What you actually need
Watercolor paper, 300 gsm (140 lb)
A student pan set of about 12 colors
Round brushes in size 6 and 10
Two water jars: rinse and clean
Masking tape and a paper towel
Your first project: a small card
- Paint a swatch chart of every color you own.
- Practice wet-on-wet with a soft sky gradient.
- Paint five leaves, one brush stroke each.
- Combine them into a card.
Beginner mistakes
Thin paperPrinter paper buckles and pills. Use watercolor paper.
ImpatienceWait for a layer to dry before painting into it.
Too little waterWatercolor wants to flow. Load the brush.