Lessons & Supplies

These are the exact tools I use in my illustration and watercolor classes, from brush pens and watercolor paper to inking nibs and palettes.

I’ve tested them all, and they’re beginner-friendly, durable, and affordable. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these affiliate links (at no extra cost to you).

NOTE: First three products (brush set, paint set, & paper) are recommended for in-person classes.

Illustration Lessons & Art Supplies with Mark Brewer – Learn to Draw with Humor & Expression

Speedball Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper – 8" x 8", Cold Press Block

*Recommended for in-person classes.

Mark uses this 100% cotton, cold press watercolor block for both class demos and personal pieces. The 8x8 format keeps things approachable, and the texture handles watercolor, ink, and lifting beautifully.

Raphael Kaerell Short Handle Watercolor Brush – Round 4

A high-quality synthetic brush ideal for smaller areas and tighter line control. Mark uses this one for details, controlled watercolor layering, and small-scale inking in class demos.

Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor – Quinacridone Red, 5ml

Mark recommends this warm, vibrant red for its rich transparency and bold layering potential. Great for skin tones, energetic details, and mixing deep shadows with blues.

Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor – Titanium White, 5ml

This opaque white watercolor is ideal for soft highlights, lightening mixes, or pulling focus in final layers. Mark keeps this one on hand for subtle glow effects and corrections.

Stainless Steel Painting Knife Set – 4 Pieces

Perfect for mixing paints, scraping palettes, or adding texture. Mark uses these tools to stir ink, blend watercolor on trays, or explore texture in experimental pieces.

Arches Watercolor Block – 14x20", Hot Press, 100% Cotton

A professional-grade paper Mark uses for final pieces. This hot press block has a smooth surface that pairs beautifully with ink, gouache, and layered watercolor. Great for finished work and portfolio pieces.

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils – 132 Pack

These soft-core colored pencils are one of Mark’s favorites for character shading, sketching, and adding color over ink. A huge range of blendable tones perfect for illustration work.

Pentel Twist-Erase III Mechanical Pencils – 0.7mm, Pack of 4

A solid everyday sketching pencil. Mark uses this mechanical pencil for layout work, sketching characters, and jotting notes — the twist-up eraser is a lifesaver during class demos.

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set – Sketchers’ Pocket Set

*Recommended for in-person classes this set boasts bold pigment and portability.

Includes 12 half pans and a travel brush — perfect for in-class use, quick sketches, and experimenting with watercolor techniques on the go.

Winsor & Newton Cotman Short Handle Brush Set

*Mark recommends this set for his in-person watercolor and ink classes.

Includes four versatile brushes (Rounds 1, 4, 6, and One Stroke 3/8") — perfect for expressive line work and fluid washes.

Ackerman Pens Manga G Nib Fountain Pen

Mark suggests this refillable pen for artists who want expressive inking without dipping. Compatible with Manga G nibs and India ink — great for bold, flexible line work and comic-style illustrations.

Zebra Comic Pen Nib – G Model (Titanium)

This is Mark’s go-to nib for energetic, springy linework. The titanium G model lasts longer than standard nibs and gives you the control and bounce needed for character-rich illustration.

TWSBI ECO Fountain Pen – Black EF Nib

This refillable fountain pen is great for fine lines and controlled inking. Mark recommends the EF (extra fine) nib for detailed sketching, character design, or adding finishing touches over watercolor.

Platinum Carbon Ink – 60ml Bottle (Black)

A studio essential. Mark uses this waterproof black ink for dip pens and refillables like the Ackerman. It flows smooth, dries permanent, and pairs perfectly with watercolor without smudging.

Beechmore A4 Sketchbook – 8.5 x 11.5" Hardcover (Symphony Blue)

This sleek, hardcover sketchbook features 160gsm paper perfect for ink, light watercolor, and pencil. Mark recommends it for studio notes, class practice, and character sketching on the go.

Dispense All – 10ml Syringe Set (Pack of 5)

Mark uses these blunt-tip syringes to refill fountain pens and ink cartridges without spills. Also handy for controlled ink transfers in mixed media projects. Comes with caps and needles for easy reuse.

Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor – Ultramarine Blue, 5ml

This classic, granulating blue is a staple on Mark’s palette. Ultramarine is great for cool shadows, skies, and moody tones when paired with warmer pigments.

Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor – Burnt Sienna, 15ml

A warm, earthy tone Mark uses to ground his palette. Burnt Sienna mixes beautifully with blues for neutral shadows and adds a classic richness to character work and background washes.

Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor – Phthalo Blue Green Shade, 15ml

A powerful, staining blue with a green undertone — perfect for bold skies, shadows, and vibrant mixes. Mark uses it sparingly for dramatic contrast and intensity.

Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor – Cobalt Blue, 15ml

Known for its soft, subtle character and easy liftability, Cobalt Blue is one of Mark’s favorites for skies, water, and atmospheric layering in illustrations.

Holbein Artists Watercolor – Permanent Yellow Light, 5ml

Mark recommends this bright, clean yellow for its smooth mixing properties and consistent brightness. Great for sunlit areas, highlighting characters, and vibrant warm tones.

Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor – Lemon Yellow, 5ml

Lemon Yellow offers a cool, zesty base for mixing greens or brightening skin tones. Mark uses it when he needs a lighter touch or to boost contrast in layered washes.

Martin Mijello Airtight Leak-Proof 24-Well Palette

Mark’s preferred palette for in-studio and class use. With 24 deep wells and an airtight seal, it keeps paints moist between sessions and travel-friendly. Great for both beginners and pros.

2oz Amber Glass Spray Bottles – Set of 3

These small spray bottles are great for wetting watercolor paper, reactivating paint, or softening edges. Mark uses them for everything from technique demos to prepping surfaces in class.

TOOLBOX Professional White Rags – Center Pull Box (200 Towels)

Mark keeps a box of these shop towels in his studio for wiping brushes, blotting watercolor, and cleaning up ink splatters. Durable, disposable, and way more absorbent than paper towels.

Sakura Gelly Roll Classic 10 Bold Point Pen – White (3 Pack)

This bold white gel pen is perfect for adding highlights or small accents over dark ink or watercolor. Mark uses it to punch up characters' eyes, edges, and energy with clean, opaque contrast.

Pentel Oil Pastels – Set of 50

This student-friendly oil pastel set is great for bold color experiments, sketchbook texture, and mixed media layering. Mark recommends them for expressive underdrawings and warm-up work.

Duck Brand Clean Release Painter’s Tape – 1.41" x 60 yd.

Mark uses this tape for masking watercolor edges, creating clean borders, and holding down paper without tearing. Peels off cleanly and sticks well to a variety of surfaces.

Scotch Wall-Safe Tape – 3/4" x 650" Roll

Ideal for studio display or temporary layout planning. Mark uses this tape to hang reference sketches or arrange thumbnails without damaging walls or paper.

Mijello Art Organizer Water Bucket – 3 Compartments

This water bucket is a class essential. With three sections and a built-in wiping pad, Mark uses it to rinse brushes quickly during demos and keep clean and dirty water separate.