Watercolour
Watercolour is fine pigment suspended in a binder, which can be thinned with water. Works can be gentle, washy and light, or bold and full of colour. It dries quickly, is easy to apply, and is the perfect medium if you plan to work en plein air.
Explore our collection of watercolour supplies, from traditional liquid colours, inks, and watersoluble pencils to specialised paper and sets, catering for every artistic style. You can also find a wide range of accessories and sundries that support your process from start to finish.
A wide variety, for artists of all levels. Colours can be thinned with water and dry quickly to a beautiful, luminous finish.
For versatile painting and mark-making. You can apply wet with a brush or use the stick directly as a drawing implement.
Watersoluble pencils for sharp lines and washes, all within a single tool. Includes graphite and pigmented colours.
Masking fluid and applicator tools for protecting the white of the paper when applying washes.
Brilliant, saturated, transparent colour in a versatile marker pen. Ideal for quick sketching and precision detail.
Concentrated, transparent fluid inks. Apply with a brush, airbrush, calligraphy pen, and more.
Accessories for watercolourists, including varnishes, empty boxes, palettes, fixatives, and erasers.
A versatile and durable surface that allows colours to appear at their most luminous. Available in a range of sizes and formats.
Brushes ideal for fluid media, including the finest Kolinsky sables, travel brushes, and the latest technology in synthetic fibre.
Explore our wide variety of gift ideas for artists, catering to all budgets and experience levels.
Learn more with techniques and painting advice. We have hundreds of titles to inspire and motivate.
Discover mediums to expand the creative potential of your practice, giving you more control over texture, flow, and blending.
Watercolour Supplies: Popular Questions from Artists
What is Watercolour Painting?
Watercolour painting is known for its transparency, softness, and quick-drying properties. It allows artists to create luminous washes and delicate details.
This medium is available in many different formats. These include pencils (sometimes called ‘aquarelle pencils’), inks, sticks, and markers. These enable artists to explore a wide range of techniques, making watercolour painting popular with both beginners and professionals.
Artists choose watercolour for its fluidity and the transparency it brings to their work. This medium allows for layered colours to build depth and create luminous effects. The softness of watercolour results in gentle transitions and gradients, contributing to a softer appearance in artworks.
Additionally, watercolour mediums like pencils, inks, and sticks offer different application methods while maintaining the medium's characteristic transparency and fluidity. This provides artists with even more creative possibilities.
‘What I love about watercolour is that it often dictates the pace of a painting. You get ready to paint, you start painting, and that’s it. Then you’re on the roller coaster of watercolour. You’ve got to roll with it while it’s wet.
Then it gets to the point where you can’t do anymore. The medium says stop, and that’s it. You can’t really just keep piling on paint to make it better like you can with so many other mediums. I really like that roller coaster and the rhythm of a painting.’ — Tom Shepperd - Watercolour Painter, Teacher, and Co-presenter of the Ask an Artist Podcast.
The use of water-based colour dates back to ancient times, with evidence of water-based paints in Egyptian tombs and other early civilisations. In Europe, watercolour gained prominence during the Renaissance, particularly for manuscripts and botanical illustrations.
Renowned artists like J.M.W. Turner, Albrecht Dürer, and William Blake utilised watercolour in their masterpieces. Over the centuries, the medium has evolved. Today, artists have access to various forms of watercolour, including pencils, sticks, and inks, expanding the ways in which this timeless medium can be used.
At Jackson's Art Supplies, we are committed to providing artists with the finest watercolour art supplies at competitive prices. Our extensive selection includes high quality watercolour paints, pencils, inks, and sticks from leading brands, ensuring that you have access to the best materials for your creative projects.
- Trusted Quality: We collaborate with top brands to offer premium watercolour supplies
- Customer Satisfaction: Our 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot reflects our dedication to excellent service
By choosing Jackson's, you're not only purchasing top-tier products but also joining a community that values quality, expertise, and artistic innovation.
Shop for Watercolour Painting Supplies at Jackson's
Ready to get started with watercolour? Browse our collection of watercolour art supplies, from beginner sets to professional quality watercolours. Start your order online today and bring your artistic visions to life.
Need more help? Visit Contact Us and Help & Advice pages for guidance on choosing the best watercolour supplies for you.