Recommending watercolor materials is tricky. Like everything else in life, there is a balance between price and quality. The unhappy thing about art supplies is that there is a disconnect between price and quality. Some of the more modestly priced materials blow away some of the more expensive.

Since most of you are inexperienced, I will make recommendations. Please understand that quality in art supplies is a moving target, these recommendations will change from time to time.

Brushes are pretty easy. Please see the lesson on paper to understand what size of brushes you will want. The lesson on brushes will also be helpful here.

Paper is also easy. Top quality comes in expensive large sheets, which you have to cut down yourself. Moderately priced paper comes in pads and is already the right size. What dO I mean by "The right size"? See the lesson on paper. It has to do with painting for standard mat and frame sizes.

Paints are harder. I recommend a better grade as opposed to a best, (There is no such thing as best anyway.). I use the better myself.. There's not much difference except the price.