Watercolor paints can be intimidating. There are so many brands and types out there, it’s tough to know where to start. I remember buying my first set – I ended up with something chalky and difficult to work with. This guide will help you avoid that same mistake. We’ll look at some top-notch watercolor sets, suitable for beginners to experienced artists.
Here’s a quick overview of our top picks:
- Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Sketchers’ Pocket Box: Best for portability and beginners.
- Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors – Essentials Set: Best for professional quality and vibrant colors.
- Sakura Koi Water Colors Field Sketch Set: Best for travel and convenience.
- Arteza Watercolor Paint Set: Best budget-friendly option with a wide range of colors.
- Grumbacher Academy Watercolors Set: Best student-grade set with smooth application.
Top 5 Best Watercolor Paint Sets
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Sketchers’ Pocket Box
The Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketchers’ Pocket Box is a fantastic entry point into the world of watercolor. This set provides a curated selection of colors known for their good lightfastness and transparency, perfect for learning basic techniques.
Pros:
- ✅ Highly portable and compact size.
- ✅ Includes a good range of essential colors.
- ✅ Affordable option for beginners.
Cons:
- ❌ Some colors may not be as vibrant as professional-grade paints.
- ❌ Limited pan size.
- ❌ Plastic box feels a bit flimsy.
Verdict: Ideal for beginners and artists needing a travel-friendly set. A great balance of quality and price.
Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors – Essentials Set
Daniel Smith watercolors are known for their exceptional quality and intense pigmentation. The Essentials Set provides a carefully chosen selection of colors that can be mixed to create a wide range of hues, making it a great starting point for serious watercolorists.
Pros:
- ✅ Unmatched color vibrancy and lightfastness.
- ✅ Excellent mixing capabilities.
- ✅ Professional-grade quality.
Cons:
- ❌ Higher price point compared to student-grade sets.
- ❌ May require some color mixing knowledge to fully utilize.
- ❌ Smaller tube size might not be ideal for large projects.
Verdict: Best for artists who demand the highest quality and color intensity. A worthwhile investment for serious watercolorists.
Sakura Koi Water Colors Field Sketch Set
The Sakura Koi Water Colors Field Sketch Set is designed with portability and convenience in mind. This set includes a built-in palette, water brush, and sponge, making it perfect for painting on the go.
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely portable and self-contained.
- ✅ Includes a water brush for convenient painting.
- ✅ Affordable and great for travel.
Cons:
- ❌ Color vibrancy is good, but not exceptional.
- ❌ Limited mixing space on the palette.
- ❌ Water brush can be a bit tricky to control for detail work.
Verdict: A fantastic choice for artists who love to sketch and paint outdoors. The all-in-one design makes it incredibly convenient.
Arteza Watercolor Paint Set
The Arteza Watercolor Paint Set offers a wide range of colors at an affordable price. This set is a great option for beginners or artists who want to experiment with a variety of hues without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- ✅ Large variety of colors.
- ✅ Very affordable price point.
- ✅ Good for experimenting and practicing.
Cons:
- ❌ Pigment quality is not as high as professional-grade paints.
- ❌ Some colors may be less lightfast.
- ❌ Can be a bit chalky.
Verdict: Best for beginners or artists seeking an inexpensive set with a wide range of colors. A good value for the price.
Grumbacher Academy Watercolors Set
The Grumbacher Academy Watercolors Set is a reliable student-grade option known for its smooth application and good color mixing properties. It’s a solid choice for students and hobbyists looking for quality at a reasonable price.
Pros:
- ✅ Smooth application and good mixing properties.
- ✅ Decent lightfastness for student-grade paints.
- ✅ Trusted brand with a long history.
Cons:
- ❌ Not as vibrant as professional-grade paints.
- ❌ Limited color selection compared to some other sets.
- ❌ Packaging could be more durable.
Verdict: A dependable choice for students and hobbyists who want a reliable set of watercolors without a hefty price tag.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right watercolor set depends on your skill level, budget, and painting style. Here are a few things to consider:
- Pigment Quality: Higher-quality pigments offer better vibrancy, lightfastness, and mixing capabilities. Professional-grade paints, like Daniel Smith, use high-quality pigments.
- Color Selection: Consider the range of colors included in the set. A good starter set should include essential colors that can be mixed to create a wide range of hues.
- Format: Watercolors come in pans and tubes. Pans are convenient for travel and plein air painting, while tubes allow you to squeeze out the desired amount of paint.
- Lightfastness: Lightfastness refers to how resistant the colors are to fading when exposed to light. Look for paints with a lightfastness rating of “Excellent” or “Very Good” to ensure your artwork lasts.
- Budget: Watercolor sets range in price from affordable student-grade options to expensive professional-grade sets. Determine your budget and choose a set that offers the best value for your money.
- Student vs. Artist Grade: Student-grade paints are more affordable but may have lower pigment concentration and lightfastness. Artist-grade paints offer superior quality but come at a higher price.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about watercolor paint sets:
- What is the difference between student-grade and artist-grade watercolors?
Student-grade watercolors typically have lower pigment concentrations and may contain fillers, making them less vibrant and lightfast than artist-grade paints. Artist-grade watercolors use higher-quality pigments and offer superior performance. - What are the essential colors for a watercolor set?
A good starter set should include a warm and cool version of each primary color (red, yellow, and blue), as well as a few earth tones like burnt sienna and raw umber. - How do I clean my watercolor brushes?
Rinse your watercolor brushes thoroughly with clean water after each use. You can also use a mild soap to remove any remaining paint. Reshape the bristles and allow the brushes to air dry. - What is lightfastness and why is it important?
Lightfastness refers to how resistant a pigment is to fading when exposed to light. It’s important because you want your artwork to last without fading over time. Look for paints with a lightfastness rating of “Excellent” or “Very Good.” - Are watercolor pencils the same as watercolor paints?
No. Watercolor pencils are dry pencils that can be activated with water. They offer a different effect than traditional watercolor paints, often allowing for more detailed lines and controlled washes.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect watercolor paint set is a personal journey. Whether you’re a beginner exploring the medium or a seasoned artist seeking professional-grade pigments, there’s a set out there for you. Consider your budget, skill level, and artistic goals when making your decision. I hope this guide helps you choose a watercolor set that inspires you to create beautiful artwork.
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