yellows and blues)

  • Watercolor brushes

  • Watercolor paper

  • At least one old rag

  • 2 water containers (disposable plastic cups or old glass jars are great for these—just don’t eat out of them again)

Optional, but highly recommended:

  • At least one face of a large cardboard box

  • Masking tape

  • Any other paint colors you may want

  • Any other brushes you may want

  • A mixing palette if your paint set does not come with one on the lid

Recommendations:

Watercolor Paints:

Purchase either palettes or tubes. If you buy tubes, make sure you have a tin of pans with mixing palette lids. You squeeze the paints into the pans and let them dry; this will help you waste less paint, and it’s easier to use when it’s dried.

Click here to see an example of an empty half-pan/palette set

Brushes:

Watercolor paper:

Paint palette recommendations:

Emily Ingram-Patel
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