Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Stop wasting money on watercolor supplies you probably don’t even need. 🎨✨
One of the biggest misconceptions I see among beginner watercolor artists is the idea that you need a giant collection of brushes to create beautiful paintings. I was there too. But honestly? A few well-selected brushes can take you so far.
In this reel, I’m sharing the main watercolor brushes I’d recommend for beginners and why keeping things simple in the beginning can actually help you improve faster. 💛
If I were starting over, I’d invest in:
🖌️ One larger round brush (or a mop brush for large washes)
🖌️ A couple of medium-sized round brushes
🖌️ And one small round brush for detail work
That’s really enough to paint all kinds of subjects, from portraits and animals to still life and landscapes. Round brushes are incredibly versatile because they can create both broad washes and fine details depending on pressure and brush control.
*️⃣Make sure you look for brushes that are actually intended for watercolor, and not for “all media,” because watercolor brushes are made with softer, more absorbent bristles that hold water and pigment effectively. This makes smooth washes, blending, and overall paint control so much easier.
And the good news?
You absolutely do not need the most expensive brushes to begin. There are many great brands that offer affordable synthetic watercolor brushes available today that work beautifully.
In fact, most of the brushes I have in my studio cost around $5–15 USD, and I only use synthetic brushes. 🌿
I truly believe that when we simplify our supplies, we give ourselves more space to focus on the things that matter most in the beginning:
• Water control
• Brush handling
• Technique
• Observation
• And building confidence
You can always slowly add specialty brushes later as your style and interests evolve. But when you’re just getting started, simple is more than enough. 💫
#watercolorforbeginners #watercolorbrushes
Stop wasting money on watercolor supplies you probably don’t even need. 🎨✨
One of the biggest misconceptions I see among beginner watercolor artists is the idea that you need a giant collection of brushes to create beautiful paintings. I was there too. But honestly? A few well-selected brushes can take you so far.
In this reel, I’m sharing the main watercolor brushes I’d recommend for beginners and why keeping things simple in the beginning can actually help you improve faster. 💛
If I were starting over, I’d invest in:
🖌️ One larger round brush (or a mop brush for large washes)
🖌️ A couple of medium-sized round brushes
🖌️ And one small round brush for detail work
That’s really enough to paint all kinds of subjects, from portraits and animals to still life and landscapes. Round brushes are incredibly versatile because they can create both broad washes and fine details depending on pressure and brush control.
*️⃣Make sure you look for brushes that are actually intended for watercolor, and not for “all media,” because watercolor brushes are made with softer, more absorbent bristles that hold water and pigment effectively. This makes smooth washes, blending, and overall paint control so much easier.
And the good news?
You absolutely do not need the most expensive brushes to begin. There are many great brands that offer affordable synthetic watercolor brushes available today that work beautifully.
In fact, most of the brushes I have in my studio cost around $5–15 USD, and I only use synthetic brushes. 🌿
I truly believe that when we simplify our supplies, we give ourselves more space to focus on the things that matter most in the beginning:
• Water control
• Brush handling
• Technique
• Observation
• And building confidence
You can always slowly add specialty brushes later as your style and interests evolve. But when you’re just getting started, simple is more than enough. 💫
#watercolorforbeginners #watercolorbrushes
