Watercolor Supplies I Actually Use (and Why I Ditched the Rest)

When I first started painting with watercolor, I bought way too much. Fancy sets, cheap brushes, every color I could find. Most of it ended up in a drawer… or the trash.

Now, after years of trial and error (and a whole lot of painting), I’ve simplified. My studio setup is minimal, efficient, and built for expressive, loose watercolor work.

Here’s exactly what I use—and why I ditched the rest.

Paints: A Lean, Powerful Palette

I use Holbein watercolors, a brand I trust for its smooth consistency and clean mixing. But what matters more than brand is what’s in the palette.

Here’s my daily driver set:

• Ultramarine Blue
• Cobalt Blue
• Alizarin Crimson
• Cadmium Red Light
• Lemon Yellow
• Yellow Ochre
• Burnt Sienna
• Neutral Tint
• White Gouache (for highlights and opacity)

This limited palette gives me a full spectrum without the overwhelm. I’ve tested dozens of colors—but these work beautifully for mixing, granulating, and staying loose.

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Paper: Fabriano Artistico Cold Press (Full Sheets Only)

Paper is where many beginners go wrong.

I recommend Fabriano Artistico 140 lb cold press, 100% cotton. It’s the one paper I consistently trust for both play and professional work.

Pro tip: Buy full sheets in packs of 10 to save money and trim to the size you need.

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Brushes: Reliable Workhorses

I use a combo of Silver Brush and Princeton Neptune series brushes. They hold water well, snap back nicely, and last.

My brush arsenal (and what I recommend):

• Large wash brush
• Small wash brush
• #12 pointed round
• Small pointed round
• Liner or script brush
• Medium-size sword brush
• Optional: A flat brush for harder edges and bold strokes

You don’t need dozens of brushes. Just a few good ones.

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Palette + Tools

I paint with a Masterson Sta-Wet Palette—it’s large, offers plenty of mixing space, and keeps paint moist between sessions.

Other tools I actually use:

• Gator board (or firm surface) to tape down my paper
• Two water containers (one clean, one dirty)
• Spray bottle for reactivating paint
• Towel or sponge to control moisture

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What I Learned

If you’re just starting—or even years in—less is more.

A simple setup frees your mind to paint, explore, and grow. I’ve wasted hundreds of dollars on supplies that didn’t help me improve. Now, I only use what works—and I get better results with less clutter.