Introduction
Are you excited when you unpack a brand-new and best watercolor paints? When you pick up the paintbrush and are ready to spread your creativity on the drawing paper, a good set of watercolor paints is like a magic wand in the hands of a magician, making your painting shine.
Many watercolor brands have two types of paints, namely, watercolor paints suitable for beginners and professional-grade paints suitable for professionals. Below I will introduce watercolor paints suitable for beginners and professionals respectively. Let’s explore the mystery of these watercolor paints that are recognized as the best!
best watercolor paints for beginners
For beginners in the watercolor field, the dazzling array of pigment brands often dazzles people who don’t know where to start. Choosing watercolor paints that are easy to use and have a wide range of colors is very important. Don’t worry, today I will recommend several affordable and easy-to-use entry-level best watercolor paints to help you easily start your watercolor journey.
1. Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set
Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolor paints are formulated with fine pigments, bright colors, and high transparency, and are not easy to fade. This watercolor paint is not only of high quality, but also very affordable, very suitable for students, beginners, and amateurs, not only will it not cost a lot of money, but you also will get a good experience, you can easily create excellent works. Available in various formats, including sets of half pans, whole pans, and tubes.
| Brand | Winsor & Newton |
| Size | 3.38 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Color | multicolor |
| Item Volume | 5 Milliliters |
| Paint Type | Watercolor |
| Age Range | From 10 years |
| Finish Type | Gloss |
| Special Feature | Durability |
Pros:
The color is bright, fresh, and natural, and the paste is fine and uniform.
It has good water solubility and can create a rich sense of layering.
- Vibrant colors, good transparency, and lightfastness.
- The watercolor paints use modern organic pigments and are not easy to fade.
- It has strong coloring power and natural diffusion and has excellent mixing and smudging effects.
- The watercolor paints use modern organic pigments and are not easy to fade.
Cons:
- Compared to professional-grade paints, Cotman watercolors have a lower pigment load.
Customer Ratings: 4.7 out of 5
2. Van Gogh Watercolor Paint Set
Royal Talens produces watercolor paints of very high quality and at a very affordable price, making them the best watercolor paints for beginners or students. The texture of this paint is wonderful, and you can easily mix the colors of various paints to create a wide variety of colors. In addition, this watercolor paint is added with gum Arabic, which makes the watercolor paint more flexible and does not dry quickly. You can choose from many sets of 6 colors, 12 colors, 24 colors, etc.
| Brand | Van Gogh |
| Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
| Color | 12+3 General (Plastic Pocketbox) |
| Item Volume | 12 Milliliters |
| Paint Type | Watercolor |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Finish Type | Matte |
| Special Features | Non Toxic, Waterproof |
Pros:
The colors are bright, rich, and transparent, and can well restore natural colors.
The watercolor paint is creamy, easy to mix and apply, and can be mixed with a rich variety of colors.
There is a palette inside the box, which is convenient to carry and use.
Paintbrushes can be placed around the box to prevent the watercolor paint from being contaminated.
Van Gogh’s watercolor paint is affordable and suitable for painters with limited budgets but pursuing better quality.
Cons:
- Van Gogh watercolor paints may exhibit less granulation.
- The water brush provided in the set may not be of good quality and may shed hair during the painting process.
Customer Ratings: 4.6 out of 5
3. Sakura Koi Watercolor Sets
Sakura is a well-known brand of painting tools. Its Koi Watercolor Set is very suitable for students and painting enthusiasts and can provide a good painting experience at an affordable price. This watercolor paint set includes 24 bright colors, a plastic palette a watercolor pen for mixing colors, and very convenient packaging, which is very suitable for painting outside. When you find beautiful scenery, you can take out this set of watercolors to create.
| Brand | SAKURA |
| Size | 1 Count (Pack of 24) |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Item Volume | 9 Milliliters |
| Paint Type | Watercolor |
| Age Range | Kid |
| Finish Type | Matte |
| Special Features | Lightweight |
Pros:
Watercolor paints are bright and pure, with good transparency and glossiness.
The watercolor paints are fine and smooth, have good solubility in water, and dry quickly.
Most colors have good light resistance and can maintain the vividness of the colors for a certain time.
There are many sets of 12 colors, 24 colors, etc. to choose from.
Some sets have detachable palettes, water brushes, sponges, and other tools inside, which are easy to carry and use.
Suitable for a variety of painting scenes, such as daily painting practice, outdoor sketching, and illustration creation.
Cons:
- The palette easily absorbs pigments and is relatively difficult to clean. During the color mixing process, the pigments may be mixed unevenly on the palette, affecting the color mixing effect.
Customer Ratings: 4.7 out of 5
4. Prang Watercolor Paint Set
Prang is a well-known brand in the art supply market, known for producing high-quality, non-toxic art materials. The company has been providing products suitable for educational environments and professional artists since its establishment in the late 19th century. Prang watercolor paint set is especially suitable for children, students, and beginners because of its affordable price, high quality, and ease of use. Its bright colors can stimulate their interest and creativity in painting. This watercolor paint set is also suitable for classroom teaching, home painting, outdoor sketching,g, and many other purposes.
| Brand | Prang |
| Size | 16 Count (Pack of 1) |
| Color | Assorted |
| Item Volume | 5.15 Milliliters |
| Paint Type | Watercolor |
| Age Range | Kid, Adult |
| Finish Type | Matte |
| Special Features | Non Toxic |
Pros:
Pure watercolors are used, without wax fillers, and the colors are rich, bright, and long-lasting.
AP-certified, even if accidentally contacted with the skin or ingested in small amounts, it will not cause harm to health.
Some watercolor paint sets include white palettes and high-quality brushes, which are convenient for painters to use directly.
The paint palette of its half-pan watercolor set is refillable. When the paint is used up, you can buy a separate paint block to replenish it.
There are many color combinations to choose from, such as 8 colors and 16 colors.
Cons:
- The pigment intensity is lower. This might require applying more layers to achieve the same depth and richness of color.
Customer Ratings: 4.6 out of 5
5. ARTEZA Watercolor Paint Set
ARTEZA, a company known for producing a wide range of art supplies, aims to provide professional-quality materials at accessible prices. ARTEZA Watercolor Paint Sets have rich, vibrant watercolors thoughtfully designed to inspire and facilitate the human artistic experience. The paints are non-toxic, making them safe for all ages, including children. ARTEZA uses high-quality pigments to ensure the brightness and longevity of the colors.
| Brand | ARTEZA |
| Size | 0.4 Fl Oz (Pack of 12) |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Item Volume | 12 Milliliters |
| Paint Type | Watercolor |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Finish Type | Semi-Gloss |
| Special Features | Non Toxic, Paint Tubes |
Pros:
Watercolors are rich, bright, and long-lasting, and can produce bright effects.
Certified by ACMI / EN 71, non-toxic and harmless, safe to use.
Some watercolor sets are equipped with refillable water brushes and storage tanks, etc., which are convenient for use outside.
There are many sets of 12 colors, 25 colors, 60 colors, etc., which can provide painters with rich color choices.
The price is relatively reasonable and has a high-cost performance.
Cons:
- Some users report that ARTEZA watercolors can dry quickly on the palette, which may require frequent rewetting during painting sessions.
Customer Ratings: 4.7 out of 5
best watercolor paints for professionals
Professional watercolor paints can help professional watercolor painters better shape the shape, texture, and color of objects because they are bright, pure, and highly transparent. Painters can use high-purity watercolor pigments to accurately express the blue of the sky, the emerald green of vegetation, etc., and can also show the layering and three-dimensional sense of petals. Moreover, they are not easy to fade, and the colors remain bright after many years. Here are some of the best watercolor paints I have carefully selected for you.
6. Mijello Mission Gold Watercolors
Mijello Watercolor Paint is a popular professional watercolor paint made by the Korean company Mijello. It is not only rich in color, but also highly saturated. The colors are bright, bright, and rich, which can bring a strong visual impact to the work. This watercolor paint uses high-quality pigment raw materials, is not easy to fade and change color, and can preserve and display artwork for a long time. Moreover, this watercolor paint has good diffusion performance in water and can be naturally smudged, providing painters with more creative possibilities and expression methods.
| Brand | Mijello |
| Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Item Volume | 15 Milliliters |
| Paint Type | Watercolor |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Finish Type | Matte |
| Special Features | Crack Resistant |
Pros:
There are many colors, including bright bright colors and calm dark colors.
The watercolor paint has high saturation and transparency, giving the picture a rich sense of layering and texture.
It uses high-quality pigment raw materials and is finely ground, so the pigment particles are fine and uniform.
It has excellent light resistance, is not easy to fade or change color, and can maintain the color of the work for a long time.
The watercolor paint has good diffusion performance in water and can be naturally and evenly smudged to achieve a gradient effect.
Mixing different colors can produce rich and harmonious intermediate colors without discoloration or graying.
Cons:
- As a professional-grade watercolor paint set, Mijello Mission Gold watercolors are relatively expensive.
- The watercolor paint set dries relatively slowly, which may affect the progress of the creation.
Customer Ratings: 4.8 out of 5
7. Daniel Smith watercolor
Founded in 1976, Daniel Smith is a Seattle-based company that has become a leader in the art supply industry, mainly known for their watercolor products. Their watercolors stand out for their exceptional quality, extensive color range, and unique formulations. Whether you are a professional artist seeking reliable and vibrant paints or an advanced hobbyist looking to explore new creative possibilities, Daniel Smith offers the best watercolor paints that deliver outstanding performance and inspiration.
| Brand | DANIEL SMITH |
| Size | 1.02 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Item Volume | 15 Milliliters |
| Paint Type | Watercolor |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Finish Type | Matte |
| Special Features | Reflective |
Pros:
This watercolor paint set is very pure, with rich, bright, and long-lasting colors that are not easy to fade.
This series of watercolors has a granular feel that can add a unique texture to the work.
There are a variety of forms to choose from, including 15ml tubes, 5ml tubes, watercolor sticks, and half trays.
The packaging with clear markings on important information such as color names and lightfastness, making it convenient for painters to use.
Cons:
- While the unique granulating properties of Primatek colors can be a pro, they might not be desirable for artists seeking smooth, non-granulating effects.
Customer Ratings: 4.8 out of 5
8. Schmincke Horadam Aquarell
Schmincke Horadam Aquarell is a premium range of professional watercolor paints from the German company Schmincke, a leading brand in the art supply industry since 1881. Schmincke Horadam Aquarell watercolors are high quality and rich in color, making them perfect for professional artists and watercolor enthusiasts, meeting their creative needs and providing them with a quality painting experience.
| Brand | Schmincke |
| Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
| Color | Assorted |
| Item Volume | 38.4 Milliliters |
| Paint Type | Watercolor |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Finish Type | Matte |
| Special Features | Waterproof |
Pros:
Watercolors are rich in colors, with more than 139 colors.
Most colors are highly lightfast and can maintain their vividness for a long time.
Watercolors have a fine texture and can be evenly attached to the paper, showing a smooth and uniform effect.
Watercolors use natural materials and have good water solubility and color rendering.
There are many forms to choose from, such as half trays, full trays, 5ml tubes, and 15ml tubes.
Cons:
- Schmincke Horadam Aquarell watercolors are relatively expensive compared to student-grade paints.
Customer Ratings: 4.6 out of 5
9. Sennelier L’Aquarelle Watercolor Paint
Sennelier L’Aquarelle watercolors are rich, bright, and high quality. Produced by the French company Sennelier, which has been making fine art supplies since 1887, these water color paints are favored by artists around the world for their honey formula and vibrant hues. Sennelier L’Aquarelle watercolors meet their exacting demands for color and texture, giving them a superior painting experience.
| Brand | SENNELIER |
| Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
| Color | Assorted |
| Item Volume | 10 Milliliters |
| Paint Type | Watercolor |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Finish Type | Metallic |
| Special Features | Honey-Based Formula |
Pros:
This watercolor paint has extremely high color purity and bright colors.
Excellent transparency can produce rich color layers.
The paint texture is wonderful and can be spread evenly on paper.
There are many specifications, including half-blocks, tubes, etc.
Some sets come with a special palette for mixing and mixing colors.
The packaging design reflects the elegant style of the French brand. Very exquisite.
Cons:
- The watercolor paints are more expensive.
Customer Ratings: 4.5 out of 5
10. Holbein Artists' Watercolors
Holbein Artists’ watercolors are of exceptional quality and are brilliant colors. Manufactured by the Japanese company Holbein, which has been producing fine art materials since 1900, these watercolors are favored by artists worldwide for their superior performance and innovative formulations. Holbein Artists’ watercolor paint sets are designed to meet the needs of professional artists while being accessible to severe hobbyists and students.
| Brand | Holbein |
| Size | 0.17 Fl Oz (Pack of 24) |
| Color | Blue, Green, Grey, Rose, White |
| Item Volume | 5 Milliliters |
| Paint Type | Watercolor |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Finish Type | Matte |
| Special Feature | Fast-Rewetting |
Pros:
This watercolor has 108 bright colors and many unique colors to meet the personalized creative needs of artists.
The texture is fine and smooth, without excessive graininess, and can present delicate details.
Good transparency, when painting in multiple layers, it can produce rich color layers and bright color effects.
It does not contain dispersants such as oxbile, and the pigment can diffuse naturally in water to form a natural color transition.
It is available in 5ml and 15ml tubes and half blocks, which are convenient to carry and use.
Cons:
- Holbein watercolors have less granulation compared to some other brands.
Customer Ratings: 4.8 out of 5
11. M. Graham Artists’ Watercolors
M. Graham Artists’ watercolor paint sets are produced by M. Graham & Co., an American company founded in 1992; these good watercolor paints stand out due to their use of pure blackberry honey as a key ingredient, which enhances the paints’ performance and longevity. Their unique honey-based formulation, combined with a high pigment load and creamy consistency, results in vibrant, long-lasting colors that are a joy to work with. Whether you are a professional artist or an advanced hobbyist, M. Graham watercolors provide the reliability and versatility needed to create beautiful, enduring artwork.
| Brand | M. Graham & Co |
| Size | 0.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Color | Titanium White Opaque |
| Item Volume | 30 Milliliters |
| Paint Type | Watercolor |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Finish Type | Matte |
| Special Feature | Fast-drying, Highly Pigmented, Crack Resistant |
Pros:
- The honey-based formula enhances the longevity of the paint.
- M. Graham watercolors use the finest artist-grade pigments.
- The honey in the formulation gives the watercolors excellent rewetting properties.
- Seventy colors with excellent lightfastness and high transparency.
- The paints have a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Non-toxic and Environmentally Friendly.
Cons:
- The honey-based formulation can result in slower drying times compared to other watercolors.
Customer Ratings: 4.8 out of 5
12. ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set
ARTISTRO focuses on creating art products that are both high-quality and affordable. The ARTISTRO watercolor paint set is a versatile and accessible option for artists seeking vibrant colors and user-friendly features at an affordable price. Whether you are a beginner exploring the medium, a hobbyist looking for reliable paints, or an artist who enjoys painting on the go, ARTISTRO offers a well-rounded set that meets various artistic needs. With their commitment to quality and affordability, ARTISTRO watercolors are a great addition to any artist’s toolkit.
| Brand | ARTISTRO |
| Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Item Volume | 300 Milliliters |
| Paint Type | Watercolor |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Finish Type | Metallic |
| Special Feature | Non-Toxic |
Pros:
- High-quality pigments and bright colors.
- Non-Toxic and Safe.
- ARTISTRO sets are relatively cheap.
- Variety of set sizes, from 12 or 24 colors to more extensive sets with 36 or 48 colors.
- The paints are smooth and suitable for various watercolor techniques.
- Many ARTISTRO sets come with additional accessories.
Cons:
- Some colors may be more opaque than desired and take longer to dry.
Customer Ratings: 4.7 out of 5
13. Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors
Kuretake Gansai Tambi watercolor paint sets are traditional Japanese watercolors known for their rich, vibrant colors and smooth, creamy texture. Manufactured by Kuretake Co., Ltd., a company with a long history of producing fine art materials, these watercolor paints offer a unique blend of modern and traditional elements. Whether you are a professional artist, crafter, or calligrapher, these recommended watercolor paints offer rich, intense colors and excellent performance.
| Brand | Kuretake |
| Size | 1.14 Pound (Pack of 1) |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Item Volume | 36 Liters |
| Paint Type | Watercolor |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Finish Type | Adjustment |
| Special Feature | Non Toxic |
Pros:
- Rich and Vibrant Colors.
- The creamy consistency of these watercolors allows for smooth and even application.
- These watercolors can be used on various surfaces.
- The watercolors come in large pans, which makes it easy to load brushes and mix colors.
- These watercolor paints are relatively affordable.
- The paints tend to stay moist in the pans longer.
Cons:
- Gansai Tambi watercolors are more opaque.
- Slower drying time.
Customer Ratings: 4.8 out of 5
14. Daler-Rowney Watercolors
Founded in the 18th century, Daler-Rowney is a well-established British brand known for its wide range of art supplies, including watercolors. Whether you are a beginner exploring the best watercolor paints for the first time or an experienced artist looking for professional-grade watercolor paint sets, Daler-Rowney offers a range of products to suit your needs. With their rich colors, lightfastness, and ease of use, Daler-Rowney watercolor paints are a versatile and valuable addition to any artist’s toolkit.
| Brand | Daler Rowney |
| Size | 1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Color | 48 Colors |
| Item Volume | 50 Milliliters |
| Paint Type | Watercolor |
| Age Range | All Age |
| Finish Type | Semi-Gloss |
| Special Feature | Lightweight |
Pros:
Daler-Rowney watercolors are rich, fluid, and transparent, with excellent coloring strength and lightfastness.
The full range includes 48 colors, with 12 and 24 colors available.
Daler-Rowney watercolors use high-quality pigments with strong mixing capabilities.
Daler-Rowney watercolors are perfect for artists working with watercolors.
- The metal box or plastic box packaging is sturdy and durable, easy to store and carry.
Cons:
- Some colors may take longer to dry.
Customer Ratings: 4.6 out of 5
15. Finetec Watercolors
Finetec, also known as Coliro, is a German brand renowned for its high-quality metallic watercolor paint sets. These unique paints are favored by artists, calligraphers, and illustrators for their stunning shimmer and rich pigmentation, adding a touch of luxury to artworks. Finetec has a long history of producing high-quality artistic materials, focusing on metallic and pearlescent watercolors. Their watercolor paints are handmade using mica pigments, producing vibrant colors with a beautiful sheen.
| Brand | KOIFITA |
| Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
| Color | Gold and Silver |
| Item Volume | 80 Milliliters |
| Paint Type | Watercolor |
| Age Range | All Age |
| Finish Type | Metallic |
| Special Feature | Non Toxic |
Pros:
This series of watercolor paints contains a variety of pearlescent and neon colors, which will show a charming metallic texture under the light.
Using high-quality pigments and advanced production processes to ensure that the pigments have good light resistance.
There are both colorless and transparent watercolors, as well as opaque watercolors with certain covering power, which you can select according to your creative needs.
This watercolor can quickly blend with water to form a uniform color solution.
There are solid watercolors and tube watercolors.
Cons:
- The limited color range is focused on metallic and pearlescent shades.
Customer Ratings: 4.8 out of 5
FAQ
How to mix watercolor colors to create new hues?
Primary Colors: The three primary colors in watercolor painting are red, blue, and yellow. These colors cannot be created by mixing other colors.
Secondary Colors: Mixing two primary colors creates a secondary color.
Red + Yellow = Orange
Yellow + Blue = Green
Blue + Red = Purple
Tertiary Colors: Mixing a primary color with a neighboring secondary color creates tertiary colors.
Red + Orange = Red-Orange
Yellow + Orange = Yellow-Orange
Yellow + Green = Yellow-Green
Blue + Green = Blue-Green
Blue + Purple = Blue-Purple
Red + Purple = Red-Purple
How to store watercolor paints to prevent them from drying out?
1. Seal Properly: Prevent air from entering and drying out the paint.
2. Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Extreme heat can cause the paint to dry out.
3. Use Airtight Containers: Place the paints in an airtight plastic container against air exposure.
4. Silica Gel Packs: Include silica gel packs in the storage container to absorb excess moisture and keep the environment dry.
5. Clean Brushes: Always clean your brushes thoroughly before dipping them into another color to prevent contamination and ensure the purity of each color. If you want to know how to clean your brushes, please click: How To Clean Paint Brushes(Without Paint Thinner)?
What are watercolor paints made of?
Watercolor paints are made from pigments, binders, solvents, and additives. These components work together to create paints that are vibrant, easy to work with, and capable of producing a wide range of effects.
Understanding the composition of watercolor paints can help artists choose the best products for their needs and use them more effectively in their artwork.
What paper do you need for watercolor painting?
The right watercolor paper can significantly impact your painting experience and results. For the best quality, 100% cotton paper is recommended. Choose the texture (hot-pressed, cold-pressed, or rough) based on your preferred painting style. Consider the weight of the paper; heavier weights are less prone to warping. Experiment with different brands and formats to find the one best suits your needs and artistic style.
Pans or Tubes?--which ones are the best?
The best choice between pans and tubes depends on your needs and painting habits.
Pans offer convenience, portability, and less waste, making them ideal for beginners and travelers.
Tubes provide greater color intensity and versatility and are economical for more significant works, making them suitable for studio use and experienced artists.
Consider your painting environment, the scale of your work, and your personal preferences when deciding which format to use. Many artists find a combination of pans and tubes best for their creative process.
What types of watercolor paint are there?
Watercolor paints come in various forms and types, each with distinct characteristics that suit different techniques and preferences. Here are the main types of watercolor paints:
1. Pan Watercolors
2. Tube Watercolors
3. Liquid Watercolors
4. Watercolor Sticks
5. Watercolor Pencils
6. Watercolor Markers
7. Gouache
Specialty Watercolors:
1. Metallic and Pearlescent Watercolors
2. Granulating Watercolors
3. Staining Watercolors
The type of watercolor paint you choose depends on your specific needs, painting style, and the effect you want to achieve. Honeyoung Stationery Manufacturer recommends trying different types of watercolors to help you find the one that best suits your creative process.
Conclusion
The best watercolor paints allow you to create beautiful works with rich, vibrant colors. You can try the 15 best watercolor paints I recommend above.
If you want watercolor paints in special packaging, colors, and sizes, you can also choose custom watercolor paints to meet your particular needs.
If you have any watercolor paints that you have used that you think are great, share them with us in the comments.
In addition, if beginners want to master the techniques of using watercolor paint, you can watch the video below; I hope it will be helpful to you.
3 Responses
It would be even better if some examples could be added on how to combine these pigments for simple painting exercises.
Sakura Koi Watercolor Set, perfect for outdoor painting, easy to carry, and brightly colored.
I think the article could recommend more low-priced watercolor paint sets that are of decent quality.