Watercolour Set - Suggestions please

[JulietMadeChutney]

I have started drawing during lockdown (hated art at school) and have really got hooked.

I have been working in pencils, then charcoal and now pastels.

I would now like to maybe start dabbling in watercolours. But I have zero knowledge of them. Techniques etc I can bumble along with trying stuff out, Youtube videos etc but before I do that I need to buy some....er....stuff that is not pencil/pastel shaped....

So does anyone have any suggestions of what I need please? I am guessing:
*Paints - should I get tubes or the little cake like things?
*Paper - water colour paper obviously - but is there anything I should look for in particular? I know from my drawing that the quality/type of paper is really important.
*Brushes - do I need to go for anything bristle wise/size/shape wise at all? How many do I need to start with?

I am selling prints of my pastel/charcoal drawings on Etsy and have also done several pet commissions - so I could now put it down as a "business expense" ie my hobby is paying for itself at the moment so don't mind spending a bit. But do not want to go overboard. But I really am clueless about it all, so would rather avoid either buying crap which puts me off because is crap or buying stuff I really don't need. Google is helping to a degree - but there are so many advertorials and affiliated links I am a bit wary.

Thank you for helping if you can.

I am a graphic design student and happily use these - they’re lovely Watercolour Paint Set - 24 Vibrant Pans, 1 Blending Brush & Swatch Card - Professional Art Supplies - Portable Artist Travel Tin & Mixing Palette, Perfect for Painting & Calligraphy - Creativepeak™ www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07F2M6P5G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_BHWPS4Y2TJBRW851PYS5?tag=mumsnetforu03-21
Windsor and Newton ones are probably lovely, I use their gouache and it’s beautiful.

For watercolour I use a gummed pad, the gum stops the sheet from becoming warped or curling under the water, once it’s dry you peel it off and it is flat 😊

It’s a long time since I painted in watercolour, but you can’t go wrong with either Winsor & Newton, or Daler Rowney, preferably the Artist quality rather than Student quality for purity of colour (Student quality is often “hues” which are not quite as good). Whether you choose tubes or pans is personal choice, but I always used tubes - you can do your mixing on an old white plate as a palette. There are sure to be sets containing a variety of colours, but it is possible to start with just three - a blue, yellow and red, which can be mixed to provide a range of tertiary colours.

A good starting point for paper is Bockingford, made by St. Cuthberts Mill, which comes in different weights and finish. 140lb is a nice weight, and in a NOT finish (which isn’t completely smooth). You can buy in pads or sheets.

For brushes, start with synthetics, as sable brushes are £££ and synthetics are so good these days. You’d need at least three sizes, from small, medium, and large and this will vary depending on make.

A trip to an Artist’s supplier if you have one locally, will have plenty to choose from.

I love the Windsor and Newton Cotman half-pan watercolours.