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Frustrated with watercolor painting? It’s probably your materials.
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items Watercolor painting has a bad reputation for being one of the most difficult mediums to learn. This is a perpetuated myth more than likely brought about due to using low quality products. With the right materials and guidance, anyone can learn this b...
Map
Sections
10
Paper
Paints
Brushes
Graphite Paper
Palettes
Masking tape
Paper
This is by far the most important material when it comes to watercolor. Always choose 100% Cotton.
Buy full sheets & cut them down to save money!
Beginner tip: You can paint on either side of Arches paper. Don’t throw away failed paintings. Use the back for swatching or additional practice.
Arches Bright White Watercolor Paper - 22" x 30",140 lb
Cheaper alternative to Arches but almost same level.
BAOHONG 20-Sheet 100% Cotton Watercolor Block
Paints
Choose Artist Grade Paints: more color, less chalkiness, even less frustration!
Daniel Smith offers a large selection of watercolor paints. This is an affordable set that is an excellent start in your watercolor journey.
Essentials Watercolor Set
Another good starting set of professional grade paints.
Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Tubes and Set
Brushes
Brush Sizes & Synthetics
I love these brushes. They are synthetic Kolinsky meaning no animals were harmed and less expensive than the natural Kolinsky brushes.
You dont need many brushes to start. A size 2, 4, 8 round should keep you for a while. You can get short or long ...
Escoda Versatil Synthetic Brushes and Sets
Use this brush to mix your paints on the palette. It will cause less stress on the points of your main brushes.
Princeton Velvetouch Series 3950 Synthetic Brush - Wash, Size 1/2"
Graphite Paper
For adding your outline onto watercolor paper
Graphite paper makes it easy to trace your outlines onto watercolor paper!
Beginner advice: Drawing and watercolor are two different skill sets. Both require practice to do them well. This shouldn’t keep you from painting because you don’t know how...
Saral Wax Free Transfer Paper - Graphite
Palettes
For mixing your paints
I used this when I first started. Great option for beginners! It is plastic so it will stain. Beginner tip: Use a ceramic, white dinner plate for a cheap ceramic palette alternative. Just don’t use it to eat on after! 😄
Eldajon Palette
Masking tape
This is the only masking tape I trust not to tear my watercolor paper. Beginner tip: always remove tape slowly and away from the center of the paper at a 45 degree angle.
Holbein Soft Tape - 3/4" x 60'
Masking Fluid/Frisket
I prefer this masking fluid over the Pebeo brand because I have experienced slight pigment residue on the paper with the Pebeo after it was removed. This one is also pigmented and dries a light yellow to help you see the areas where its been laid dow...
Winsor & Newton 75ml Yellow Watercolor Masking Fluid
Backing board
You can use this as a sturdy surface to paint on and to stretch your watercolor paper.
This will not warp like foam core if used as a back board so you can wet the surface without worry.
Beginner tip: You can staple soaked watercolor paper to this board and allow it to dry prior to applying paint. This is called stretching technique ...
Gatorfoam Board - 16" x 23" x 1/2", White
Mechanical Pencil
The 2H lead is light enough that it will disappear after a few washes of paint making it easy to remove your pencil marks from the painting.
Staedtler Standard Technico Lead Holder
Erasers
For removing excess graphite from your watercolor paper.
Only ones I use for removing excess graphite from watercolor paper. Watercolor is transparent so you don’t really want your pencil lines showing through. Stretch and knead it “reset” it. Can be used many times.
Beginner tip: Keep enclosed in the pl...
Faber-Castell Kneaded Eraser - Medium
Erases errant watercolor paint from watercolor paper. Dropped your brush on your paper? Erase it with this. Painted outside the outline? This can clean up your edges.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable All-Purpose Cleaning Pads with Durafoam, 7 Ct