IDA MAE

Watercolor Supplies

Hi!

Welcome to Your Watercolor Journey: A Carolina Artist’s Guide

Are you ready to begin your journey as a watercolor artist? How exciting! Diving into a new creative practice is thrilling, but we know it can also feel a little overwhelming when you’re staring at a wall of art supplies.

A word to the wise: not all supplies are created equal. It’s easy to be drawn in by fancy packaging and enticing words like “premium,” “fine,” “deluxe,” or simply the promise of “watercolor.” While these terms can signal quality, they aren’t always a guarantee. Knowing what to look for and where to find it is the first step to success.

While shopping online can offer great deals, there’s nothing quite like seeing and feeling art supplies in person. Plus, supporting local businesses helps keep our creative community thriving! Here are some fantastic local art stores across the Carolinas where you can find quality watercolor supplies, get expert advice, and connect with fellow artists.

Local/Online Art Stores to Explore:

We are so lucky to have these incredible resources right in our backyard.

  • Cheap Joes (Boone, NC): A beloved staple for Triad-area artists. Their friendly staff is incredibly knowledgeable, and they carry a wonderful selection of professional-grade watercolor paints and papers.
  • Jerry’s Artarama (Charlotte): Wow! You can find everything you need here, often at high prices. It’s a fantastic place to compare brands side-by-side.
  • Micheals (Local Art Store): While they carry a wide variety of crafts, their art supply section is robust. They are a great spot to pick up core watercolor supplies like pads of paper, sets of tubes, and a variety of brushes.
  • Hobby Lobby Local Art Store: Don’t forget to check out local art chain stores. They often carry limited watercolor supplies.
  • Online : Amazon
  • Online: Dick Blick

Now, we want to hear from you! What’s your must-have watercolor supply? Share your favorite brands, papers, or brushes in the comments below. And if you have a question – don’t be shy – please ask it! This is a public forum, and your question might help another budding artist, too.

Happy painting