Sean Hudson
Materials
These are my preferred watercolor supplies — in the studio, in the field, and at workshops. I've put together a few lists depending on what you're getting ready for.
I order my supplies from Blick Art Materials. You can support my creative vision by making purchases through the affiliate links below. There is no additional cost to you, and I will receive a percentage of the purchase.
My En Plein Air Setup
Everything I bring when I'm painting outside — lightweight, portable, and ready for the field.
View ListMy Big List
The full week-long watercolor retreat kit for painting inside and out, with every brush, paint, paper, and tool I reach for.
View ListMy in-the-Studio List
Everything I pack for a weekend of watercolor at Ghost Ranch, with the supplies I use most for painting indoors.
View ListThe Basics
What You Actually Need
Researching supplies can feel overwhelming. You don’t need to use exactly what I do. There are many great options. But here’s how I think about each category.
Paper
In watercolor, the surface matters more than almost anything else. I paint on 100% cotton paper — it stays wet long enough to work wet-into-wet, holds up to scrubbing, and takes pigment beautifully. Look for at least 140lb cold press. Full sheets give you the most flexibility; I cut them down to the size I need for each painting.
Brushes
You don't need a lot. I stick to a set of rounds, ranging from a large quill for big washes, medium rounds (size 6, 8, or 10) for most everything else, and smaller rounds (size 4, 2, 1) for darks and details. Quality matters here — a good brush holds its point and carries water predictably. This might be controversial, but I prefer synthetic brushes over sables. A few great brushes will take you further than a drawer full of mediocre ones.
Paint
I use professional-grade watercolors. Student-grade paints have more filler and less pigment — the difference shows in your mixes and access to deep rich color. Start with a small, intentional palette and learn how your colors interact before adding more. I prefer pans to tubes for their portability. I most often use my signature 8 color Sun & Shadow Palette (shown below) from Santa Fe-based handmade watercolor maker, L'Ecole Des Beaux Arts, or a 12 color travel set of Daniel Smith watercolors.
Everything Else
For plein air, a lightweight easel or pochade box makes a huge difference. I like to sit down, so a lightweight foldable chair is a must. Keep it simple — the fewer decisions you have to make about your gear, the more attention you can give to the painting.
Learn With Me
The best way to understand materials is to use them. Join a workshop and we'll paint together — I'll walk you through my setup, materials, techniques, mindset, and answer every question along the way.
View Workshops