Getting Started - Essential Materials

If you're thinking about taking up watercolor painting, you might be overwhelmed by the tons of different materials you could get and wondering what it is you actually need to get started. Don't worry, it's not as daunting as it may seem!

Let me give you a quick overview of the essential materials you'll need to start creating your own beautiful watercolor paintings.

Watercolor Paints

First and foremost, you'll need some watercolor paints. There are many brands and types of watercolor paints available, so it's important to choose the right ones for you. Student-grade paints are more affordable and a great choice for beginners, while professional-grade paints offer higher quality and more intense pigments. I personally started out with the Winsor & Newton Cotman line, which is student grade. I have since upgraded to their professional series, but have stayed true to the brand. Other popular brands that offer great sets are Daniel Smith, Rembrandt or Schmincke.

When it comes to color selection, it's best to start with a basic set of twelve colors that can be mixed to create a range of hues. This will allow you to experiment and get a feel for the colors before investing in a larger set. I can absolutely reccomend Schmincke‘s palette of 12 colors, as they feature a warm and cool hue of each primary pigment. This will do wonders when you mix your own colors - which you definitely will ;)

Brushes

Watercolor brushes come in different sizes and shapes and can achieve stunning effects on paper

Next, you'll need some brushes. Watercolor brushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each one has a specific use. A round brush is a versatile choice and can be used for detail work as well as washes. I paint almost exclusively with very small, round brushes, but it depends on what you‘re planning to paint, of course. A flat brush is great for larger washes and covering larger areas, while a fan brush can be used for creating textures in landscapes such as fields and grasses.

When it comes to brush materials, natural hair brushes are the best choice for watercolor painting. They hold more water and pigment than synthetic brushes, which will allow you to create smoother washes and better blends. However, natural hair brushes are more expensive than synthetic ones and you might also want to opt against natural hair for ethical reasons.

Watercolor Paper

The kind of watercolor paper you will need depends on your skillset and your artistic style

Watercolor paper is specifically designed to absorb water and hold paint, making it an essential material for watercolor painting. There are many different types of watercolor paper available, each with its own characteristics and uses.

Hot-pressed paper has a smooth surface and is great for detailed work, while cold-pressed paper has a slightly rough texture that is ideal for creating texture and depth in your paintings. Rough paper has the most texture, making it great for loose, expressive paintings.

Again, quality comes with a price tag. The best paper is 100% cotton and I exclusively paint on the Saunders Waterford paper made by St.Cuthbert‘s Mill. Arches. Hahnemühle and Fabriano are also excellent and very popular choices. Each brand usually offers a high-quality cotton paper and more affordable ones that are a mix of cotton and cellulose.

Palettes

A mixing palette can be made of ceramic or plastic. Most artists will have several mixing palettes containing their personal color mixes.

Lastly, you'll need a palette to mix and hold your watercolor paints. There are many different types of palettes available, from plastic to ceramic to porcelain. A plastic palette is a great choice for beginners, as it is affordable and easy to clean. If you're looking for something more durable, a porcelain palette is a good investment.

If you‘ve bought a box of paints, you can also use the little wells in that box. Alternatively, I have also used a plate from my kitchen as a palette, so there is really no need to go out and get one.

So, this is pretty much it! With these essential materials, you're well on your way to creating beautiful watercolor paintings. Don't be afraid to experiment and try out different materials until you find what works best for you. With a little practice and patience, you'll soon be creating stunning works of art that you can be proud of. Happy painting!