Watercolor painting is a simple and fun hobby for all ages! You can get started with this basic list of watercolor supplies, perfect for artists of any age.
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Today I am excited to be sharing with you one of our family’s favorite hobbies (other than fishing!). I started watercolor painting several years ago out of necessity– I needed a creative outlet that I could start AND finish during my kids’ nap time.
I’ve continued this hobby for similar reasons– it’s quick, the learning curve isn’t too steep, and now, it’s something that my kids can do with me. Actually, these days, they get to paint much more often than I do.
My kids love to watercolor and at this point we’ve all clocked a lot of hours with our little palettes and jars of water. They paint all kinds of things, but animals are definitely high up on the list, which is great for our nature journaling.
We have all different levels represented when we paint, but the supplies don’t actually vary too much. My toddlers get the cheaper brushes (because they’re just going to smush them anyway) and the 8ct watercolor trays (easiest for them and the least investment for me). The bigger kids have their own palettes, and I have a palette I’ve been using for years.
I put together a list of simple watercolor supplies that you could easily get started with, whether you’re five years old or sixty years old. Putting together a basket of these supplies would also make a great gift idea too!
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Watercolor Supplies for All Ages
Paint Palettes
36 Color Paint Palette with Lid
Folding Paint Palette with 33 Wells
I like to have these on hand for the toddlers. (It’s still possible to have a lot of fun with this simple palette, though! I started watercolor painting by borrowing my kids’ little palettes).
Brushes
Good brushes are so important for enjoying painting and creating pieces you’re proud of.
Paint
Remember, a little goes a long way with watercolor paint! A set of paint tubes could last a year depending on how often you paint.
Good Paper
Bulk paper isn’t necessarily the best quality, but it’s great for learning and for kids who will want to do ten pictures in one sitting.
How-To Book
Simple, easy-to-follow instruction for basic watercolor techniques.
Just went and added a bunch of items to my amazon cart! Thinking Christmas gifts for my little artists! Thank you!
This was a fun and helpful post! I have been interested in trying watercolor painting but I’m such an amateur I don’t even know what are good supplies to start with. This is something to go off of! And I think I’m going to get each of my kids a palette for Christmas! 🙂