If you’ve ever wanted to try watercolor but felt overwhelmed by what to buy, you’re not alone.

There are so many options out there — and the truth is, you don’t need much to get started. A few thoughtfully chosen materials will make your experience so much more enjoyable (and honestly, much less frustrating).

This is the exact list I recommend to my students and use in my own work.

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🧾 The Most Important Supply: Paper

If there is one place to invest, it’s your paper.

Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper (140 lb / 300 gsm)
👉 https://amzn.to/4dhaabR

I recommend a 9×12 pad to start.

Good paper allows the paint to move and blend beautifully. Cheaper paper tends to buckle, pill, and fight against you — which can make watercolor feel harder than it actually is.

You can find Arches at local art stores like Michael’s, but I’ve consistently found the best pricing on Amazon.

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🎨 Paint

You don’t need a huge, complicated set to begin.

I most often use Daler-Rowney, and it’s a great place to start.

Daler-Rowney Aquafine Watercolor Set (12 colors)
👉 https://amzn.to/3NWaCBU

This is a simple, beginner-friendly set that has everything you need.

If you prefer having a few more color options:

Daler-Rowney Aquafine Watercolor Set (24 colors)
👉 https://amzn.to/4bSe7Bg

Another excellent brand is Winsor & Newton, but Daler-Rowney is a great balance of quality and affordability.

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🖌 Brushes (Keep It Simple)

You really only need two brushes to get started:

• Round brush — size 6
• Round brush — size 10 or 12

My go-to brand is Princeton:

Round 6 → https://amzn.to/4t70sgW
Round 12 → https://amzn.to/4t9tjkx

Other great brands include:

• Da Vinci
• Silver Brush

Synthetic brushes work beautifully for beginners.

If you’re not sure what you like yet, you can also start with a more affordable variety pack:

👉 https://amzn.to/4cdhTGM

Over time, you’ll naturally gravitate toward what feels best in your hand.

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✏️ Pencil & Eraser

Keep this simple — you likely already have what you need.

• HB pencil (anything from home is perfect)
• Optional eraser → https://amzn.to/4s2G53x

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🧺 Optional (But Helpful)

You don’t need to run out and buy these, but they’re nice to have:

• Masking tape (for clean edges)
• Spray bottle (to re-wet paints)
• Water container (any cup or jar works)
• Paper towels

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💡 A Quick Note for Beginners

If you’re just getting started, don’t feel like you need everything to be perfect right away. The goal is to begin. Even with just good paper, a simple paint set, and two brushes, you can create something beautiful.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’d love to try this with some guidance,” and if you happen to be local, I also offer small, in-person watercolor classes in the Waconia area.

These are relaxed, small-group sessions where we paint together step-by-step — perfect for beginners or anyone looking to build confidence with watercolor.

You can learn more about upcoming classes here: https://ivory-isle-art-design.myshopify.com/products/april-may-landscape-watercolor-class