Tools & Materials
Simple tools. Slow moments. Beautiful results.
You don’t need a lot to begin painting with watercolour and is a very affordable way to begin. What matters more than having the “perfect” materials is using them with intention. Here’s a gentle guide to the essentials, and how to use them in a way that supports a slower, more grounded creative practice.
Watercolour Paints
At Palawa Pigments, our dried paints are high pigment artist grade paints made slowly by hand — using natural earth pigments, local honey, and gum arabic. Remember, a little pigment goes a long way. Let it soften with a drop of water and come to life before you begin.
Tip: Wet your brush and dab gently into the paint dot. Don’t scrub — just let it wake up.
Brushes
Start with a round brush with a fine point. This one brush can do nearly everything — detail, washes, lines, and blending. We include a refillable travel brush in our kits, perfect for on-the-go painting and mindful moments wherever you are.
Optional brush types:
Mop brush – great for large washes like skies and backgrounds
Rigger brush – for fine lines, grasses, or branches
Flat brush – for straight edges or structured shapes
Tip: Care for your brushes - wash it gently, never leave it standing in water, and let it dry flat. If bristles flare out, you can snip them off.
Waterfillable travel brush
We include a refillable travel brush in our kits, perfect for on-the-go painting and mindful moments wherever you are.
Twist in half counter clockwise
Fill bottom half up with water
Re-attach clockwise
Squeeze every so gently to let a little water wet the brush
Tip: Don’t use too much water too early! You can always add more if needed
Water Jar (if not using the waterfillable travel brush)
Just one jar of clean water is all you need. You’ll use it to rinse your brush between colours.
You can also use a second jar for especially light colours or delicate details if you'd like.
Paint Palette
A mixing surface helps you control the strength and hue of your colours. Ceramic palettes are beautiful to work with and have wells for the paint dots to be placed and several mixing areas. Alternatively, any odd dish, enamel or even smooth rocks do the job.
Tip: We encourage using what you have — art doesn’t have to be expensive or exclusive.
Cloth or Blotting Rag
Our calico bags double as a blotting cloth — perfect for wiping your brush, controlling moisture, or lifting mistakes. Alternative linen blotting cloths (available online), kitchen paper towel or anything else you have on hand.
Tip: You can also use a soft tea towel or old t-shirt. Let it be part of your ritual.
Watercolour Paper
Ensure you are using watercolour paper. Choose textured, cold-pressed watercolour paper or smoother hot-pressed watercolour paper, both that can absorb the paint and water without buckling.
A heavier paper (around 200–300gsm) is best, especially if you like layering or painting wet-on-wet.
Tip: Don't be afraid of blank pages. They're not judging you — they’re inviting you.
Pencil & Eraser
Use a soft HB or 2B pencil to lightly sketch your shapes before painting.
A gentle eraser (preferably white or kneadable) helps clean up without damaging the paper.
Tip: Draw lightly — these are just whispers under the paint.
Fine Tip Pens (Optional)
Waterproof fine liners (like 0.3mm or 0.5mm pens) can be used to outline after your paint has dried.
This is perfect if you like a stronger edge or want to add detail, text, symbols, journalling and just finishing off your painting. You can purchase most colour including white pens.
Tip: You can also draw your scene with pens before painting, similar to architectural drawings and then paint in once dry — just make sure your pen is waterproof!
