My favorite watercolor supplies.

I’m so excited to share with you “Rebecca Z.’s Favorite Watercolor Supplies”! This list changes, so check back frequently. I am always exp!oring new ways of working and love, love, love to play with paint and art materials! **Click on the letters highlighted in blue to shop online via Amazon.  Shopping links are provided to help you order safely and conveniently.  That way you can have the supplies delivered to your door.  😊

Are you a beginner?  You don’t need everything to get started…😉

I have a simplified supply list for Beginners  here: Beginner’s Supply List- Watercolor

Rebecca Z.’s Favorite Watercolor Supplies

Palette

  • You’ll want something to organize your paints when you squeeze them out of the tube.
  • Palettes are convenient and make transporting your paints easier.
  • Try this cheap and conveniently portable palette 

Paints

  • Always use Artist quality watercolors!  They will yield the most beautiful results.
  • Student grade paints will be cheaper, and the price will seem SO ATTRACTIVE, but results will always be duller and “less than” luminous. I do not recommend using them, and cringe when I see students use them in class.
  • YOU DON’T NEED EVERY COLOR. In fact when you are beginning to paint in watercolor I’d suggest purchasing the 3-reds, 4-blues, and 4-yellows.  I have listed them below as “must haves”.
  • Note: DS= Daniel Smith AJ= American Journey (Cheap Joe’s Brand) WN= Winsor Newton HWC= Holbein MG= M Graham

Reds

  1. Must haves: 
  2. Fun to Have:

Blues

  1. Must haves: 
  2. Fun to Have:

Yellows

  1. Must haves: 
  2. Fun to Have:

Greens- Not necessary but Fun to Have: 

Oranges: Fun to Have

Violets:  Fun to Have

Miscellaneous Colors:

Rebecca Z.’s Favorite Watercolor Supplies

Brushes- These are my must have brushes 

If you’re just starting out, don’t bother purchasing any of the expensive brushes that are out there. Use these reliable and sturdy brushes till you’re sure you want to invest in the more expensive variety.

Rebecca Z.’s Favorite Watercolor Supplies

Paper

Always work on the best paper that can handle what you want to do.  Arches 140 lb is the paper I recommend for most projects in class.  When in the studio with me I provide Arches 140 lb. paper at my cost- $1.75 per quarter sheet ($7/full sheet) Beginners often will do well painting on a watercolor block.  These come in a variety of sizes and keep the paper flat as you work and as it dries. Size 9×12 Size 12 x 16 , Size 7.9 x 7.9 , Size 10 x 14, Size 18 x 24 If you order paper, then I suggest starting with Cold press 140 lb Arches smooth or rough.  You may order full sheets and tear them to size.  You have a choice of bright white or natural white (better for portraits and figures).

I always suggest having a sketchbook for note taking and planning- My favorite for this purpose is this Aquabee Super deluxe Sketchbook

Rebecca Z.’s Favorite Watercolor Supplies

Miscellaneous “Must Have’s”

Fun to Have Extra’s: 

For collage:

I hope you’ve enjoyed Rebecca Z.’s Favorite Watercolor Supplies! Happy painting!

** A note about shopping links: I attach these links for your convenience as part of the Amazon Associates Program. Your purchase via these links does not impact your price. It does help support my studio and my efforts to be a resource for inspiration and advice for you on your artistic journey.  ❤️ 🎨

Are you a Beginning Painter?

I have the perfect list for you!


Check out my Beginners Supply List!