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Here's where you can find all the details on what supplies to bring to class!
For simplicity in shopping, all supplies shown here can be found at Hobby Lobby stores. If you're shopping at a different store, though, I've provided enough information that you will be able to make an informed decision on whatever supplies you have access to.
Happy Shopping!
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by Hobby Lobby and I don't receive any benefits for recommending these products.
Watercolor Paper
Watercolor paper is one of the most important factors in painting. The paper I recommend for beginners to practice on is 9’x12" 140 lb cold press watercolor paper. I like this size because it gives plenty of space for painting and experimenting! At Hobby Lobby, this book costs around $10 full price. On sale week, it's down to $6.
If you’re not at Hobby Lobby, I’ve circled the important information for what to look for in the image to the right. Make sure the paper says it’s specifically for watercolor!
Watercolor Paint
After paper, the next big step is to find a good watercolor paint. I have found the Master's Touch brand from Hobby Lobby to be my favorite. You can go for either pan or tube paints, I find that the quality is about the same. (If you opt for tube paints, make sure to grab a palette too!) This watercolor set in the photo (Master's Touch 24 color half pan set for 11.99) is my top recommendation for beginners. I love the variety of colors and how vibrant they are!
If purchasing elsewhere, aim for about 24 colors (more or less is okay) and look for a similar price. I would be suspicious of anything under 10 dollars. Also, washable watercolor is not the same as adult watercolor and should be avoided.
Paint Palette
If your watercolor set doesn’t come with a mixing tray, then make sure to grab a palette for mixing paint on. This doesn’t need to be very expensive. I grabbed a pack of four plastic trays from Hobby Lobby for less than three dollars, and found I have plenty of space for my favorite colors!
Plastic trays will sometimes stain with color, but it doesn’t affect anything in painting except how the palette looks. If this bothers you, go for a ceramic palette instead!
Paintbrushes
I find round paintbrushes to be most versatile. If I’m going to use just one brush for watercolor, it would be a number 8 round brush. For beginners, I recommend a set of a couple paintbrushes to be able to experiment with. This set of ten brushes from Hobby Lobby is my choice, because it’s got several sizes of round brushes as well as a few square brushes for larger swatches of paint.
If you’re grabbing a different set, the important brushes are a number 8 round brush (5-8 is okay), a number 1 or 2 round brush, and a number 8 square (shader) brush.
Ink Pen
These are waterproof black pens that create a dark ink outline for loose watercolor paintings. I love the look of these two together! You can see an example in my bookmark to the right. I don’t have a favorite brand of ink pen; as long as it says it’s waterproof and/or made with archival ink, you’re good to go! You only need one size; if you have a choice go for a 0.5 thickness.
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