brushes

Round Synthetic brushes (that act like natural hair) from Betty Hayways. I use sizes 4-12.
Round Synthetic Brushes from Zytang Art
Round Natural Hair Brush size 8 from Da Vinci - Maestro 

paint

French Ultramarine
Phtalo Blue (Green Shade)
Mayan Blue
SAP Green
Jadite Genuine
Burnt Umber
Van Dyke Brown
Piementite Genuine
Amathyst Genuine
Rhodononite Genuine
Pyrrol Scarlet
Carbazole Violet
Quinacrodone Rose
Quinacrodone Sienna
New Gamboge
Hansa Yellow Light
Hematite Genuine
Buff Titanium
Paynes Grey
Neutral Tint
Moonglow

Daniel Smith

paper

Quick sketches and everyday paintings:
300gsm Cold Press Cellulose Paper from Canson Montval

Fancy Cotton Paper:
300gsm Cold Press Canson Heritage (I mostly use this)
300gsm Hot Press Canson Heritage
300gsm Rough Canson Heritage

Watercolor Sketchbooks
A4 Sketchbook from Hahnemuhle with Watercolor Paper 200gsm
A5 Sketchbooks from Moleskin

stuff for drawing

Fineliners from Staedtler and Micron
Bruynzeel Pencils
Eraser from Faber Castell

stuff for painting

Cheramics Palette
Water Mist Spray
Metal Artist Watercolor Box
Empty Pans for Tube Paints
Masking Fluid from Winsor and Newton

These are the core supplies I use in my practice and recommend to my students. They aren’t an exhaustive list, but they are foundational and adaptable, giving you everything you need to explore watercolor fully and confidently. Below is a list of my favorite supplies, each chosen to support a reliable and enjoyable watercolor practice:

Supplies list

When it comes to painting in watercolor, having the right supplies can make all the difference in your creative process. I often tell my students that, while watercolor has a reputation for being light and simple, it's a medium that can offer tremendous depth and flexibility with the right tools. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, investing in a few quality items can give you a lot more control and satisfaction in your work.

First, let’s talk about the paper. In watercolor painting, the paper isn’t just the surface you’re working on – it’s an integral part of the process. Watercolor paper is designed to absorb water without warping or peeling, which allows for beautiful blends and effects. I use cold-pressed paper for its slightly textured surface, which adds a lovely depth to my work. Cold-pressed paper is also forgiving; it allows for washes, layers, and gentle corrections. If you’re looking for a smoother texture, hot-pressed paper is a good alternative, especially if you want more control for fine details or ink work. Personally I prefer my Cold Press every day because I just love the texture so much.

When it comes to paints, the type and quality really matter. I always recommend starting with artist-grade paints. They are made with higher-quality pigments and fewer fillers, which means they’re more vibrant and blend smoothly without becoming muddy. A pro tip is to purchase the tubepaints but the filling up pans with it. Let it sit to dry for a day and you have a much cheaper alternative to the prefilled pans.
I use both tube and pan watercolors, depending on the project. Tubes allow me to mix larger washes of color, and they’re particularly useful for pieces that require rich, even backgrounds. Pans, on the other hand, are great for on-the-go sketching. They’re compact and don’t take much setup time, making them perfect for travel.

Brushes are another essential. There are many types out there, but I find that having a few high-quality brushes can cover almost any need. Round brushes are my go-to, especially those with a fine tip that allows for both broad strokes and tiny details. I also use flat brushes when I need to cover large areas quickly or create sharp edges. A mop brush is a recent addition to my toolkit, and it’s wonderful for creating soft, graded washes. Don’t feel pressured to buy a full set of brushes right away; start with a couple of versatile ones and add more as you figure out your style.

An often-overlooked tool is the palette. Ceramic palettes are my favorite because they’re easy to clean and don’t stain, which makes a difference when you’re mixing pure colors. However, you dont need to purchase an expensive palette right away. You can just grab a white plate in the kitchen and you are good to go. 

Finally, I always keep a sketchbook on hand. A good watercolor sketchbook allows you to explore and experiment without the pressure of a “final piece.” It’s a space where you can try out new techniques, test color palettes, or create quick studies. I look for sketchbooks with heavyweight, cold-pressed paper that can handle water without too much buckling. Having a dedicated watercolor sketchbook can make a big difference in developing your skills – it becomes a visual journal of your progress and experiments.