Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

My all time favorite WATERCOLOR SUPPLIES for any level artists

Purple Star emoji 69 items
You can buy any supplies  and make art, but why would you want to be frustrated with your supplies and sabotage your efforts? I am going to list here great options which can reduce the frustration and make the journey more relaxing. I had to learn a hard way trying different ...
Sections
8
 
 
 
 
 
 

Best BUDGET Watercolor Supplies for Beginners – Affordable & Quality Picks to Start With

Just getting into watercolor? Here are my favorite budget-friendly supplies that still feel pro—perfect if you're starting out but getting serious! #ad

 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Welcome to my Blog! Beyond the Storm Living is a quiet corner of the internet created to bring a sense of peace to those who feel overwhelmed, busy, or simply tired from the pace of everyday life. Here, you’ll find gentle inspiration through: Beginne...
Beyond The Storm Living
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Reputable brand: high pigment and non toxic. They rewet easily and pleasure to work with.
Paul Rubens 24-Color Watercolor Paint Set
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
If you want to try a beginner set in tubes- this one is an amazing quality and value for the price.  Meiliang is subsidiary of Paul Rubens. A lot of colors to try!
MeiLiang Watercolor Paint Set 36 Colors 5ml
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
It is an other set of Meiliang watercolor paints but in pans.  There are a lot of colors- so if you are learning from the tutorials you will have everything you need without worrying about missing colors.
MeiLiang 52 Color Watercolor Set with Brushes & Paper
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is a gold standard for the beginner with a professional quality watercolor.  It is excellent for its portability for local classes.  The set includes basic colors and you will be learning mixing other colors with this set early on.  Winsor and Newton do offer larger sets as well.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Set 12 Half Pans
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Wonderful palette from Meeden -quality supplier of all art related.  You can use a regular plate to start with, but if you are ready to upgrade and using tubes- this is a great value for this palette -a lot of artists are using similar palettes.
MEEDEN 18-Well Porcelain Artist Paint Palette
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Sooner or later you will need this. Masking fluid is used for masking white space during painting.  It should not be the first thing you get especially if the budget is tight. But you will hear a lot about it while learning watercolor.
Winsor & Newton Watercolor Masking Fluid 75ml
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
This is a large set of beginner watercolor brushes.  When you just start out you need several different sizes of round Watercolor brushes. Other shapes are not as important at the beginner level.
Pinturale 8pc Round Watercolor Brushes Set
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
These brushes are as low price as they can go.  The bristles are on the softer side-not the softest, but the snap is weaker than others.  They are the best for the loose watercolor techniques and landscapes especially if you are a beginner.
Fuumuui 10Pcs Synthetic Squirrel Hair Watercolor Brushes Set
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
You cannot go wrong with this Princeton brushes set.  It has the lowest price, excellent quality, tips are pretty pointy and the snap is great!  These brushes are very easy to handle for anyone who is just starting out and for anyone who like to paint a detailed or realistic paintings.
Princeton Snap White Synthetic Paint Brush Set - 4 Brushes
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
The best price and quality for the 100% cotton paper? You found it.  Baohong Cold Press paper (Meeden) is versatile and great quality for the price.  It is widely accepted in the artist's circles and highly recommended. I have all the sizes and textures of Baohong! This is a #1 paper in my recommendation list!
MEEDEN 10x7 Cotton Watercolor Paper Block
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
This paper from Baohong is Hot Press 100% cotton.  Hot Press is perfect for details, botanical art or portraits.  It is not as easy to work with as with Cold Press, but results can be stunning! I use it more often than cold press because I love how smooth my results are!
BAOHONG 100% Cotton Watercolor Block, 140LB, 20 Sheets
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
I strongly suggest to start with 100% cotton paper, at least 140 pounds.  But if you cannot (let's admit that paper IS expensive) my best pick for the pulp paper is lovingly called ‘Bee Paper’.  It is double sided like a cotton paper and it is a pretty good one to start with for practice or swatching or painting.  I use it often myself and at this moment it is my favorite from pulp. Don't let me even start on some other pulp paper I have tried 👎You cannot beat the price!!!
Bee Inspired Watercolor Studio Pad 9x12 50ct
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Wonderful synthetic Watercolor brushes (especially for the beginners). They last a long time, keep a decent point and they are very Snappy! They are great to do detail work, have a great control and hold a lot of water. I always keep them handy!
Silver Brush SW-1584S Silverwhite 9pc Set
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
If you are ready to dive in with one of the best quality paints -this is a wonderful basic set of primaries to start with. You need only 3 colors to mix most of the colors.  You get 2 sets of three-cool set and a warm set. A really great value.
DANIEL SMITH Extra Fine Watercolor 6 Tubes
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
If you really insist to spend as little as possible on the Watercolor paper you can try this paper.  Also can be use later for practice when you are ready to upgrade.
Silunkia 120 Sheets 5x7 140lb Cotton Watercolor Paper
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Another great budget 100% Watercolor Paper to try
New York Central Watercolor Block 7x10, 20 Sheets

Top PRO Watercolor Supplies Every Serious Artist Needs (or Wants?)

Thinking about upgrading your watercolor setup? 🎨 Here are my go-to supplies and fun little gadgets that make painting easier, and honestly—way more enjoyable! Perfect if you're getting serious about your art and want tools that keep up with you .#a...

 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
This is definitely a gold standard projector for painters and cookie decorators.  It can handle small and large pictures.
KODAK Luma 350 Portable Smart Projector
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
This is the projector I bought a year ago and it works great! Very clear picture and auto adjustments.  It has tons of features I do not use, because my main focus is a picture transfer.  I was able to do transfers under 5 inches- very small! One year we used it got Christmas window projection and that worked great as well-beautiful motion picture. It is often less money than the comparable product from Kodak. A+ from me!
AKASO WT50 Mini WiFi Bluetooth 1080P Projector
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Do you know that you have to have 2-3 jars of water for cleaning your brushes?  It is pro tip!  You can use what you have at home or you can get this snazzy brush cleaner from Meeden.  Esthetically pretty AND functional.
MEEDEN Ceramic Paint Palette & Brush Washer
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
This palette is a larger version of the one I recommend for beginners.  The best feature of the palette is the size and…..cover!  You cannot believe how important the cover is for your palette.  It gets very frustrating when you start painting and you find the little pieces of dust or fuzzy things on your paper mixed with wet paint. Any palette should have a dust cover even if you have to make it yourself!
MEEDEN 32-Well Ceramic Watercolor Palette with Lid
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
If you are ready to experiment with new watercolor paints you should definitely try these 3 sets of Liquid Hydrus Watercolors from Ph. Martin. They are different than traditional watercolor and I totally love working with them.  They are lightfast, super intense and no prewetting required! I own all 3 sets (oops, I am glad my hubby is not interested in art).  The picture shown here is my art which was made with Ph. Martin Hydrus Watercolor.
Dr. Ph. Martin's Hydrus Fine Art Watercolors
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
I have a lot of different clamp on things on my table, so the standing ring light is what I was after for my set up. It has coasters-so easy moving around when I work or need to take pictures/videos of my art.
LUXSURE Ring Light Tripod with Phone Holder
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
This has been a great clamp for holding my Akaso projector. It handles weight well, adjustable and really works.  It is clamped onto my paint table.
Remote Page Turner Holder for Kindle & Tablets
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
If you're starting to build up your collection of art supplies, you might want to check out this cute wooden organizer. It's the perfect little home for your pencils, erasers, paint tubes, and all those small tools that somehow end up everywhere. Kee...
MEEDEN 6-Drawer Beech-Wood Art Supply Box
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Isn't it this beautiful? This brush holder made out of solid cherry.  If you like traditional luxury materials this one is a winner. It holds a lot brushes and takes very little space.
BlackLabMill Rotating Cherry Hardwood Brush Holder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
I own two of these brush holders.  They are heavy solid blocks of wood. They look awesome and natural on the table. They are pretty much indestructible.
MEEDEN Beechwood 36-Hole Brush & Pencil Holder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
If you prefer modern minimalistic design this holder works great and have a great capacity. I have 3 of these lol (Psst. I have a lot of brushes lol)
48 Holes Acrylic Pen & Brush Display Stand
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
These are hands down the best watercolor pencils you can buy. This is their smallest pack.
Caran D'ache Museum Aquarelle Pencils 12
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
You can't beat a ceramic palette with the lid.  They are the best. Here you get 3 small palettes and a lids for mixing colors.  You can mix colors in different palettes for different color families.
MEEDEN 3-Pack Ceramic Palette with Covers
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
When you are seriously working on a time consuming art it is time to protect your paper  while painting and your hands. This glove is a find! Super cheap and fits you like a glove -no pun intended lol.  It is true to size and lightweight. I do like it is black-hides all the stains lol
XPPen 2-Finger Artist Glove for Drawing Tablet S Black
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Great choice of dip pens for a very low price per pen.  Mine all came in a great condition with no defects.  Good for all kind of things especially for signing your work or line and wash technique.
6Pcs Handmade Crystal Glass Dip Ink Pens
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
I recommend this ink for its blackness.  Great for your dip pens.  It is also waterproof and great to use with your watercolor
Dr. Ph. Martin's Star India Ink, 1oz Matte Black

Best Watercolor BRUSHES: Mid-Range to Pro. Where to Invest.

Brush preferences are deeply personal – some swear by springy kolinsky for glazing, others prefer synthetic flats for bold washes. What matters is finding tools that respond reliably to your technique. Here are some exceptional brushes used by me and... Your style guides the choice.#ad

 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
If you have been painting for at least several months or have seen a lot of artists you would know that Sliver Black Brushes is the brush everyone knows about or uses.  Amazing quality  brushes! Pro tip-they are soft. Very soft bristles.  And they can be quite an investment. if you are used to snappy brushes you might have to get used to all over again to a soft brush.  When I think of the professional watercolor these brushes I am thinking about. They make beautiful strokes!
Silver Brush WC-3207s Black Velvet Rounds Set
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Everyone has at least one Princeton brush. I have tons of their brushes and sets from different collections. They are the best and most reasonable prices brushes for all the artists.  This particular set features “Heritage Collection” which is their "snappiest" brush besides their “Snap” beginner collection.  Great choice if you prefer a snappy brush. I do a lot of details so I reach for these quite often.
Princeton Heritage 4050 Synthetic Sable Brush Set
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
I was blown away when I got these brushes from one of the beloved brands Princeton.  These are the BEST for the floral/ botanical art and literally have the best finest point. These brushes have softer bristles, although not as soft as Black Velvet brushes. When I paint my florals and need delicate lines and very fine point-this is w...
Princeton Velvetouch 3950 - 5pc Paint Brushes Set
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Another great set from Princeton. I recommend this set only if you are used to very soft brush or need a soft brush which holds tons of water. These synthetic brushes imitate squirrel and super soft and hard to handle if you are new to this type of b... They are best suited for looser painting styles, including but not limited to landscapes, loose or abstract paintings, seascapes and so on. I often reach for these brushes when I work on delicate layers.  They will not disturb layers beneath-they are that soft!
Princeton Neptune 4750 4pc Watercolor Brush Set
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
If you are into floral, botanical art this is the ultimate set to get! Princeton combines brushes from different sets and unique brush “petals” which is sometimes even hard to find. With this set you will have all the basic tools to make amazing flor...
Princeton Watercolor Floral Set - 5pc Brushes
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Aqua elite is a soft bristles brush, although it is not as soft as their “Neptune” line.  It is great for the looser painting techniques. As other Princeton brushes it is rated 4.8 stars. You cannot go wrong with any of their brushes.  You just need to make sure you are buying a correct brush for your style.
Princeton Aqua Elite 4850 Kolinsky Brush Set

Amazing world of Watercolor PAINTS

If you’re ready to level up your watercolor game, these high-quality paints are a game-changer—richer pigments, smoother blends, and colors that stay vibrant. Whether you love the ease of pans or sticks, the intensity of tubes, or even liquid waterco...

 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
QOR Paints are high quality and I enjoy working with them. They are lot of fun and they MOVE. Please notice there were some substitutions in the new sets. Please make sure you are OK with the new colors. Great value!
QoR Watercolor 12 Color Set 5ml Tubes
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Rosa Paints are made in Ukraine.  This brand is widely popular and offers a lot of different palettes.  Wonderfully pigmented bright colors, great quality, and consistency. They wear well and last a long time. They rewet well. If I am missing color I always go to my Rosa Gallery-there is nice selection of common colors.
Rosa Gallery Watercolor Set 24 Pans
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Sennelier manufactures lovely watercolor paints which are very popular with a lot of artists in my groups. They are high quality pigment, easy to blend and rewet. This particular set is a great value with 6 colors added.  Price is way better than their 12 set.
Sennelier French Artists Watercolor Tin Set 18
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
If you like working with granulating colors-this is an amazing set for your landscapes and abstract paintings.
DANIEL SMITH Primatek Watercolor Set 6 Tubes
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
These paints made in Japan and a little different than a traditional watercolor. Their feature is that they are less transparent-probably between gouache and watercolor. They are non-toxic and favorites among artists. Also they are great value!
Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI 48-Color Watercolor Set
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
It can be very handy to use the stick for your watercolor.   I have the white one for those little highlights.  It is easy to works with and store. I would not use it for my main watercolor though, just maybe a couple of colors I might need.  You can buy them separately and it is pretty cheap.
Daniel Smith Watercolor Sticks Starter Set 10
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
I own a couple of paints of this Italian manufacturer and I really like them. Pro-tip: sometimes it can separate a bit in the tube. These colors in the set are beautiful and all except black are transparent-great for botanical work! MaimeriBlue has a...
MaimeriBlu Jenna Rainey Watercolor Set 6x12ml
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
What can I say besides this is one of my most favorite paints. It has honey base and it does not separate in the tubes and has all the characteristics of the professional quality paints.  I have never seen them in the pans.  I usually use my own custom palette with these paints poured in. I also paint with fresh paints a lot as well.  I would start with basics colors from this company.  If you want to know which ones I recommend, leave me the comment.
M. Graham Tube Wc The South 5 Color Set
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Great value for this  large set of 36 colors.  Made in Russia, professional grade.
White Nights 36 Pan Watercolor Set by Nevskaya
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Polish Watercolor-beautiful paints, quality manufacturer.  They have also a small set to try out.
Roman Szmal : Aquarius : Watercolour Paint : Full Pan : Krzysztof Ludwin : Limited Edition Wooden Box Set of 36 : Plus Mixing Palette and Hand Painted Colour Chart

The Ultimate Watercolor PAPER Guide

Watercolor paper is a deeply personal choice—some artists swear by the texture of Cold Press, others prefer the smoothness of Hot Press, and some love the bold tooth of Rough. But one thing every painter agrees on: the right paper can make or break y...

 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Arches is considered a Top Choice for most professional watercolorists.  You cannot go wrong with it.  Pro tip- They do use animal gelatin sizing on it-so it might smell funny when you moist the paper. Arches come in all kind of sizes and choices: blocks, sheets, pads and so on.
Arches 10x14 Watercolor Pad 140lb 12 Sheets
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Baohong is the budget choice and excellent cotton  paper. I am personally using it a lot. I have both Hot Press and Cold Press in blocks of different sizes.  Especially I am using it a lot in my botanical art.
BAOHONG 100% Cotton Watercolor Block 140LB
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Fabriano is a runner up in a best 100% cotton watercolor paper right next to Arches. It does not have animal sizing-so no smell.  I can confirm- their paper has never smelled.  Fabriano comes in different options as well-so look around.  I prefer blocks most of the time, especially for a very “wet” projects.
Fabriano Artistico White Watercolor Block 12x18
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Another great paper with a softer texture.  It is Vegan if it is important to you!
Hahnemühle 100% Cotton Watercolor Pad 9x12
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
This is a budget choice less known paper.  Maybe you should try it? It is getting more and more popular in my circles.
Non-Warping 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper Block
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Pretty lovely 100% Cotton paper.  It comes out in pretty interesting sizes.  Magnani also has a lot of interesting travelling paper.
Magnani 1404 Italia Cold Press 12x12 Watercolor Pad
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Another interesting paper to try :)
Saunders Waterford Legion Watercolour Block 7x10

Best TRAVEL Watercolor Supplies – Paint Anywhere!

Love painting on the go? These are my favorite travel watercolor supplies—the ones that actually fit in your bag and work like a dream. Compact palettes, spill-proof brushes, and tough sketchbooks that can handle real adventures. Perfect for sketchin...

 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Excellent value travel watercolor brushes!  It is not a professional brand, but these are great all the way around and would not break the bank.  Also, they have a great point!
Fuumuui 3Pcs Sable Watercolor Brushes Set
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
These are tiny, but oh so cute travel palette plus some accessories. Lots of  color choices to pick from!
Portable 12-Well Mini Tin Watercolor Palette
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
This is a Hot Press 100% cotton travel journal. Paul Rubens offers journals in both CP and HP and in different sizes and bindings. Totally adorable! 😍
Paul Rubens Watercolor Paper Block, 7.68x5.31, 140lb, 20 Sheets
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Have you tried a water brush yet? This Pentel set is made in Japan and it is a great option to take with you while travelling or use it at home. Especially it is great for kids, because it can give them continous water control with out being too wet ... I have to say I have several sets of these around. Pro tip: To fill the brushwith water- twist it the OPPOSITE way.  You are welcome! :)
Pentel Arts Aquash Water Brush Assorted Tips, 4 Pack
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
You get the best for your travels with this set of travel brushes.  They are soft bristles. They are amazing quality. Not recommended it you are a total beginner. It is an investment.
Silver Brush WC-3124ST Black Velvet Voyage Set
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Professional travel brushes.  I love Escoda brushes especially how snappy they are and how easy to handle them.
Escoda Versàtil Watercolour Travel Brushes 3pc
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
This is the cutest porcelain palette.  I looove porcelain for my mixing colors.  It is heavy though.
Bower Bird Ceramic Watercolor Palette 12-Well

Watercolor BOOKS That Teach You the Fundamentals and Beyond

These beautifully illustrated watercolor books offer step-by-step guidance, tips, and inspiration to help build confidence and skills at your own pace #ad  

 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
I love love art of Anna Bucciarelli.  She is a truly gifted artist and teacher. I am sure you will enjoy this book with  easy to follow instructions and guides.
101 Watercolor Secrets: Essential Techniques
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
This book not only offers instructions on watercolor technique called line and wash, but also provides instructions on sketching a lot of botanical subjects-step by step.
Ink and Wash Florals: Botanical Watercolor Projects
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
Jenna Reina is another popular artist with watercolor enthusiasts.  It is great if you need a structural guide, step by step instructions and exercises to learn all the basics.
Everyday Watercolor: Learn to Paint in 30 Days
placeholder
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
If you are interested in learning to paint wildflowers check out this guide! Instructions for over 30 different flowers and no experience is required.
Wildflower Watercolor: Beginner’s Guide to Florals
placeholder

MY WISH LIST

As much as love testing Watercolor supplies I am always on look out for a new shiny watercolor toy! lol

 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
I loath this set. It has a lot of great unique colors.  Really anticipating getting it. Made in US
Daniel Smith Watercolor Half Pan - Set of 12, Metal Box, Colors of Inspiration
 
@beyondthestormliving profile picture
This botanical set is up my alley with all the basic plus more colors for botanical art. UK made.
Michael Harding Watercolor Botanical Set 10