What you need to get started
Watercolour punishes cheap supplies more than any other medium, and pigment quality matters enormously. The basic kit is still modest, though.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Field Set (12 half pans)
£25–30The gold standard student watercolour. Lightfast, mixes cleanly, available everywhere. The 12-pan set covers every colour you need for the first year.
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Winsor & Newton Professional Water Colour (tube set)
£45–60 for a starter tube setIf you want professional quality from day one — the pigments are richer and the colours stay true. Not necessary to start, but you'll notice the difference.
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Round brushes: sizes 4, 8, 12
£12–20 for a three-brush setThree brushes cover everything. Round brushes hold water, come to a point, and are versatile for both detail and wash. Synthetic is fine — cheap flats are not.
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Watercolour paper (300gsm / 140lb)
£12–18 for a 10-sheet A4 blockThis is the most important purchase. Thin paper buckles and ruins the work. 300gsm cold-press Arches, Fabriano, or Bockingford won't buckle. Avoid anything under 200gsm.
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Two water pots, kitchen sponge, masking tape
£5–8Two pots: one for rinsing, one for clean water to mix with. A sponge for lifting wet paint. Masking tape to attach paper to a board and create clean edges.
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Where to buy (UK)
- Cass Art — Best UK art supply retailer, frequent student discounts, knowledgeable staff
- Jacksons Art — Professional supplies, excellent prices on Winsor & Newton professional range
- Amazon — Fine for paper and basic brushes; avoid Amazon-brand paints
- Local art groups — Many local art societies sell surplus supplies cheaply at meetings
Do not buy children's watercolour sets. The pigments are poor quality and the colours are inaccurate — they will teach bad habits and produce ugly results.
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