Whether you’re a seasoned watercolor painter or just starting out, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right paint. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out which watercolor paints to buy. In this post, we’ll go over some of the top watercolor paints for artists at every price point, so you can find the perfect set for your needs and budget.
First, let’s talk about the different types of watercolor paints. There are two main types: pans and tubes. Pans are solid blocks of dried paint that you activate with water. They are great for traveling, as they are compact and easy to transport. Tubes, on the other hand, are more versatile and can be used for both large and small-scale projects. They also tend to be more vibrant and pigmented than pans.
Now, let’s dive into the top watercolor paints on the market:
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set
This is a great budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. The set comes with 12 half-pans of paint and is perfect for beginners. The colors are bright and mix well, and the set also comes with a brush. It’s a great option for anyone just starting out with watercolor painting and while it may not have the same level of pigmentation as some of the higher-end sets, it’s still a solid choice for those on a budget.
Pros of the Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set:
- Affordable price point
- Perfect for beginners
- Good color range
- Compact and easy to transport
- Comes with a brush
Cons of the Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set:
- Not as highly pigmented as some of the higher-end options
- May not last as long as other sets due to the smaller pan size
Prima Marketing Watercolor Confections
This set of 12 watercolor pans is a little pricier than the Winsor & Newton set, but it’s worth the extra cost. The colors are highly pigmented and have a beautiful range, from soft pastels to rich jewel tones. The set also comes in a portable tin with a mixing palette on the lid. It’s definitely a great value for the price, however, it may not have as many colors as some of the higher-end sets, and the pan size is on the smaller side.
Pros of the Prima Marketing Watercolor Confections:
- Beautiful color range
- Highly pigmented
- Comes in a portable tin with a mixing palette on the lid
- Good value for the price
Cons of the Prima Marketing Watercolor Confections:
- Not as many colors as some of the higher-end sets
- Smaller pan size
Daniel Smith Watercolor Tubes
If you’re willing to splurge a bit, Daniel Smith watercolors are a top-of-the-line option. They are highly pigmented and have a wide range of colors to choose from. The tubes are also larger than most, so they will last you a long time. These paints are perfect for professional artists or anyone who wants the best quality paint possible. The higher price point may be a drawback for some, and the high pigmentation may not be ideal for artists who prefer a more subtle approach.
Pros of the Daniel Smith Watercolor Tubes:
- Highly pigmented
- Wide range of colors to choose from
- Large tube size
- Long-lasting
Cons of the Daniel Smith Watercolor Tubes:
- Higher price point
- May be too pigmented for some artists
Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Watercolor Tubes
Another high-end option is the Schmincke Horadam Aquarell set. These paints are known for their brilliance and intensity, and they have a large selection of colors to choose from. They are also highly lightfast, meaning they won’t fade over time. The metal tin with a mixing palette is a nice touch, but the high price point may be a drawback for some artists. Additionally, they may not be as widely available as other brands.
Pros of the Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Watercolor Tubes:
- Highly pigmented
- Large range of colors to choose from
- Lightfast
- Comes in a metal tin with a mixing palette
Cons of the Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Watercolor Tubes:
- High price point
- May not be as widely available as other brands
Sennelier L’Aquarelle Watercolor Tubes
Finally, if you’re looking for a premium set of watercolors, Sennelier L’Aquarelle is an excellent choice. These paints are made from high-quality pigments and have a wide range of colors to choose from. They are also known for their transparency and lightfastness. However, the high price point may be a major drawback for some, and they may not be as widely available as other brands.
Pros of the Sennelier L’Aquarelle Watercolor Tubes:
- High-quality pigments
- Wide range of colors to choose from
- Known for their transparency
- Highly lightfast
Cons of the Sennelier L’Aquarelle Watercolor Tubes:
- Very high price point
- May not be as widely available as other brands
Final Thoughts
No matter what your budget is, there’s a set of watercolors out there for you. Whether you choose a budget-friendly option like the Winsor & Newton Cotman set or a high-end set like Sennelier L’Aquarelle, the most important thing is to find a set of paints that speaks to you and your unique artistic vision. Once you’ve selected the watercolors for you, check out these Watercolor Tips from Top Watercolor Artists, part one and part two, to ensure you start off on the right foot or brush up on some best practices. Happy painting!
FAQ’S
What should I consider when buying watercolor paint?
When buying watercolor paint, it’s important to consider factors such as pigmentation, color range, lightfastness, transparency, and the type of paint (tubes or pans). You may also want to consider your budget and whether you’ll be using the paints for professional or personal use.
What’s the difference between pans and tubes of watercolor paint?
Watercolor paints come in two main forms: pans and tubes. Pans are solid blocks of dried paint that are activated with water, while tubes are wet paint that can be squeezed onto a palette. Pans are more convenient for traveling and outdoor painting, while tubes are ideal for artists who need a lot of paint or who prefer to mix their own colors.
How do I choose the right color range for my needs?
The color range you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the types of paintings you plan to create. If you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to invest in a basic set of colors, which can be used to mix a wide range of hues. As you gain more experience, you can start to expand your color range to include more specialized hues.
What is lightfastness and why is it important?
Lightfastness refers to how well a paint will hold up over time when exposed to light. If a paint is not lightfast, it will fade or change color over time, which can impact the overall look of your painting. When buying watercolor paint, it’s important to look for paints that are highly lightfast, especially if you plan to display or sell your work.
How do I know which brand of watercolor paint to buy?
There are many different brands of watercolor paint available, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. It’s a good idea to do some research before making a purchase, by reading reviews and asking other artists for recommendations. Some popular brands of watercolor paint include Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith, and Sennelier, among others. Ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs as an artist.
