Watercolor Supplies for All Ages

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

8 Color Watercolor Palette

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.

15pc Watercolor Brushes

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.

Mid-Grade Watercolor Set

High-Quality Watercolors 

Good Paper

Canson Watercolor Pad 9″x12″

Bulk Watercolor 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

Everyday Watercolor

Simple, easy-to-follow instruction for basic watercolor techniques.

Want to see more gift inspiration & recommendations? Check out the Gift Guide Page. 

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