Beginner Watercolor Class Supply List
Everything you need to get started painting with watercolor!
Welcome to watercolor! I'm excited to paint with you at the Cumming Arts Center.
Below you'll find the supplies I recommend for our six-week Beginner Watercolor course. I've selected materials that are beginner-friendly while offering the quality you need to develop your skills.
You don't need to purchase everything new! If you already have watercolor supplies, feel free to bring them. We'll make sure they're suitable for class.
Workshops and all other Classes
Everything in this list is essential for any of the watercolor classes or workshops. If you are taking beyond the beginner class, you may want to add some additional paint colors. My preferred brand is Daniel Smith, and you are welcome to use those or any other brand of artist-grade tube watercolors. Pan watercolor sets can be used, but my preference is tubes. While you can use your primary colors to mix just about anything, my favorite "convenience" colors are Daniel Smith quinacridone gold, Sap Green, quinacridone purple, Payne's Grey, Indigo, and Titanium White.
There may be additional supplies for workshops. Specialized supplies will be prvided by the instructor.
🎨 Paints & Brushes
Daniel Smith Essentials Watercolor Set
This six-color set includes warm and cool versions of the primary colors. It's an excellent foundation for learning color mixing without needing dozens of paints.
Watercolor Brush Set — 10 Soft Synthetic Squirrel Brushes
A versatile set of soft watercolor brushes for washes, details, and everyday painting techniques.
📄 Watercolor Paper
Cold Press Watercolor Paper — 9 × 12 inches
Good watercolor paper makes a tremendous difference, especially when you're learning!
Here are two options:
Arches Watercolor Paper
A premium option for students who want to invest in professional-quality paper.
MEEDEN Watercolor Paper
A more budget-friendly option for practicing techniques and completing class projects.
🖌️ Painting Accessories
Sealable Watercolor Palette
A palette with a lid is convenient for mixing colors and keeping your paints ready between classes.
Continuous Spray Bottle
A fine mist helps keep your paints moist and gives you more control when working wet-on-wet.
Graphite Transfer Paper
Useful for transferring drawings and outlines onto watercolor paper without needing to draw everything freehand.
Masking Fluid
Masking fluid protects selected areas of your paper so they remain white while you paint.
💧 Everyday Essentials
Three Water Containers
Nothing fancy required! I often use Mason jars, but any three cups or containers will do.
Disposable cups will also be available at the Arts Center if you prefer not to bring your own.
Pencil & Eraser
A regular graphite pencil and eraser are perfect for light sketching and planning your paintings.
Paper Towels — Viva Signature Cloth Recommended
Paper towels are surprisingly important in watercolor! They're useful for controlling moisture, lifting paint, and cleaning brushes.
I particularly like Viva Signature Cloth because of its soft, cloth-like texture.
✨ Optional
Hairdryer
A hairdryer can speed up drying time between watercolor layers. It's helpful but not required.
A Note from Your Instructor
Please don't feel that you need to buy the most expensive supplies to enjoy watercolor. Good materials help, but curiosity, practice, and a willingness to experiment are much more important.
Bring your supplies, your creativity, and a sense of adventure. We're going to have fun!
DeElla Hoberg
Watercolor Instructor | Cumming Arts Center
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