Ink & Watercolor Painting Kit: Start Here

Welcome to the world of Ink & Watercolor painting! This guide will help you get started with some essential supplies. For recommended products, I’m sharing my favourites, the ones I’ve had the most experience with over the years. Visit the links provided below to easily find them.

If, like me, you'd rather get straight to painting than spending time learning to draw, I have the perfect solution. Tracing! The easiest method for tracing is by using a light box.

My Recommendation:
Purchase in USA
Purchase in Canada

WATERCOLOR PAINTS
Formats: Tubes, Pans, Liquid

Tubes:

• Pros: Strong pigment, easy to mix large amounts, stays moist longer
• Cons: Can be messy, dries out if left open, requires a palette

Purchase in USA
Purchase in Canada

Pans:

• Pros: Portable, convenient, long-lasting
• Cons: Harder to mix large quantities, requires more water to activate

Purchase in USA
Purchase in Canada

Liquid (I don’t personally use liquid watercolors):

• Pros: Intense color, ready to use, easy for washes
• Cons: Can be difficult to control, may stain palettes and brushes

Purchase in USA
Purchase in Canada

INKS

Types: Waterproof (for clear ink lines), Water-Soluble (for blending effects)

Waterproof Ink:

• Pros: Stays permanent once dry, works well with watercolor layers
• Cons: Can clog pens and stain brushes if not cleaned properly

Water-Soluble Ink:

• Pros: Blends beautifully with water, creates soft effects
• Cons: Can smudge or blur unintentionally

My Recommendations:

Purchase in USA
Purchase in Canada

PALETTES
Types: Ceramic, Plastic, Metal, Enamel

Ceramic:

• Pros: Easy to clean, heavy, stable
• Cons: Fragile

Plastic:

• Pros: Lightweight, affordable
• Cons: Stains over time

Metal:

• Pros: Portable, long-lasting
• Cons: Can rust if not cared for

My Recommendations:

Purchase in USA
Purchase in Canada

BRUSHES
Brush Hair Types: Synthetic, Natural Hair

Synthetic:

• Pros: Affordable, durable, holds its shape well
• Cons: Holds less water, may wear out faster

Natural Hair:

• Pros: Excellent water retention, softer strokes, lasts longer with proper care
• Cons: More expensive, requires extra care

Sizes & Types:

• Round (Size 4-10): Versatile for washes and details
• Liner/Rigger (Size 0-2): Great for fine ink lines
• Flat (1/4"-1/2"): Good for washes and bold strokes

My Recommendations:

Purchase in USA
Purchase in Canada

PAPER
Types: Cold Press (Textured), Hot Press (Smooth), Mixed Media

Cold Press:

• Pros: Holds washes well, textured surface enhances look
• Cons: Ink lines may be less crisp

Hot Press:

• Pros: Smooth for ink details, easier for controlled washes
• Cons: Paint may dry too fast

Mixed Media:

• Pros: Can handle ink & watercolor but may buckle
• Cons: Not as absorbent as watercolor paper

My Recommendations:

Purchase in USA:
Cold Press            
Hot Press            
Mixed Media

Purchase in Canada:
Cold Press
Hot Press
Mixed Media

Happy Painting! Have fun exploring your creativity with Ink & Watercolor!

For more tips and tutorials, visit: https://www.wendydewarhughes.com