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Watercolor Painting Supplies: What I Use for Art - Professional and Student-Grade

Writer's picture: Kanchan KaulKanchan Kaul

Updated: Dec 31, 2024

If you've ever wondered, "What supplies do I use?" you're not alone. In this blog post, I'll walk you through the watercolour supplies I rely on for my art journey. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just getting started, this guide will help you make informed choices for your watercolour projects.


Watercolor Paints

Student-Grade Paints

When I'm practising or painting for personal use, I opt for student-grade paints. These paints offer good quality at a budget-friendly price. I use Shinhan Professional Tubes, which, despite the "Professional" label, are affordable and perfect for practice. Another alternative is the Winsor and Newton Cotman Tubes or Pans. They provide creamy, high-quality colours for your artwork.


Professional-Grade Paints

For selling original artwork, I recommend stepping up to professional-grade paints. Schmincke - HORADAM® AQUARELL is my top choice. I prefer them in tubes because they allow precise control over the amount of paint I use. These paints provide vibrant, long-lasting colours for your professional pieces. However if you do prefer pans then Schmincke have that option too.

Another brand is the PWC SHINHAN Extra Fine Watercolour Paints, which are great quality! However, as of now they do not offer pans and are available only in tubes.



Pro Tip: Mix and match colours to create unique shades. If you're interested in learning more about colour mixing, check out my Skillshare class, Watercolor Florals for Beginners: Exploring Depth, Color, and Details.


Watercolor Paper

Before we dive into paper details, let's discuss the Cold Press vs. Hot Press differences. Choose based on your painting style and preference:

Cold Press Paper

  • Fine Grained: Ideal for detailed work.

  • Medium Grained: Great for loose florals.

  • Rough: Not recommended for detailed work.


Hot Press Paper

Perfect for adding extremely fine details, often preferred by artists who paint realistic florals. Some hot press paper, like Saunders Waterford: 200lb Hot Press Pad, has a slight texture that adds depth to your artwork.


Recommended Paper

For Practice

My personal favourite is the watercolour pad from my own brand which gives me the option of both Hot Pressed and Cold Pressed paper since it is double sided,100% Cotton Watercolor Paper Pad 300gsm. As it is quite affordable I use it for both practice and professional work.

Alternatively you can use the Canson XL Watercolor Pad. It offers good quality and is suitable for my style of painting.


For Professional Use

For professional work, I recommend the paper pad from my brand. Alternatively you can consider the Saunders Waterford: 200lb Hot Press Pad. It provides excellent texture and is made from high-quality 100% cotton, ensuring your artwork lasts.


Bottomline, look for a paper that meets these criteria:

  • 100% cotton: Ensures the best paper quality and absorption.

  • Minimum 300 GSM/140lb: Don't compromise on paper weight.

  • Acid-free: Consider acid-free paper for long-lasting, archival-quality artwork.

Acid-free archival paper can last more than 1,000 years and is ideal for preserving your art in the long term.


No matter which brands you choose, quality supplies are essential for your watercolour journey. Whether you're practising or creating professional artwork, investing in the right paints and paper will elevate your creations.


Pro Tip: If you're ready to start shopping, here's my Amazon affiliate link to some of the supplies: Shop Now.


Brushes

Brushes are a one-time investment, unlike paper and paints. It is a good idea to practice with the same brushes you plan to use for professional work. So, I recommend spending well on brushes and these will go a long way if taken care of. So here are my favourites. Choose any that suits your budget.


Round Brushes:

  • My personal favourites: The Ultimate Brush Sets from yours truly :)

  • Princeton Aqua Elite round brush size 4 and Size 8




Detailing Brush

My quest to find the perfect detailing brush led me to creating one that suits my needs. My detailing brush is available on my website.



I hope this comprehensive guide to watercolour painting supplies has been a valuable resource for your artistic journey. Whether you're a seasoned painter or just dipping your brushes into the world of watercolours, having the right supplies can make all the difference.


Remember, your choice of paints and paper should align with your goals. For practice and personal use, student-grade supplies like Shinhan Professional Tubes or Winsor and Newton Cotman Tubes or Pans offer quality without breaking the bank. When it's time to create original pieces for sale, consider investing in professional-grade paints for vibrant, long-lasting results.


Selecting the right paper is equally crucial. Whether you prefer cold press or hot press, be sure to choose high-quality paper that meets the criteria of 100% cotton, a minimum weight of 300 GSM/140lb, and acid-free properties.


If you have any questions, or doubts, or need further guidance on your watercolour journey, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to assist you and provide insights to help you thrive as an artist.


I highly recommend watching my watercolour introductory class to learn more about watercolour art supplies



May your watercolour creations be filled with beauty and inspiration. Happy Painting!

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