This list is for anyone thinking about starting in watercolor, or who wants to add to their watercolor palette and tools, this collection offers some the best value-per-dollar.
These offer the best value-per-dollar when starting out with close to professional level quality and performance, at an affordable, inexpensive price. Don't start out with box-store “watercolor” paints that don't actually work like watercolors, paper than makes more mess than beauty, or brushes that make everything muddy. These are not cheap quality, just a discount price!
Great watercolor set for beginners, and more advanced. Lots of colors and very inexpensive. I like to make palettes with them for when I teach classes to kids.
The best paper I have found. Better than Arches in my opinion.
Fingraspuro 9x12 Watercolor Paper Pad, 30 Sheets
These are a fantastic starting set. It really gives you everything you need for a decent price.
ARTEGRIA Watercolor Brush Set, 10 Soft Synthetic
Decent artist tape. You always have to be careful pulling it off.
4-Pack White Artist Masking Tape 0.6in x 592ft
Every painting needs some gold spashes on it. All of these CSY paints are great.
CSY Metallic Watercolor Paint Set - 6 Gold
After you've gotten started have a go with this book. She also has a great youtube channel.
30-Minute Watercolor Animals: Beginner Paintings
Another good quality paint that is quite reasonably priced. (it doesn't compare to professional Windsor and Newton or Daniel Smith, but you know, they're pretty good!)
Mungyo Pro Half Pan Watercolors 48 Colors
Good sparkle paint in nice colors!
Emooqi Metallic Glitter Watercolor Paint Set
Much better than white gel pens- for adding highlights etc.
Brusarth 5-Pack 1mm White Gel & Brush Pens
Watersoluble means the faint lines wash into the paint helping them disappear. Perfect!
Derwent Watersoluble Sketching Pencils, 6 Count
Perfect for softening up those pencil lines.
Faber-Castell Large Grey Kneaded Erasers 4pc
Love my little blue pencil case.
CICIMELON Large Capacity Pencil Case Pouch
These work great-- but also just look for white porcelain plates at the goodwill if you don't have some in your kitchen.
MEEDEN 12-Well Round Porcelain Paint Palette
Professional Watercolor Supplies
These are true professional-level watercolor supplies. These are some great options for paints and brushes that allow even more creativity and flexibility.
If you want to spend a bit more, Princeton makes some lovely brushes.
Princeton Heritage 4050 Synthetic Sable Brush Set
Another high priced, but beautiful brush set.
Princeton Watercolor Floral Brush Set - 5pc
More expensive, but nice and creamy!
Windsor & Newton Artists Water 5ML 12C Set
Really nice brush for grasses etc. Fun, but just an extra.
Princeton Velvetouch Artiste Mini Filbert 1/4
These collections from Rosa are very nice. Not always my first go-to but I should get them out again!
Rosa Gallery Watercolor Paint Set, 24 Pans
My Daniel Smith favorite colors
Creamy!
DANIEL SMITH Extra Fine Watercolor 15ml Raw Sienna
