Getting started with watercolour doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. In this tutorial, I’ll take you through the basic kit I recommend, helping you understand which materials are really worth investing in and which extras can wait until later. We’ll look at my favourite brushes, pencils, erasers and masking tools, explore the differences between hot pressed, cold pressed and rough watercolour papers, and I’ll explain why choosing good-quality paper, paint and brushes can make such a difference to your painting experience. I’ll also introduce you to my simple six-colour palette, showing you how a carefully chosen selection of warm and cool yellows, reds and blues can give you a wonderful range of colour without filling your palette with dozens of paints. Keeping things simple is one of the best ways to build confidence, improve your colour mixing and, most importantly, enjoy your painting. This is the perfect place to begin if you’re new to watercolour, returning after a break, or simply want to strip your kit back to the essentials and start with confidence.
