When I first started with watercolor, I was overwhelmed by how many options there were. Tubes, pans, student-grade, artist-grade, warm tones, cool tones – it felt like trying to cook a recipe without knowing what half the ingredients were.
If you're in that same boat and wondering which watercolor is best for beginners, I’m here to share what actually helped me, not just the typical art store advice.
I learned to draw and paint by looking at real life or photos and sketching what I saw – starting with big shapes, blocking in shadow and light, and working toward smaller details. I don’t follow any strict formula or classic art school step-by-step. I like things loose, expressive, and honest.
So this guide isn’t about learning to paint a perfect apple. It’s about getting the right tools so you can sketch and paint your world freely and confidently – without getting bogged down in expensive kits or confusing jargon.
Key Points Before We Dive In
- Start with a small set of high-quality paints instead of a big cheap kit.
- Use a dedicated watercolor sketchbook for best results and easy setup.
- Don’t stress about perfection – just get in the habit of observing and experimenting.
Which Watercolor Is Best for Beginners?
If I could go back and give myself advice, I’d say: skip the giant 48-color set and just get a small palette of professional-grade paints. You only need 6–8 colors to start, and better quality paint will go further and behave more reliably on the page.
Student-grade paint can look chalky or unpredictable, which makes it harder to learn how watercolor really behaves. When you use quality paint, mixing becomes more intuitive and fun.
For example, learning how to make grey in watercolor becomes much easier when the pigments you’re working with are consistent.
Tubes or Pans?
This mostly comes down to your painting habits. I prefer pans because they’re portable, easy to clean up, and let you paint quickly. I keep mine in a small travel palette that fits in my backpack, so I can sketch anywhere.
Tubes, on the other hand, give you access to fresh, juicy paint every time – but they can dry up fast if left open or not stored properly. If you go the tube route, check out some tips on watercolor storage so you don’t waste good paint.
If you're curious about how long paints last, or whether they expire, I wrote about that in more detail here: do watercolors expire and how long do watercolors last.
Brands That Actually Work
Here are a few I recommend from personal experience:
- Winsor & Newton Professional – More expensive than their Cotman line, but worth it for the color payoff and smooth blending.
- Holbein – Smooth and vibrant. I love using them for painting people and natural scenes. Great for skin tones, which I talk more about in this guide on how to make watercolor skin tone.
- Daniel Smith – Has a cult following for a reason. Strong pigments, unique granulation, and endless mix possibilities.
- Sennelier – French-made, creamy in texture. Their compact travel sets are excellent if you're painting on the go.
Start with a warm and cool version of red, blue, and yellow, plus a burnt sienna and maybe a Payne’s grey. That combo will give you endless options, especially if you build your own color mixing chart for watercolor. You don’t need every color right away.
Don’t Skip the Paper: It Matters More Than You Think
When I switched from cheap paper to real watercolor paper, my painting changed overnight.
Student-grade paper pills and buckles quickly. It makes your washes patchy and your colors dull. Even worse, it discourages experimentation because you’re constantly fighting the surface.
Real watercolor paper absorbs paint in a way that enhances texture, allows for glazing, and holds up to lifting techniques. If you're using the right paint but still frustrated, it's probably your paper.
I recommend starting with a 100% cotton watercolor sketchbook so you can paint regularly without wasting expensive sheets. If you want even smoother surfaces for fine detail or ink outlines, a hot press watercolor sketchbook might work better for you.
There’s also a full breakdown of types of watercolor paper that explains the differences between cold press, hot press, and rough. Understanding that helped me figure out why some pages worked and others didn’t.
And if you’ve ever ended up with crinkled, warped paper, try using the best tape for watercolor paper and stretch your page or tape it to a board while working.
Later, you can learn how to flatten a watercolor painting after it’s dry.
Watercolor Brushes: Just a Few Go a Long Way
You don’t need 12 brushes. I started with three: a round size 6, a round size 10, and a flat brush. That’s it.
Round brushes are incredibly versatile—they let you paint both detailed lines and broad washes depending on the pressure you use. Flats are great for bold strokes or wetting larger areas.
Eventually, I added a dagger brush and a rigger for specific effects, but honestly, you can get very far with just those three basics. Here’s a more complete guide on what watercolor brushes to start with, or if you’re just starting from scratch, check out my roundup of watercolor brushes for beginners.
I also like combining watercolor with mixed media. Sometimes I’ll use watercolor pastels or water soluble wax pastel for texture. Other times I do linework first and then add color with a brush, like in my ink and wash watercolor sketchbooks.
Let Yourself Paint Imperfectly
One thing I learned early on is that the pressure to make “good” art kills creativity.
I studied character animation at CalArts, and we were constantly told to draw fast, draw loose, and don’t be afraid to fail. That mindset applies just as much to watercolor.
When you let go of perfectionism, you get to focus on observing. What does the shadow really look like? Where’s the warmest color in that rock? What shape does the tree trunk make, not just what shape should it make?
That’s where the magic happens. It becomes less about painting a perfect flower and more about capturing what you see, how it feels, and what stood out to you.
There are tons of fun watercolor techniques you can try that embrace experimentation. Salt, spatter, lifting—these aren’t gimmicks. They’re ways to respond to the medium in real time.
And if you’re painting outdoors or during your travels, I recommend this compact travel watercolor book setup I carry with me.
Other Things Beginners Ask (That You Might Be Wondering Too)
Are watercolor paints washable?
Most of them are washable from skin and brushes, but not always from clothing. This article on are watercolor paints washable breaks it down.
Do watercolors expire?
They don’t really expire, but they can dry out or separate in tubes over time. Learn more about do watercolors expire and how long do watercolors last.
Are watercolor paints toxic?
Most are labeled non-toxic, especially student and hobby-grade options. But it's always good to read the label. Here’s a more complete answer: are watercolor paints toxic.
Can watercolor be used on canvas?
Yes, but it's not ideal unless the canvas is specially treated. Here’s a guide on can watercolor be used on canvas.
What if I want to learn more?
I’ve created a full watercolor hub where you’ll find all my guides, tips, and personal experiences using watercolor as a sketching and storytelling tool. Whether you want to learn about how watercolor paper is made or just want help choosing the best watercolor journals, it’s all there.