Recommended Watercolor Supplies for Absolute Beginners π¨

What You Actually Need to Start Painting Today — From a Self-Taught Watercolor Artist :)
β Quick Overview
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π¨ Learn exactly what watercolor supplies you really need as a total beginner.
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π Includes links to budget-friendly paper, paint sets, brushes, and more.
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π« Find out which items you can skip (for now) — and why that helps you start faster.
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π‘ Grab the free printable checklist to keep your setup simple and stress-free.
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π Supportive, no-fluff advice from a self-taught watercolor artist who’s been there.
π Introduction: Let’s Keep It Simple
When I first started watercolor, I remember feeling excited… and totally overwhelmed.
There were so many supplies to choose from — brushes, papers, palettes, paints — and I had no idea which ones were actually necessary for a real beginner like I was.
The good news? You don’t need a huge art haul to start painting with watercolor.
In fact, all you really need are a few simple tools and a little bit of curiosity.
This guide is here to help you:
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Know exactly what to buy (without overspending)
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Skip the supplies you don’t need right away
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Feel more confident setting up for your very first painting session
Let’s take the guesswork out of getting started — and help you build your first watercolor supply kit with clarity and ease.
Please know Mary Moreno Studio is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through affiliate links — at no extra cost to you. I promise, I only recommend products I personally use and love.
ποΈ What You Really Need to Begin Painting
Here are the essential supplies I recommend for true beginners — basic, affordable, and exactly what you need to start making your first joyful brushstrokes.
β Watercolor Paper (Cold Press, 140lb)
Choose watercolor paper labeled cold press, which has a slight texture and is perfect for beginners. Look for 140 lb (300 gsm) weight so it won’t warp with water.
π‘ Tip: You don’t need the most expensive brand to start — just make sure it’s labeled 140 lb watercolor paper.
π My recommendations:
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120 Sheets 7x5" cold-press 140 lb (300 gsm) watercolor paper
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30 sheets Canson XL 9x12" cold-press 140 lb (300 gsm) watercolor paper
β Watercolor Paint Set (Pan Set Recommended)
A pan set (small cakes of dried paint in a tray) is ideal for beginners — it’s portable, easy to use, and lasts a long time. Start with a basic set of 8–12 colors.
π My recommendations:
β Watercolor Brush (Round Brush, Size 6 or 8)
You only need one brush to start. A round brush in size 6 or 8 is versatile enough for most beginner painting techniques — from washes to small details.
π My recommendations:
β Water Container (Any Cup or Jar)
No need to buy anything fancy here! A clean jar, mug, or even a recycled glass works perfectly. If your set-up has space, two jars of clean water is best.
π‘Back when I started watercolors, I didn't have any clear glasses/cups and didn't want to use a coffee mug. I picked up this set and find them super useful!
π My recommendation:
Stackable plastic set of 6 juice tumblers, 5 oz.
β Paper Towel or Absorbent Cloth
Used for blotting your brush and managing water. Grab whatever you have on hand — a folded paper towel or soft kitchen cloth does the job.
π‘If you choose cloth, you may want to hand-wash when the time comes (there is a chance of color-bleed if machine-washed).
β (Optional but Helpful) Palette or Plate for Mixing
If you're using tube paint or want to mix custom colors, a white mixing surface is handy. You can use a ceramic dish, a plastic palette, or even a white plate from your kitchen.
π‘I’ve used a beautiful flower-shaped ceramic palette since my early days of painting — it’s perfect for mixing smaller amounts of color without wasting paint. A few years in, I added a larger rectangular palette to my setup, which works beautifully when I’m using bigger brushes or need to mix more paint for larger projects.
π My recommendations:
π Want a checklist to take shopping or hang by your workspace?
Download the free Watercolor Beginner Supplies Checklist here
β¨ Extras to Add as You Grow or as Needed
These aren’t must-haves — but they can be helpful or fun as your practice expands:
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Additional brushes in other sizes
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Masking tape (to secure paper or create clean borders)
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A sketchbook or scrap paper for testing colors
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π My recommendation:
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A spray bottle to moisten paints
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π My recommendaton:
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A small pouch or case for travel painting
π« What You Don’t Need Right Now — and Why
It’s easy to feel like you need everything at once. But honestly, you can skip these for now:
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Expensive, artist-grade paints (student-grade is perfect to learn with)
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A full brush set (just one good brush is enough)
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Paper stretching boards or high-end watercolor blocks
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Complex mixing palettes with 20+ wells
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Specialty tools like masking fluid, fan brushes, or sponges
The fewer decisions you have to make at the beginning, the more freedom you have to just paint.
π± Final Thoughts:
Start Simple. Start Small. Just Start.
Whether you’re working with a brand-new brush or using whatever you have around the house, you’re already taking the most important step:
You’re showing up to paint.
You don’t need fancy tools or perfect technique to begin — you just need a little guidance, a little encouragement, and a willingness to try.
And if that sounds like you, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. π
π¨ Want help with your very first brushstrokes?
Coming mid-July, the Absolute Beginner’s Watercolor Confidence Kit will walk you through how to prep your brush, wake up your paints, and start painting for the joy of the process.
πΎ Don’t forget your printable checklist to keep things simple:
Download the Watercolor Beginner Supplies Checklist
Keep it simple. Keep it joyful. Keep painting — one brushstroke at a time.
π¨ Recommended Posts
Still unsure about paper, paint, or brushes? These beginner supply guides dive deeper:
- How to Choose Watercolor Paper for Beginners
- 7 Beginner-Friendly Benefits to Using a Watercolor Sketchbook
- Beginner's Guide to Choosing Watercolor Paints
βοΈ About the Author
Written by Mary Moreno, self-taught watercolor artist and creative blogger at Mary Moreno Studio. I share tips, tutorials, and encouragement for beginners exploring watercolor — because I’ve been where you are, and I’m here to help.
Exploring watercolors? Let's stay in touch.
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