“In the hands of an artist, watercolor becomes a symphony of hues, a dance of light and shadow .” -Unknown

Watercolor Wonders: A Beginner's Essential Shopping Guide for Art Supplies

Buying watercolor supplies when you're starting out or want to upgrade can be so overwhelming but it doesn't have to be!

Hey there, fellow artist!

If you're new here, I'm Irit, an intuitive watercolor and mixed media artist based in Austria, Europe. On this blog, I love sharing all things art-related.

In today's guide, I'll be sharing my top recommendations for budding artists who are starting their watercolor journey or looking to upgrade their supplies to artist-grade materials. We'll cover essential items and insightful tips to help you make informed decisions while saving both time and money.

To make things even better, I've created an in-depth comparison guide that you can download for free. Find the link below and let's dive in!

🎨Which Watercolor Is The Best In-Depth Comparison🎨

The Journey Begins: Watercolor Essentials

When you embark on your watercolor journey, there are three key items you'll need to kickstart your artistic exploration: a watercolor palette, brushes, and paper.

1. Watercolor Palette: For beginners, I highly recommend starting with a 24 half pans set in a metal tin. This option is widely available across major brands and offers versatility. The metal tin allows for easy mixing and addition of different brands. If you're on a tight budget, a 12-set in a 24-tin palette will work just fine. You can gradually add more colors as your budget and artistic preferences expand.

2. Brushes: As a beginner, it's best to begin with a larger round and flat brush, along with a smaller brush for intricate details. Look for well-known brands like Princeton or Escoda and opt for synthetic brushes initially. They are more affordable and allow you to experiment with different sizes and shapes without breaking the bank. Save investing in expensive kolinsky sable brushes until you have a clearer understanding of your preferred style and brush preferences.

3. Paper: Don't underestimate the importance of quality paper in your watercolor journey. Student-grade paper can hinder your joy of painting with watercolors. If you're serious about your artistic growth, I highly recommend working with quality paper as much as your budget allows. While it's often emphasized to use 100% cotton paper, there are also more affordable alternatives available. Take your time to explore and experiment with different papers to find what works best for you.

The Power of Practice and Discovery

Now that you have your essential watercolor supplies, it's time for the best tip you'll receive to fast-track your journey as an artist. This tip will save you time, money, and help you become a better artist faster.

Avoid spending excessive time watching reviews and hauls.

Instead, after reading this blog post and downloading my free guide, focus on settling for a couple of watercolor brands that catch your interest. Limit yourself to watching two highly-watched and highly-rated review videos (check out Lindsy, the Frugal Crafter's fantastic reviews) and then make a decision.

Develop a bias towards action and spend your precious time on PAINTING and learning. This active practice will allow you to understand your personal preferences, discover what you love, and enjoy in your supplies.

Trust me, there isn't a secret supply that will magically make you a better artist, and there is no objectively superior brand. Different artists recommend different paints because they suit their style, preference, budget, and location.

Conclusion: Thank you for joining me on this insightful journey through the 2023 Shopping Guide for budding watercolor artists. I hope these recommendations and tips will guide you in making wise choices while starting or upgrading your watercolor supplies.

Remember, the key to growth lies in active practice and experimentation.

Spend more time painting, discovering your style, and enjoying the artistic process. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated with our upcoming posts. Take care and have a blast painting!

-Irit