Watercolour Supplies Guide for Beginners and Advanced Artists

Diving into the world of watercolour is a fascinating adventure, but with the vast array of available supplies, the first step can seem daunting. Paper, brushes, colours… how do you navigate it all? This guide is here to provide clear, practical guidance for choosing the watercolour supplies that are right for you, whether you're a curious beginner or an artist looking to expand your collection of fine art supplies.

As Joybuy product advisors, our role is to demystify the available options and guide you towards informed choices, without the unnecessary jargon.

How to Choose Your Watercolour Supplies?

Before we get to our top picks, let's review the essential criteria for getting the right gear.

1. Paper: The Foundation of Your Artwork

The choice of watercolour paper is arguably the most critical. Unsuitable paper can buckle, absorb colour unevenly, and ruin all your hard work. Here are the key points to check:

• Weight: This is the paper's weight per square metre (g/m?). For watercolour, aim for a minimum of 300 g/m?. Anything less is likely to warp when it comes into contact with water.
• Texture: There are three main textures. Fine grain (cold-pressed), the most versatile, is suitable for most techniques. Hot-pressed, which is ultra-smooth, is perfect for fine details, while rough grain, which is highly textured, adds body and character to washes.
• Composition: Paper is made from either 100% cellulose (wood pulp) or cotton. Cellulose is an affordable, good-quality option for getting started. 100% cotton paper, which is more absorbent and durable, is the choice of artists for more polished works.

A good drawing pad designed for wet media is an excellent starting point.

2. The Colours: Pans, Tubes, or Pencils?

Watercolour paint comes in several formats, each with its own advantages.

• Pans: These are small, solid cakes of dry paint, very convenient for painting outdoors or for beginners. They often form the basis of a beginner's watercolour kit.
• Tubes: These contain a paste-like paint that you dilute on a palette. They allow you to achieve more vibrant colours and prepare larger quantities of paint.
• Watercolour pencils: These hybrid tools are used like coloured pencils, but their pigments dissolve with water using a brush. They are perfect for combining the precision of a line with the fluidity of paint.

3. Additional Tools

To get started, a few round brushes in different sizes (a fine one for details, a medium one for flat washes) are more than enough. A palette for your mixes and a water container complete this basic setup.

Our Top Watercolour Supply Picks

Here are three products that stand out for their quality and design philosophy, each meeting specific needs.

Canson XL Mix Media Drawing Pad, 30 Sheets - A3

Why it stands out: Its incredible versatility makes it a top-tier surface for artists who love to experiment. It's designed to handle not only watercolour but also gouache, acrylic, and other mixed media.

Advantages:

• Versatile medium grain: It offers a balanced surface, suitable for both washes and detailed work.
• Excellent preservation: The paper is acid-free and free of optical brighteners, ensuring excellent colour longevity. It is also treated against mould.
• Archival quality: It complies with the ISO 9706 standard, a guarantee of longevity for works you wish to preserve.
• Large format: The A3 size (29.7 x 42 cm) provides ample room for expression.

Who is it for? For artists and students who enjoy juggling different techniques and are looking for a reliable, versatile paper for their projects.

MOLESKINE 12-Piece Drawing Pencil Set

Why it stands out: These watercolour pencils combine intelligent design with a high-quality lead. Their square body isn't just for aesthetics: it's also highly practical, preventing the pencils from rolling off your work surface.

Advantages:

• Dual use: dry or wet: Use them dry for precise lines, or dilute them with a water-filled brush to create wash and gradient effects.
• Unique grip: Their square cross-section offers a different drawing experience and excellent control, which is highly appreciated during long creative sessions.
• Eco-friendly materials: The pencil barrels are made from natural, FSC-certified cedar wood from responsibly managed forests.
• Quality 3 mm lead: The 3 mm lead dissolves easily and releases vibrant colours.

Who is it for? For illustrators, fans of sketchbooking, and anyone who loves beautiful, functional objects. It also makes an excellent gift for a creative mind.

Clairefontaine "Animals" Pre-drawn Watercolour Drawing Pad 30 x 40 cm

Why it stands out: This pad offers a playful and guided approach to watercolour. Thanks to its pre-drawn illustrations, it allows you to focus solely on painting techniques: colour mixing, washes, brush handling, and more.

Advantages:

• Focused learning: Perfect for practising without the pressure of a blank page. The pad contains 12 pre-printed sheets (6 designs, two of each) and 3 blank sheets to let your imagination run free.
• Quality watercolour paper: The paper is a 300 g/m? fine-grain 100% cellulose, acid-free and pH-neutral, ensuring good water absorption.
• Multiple themes available: In addition to the "Animals" theme, "Botanical" and "Parisian Scenes" versions are available in other formats to explore different subjects.

Who is it for? For beginners or intermediate artists who want to perfect their colouring technique in a fun, guided way.

Looking for Other Options?

Our selection highlights three products with very distinct uses. If you're looking for a specific paper, a different format, or supplies to complete your kit, feel free to explore our full range.

Explore our complete collection of drawing pads to find the perfect surface for your projects.

Frequently Asked Questions about Watercolour Supplies

What paper should I choose to start with watercolour?

To start, a 300 g/m? fine-grain paper is a safe and versatile choice. A 100% cellulose composition offers excellent value for money while you're getting the hang of it. An A4 or A5 pad is easy to handle and take with you anywhere.

Can you use classic coloured pencils for watercolour?

No, classic coloured pencils are not water-soluble. Their wax- or oil-based pigments are hydrophobic and will repel water. To achieve a watercolour effect, you must use specific watercolour pencils, whose lead is designed to dissolve when touched with a wet brush.

How do you put together a good beginner's watercolour kit?

A good beginner's watercolour kit doesn't need to be extensive. It can consist of:

1. A palette of 12 half-pans with the essential colours.
2. A pad of 300 g/m? watercolour paper.
3. Two or three round brushes of different sizes (e.g., a size 2 for details and a size 8 for flat washes).
4. A water pot and a cloth or sponge. This basic set is perfect for exploring the fundamental techniques of watercolour.