Discover your essential watercolour tools

Welcome to my curated selection of watercolour favourites! As an artist and instructor, I often get asked about the best brushes and paper for watercolour painting. This page is dedicated to sharing my top recommendations to help you find the perfect supplies to start or continue your artistic journey with confidence.

My favourite watercolour brushes

Choosing the right brush can significantly impact your painting experience. From soft washes to fine details, the brushes you use make all the difference. Here, I've compiled a list of my go-to watercolour brushes. I recommend them for both beginners and experienced artists. Find the tools that will help you achieve beautiful results.

My Favourite Brushes

My favourite brushes are the Princeton Velvetouch Series. The Watercolour Floral Set has everything you’ll need to get started, or you can shop the open-stock selection at Michaels to choose individual brushes.

For most of my projects, you really only need a size 8 round brush. It’s a versatile, all-purpose brush that can handle everything from larger washes to smaller details, making it a great brush to have in your collection.

Recommended watercolour paper

The foundation of any great watercolour painting is quality paper. The texture, weight, and absorbency of your paper play a crucial role in how colours blend and dry. I've tested many brands over the years, and here are my top picks for watercolour paper that consistently deliver excellent performance. Discover the surfaces that will bring your visions to life.

My Favourite Watercolour Papers

Choosing the right paper can make a big difference in your watercolour experience. Here are my go-to options, from budget-friendly to a little more luxurious.

  • Best Budget: Canson Watercolour Paper is my most-used paper and, in my opinion, the best value for the price. It performs very well and is a great choice for everyday painting and practice.

  • Step Up: Strathmore Watercolour Paper offers a little more texture and is a nice option when you want to upgrade without spending too much more.

  • Splurge: Arches Cold Pressed Watercolour Paper is a beautiful, high-quality option with a noticeably more textured surface. If you’re looking for premium paper and love a strong texture, this is the one to try.

I’m genuinely very happy with Canson Watercolour Paper. For the price, I find it hard to beat—it performs beautifully and is an excellent choice for most projects.

My Watercolour Palette

 

❤️ Warm Colours

Reds

  • Winsor & Newton Cadmium Red

Pinks

  • Daniel Smith Opera Pink (a splurge, but a must-have!)

Yellows

  • Winsor & Newton Lemon Yellow (cool yellow)
  • Daniel Smith Yellow Ochre (recommended if your budget allows)
    OR
  • Winsor & Newton Raw Sienna (very similar; choose this for a more budget-friendly option)

Earth Tones

  • Daniel Smith Yellow Ochre (warm earth tone) or
  • Winsor & Newton Raw Sienna

Greens

  • Daniel Smith Sap Green (warm green)
  • Daler-Rowney Olive Green (nice addition, but optional if you're on a budget)

 

💙 Cool Colours

Purples

Choose one:

  • Daniel Smith Imperial Purple (splurge option)
  • Daler-Rowney Manganese Violet (excellent budget alternative)

If your budget allows, both make a beautiful pairing.

Blues

  • Winsor & Newton Intense Blue
  • Winsor & Newton Lemon Yellow pairs beautifully with Intense Blue for vibrant greens.

Greens

  • Daler-Rowney Viridian Hue (cool green)

Neutrals

  • Daler-Rowney Payne's Grey

 

Budget Priorities

Must-Haves

  • Daniel Smith Opera Pink
  • Winsor & Newton Cadmium Red
  • Winsor & Newton Lemon Yellow
  • Daniel Smith Sap Green
  • Winsor & Newton Intense Blue
  • Daler-Rowney Viridian Hue
  • Daler-Rowney Payne's Grey
  • Windsor&Newton Raw Sienna

Upgrade if Your Budget Allows

  • Daniel Smith Imperial Purple
  • Daniel Smith Yellow Ochre (instead of Raw Sienna)
  • Daler-Rowney Olive Green

If you’re looking to splurge and cost is not a consideration I would go with a full Daniel Smith pallet. Their richness, vibrancy, luminosity and beautiful granulation in my opinion can not be beat. They have multiple sets to choose from.

Ready-Made Palette Recommendation-Budget friendly

If you'd rather buy a ready-to-go palette instead of individual tubes, Paul Rubens watercolour palettes (available on Amazon) offer excellent quality for the price. I used them exclusively for years and still reach for mine regularly.