Pencils
Soft lead art pencils (like a 9B) are a good choice for sketching your picture before you add the paint. If you don't have an art pencil, the #2 pencil from your pencil box will work just fine.

Choosing a Brush
Different brushes give different results. If you are just getting started and want to see if you even like watercolors, you can purchase a medium-sized round brush and work on a small scale - little pictures. Nylon bristles are best for watercolor. Sometimes you won't be using your brush at all. That old toothbrush will create great splattering effects, and sponges and rags will work nicely for dabbing.

Watercolor Paint
Reeves or Prang (available in the MAF! Studio Store) watercolor sets are perfect for your first experience with watercolor painting. They provide rich and wonderfully satisfying color at an economical price. If you're used to the five-and-dime store variety, you'll be surprised at the vibrancy of these paints.

Artist Pallets
You can purchase a paint pallet if you would like to, though a paper plate covered with plastic wrap will work.

Watercolor Paper
Watercolor paper is a special kind of paper that is extra thick and can take all the soaking it can get. A 140lb. textured paper is recommended for almost everything you'll ever want to paint. You can find what you need at craft stores, art supply stores, and in the MAF! Studio Store.

Water
You'll need two cups of water every time you paint. One for cleaning your brush, and one for wetting and mixing the watercolor paints.

That's it!