Watercolor Materials List
Intermediate Watercolor Course – Mastering the Stunning Sunset by Zi Li (Lily)
A quick and gentle guide to watercolor materials. Please remember: brand and price are not the most important things. Good paper and pigments do make a difference, but there are many quality options at different price points. Choose what fits your budget, and feel free to use what you already have.
Drawing Supplies
- 2B pencil
- Eraser
Paper (this makes the biggest difference)
- 100% cotton watercolor paper
- 140 lb, cold press or rough surface
- Size: 10 × 14 inches or 9 × 12 inches
Recommended brands: Arches, Saunders Waterford, Fabriano, Hahnemühle, or other brands of similar quality.
Large sheets are usually more cost-effective; blocks are more convenient for travel or plein air painting.
Paints
You may use individual tubes or a watercolor set (12, 24, or 36 colors) from any brand.
Suggested colors for this course:
Azo Yellow, Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Red, Quinacridone Rose, Alizarin Crimson, Yellow Ochre, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Phthalo Blue, Payne’s Gray, Burnt Umber, Lavender, Sepia, Chinese White
Good brands include Schmincke, Sennelier, Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith, Holbein, or the MozArt brand used in class.
Pans or half-pans are usually the most budget-friendly option, especially for beginners.
Brushes
- Round brushes, sizes 4–5 (synthetic or sable)
- Squirrel mop brushes (a couple, in different sizes)
- Flat brushes, sizes 4–5 (variety of sizes)
Synthetic brushes are affordable and work very well. Natural-hair brushes hold more water and pigment, which can help create more fluid and expressive brushwork.
In addition to traditional Western watercolor brushes, Chinese calligraphy brushes are also welcome. Please bring what you already have.
Additional Supplies
- Palette
- Small sketchbook
- Water container
- Paper towels
- Masking tape
- Drawing board
- Palette knife
- Small spray bottle
Where to Shop
- Jackson’s Art
- Jerry’s Artarama
- Blick Art Materials
- Or any brand’s official website
Please compare prices before purchasing, especially during sales.