There is one question I get asked multiple times a week. Whether it is in my courses, Facebook groups, or just general conversation and it is one of the most common things new and experienced watercolor artists and students want to know.

“Nicki, what are some supplies you recommend?”

After years of trial and error, I’ve tested quite a few different products and companies and seen for myself what tools really help me as an artist. So I’ve compiled a list of my top tools and recommended products for you! Follow this link here to check out some of my must-haves along with references, tools and supplies I always have stocked in the studio!

Now, before you click away and get excited by all the supplies, I want to let you in on my personal philosophy around supplies and being strategic as you begin to build your watercolor supply kit! Or any art kit for that matter.

Work within your personal budget!

This may be a no-brainer but if you buy supplies that you feel comfortable spending money on, then you will USE THEM MORE! And using your supplies is the only way to improve your skills and confidence. If you buy supplies that are out of your comfort zone when it comes to price tag, you will be apprehensive to use those paints for instance. Because you won’t want to “waste them” or use them up! You should always buy within your means and feel comfortable using them to the very last drop! What the use if you have expensive paints but are afraid to squeeze out more than a pea size?! So shop within your means.

Purchase the best quality brushes you can afford!

Spending money on a brush or a brush set should really be a one time cost. If you care for the tip of your brush, lay them flat to dry after you’ve used them, then they should last you for years and years to come! I think I’ve replaced two brushes in the last 10 years. And the only reason I have is because they are my 2/0 or 3/0 tiny brushes that I use for lettering and I demand a lot from those little beauties. So buying good quality brushes right from the start will actually help you with your watercolor painting and save you money in the long run! If your brush hairs are falling out or if they are splaying when they should be gliding, time to invest in a good quality brush. I typically recommend a large 8-12 size, a medium 4-6 range, and a small 2/0-1 range. Three good quality round brushes are all you really need.

Buy two different quality pads of paper!

Lastly, I recommend that you buy a cheaper paper to practice things like brush strokes, color mixing, quick sketches and planning out composition. When you use a cheaper quality paper, you will not be as intimidated to use it since paper seems to be the one thing that we are more precious about! Then when you are ready to sit down to paint a complete piece, pull out your better quality paper so that you can truly enjoy what it’s like to paint on a full cotton of mostly cotton, quality paper ! One more time, here is the supply list for you!

If you are looking to learn how to better use your new supplies, check out my classes here.