Beginner Watercolor Essentials: Where to Start with Paint, Brushes and Paper

When I first started watercolor painting, I felt completely overwhelmed by all the options out there. Choosing the right materials makes a huge difference in both your experience and your results. Looking back, I wish someone had shared this advice with me! I didn’t have these when I first began, but these are the supplies I wish I had.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your kit, here is my list of beginner watercolor supplies. These picks cover the essentials you need to create paintings you’ll be proud of.

Essential Watercolor Supplies for Beginners

Watercolor Paints

Great watercolor truly starts with great paint—and this is one area where investing in quality really pays off. It can be tempting to choose student-grade paints because they’re cheaper, but you often get what you pay for. Lower-quality paints contain more fillers and less pigment, which can result in colors that look dull, blend poorly, or feel chalky on the paper.

Viviva Original 16 Colors Watercolor Set

You really don’t need a huge collection to get started. A small set of high-quality paints will give you far better results than a larger set of lower-quality ones. Looking back, I wish I had started with something like the Viviva Original 16 Colors Watercolor Set. It’s very affordable, and the pigments are bright, vibrant, and ready to use right out of the box.

Viviva Original 16 Colors Watercolor Set

Viviva Metallic Watercolor Set

Viviva also offers a gorgeous metallic set that adds a touch of shimmer to your paintings—fun, effortless, and magical on the page. Metallic paints are a great way to experiment and add a little sparkle to your work without any extra fuss.

Viviva Metallic Watercolor Set

Watercolor Brushes for Beginners

Brushes are just as important as your paints. The right brush holds water and pigment well, making it easier to create smooth, controlled strokes.

For beginners, I recommend the Princeton Select Artiste Brush Set No. 10. It includes five different round brush sizes and is very affordable, making it a perfect starter set.

Princeton Select Artiste Brush Set No. 10

If you prefer buying individual brushes, the Princeton™ Velvetouch™ Series 3950 Round Brush is excellent. You can often find them at your local Michael’s, and they frequently go on sale. I personally love using sizes 10/0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 for most of my watercolor work.

Princeton Velvetouch Brushes

Choosing the Best Watercolor Paper

The quality of your paper makes a big difference in how your paint behaves. I always recommend 100% cotton watercolor paper because it absorbs water evenly and resists warping. My absolute favorite is Arches cold-pressed paper—it’s reliable, durable, and a dream to paint on.

You can often find it at your local Michael’s, and I like to stock up when they offer 30–40% off coupons since it’s a bit pricey. Trust me, it’s worth the investment!

Arches Cold-Pressed Watercolor Paper

Tips for Getting Started with Watercolor

Getting started with watercolor doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right paints, brushes, and paper, you’ll have the tools you need to explore, experiment, and create confidently. Remember, it’s not about having the biggest collection—it’s about using quality supplies that inspire you to paint.

Embrace the Process

Grab a set that feels right, start small, and most importantly, have fun with the process! I often remind myself that every stroke is a step toward improvement. Don’t stress about perfection. Instead, focus on expressing yourself and enjoying the journey.

Join a Community

Consider joining one of my watercolor classes to try these supplies and others, and create your first painting with step-by-step guidance. Being part of a community can provide support and inspiration, making your watercolor journey even more enjoyable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the right supplies can make a world of difference in your watercolor journey. From quality paints to versatile brushes and reliable paper, each element plays a crucial role in your artistic expression. So, take a deep breath, gather your materials, and let your creativity flow! I can’t wait to see what you create!