🎨 The Perfect Watercolour Kit: My Must-Have Tools & Where to Find Them
Get the most out of your painting experience with these tried-and-tested favourites!
One of the questions I get asked the most in my workshops is: What materials should I buy? Whether you're brand new to watercolour or looking to refine your setup, having the right tools can make all the difference.
🌟 Good news for beginners! All materials are provided in my in person classes, so there's no need to invest right away. But if you're ready to build your own kit, here’s what I recommend…
🖌 The Best Brushes for Watercolour
When it comes to brushes, quality matters. A few well-made brushes will last you years and make your painting experience so much easier!
✔ Rosemary Brushes – Handmade, beautifully balanced, and a joy to use. My top picks:
Series 302 (Short Flat Golden Synthetic) – Broad strokes and a crisp chisel edge make this the most versatile brush
Shiraz Rigger – Ideal for details and delicate lines
Golden Synthetic Pointed (Series 301, Size 8) – Great for precision edges, gradients and blending.
📍 Where to Buy: Rosemary & Co
🎨 My Favourite Watercolour Paints
For beginners, I always recommend the Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketchers’ Pocket Box. It’s small, portable, and comes with 12 vibrant half-pans that mix beautifully.
✔ Why I love it:
✅ Comes with a handy mixing palette
✅ Includes a pocket brush for painting on the go
✅ Fantastic quality for beginner and intermediate artists
More advanced learners can move onto the Winsor & Newton Professional range - these are more robust pigments and come in full pans, half pans and tubes.
📍 Where to Buy: Ken Bromley Art Supplies
💡 Bonus Tip: Ordering from Ken Bromley earns you points towards future purchases!
🧻Watercolour Paper
Paper and supports for watercolour can be a bit overwhelming for beginners because it comes in so many weights, textures, sizes, formats and qualities and it may need stretching. The best paper for you will depend on the work you make but if you are just beginning you won’t know that yet….
I think it is best to start with a reasonably priced, medium textured ‘NOT’ paper and see how you progress. If you are working in fine detailed work you might prefer a smooth ‘HOT PRESSED’ paper but if you use a lot of water a heavy textured ’COLD PRESSED’ paper will suit you better. Avoid cheap and nasty papers from knock off stores! Above all be aware that if you are struggling with your painting a simple change of paper can make all the difference.
🏆 Where I Shop for Art Supplies
If you’re looking to stock up, these are my go-to suppliers:
🖌 Rosemary & Co – Simply the best brushes!
🎨 Winsor & Newton – Classic, high-quality paints and materials.
🖍 Sennelier – Their tube colours are buttery, rich, and beautiful to work with.
✏ Derwent – A dream for pencil lovers!
🖼 Ken Bromley Art Supplies – Best prices, fast shipping, and a great rewards system.
📦 Le Géant Des Beaux-Arts – A fantastic French supplier with quick delivery.
✨ Want more art tips?
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Happy painting! 🎨✨