plastic palette I prefer the rectangular one with 3 large wash areas and 12 small wells along the outside edge. Pick whatever appeals to you, just remember the amount of wells represents the amount of colors you can use.

Watercolor painting pad The Aquarius 500 series (80 lb) by Strathmore is good as well as the 300 series (140 lb paper) by Strathmore. Canson Aquarelle Montval Watercolor (90 lb.) or Arches Cold Pressed Watercolor (140 lb) 9 x 12 pad or larger.

small towel or rag
drawing pencil - HB
kneaded rubber eraser

Colors

The following are available in many different brands but I would recommend Winsor Newton. These colors are usually sold in series numbers 1 - 4. 4 being most expensive and 1 being least expensive.For beginners I would suggest the Cotman Colors (also made by Winsor Newton) because they are less expensive and are of good quality concerning lightfastness and color trueness (and they are less expensive).
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*French Ultramarine blue (series 2)
*New Gamboge (series 1 this is yellow)
*Alizarine Crimson (series 1)
Winsor Violet (series 1)
Burnt Siena (series 1)
Burnt Umber (series 1)
Sap Green (series 1)
Payne’s Gray (series 1)
Venetian Red (series 1)

Brushes

When it comes to brushes I have found the numbers for long handle and short handle brushes varies (a # 10 long is a smaller tip than a #10 short which is quite fat). I believe the short handled brushes are generally watercolor brushes but acrylics are water based and these brushes can be used quite nicely. In general though, the long handled brushes are under the oil and acrylic headings in the brush area.

1 inch flat brush (short handle)

Short handle #7 or 8 round (I recommend the Winsor Newton Sceptre gold series if they have it. It is a blend of real sable and synthetic hair)

# 4 round (short handle)

We will expand on the brushes and colors after your project gets started and see what needs arise. It would be great if you have a picture you wish to work from otherwise I do have photos and magazines at the studio to look through to select something.

* must have for first lesson to do a color chart.