I have a palette that I like which you will see listed below. However every teacher I have ever taken classes from has had a different palette. If you already have paints bring what you have and we’ll go from there. Student grade watercolors are cheap but you get what you pay for... they do not give intensity of color. I think the basic primary colors in the more expensive tubes are a much better investment. You can mix almost any color from: Alizarin Crimson, Rose Madder Genuine, Cobalt Blue, Viridian, Aureolin(yellow), and Cadmium Yellow. Additional colors if you can afford them would be Cerulean Blue, Windsor Blue, Cadmium Red, Windsor Green, Burnt Sienna and Yellow Ochre. If you are just starting out and want to experiment just buy 1 of the better watercolor sets like we used when we were kids!
Watercolor paper should be at least 140# to keep it from buckling. I like to use watercolor blocks because they are easy to carry and protect the paper/painting. I prefer "rough" but "cold press" is fine too. I use large paper at least 14x20" so that I can paint in a loose, free style. I find a painting tends to get tight when I paint on small paper. If you do not bring a block, you will need a piece of masonite, plexiglas, or formica cut ½" larger than your paper.
My palette is a John Pike with a plastic top to keep the paint from drying out(15x10). I couldn’t find a palette this size at A.C. Moore or Michaels. A.C. Moore does have small travel palettes which will work and you would need a white or clear piece of plastic or a plate on which to mix paint .
You can get along well with a few good brushes. Sables hold up and are of higher quality than synthetics. I suggest getting started with Robert Simmons E57(1'’wide with a slant), #12 round, #3(slender, long hair, pointed) and, if you can afford it, a 2" skywash. If you don’t want to make this investment yet you can use mine! I have a Cheap Joe’s art supply catalog and if there is enough interest we can put an order together to save on shipping. ( www.cheapjoes.com -800-227-2788)
Beside these basics you will need paper towels, a soft pencil, a water bowl, a small sketch pad, and an art gum eraser. Liquid frisket is optional as are photos and /or sketches for reference.
If you are coming to an outdoor workshop you will need: something to sit on that puts you close to the ground so that you can put your paints on the ground or a folding chair and folding tray table. .I paint standing up and use an easel with a tray attached.