Recommended Watercolor Supplies for Absolute Beginners 🎨

What You Actually Need to Start Painting Today — Tips From a Self-Taught Watercolor Artist

 ✅ Quick Overview

• 🎨 Learn exactly what watercolor supplies you really need as a total beginner.

• 🛒 Includes links to budget-friendly paper, paint sets, brushes, and more.

• 🚫 Find out which items you can skip (for now) — and why that helps you start faster.

• 💡 Grab the free printable checklist to keep your setup simple and stress-free.

• 💜 Supportive, no-fluff advice from a self-taught watercolor artist who’s been there.

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:

• Know exactly what to buy (without overspending)

• Skip the supplies you don’t need right away

• 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.

👉 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.

✅ 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.

💡 Tip: You don’t need the most expensive brand to start — just make sure it’s labeled 140 lb watercolor paper.

✅ 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.

I recommend beginners start with a basic set of 8–12 colors, such as Kuretake Gansai Tambi 12-Color full pan set or Winsor & Newton Cotman Pocket 1/2 Pan Set. 

✅ Watercolor Brush (Round Brush, Size 6 or 8)

You only need one brush to start. A round brush with a fine point in size 6 or 8 is versatile enough for most beginner painting techniques — from washes to small details. If your budget allows, consider picking up a #2 round/detail brush. The brands Princeton and Winsor & Newton carry several lines of round brushes at different price points, any of which are great for beginners. 

✅ 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. 

✅ 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.

💡Tip: If you choose cloth, you may want to hand-wash when the time comes (there is a chance of color-bleed if machine-washed).

✅ Palette or Plate for Mixing (Optional but Helpful) 

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.

💡Tip: I’ve used a beautiful flower-shaped ceramic palette by Meeden 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 (also by Meeden) to my setup, which works beautifully when I’m using bigger brushes or need to mix more paint for larger projects. 

🎁 Want a printable art supply checklist to take shopping or hang by your workspace?

👉 Download the free Watercolor Beginner Supplies Checklist here

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:

• Additional brushes in other sizes and shapes

• Masking tape (to secure paper or create clean borders)

  👉 Tip: I keep these two on hand: Scotch Painter's Tape, Green, 0.94" x 60.1 yards, and Duck Washi Crafting Tape, Silver Stripe, 0.75" x 15 yards.

• A sketchbook or scrap watercolor paper for testing colors

  👉 Tip: For best/truest results, I recommend testing colors on the same quality of watercolor paper you use for your painting projects recommendation.

• A small spray bottle filled with water (to moisten paints)

• A small pouch or case for travel painting

🚫 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:

• Expensive, artist-grade paints (student-grade is perfect to learn with)

• A full brush set (just one good brush is enough)

• Paper stretching boards or high-end watercolor blocks

• Complex mixing palettes with 20+ wells

• 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.

💬 Closing Thoughts for Today

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. 💛

💾 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.

🔗 Recommended for You

Still unsure about paper, paint, or mixing colors? These beginner supply guides may help:

• How to Choose Watercolor Paper for Beginners
• Beginner's Guide to Choosing Watercolor Paints
• 🎨 Easy Color Mixing and Pigment Guide for Watercolor Beginners