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Watercolor Painting Supplies
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items My watercolor setup has slowly grown into a collection of tools that truly spark joy every time I paint. Whether you’re new to watercoloring or adding to your own creative space, here’s what’s currently living on my art desk. These paints, brushes, a...
Sections
3
Brushes
Paint
Accessories
Brushes
Synthetic brushes have been my go-to since day one. They glide across the paper so smoothly and give me the control I love when painting delicate details or dreamy washes. Here are the ones that never leave my desk
New to watercolor and don't want to invest in brushes too heavily yet, this is the set. The brushes are sturdy, hold a lot of water, and release pigment well. Getting your hands used to holding a brush, the soft grips are really nice.
Royal & Langnickel Soft Grip Synthetic Sable Brushes - Flat Variety, Short Handle, Set of 5
These Velvetouch brushes are great because I love how I can use these beyond watercolor really well. You can use these with acrylics and oils too.
Princeton Velvetouch Series 3950 Synthetic Brushes - Set of 4
These are my workhorse brushes. Even my travel set are a the Princeton Aqua Elites. This set has an angle shader 1/2", round 2, round 8, and wash 3/4", all with short handles. The way this brush holds it shape is so great for all the details I like t...
Princeton Aqua Elite Series 4850 Synthetic Brushes - Set of 4
Paint
These are the watercolor paints I keep reaching for — a mix of pans and tubes that work beautifully for every skill level! Whether you’re just starting out or have been painting for years, the key is finding colors that inspire you to keep creating.
For beginners, Himi is the way to go. The pigments are bright and the packaging is super cute. With 38 colors, you can focus more on technique than mixing colors. The lid also doubles as a mixing pan which is awesome.
Himi Watercolor Paint Pans - Set of 38, Assorted Colors
Holbein watercolor paints are the absolute GOAT. They are spendy, my heart's wallet skips a beat. The pigmentation of these paints are the best. So easy to mix these colors, and they don't muddy.
Holbein Artists' Watercolor Half Pans - Set of 24, Assorted Colors
When making my own pans, these are the current tubes I use right now. Holbein is the best paints I've ever used. Despite how unruly watercolor painting to me, the way these are milled. I have so much control of the paint.
Holbein Artists' Watercolors - Set of 24, Granulating, Assorted 5 ml
Accessories
These are some of my favorite tools that help me stay in the creative zone: things that keep colors fresh, make cleanup easier, and add a bit of joy to the process.
If you want to create your own pans with your tube paint, this is it. This is a card holder that has magnetic pans to squeeze your paint into. Then you can organize how you want to colors to look and designate certain pans for mixing and water. It's ...
Portable Aluminum Slim Watercolor Palette for Artists on the Go
I use these spray bottles in 2 ways. First, I use it to spray my pans to start using them. Secondly, as a water reservoir to either pour into a small cup or a pan.
Mini Spray Bottles Cylinder Plastic Pen Style Atomizer Perfume Alcohol Mister Sprayer 10 Ml (5 Bottles) 3310-5
I always keep scrap watercolor paper on me so that I can test a color that I've mixed. It especially really helps when you want to test out if you have either used too much or not enough water on your brush.
Square Watercolor Paper Cards - Strathmore or Canson Cold Press Art Supplies Square or Round Corners Acid Free Archival Watercolour Painting
Whether you've been to art school or not, it is always nice to have this as a reference. Color theory is so important in all the art we do.
Artist’s Color Wheel Pocket Mixing Guide
Cold press watercolor paper has a texture to it. The way is soaks up water makes it easier to achieve that look that I like. Arches for me is the go-to for any time of watercolor art.
Arches Watercolor Pad - 10" x 14", 140 lb, Cold Press, Fold-over, 12 Sheets
This is what I use to mix my colors. You squeeze a bit of tube paint into the round parts. Then you use water to get the gradient you want in the rectangular spaces.
Richeson Rectangular Porcelain Palette