Getting Started with Watercolors in Iceland

Watercolor painting is one of the most accessible and rewarding art forms — and Iceland's dramatic landscapes provide endless inspiration. Here is what you need to get started.

The Essentials

1. Watercolor Paint

For beginners, a set of 12–24 half pans is ideal. Föndurlist carries several trusted brands:

White Nights (Nevskaya Palitra) — excellent value, vibrant colours, widely recommended for beginners
Daniel Smith — professional grade with exceptional pigment quality
Kuretake Gansai Tambi — Japanese watercolors, creamy and rich

Browse all watercolors available at Föndurlist.

2. Watercolor Paper

Paper matters more than paint. Look for:

Weight: 300 gsm (140 lb) — will not buckle with water
Texture: Cold-pressed (rough texture, most versatile for beginners)
Material: Cotton or cotton-blend for best results

Browse watercolor paper at Föndurlist.

3. Brushes

Start with 3 brushes: a large round (size 10–12), a medium round (size 6), and a small detail brush (size 2). Synthetic or sable-blend brushes work well for beginners. Browse brushes.

4. Extras

A mixing palette (or a white dinner plate works fine)
Two jars of clean water
Paper towel or a rag
Masking tape to tape paper edges

Tips for Painting in Iceland

Light: Iceland's long summer days are beautiful for painting — but invest in a good daylight lamp for the dark months.
Subjects: Waterfalls, lava fields, Northern Lights, turf houses — the landscape is a watercolorist's dream.
Community: Check the Föndurlist course calendar for in-person watercolor classes.

Where to Buy

All supplies are available at Föndurlist, delivered anywhere in Iceland via Dropp. Orders over 15.000 kr ship free to pickup points.

Not sure what to pick? Try a watercolor starter kit.

Getting Started with Watercolors in Iceland — What You Need