What is watercolour?

Watercolour is a type of water-soluble paint, that is slightly transparent in appearance and typically used on paper. It is made of fine particles of pigment suspended in a water-soluble binder often made from glycerine, gum arabic, glucose and wetting agents.

Watercolour is often used for its naturally luminous finish, and comes either in a liquid state or in cakes of dry paint, and can be applied with a variety of techniques.

History of watercolour

Watercolour has a long and illustrious history. Cavemen used early forms of watercolour with pigments sourced from nature like charcoal and ochre to create cave art, which has since been transformed into a fine art medium. Watercolour was also used widely by Chinese artists for decorative art as far back as 4,000 BCE, before being adopted in Chinese brush painting and in landscapes.

It was also used during the renaissance period to create miniature portraits and studies of nature, and watercolour pigments were famously used in the Sistine Chapel for the iconic fresco painting on wet plaster.

Famous artists including Albrecht Durer, J.M.W Turner, Paul Cezanne and Vincent Van Gogh have all experimented with the medium, and the power of watercolours soft and soothing aesthetic quality has also been utilised by artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth to depict their creative vision.

Essential watercolour supplies 

Watercolour pans, cakes and palettes

Watercolour pans and cakes are a compact, dry pigment to which you add water to. They are a great easy to travel with option for watercolour artists and are available in a variety of colours and finishes from a variety of brands.

Micador Koh-I-Noor Watercolour Disc Set

Micador Watercolour Disc Set comes with 6 highly-pigmented pressed watercolour paints. The plastic lid twists firmly on for protection and doubles as a painting palette. This compact disk makes for easy transport and is perfect for travelling or creating artworks on the go.

Micador Stylist Watercolour Palette 48 Disc Set

The Micador Stylist Watercolour Palette includes 48 hard watercolour discs allowing for a full spectrum of colours to create work on paper. This watercolour pan set has a good pigment content in each colour so that your artwork will be bright and vivid. The set is contained in a hard plastic case with a lid which will keep your paint from getting damaged. The lid of the case doubles as a tray for mixing paint on, and the case also comes with a small brush!

Van Gogh Pocketbox Watercolour Set

Van Gogh watercolours are great for students and artists of every level. They feature brilliant, transparent, and intense colours with high tinting strength. Most colours are rated with the highest degree of lightfastness (100+ years under museum conditions) with a few colours rated just one step below at (25-100 years under museum conditions). Thanks to the purity and uniform viscosity, these watercolours are easy to work with and easy to mix.

Winsor and Newton Cotman Half Pan Studio Set 45

Winsor & Newton Cotman Half Pan Studio Set is perfect for artists on the move. This comprehensive large set contains 45 Cotman half pans covering the full range of colours plus one extra of each of the most popular colours. The Cotman Water Colour range possesses good transparency with excellent tinting strength and good working properties. This range provides artists with exceptional quality at an affordable price. There are 170 years of expertise invested in this collection, with the emphasis on quality balanced with affordable prices. Since the greatest expense comes from the source pigments, the more expensive of these are substituted with alternatives to create hues that still provide high tinting strength and transparency. This not only keeps costs down but also makes for more consistent performance across the range, which can be of great benefit if you’re new to watercolour.

Winsor & Newton Cotman - Watercolour Mini Plus Set

Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Half Pan PLUS Set is an innovative and modern watercolour set. Made for the travelling artist, the Cotman PLUS range features the PLUS cartridge system. The Cotman Water Colour range possesses good transparency with excellent tinting strength and good working properties. This range provides artists with exceptional quality at an affordable price. Winsor & Newton Cotman PLUS cartridge system is a unique design that enables each pan to clip together to provide maximum security. This ultra-compact set flips open cell phone style.

Mont Marte Signature Paint Set - Watercolour Art Set 24pc

Paint, draw and create with this Signature Watercolour Art Set. From pencils to watercolour cakes, it comes with everything you need to practice your skills or make a masterpiece. 6 x watercolour pencils, 1 x water-soluble pencil, 1 x built-in palette, 1 x foam sponge, 12 x watercolour cakes, 1 x water brush, 1 x eraser, 1 x sharpener

Mont Marte Signature Paint Set - Metallic Watercolour Cake 37pc

Create stunning effects on light and dark paper with these Signature Metallic Watercolours. Whether you want to paint shimmering artworks or add a pop of sparkle to your creative projects, you're going to love this set. Includes 36 metallic colours and a paintbrush, and creates stunning results on both white and black paper. The Resealable plastic case for easy transport and storage.

Reeves Watercolour Paint Tin Set - 12 Pan Plus Brush

Reeves Water Colour Pan Tin Set features 12 vibrant watercolour pans in a durable tin case and is ideal for artists on the go. Reeves Water Colours are made with pure finely ground pigments in a gum solution, which are then formed into convenient pans. The result is a watercolour that gives beautiful transparent effects.

Mont Marte Watercolour Half Pan Set

Mont Marte Watercolour Half Pan Set comes with 18 brilliant watercolours and is the ideal set for a beginner through to a professional artist. The selection of colours in this handy case are robust and are well laid out within the palette for ease of colour mixing. This watercolour set is a very portable size and could fit comfortably in your back pocket. The plastic box is well made and features mixing wells which are integrated into the lid of the container, there is also space to store a sponge, ceramic water well and a small water brush.

Micador Metallic Watercolour Palette 8 Disc Set

This superior watercolour palette from Micador contains 8 hard watercolour disks enclosed in a hard, protective plastic case. Each disc is made from high-quality pigments in Metallic colours that shimmer on both white and black paper. Its case is sturdy and lockable to ensure your paint discs are protected as well as includes a plastic tray for colour mixing and a watercolour paintbrush. Paints are non-toxic and safe for young users.

Watercolour Tubes

Watercolour tubes are a fantastic option for those looking for watercolour paints that boast excellent tinting strength and are easily mixable. To use, simply press out onto a mixing tray and mix with water to dilute. They differ to watercolour cakes in that they come already wet, but allow for beautiful strength variation and pigments.

Mont Marte Premium Paint Set - Watercolour Paint

Bring your watercolour artworks to life with Mont Marte Premium Watercolour paint sets. These high-quality watercolour paint sets feature premium quality pigments, excellent tinting strength and allow for great transparency. With Mont Marte Premium Watercolour paint in your toolbox, you can create a range of effects and techniques using the range of highly pigmented and mixable colours. Suitable for professional artists.

Winsor & Newton Watercolour Paint Tubes 

Since 1832 when Henry Newton and William Winsor introduced the first moist watercolours to the world, much of Winsor & Newtons reputation for supreme quality has stemmed from the Artists' Water Colour range. Since then, Artists' Water Colour continues to be formulated and manufactured according to their founding principles; to create an unparalleled watercolour range which offers artists the widest and most balanced choice of pigments with the greatest possible permanence. Each colour within this wide and balanced spectrum of 96 colours, has been selected and formulated to offer the greatest choice so that artists can use a unique palette that best suits their work. Superior watercolour paints for exceptional results.

Watercolour Pencils

Watercolour Pencils are a great, convenient and easily transportable option for those new to watercolour. They can be used dry, or with water added with a brush to create stunning watercolour effects. Watercolour pencils are perfect for drawing and then creating a fluid, painterly quality to your work. Some great options include:

Mont Marte Premium Pencil Set - Watercolour Pencils in Tin 36pc

With high-quality pigments and a range of vibrant colours, this premium watercolour set is bound to become your favourite. It even comes with a brush so that you have everything you need to start creating. With chip-resistant leads, you can use them dry or add water using the brush to create beautiful watercolour effects.

Derwent Inktense Blocks Tin Of 12

Derwent Inktense Blocks bring a new sense of freedom to the drawing and painting experience. They are water-soluble ink blocks that can be used dry or wet. Dry, they deliver pure, vibrant colour. When wet, they create a translucent ink-like paint that becomes permanent and can be worked over when dry. Their chunky shape makes them extremely versatile. Use them dry to apply fine lines or broad strokes directly to the paper. Wet, they can be used like pans of paint, dipped in water to apply colour directly to the paper, or applied to wet paper for instant, intense colour. Inktense Blocks are ideal for mixed media, canvas, rubber stamping, decoupage, or on fabric to create stunning silk paintings and quilts.

Derwent Academy Watercolour Collection Tin - Landscapes

Derwent Academy Watercolour Collection Tin is perfect for people who love to draw and are looking to develop their skills. This specially selected watercolour collection is perfect for drawing and painting landscapes. Including a handful of pencils and watercolour pans as well as a brush so you have all the basics needs to get out painting or drawing. Includes 7 Watercolour pencils, Watercolour pan set with 9 colours, 1 paintbrush, 1 eraser and 1 pencil sharpener.

Derwent Academy Watercolour Pencil Tin Of 24

Derwent Academy Watercolour Pencils are very versatile. They can be used dry as an ordinary colour pencil, but just brush on a little water to create a fluid watercolour painting. Available in 24 colours, they are made with natural wood barrels and quality water-soluble pigments that blend and dissolve easily to create a wide spectrum of watercolour shades. Pencils have an elegant hexagonal 6.9mm natural wood barrel and a 3.3mm core. For easy colour identification, the end dip is colour matched to the inside of the pencil and the colour name is printed on the barrel. All Derwent Academy pencils are easy to sharpen and break-resistant. Presented in a beautiful tin to protect your pencils.

Derwent Watercolour Pencil Tin Of 12

Derwent Watercolour can be used wet or dry, on wet or dry paper, to achieve a wide variety of effects. Soft in texture so easy to blend and layer. Derwent Watercolour Pencils retain their full intensity however you use them. For sheer versatility, Derwent Watercolour is unmatched.

Watercolour markers 

 Winsor & Newton’s newest innovation in Water Colour painting technology has seen the development of these brilliant Water Colour Markers, a superb range of highly pigmented water-based markers. These markers are equipped with a twin tip, giving the artist added precision, adding great colour performance to their creative work; allowing for the kind of definition and control that the artist needs to enhance their work with the marker's fine point on one end and a flexible brush nib on the opposite. All the pigments used in these markers are compatible and match with Winsor & Newton’s range of tubed watercolours, giving the artist more flexibility and the capacity to intermix mediums.

Paper

Watercolour paper is available in a variety of shapes, sizes and thickness.

Made from cotton, watercolour paper often comes in either a smooth tooth with an even finish (hot pressed) or in medium to rough tooth (cold-pressed) to suit every artist. A higher gsm is good if you don’t want your work to buckle once water is added.

Here are some fantastic watercolour paper options:

Arches Watercolour Pad A5 185gsm 15 Sheet - Medium (Cold Pressed)

Arches Watercolour Pad includes 15 A5-sized sheets of the finest quality watercolour paper. Made the traditional way using a cylinder mould, Arches Watercolour paper fibres are evenly distributed making the paper stable and even. It’s 100% cotton fibre makeup prevents warping and colour bleeding ensuring easy paint and water application every time. The A5 size makes it compact and easy to transport for on-the-go work as we never know when that creative mood may strike. Arches are known for their traditional look and feel in Watercolour Paper whilst maintaining excellent quality. It is the must-have staple for any watercolourist or artist. Also suitable for acrylic, ink and calligraphy.

Art Spectrum 100% Cotton Watercolour Pad - A4 300gsm Rough

All of your watercolour paper needs in one outstanding pad. Made from 100% of the highest quality Italian cotton, all 15 sheets of this pad have been manufactured with double synthetic sizing giving the paper a natural white colour and its acid-free formulation means it won't yellow, rot or be susceptible to mildew over time. Its sturdy 300gsm weight enables it to withstand multiple washes and its rough surface finish gives your watercolour works an effective distinguished look. The A4 size of this pad makes for easy and convenient transport to and from school or work or, for on-the-go watercolour works when inspiration strikes. Also available in A3 size and in a cold-pressed/medium tooth.

Art Spectrum 100% Cotton Watercolour Pad - A4 300gsm Hot Pressed Smooth

This Art Spectrum Watercolour Paper Pad is made from 100% superior-quality Italian cotton. It contains 15 sheets of hot-pressed paper giving it a super smooth and even finish. Each sheet is a sturdy 300gsm weight that is also double-sized, so won't buckle or warp even with generous amounts of water added. The acid-free formulation of the paper means it won't tarnish or discolour over time and won't alter the colour or integrity of the medium you apply. The A4 size makes for easy transport and compact storage. Also available in A3 size.

Magnani 1404 Watercolour Block Round 16cm 300gsm 20 Sheet

The Magnani 1404 Watercolour Block Round boasts some of the strongest, highest quality watercolour paper on the market. Each sheet is made up of 100% cotton fibre, is a sturdy 300gsm weight as well as internally and externally sized. The double sizing helps increase the stability of the paper and reduces warping/buckling when excessive water is applied. It also allows the artist to lift and rework the paint without the paper becoming oversaturated and in turn creating scratching. Its circular edge is gummed to further prevent buckling and creating a solid block surface for working. The cold pressing maintains texture in the paper giving works a traditional and rich look. Its unique round shape lends itself perfectly to unusual pieces such as nightscapes, flowers or moons.

Mont Marte Discovery Watercolour Book Spiral Bound A4 190gsm

A seasoned watercolourist or just starting to dip your toe into the world of watercolour? Whatever your skill level, a great place to begin is with a stellar watercolour paper pad like this Discovery Watercolour Spiral Bound Book from Mont Marte. Its 190gsm weight is solid and sturdy so your pages won't buckle from the moisture and paint won't bleed through. There are 30 sheets for ample practice room and each sheet is an acid-free formulation so your works won't discolour over time. This A4 size is great for standard-sized works but we also have A3 available for larger-scale works and A5 for a smaller easy-to-transport book.

Mont Marte Premium Cotton Watercolour Paper A3 300gsm 5 Sheet

This artist quality watercolour paper is made from 100% cotton, giving you the perfect surface for your artworks. Each sheet features minimal shrinkage, even paint absorption and 300gsm thickness which makes it ideal for watercolour, gouache and ink. 5 loose acid-free sheets of Medium tooth paper (cold-pressed). Suitable for watercolour paints and pencils, gouache and ink. It is sized on both sides and internally to provide consistent paint absorption, and is resistant to pilling, offering a professional quality base for your watercolour creation.

Saunders Waterford Watercolour Pad A4 300gsm 15 Sheet - Smooth (Hot Pressed)

Saunders Waterford Watercolour Paper is a superior quality paper produced in England by St Cuthberts Mill, using a traditional cylinder mould machine. Saunders Waterford is made used 100% cotton which is the highest quality paper making material. Containing 15 sheets of Smooth Textured (Hot Pressed) 300gsm archival paper, Saunders Waterford Paper pads are the epitome of well-made watercolour papers. Also available in A3 and in Medium (cold pressed) or Rough tooth.

Winsor & Newton Watercolour Diary Spiral Bound A5 300gsm 20 Sheets

Winsor & Newton Hard Bound Water Colour Visual Journals contain artist quality, 100% cotton, acid-free, cold-pressed (medium texture) watercolour paper. These are ideal for watercolour, gouache, inks and other water-based media. These spiral-bound A5 journals are perfect for creating watercolour works on the go.

The Paper House - Winslow Postcards 300gsm 148x100mm

The Paper House Winslow Watercolour Postcards have all the characteristics of great watercolour paper. Its 300gsm weight and sizing make it excellent for watercolour application and will not buckle or scratch even with excessive water use. The cold pressing maintains texture in the paper giving works a traditional and rich look. The postcard-sized sheets feature an address pane on the reverse side so your very own works can be mailed to your friends all around the globe.

Strathmore 500 Mixed Media Pad 570gsm

The Strathmore 500 Mixed Media Pad is a professional-grade, heavy-duty surface that is the perfect base for a range of media. The heavyweight 570gsm paper is excellent for a variety of art forms including watercolour, acrylic, gouache, pen, ink, graphite, markers, coloured pencils, pastels and collage. It is made from 100% Cotton and Acid-Free, glue bound for easy sheet removal, and available in a range of sizes.

Mont Marte Watercolour Pad German Paper A4 180gsm 15 Sheet

Mont Marte Watercolour Pads have 15 sheets of 180gsm, acid-free, German paper with medium tooth textured paper. This paper is a wonderfully versatile medium which can be used with a huge range of sketching media. The sheets are tape bound which makes removing them quick and easy. The sheets are also supported by a 2mm thick backing board. Mont Marte Watercolour Pads give a helping hand to the beginner artist with practical painting tips on the inside cover. Available in A3, A4 and A5

Mont Marte Watercolour Pad German Paper A3 300gsm 12 Sheet

Mont Marte Premium Watercolour Pads have 12 sheets of 300gsm, acid-free, German paper with rough tooth textured paper. This paper is a wonderfully versatile medium which can be used with a huge range of sketching media. The sheets are tape bound which makes removing them quick and easy. The sheets are also supported by a 2mm thick backing board. Practical painting tips are included on the inside cover.

Art Spectrum Studio Watercolour Pad - A5 300gsm Rough

Art Spectrum Watercolour pads are made with quality in mind, this pad features high quality archival European cotton rag paper, perfect for every watercolour Artist, of for those of us who are beginners to the medium. 300gsm acid-free paper

Watercolour brushes and handy accessories

Mont Marte Signature Paint Brush Set - Watercolour Mixed Bristle In Wallet 11pc

The Mont Marte Watercolour Brush Set is a handy selection of natural hair bristled brushes ideal for watercolour and gouache paints. With short ergonomic handles, the brushes are comfortable and easy to use. The handy zip case is perfect for travel and helps to extend the life of your brushes.

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Brushes

Winsor & Newton Cotman brushes are a range of high quality pure synthetic watercolour brushes. By blending fibres of differing thickness, the Windsor & Newton brush makers have applied over a century of knowledge to create brushes of the highest standard. Cotman brushes were the first complete range of synthetic brushes to be developed by Winsor & Newton, and carry on the values of traditional brushes using modern materials. By blending fibres of differing thicknesses, the Cotman Brush achieves the three most important qualities required by the Professional Artist. The thicker fibres give the brushes strength and spring while at the same time, the thinner fibres improve colour carrying capacity, all the while retaining their shape and point. The brush handles are intended to offer balance and comfort when painting, the ferrules are made from high-quality nickel-plated brass which helps to prevent corrosion, clogging of hair and makes cleaning your brushes a much easier task! The Cotman brush comes in a wide range of sizes and styles to suit a variety of different applications, available in mops, angled brushes, riggers and of course fans and filberts.

Mont Marte Watercolour Brushes

Mont Marte also has a wide range of individual watercolour brushes in a variety of sizes and shapes. Their soft, natural bristles provide a subtle, even surface texture in any medium. These brushes are made with mixed bristles - 50% Pony Hair, 50% Taklon, has good strength and flexibility and maintain their shape well.

Water Brushes

Water Brushes are perfect for use with watercolour pencils and watercolour pans, enabling you to dilute the colour as necessary. Fill them up with water and gently squeeze the barrel to control the flow - they make blending and delicate brushwork easier than ever. Perfect for artists on the move.

Faber Castell Clic & Go Water Cup

Enjoy the flow and freedom of watercolour on any journey with the Faber-Castell Clic & Go Foldable Water Cup. This flexible cup folds down into a shallow dish for easy transport and is constructed from a sturdy anti-slip material that's a breeze to clean, allowing for effortless painting anywhere. The wavy water cup rim holds brushes mid-use to keep tables clean, and the water cup material is robust, durable and easy to clean. Can also be used when folded - wipe off dirty water on the outer rim and collect freshwater from inside

Mont Marte Palette - Air Tight Watercolour Palette Large 18 Slot

Ever stop working on a piece halfway through and come back to finish it only to find your paint has dried up? This is a scenario many artists can relate to so our friends at Mont Marte have devised a quick and easy solution - the Mont Marte Air Tight Watercolour Palette. This large palette features 18 colour wells for laying out your paint as well as a removable tray for easy brush cleaning and two mixing areas all in a lockable airtight container. The impenetrable seal on the container ensures your paint maintains its fresh-from-the-tube consistency and colour so you can stop and start again whenever a creative mood strikes. This palette is a must-have for watercolourists of all skill levels and will become your new go-to paint pal.

Mont Marte Palette - Air Tight Watercolour Palette 16 Slot

Mont Marte's Airtight Watercolour Palette has 16 deep wells for storing watercolour paint and also has three larger areas for mixing colour. The palette is great for keeping and storing your own colour mixes, and will keep the paint fresh as the palette has an airtight seal which will keep mixed colours for when you return to paint. This palette is practical and portable and is great for every watercolourist or artist of any skill level.

Brown Gummed Tape 36mm x 184m

An essential for stretching and stabilising watercolour paper. With a water-activated gum coating, it is also ideal for preservation work as it is PH neutral. To remove at a later date, simply moisten with water.

Watercolour mediums 

Art Spectrum 100ml - Masking Fluid

A rubber latex solution which is painted over any dry area you wish to keep free of colour. Allow the masking fluid to dry before over-painting. Peel or rub off with fingers or suitable eraser when paint is dry.

Winsor & Newton 75ml - Gum Arabic

Gum Arabic is a watercolour medium that is used to increase the brilliancy, gloss and achieve areas of transparency in your paintings. Adding Gum Arabic gives an artist the ability to create depth in each colour, whilst also slowing down the drying time of the paint allowing for increased workability.

Winsor & Newton 75ml - Watercolour Granulation Medium

This Granulation medium is used to increase the granulation of colour, giving your artwork a mottled appearance through colours which are otherwise a smooth consistent wash. For the best effect dilute colour generously with the medium alone.

Winsor & Newton 75ml - Watercolour Lifting Preparation

This medium allows colour washes to be removed more easily from paper, once applied to the paper and left to dry it will allow washes of paint to be easily removed with a wet brush or rag.

Winsor & Newton 75ml - Watercolour Iridescent Medium

 This Iridescent medium when applied achieves a glitter or pearlescent effect to your watercolour paintings. Great for darkened backgrounds.

Check out our other blogs on 12 Textures and Techniques Using Watercolour Paint, 4 Tips for Choosing and Using Watercolour Paper, and How to Stretch Watercolour Paper for more information. 

Got questions? Send us an email at customerservice@artshedonline.com.au and our friendly team of artists will do their best to support you!

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Happy creating!