From My Watercolor Studio
Listed below you will find only the art supplies and materials that I use in my watercolor practice and that I can enthusiastically recommend. Each item is available on Amazon.com via a direct link (see below). When you use these links I earn a small commission but you do not pay a penny extra. This is a simple way that you can support the creation of this free content. Thank you for your support.
Paper
Paper is the most important ingredient in this list of watercolor supplies. I always use 100% cotton paper. I recommend 140lb (300gsm) cold press paper. Artist grade is superior to student (i.e. academy) grade. I typically purchase my paper in full sheets (30″x22″), however this is currently unavailable on Amazon. I will update this list when my favorite format of paper is available.
Baohong Artist Grade Paper
Block – Various Sizes Cold Press
Baohong Artist Grade Paper
Block – Various Sizes – Rough
Baohong Academy Grade Paper
10 Half Sheets 15″x20″
Baohong Paper by Meeden
Block – Various Sizes
Meeden Cotton Paper
Block – Various Sizes
Baohong Sample Pack
Artist and Academy Grade in all three textures. Give Baohong Paper a try.
Paint
I always use artist grade instead of student grade paint, and tube paint rather than paint sold in dry cakes. I prefer Daniel Smith Watercolors. For a full list of the colors I’m current using download my full color chart. I normally purchase individual tube colors (15ml). However, I have also included a few sets of colors to help those just getting started in watercolor.
Daniel Smith Tube Paints
Individual Colors 15 ml tubes
Daniel Smith Essentials 6 Tube Set
Split Primary Colors – 5ml tubes
Daniel Smith Primary 3 Tube Set
Middle Primary Colors – 15ml tubes
Brushes
Watercolor brushes vary by type of bristles (natural or synthetic hair), by basic shape (round or flat) and by the level of softness or stiffness. There are also lots of different styles of brushes that make different marks. I prefer synthetic. round watercolor brushes in a variety of styles and sizes. I am always experimenting with different brushes, but here are my current favorite brands and styles of brushes.
Princeton Aqua Elite Rounds
Size 8, 10, 12, 16
Princeton Aqua Elite Quill
Quill Size 6
Princeton Neptune Quill
Quill Size 4 or 6
Princeton Aqua Elite Liner
Size 1 Liner
Princeton Neptune Mottler
Size 1 1/2″ or 2″
Grumbacher Golden Toray
Round Sizes 8, 10, 12, 14
Palettes
These are the three watercolor palettes that I use regularly.
Mijello 18-well Plastic Palette
Three mixing areas + Airtight lid
Meeden 32-well Porcelain Palette
Size: 12.6″ x 12.6″ – Includes a lid
Meeden 17-well Porcelain Palette
13″x9.8″ – Two mixing areas – No lid
Other Supplies
Here are a few of my other favorite watercolor supplies.
Mijello Water Bucket – 3 Containers
Holds 2 Liters of water
Includes Brush holder
White Artist’s Masking Tape
1″ wide
Lipstick Organizer
Perfect for organizing tubes of paint