Paints:
Winsor& Newton Cotman:
Cadmiun Yellow Cadmium Red Cobalt Blue Sap Green
Ultramarine Blue Indian Red Alizarin Crimson Hooker's Green Light
Payne's Gray Purple Yellow Ochre Burnt Umber
Optional, but a good addition:
Cadmium Yellow Pale Magenta Cerulean Blue Raw Sienna
Brushes:
I use a #8, a # 30, and a #4. Brushes should be a good quality. Make sure these are watercolor brushes.
Paper:
Paper should be a good quality. For beginners I like Strathmore 140 lb. cold press (Cover is brown and reads "Best". ). These come in pads, blocks, or sheets.
A higher quality is Arches 140 lb. cold press.
A pallet (for mixing paints) can be as simple as a white ceramic dinner plate.
Other supplies can include, masking, container palette, and other specialty brushes,
I order from: jerrysartarama.com
They have great prices, secure site, and quick delivery. They also have a store on North Main Street, Providence.
(They offer a set of 8 watercolor brushes, including #4, #8, and #30 on sale for $39.99 (original price, $99.95); SKU # 87257)