Watercolor Paper
Cold pressed – This is a great place to start! Cold pressed watercolor paper absorbs water better than the hot pressed style, which allows you to add layer upon layer onto your painting. The best kind to get is 100% cotton with a weight of 140lb. (300gsm.). *Tip: Be careful not to overdo the water though, as your paper may start to buckle which will distort your painting. I personally like to use pads of paper and journals as opposed to single sheets. If you are using single sheets, you may want to tape down all sides with some washy tape to create a border. This also prevents your paper from moving around too much while you paint. Below are a few recommendations of my favorite cold pressed paper.
Hot Pressed – This smooth paper is great for minimal layers of watercolor. It is wonderful for combining ink or pen along with a light wash of paint. While this paper is less absorbent than the others, it shines when doing smaller, fine details. Again, the weight preferred for this paper is 140lb. (300gsm.), and 100% cotton if you can find. Below are a few gems to try out.
Rough pressed – The thick, rough texture of this paper allows you to put layer upon layer of water without destroying your paper. It also leaves a nice varied texture effect on your final painting, and allows for a loose feel if you will.
Watercolor Paints
Pans – When you are just starting out, you may already have pan paints on hand. I say use what you have, anything to get started! Pan paints are convenient and easy because your palette is premade and ready to go. They are solidified paints in small, compact trays, and are activated with water when your brush is applied. There are many options to choose from, depending on the amount of colors you would like. I recommend starting small, that way you are not overwhelmed by all the options of colors. Winsor and Newton is a nice student grade paint that I recommend, but again, anything will work.
Tube – Watercolor paints are also available in a tube. They will need to be squeezed directly from the tube to a palette or your paper. I suggest using a palette, that way you will have more control over the amount of paint used, and you can still use the paint once it dries, all you have to do is add water. Tube paints offer a high concentration of pigment, and are ideal for mixing vibrant, intense colors. There are many options out there, from student grade to professional. The longer you paint, the more you will want to try! You will eventually find what you like best. Below are just a few recommendations, but don’t be afraid to explore.
Watercolor Brushes
Brushes are so much fun! There are a variety of options out there, and the more you paint, the more you will want to try out to find your personal favorites. What I have discovered is that after trying many brushes and acquiring an arsenal, I wind up using the same two or three over and over again. So, I’m just going to suggest my three favorite, most useful brushes, but don’t be afraid to venture out and try as many as you can.
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