by Tom Ellery
If you’re ready to begin your watercolour journey, here’s a carefully chosen starter kit with high-quality materials that offer great value for money. Each item has been personally tested or selected by Tom for reliability, ease of use, and lasting performance.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Paint Set (12 Half Pans)
A perfect introduction to quality watercolour. Clean, consistent colours that mix beautifully and last for years. Ideal for learning the basics of colour harmony.
Daniel Smith Essentials Watercolour Set (6 Tubes)
Professional-grade pigments in a compact set — ideal for those wanting to start with exceptional colour quality right away.
Princeton Neptune Round Brush – Size 8
Synthetic brush that mimics natural squirrel hair, holding plenty of water with a fine tip for detail.
Da Vinci Casaneo Flat Brush – ½ inch
Excellent for broad washes, backgrounds, and smooth gradients.
Bockingford Cold Pressed Watercolour Block – 300gsm (140lb)
Made in the UK and ideal for beginners who want quality without stretching paper.
Arches A4 Cold Pressed Pad – 100% Cotton, 300gsm
A classic professional paper that gives you full control of washes and colour vibrancy.
“Start with good materials, but keep your setup simple. Fewer colours and brushes will help you focus on learning what watercolour does — how it flows, mixes, and surprises you. The joy is in the discovery.”
