Have you ever watched a beautiful watercolor painting and thought, “I wish I could do that!”? It’s a wonderful feeling to create something colorful and unique. But when you look for watercolor paints, it can feel like you’re lost in a rainbow maze! So many boxes, so many colors, so many prices – it’s easy to get confused and wonder where to even begin.
Choosing your very first watercolor set can be tricky. You don’t want to spend too much money on something you might not use, but you also don’t want to buy paints that are so bad they make painting frustrating. You might worry about getting the wrong kind of paints or not having enough colors to make your art pop. It’s a common problem for anyone just starting out in the amazing world of watercolor.
Don’t worry! This blog post is here to help you navigate all those choices. We’ll break down what makes a good beginner watercolor set. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident about picking the perfect paints to start your artistic journey. Get ready to splash some color and discover the joy of painting with watercolors!
Our Top 5 Watercolor Set For Beginners Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set Portable | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Grabie 50 Colors Watercolor Paint Set | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Artecho Watercolor Paint Set 100 Colors with Metallic in Portable Box | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Watercolor Paint | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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Watercolor Paint Set | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Watercolor Set For Beginners Detailed Reviews
1. ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set Portable
Rating: 9.2/10
Unleash your inner artist with the ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set Portable, a mini travel painting kit packed with vibrant colors, including dazzling metallics! This set is perfect for anyone who loves to create, from young artists to seasoned professionals. Whether you’re coloring in workbooks, sketching in your journal, or lettering a masterpiece, this kit has everything you need to bring your ideas to life, wherever inspiration strikes.
What We Like:
- The colors are super bright and make your art pop.
- It’s designed for everyone, whether you’re just starting or you’re a pro.
- You can easily paint at home or take it with you on adventures.
- The tin box looks cool and keeps everything safe and sound.
- It makes a fantastic gift for anyone who loves to paint.
- The paints are safe for kids aged 3 and up, so the whole family can join in.
- You get 40 regular colors, plus 4 fluorescent and 4 metallic ones for extra sparkle.
- The kit includes a water brush pen, sponge, marker, swatch sheet, and a flexible brush, so you’re ready to paint right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the set is portable, a few more brush options could add even more versatility.
- More detailed instructions for using the metallic and fluorescent colors might be helpful for beginners.
This watercolor set is a fantastic choice for artists on the go. It offers great value and a wide range of colors to inspire creativity.
2. Grabie 50 Colors Watercolor Paint Set
Rating: 8.8/10
Unleash your inner artist with the Grabie 50 Colors Watercolor Paint Set! This all-in-one kit is designed to make watercolor painting fun and easy, whether you’re just starting out or love to paint on the go. It comes with everything you need to dive into a world of color.
What We Like:
- It has 50 wonderful colors. You can mix them to make even more shades.
- The set includes 6 good quality brushes with fine tips. They are perfect for detailed work.
- There’s a built-in tray for mixing colors. This makes creating new shades simple.
- It’s a beginner-friendly kit. You can start painting right away without fuss.
- The sturdy metal case is great for travel. It keeps everything organized and safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the colors are vibrant, some lighter shades might need more layers for full opacity.
- The brushes, though good for detail, might feel a bit small for covering large areas quickly.
This Grabie watercolor set is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to explore the joy of painting. It offers a complete and convenient experience for artists of all levels.
3. Artecho Watercolor Paint Set 100 Colors with Metallic in Portable Box
Rating: 8.7/10
Unleash your inner artist with the Artecho Watercolor Paint Set! This amazing set packs 100 vibrant colors into a portable tin box, making it perfect for creating art anywhere inspiration strikes. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been painting for years, this kit has everything you need to bring your colorful ideas to life.
What We Like:
- A huge variety of 100 colors, including regular, fluorescent, metallic, and fun macaron/candy shades, means endless creative possibilities.
- The set is super portable with a handy tin box and even a velvet bag, perfect for taking your art on the go.
- It includes helpful extras like a water brush pen, a sketching pencil, watercolor paper, and a color chart, so you can start painting right away.
- The colors are rich and strongly pigmented, making it easy to mix and create beautiful effects, especially with the metallic paints.
- The paint is non-toxic and safe for everyone to use, which is a big plus.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the paper is included, artists might want to purchase their own preferred watercolor paper for specific techniques.
- The sheer number of colors might be a little overwhelming for absolute beginners who prefer a smaller selection to start.
This Artecho Watercolor Paint Set is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to explore the world of watercolor. It offers incredible value and a wide range of colors for artists of all levels.
4. Watercolor Paint
Rating: 9.1/10
Unleash your inner artist with the Blablaovy 48-Color Washable Watercolor Paint Set. This vibrant set provides everything you need to create beautiful watercolor art, whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out. It’s designed for fun and creativity for all ages.
What We Like:
- 48 Vivid Colors: You get a fantastic range of 42 unique, bright colors. The pigments are fine, so they mix easily with water. These colors are saturated and create lovely blooming effects on paper. You can blend them to make endless new shades.
- Portable Palette: The set is lightweight and comes in a sturdy plastic case. The case lid doubles as a palette, keeping your paints organized. It’s perfect for painting on the go, like in a park or coffee shop.
- Complete Art Set: It includes 48 premium colors, two regular paint brushes, and a handy refillable water brush pen. This makes starting your watercolor journey super easy, needing only a little water.
- High-Quality Paints: These solid watercolors are made with strong pigments that won’t crack. They blend well, dry fast, and resist fading. They have a smooth texture and don’t feel chalky when dry.
- Safe for Everyone: The paints are 100% non-toxic and have passed safety tests. This makes them a great gift for birthdays or holidays. They’re perfect for kids as young as 3, students, and anyone who loves art.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the set includes two regular brushes, artists might want a wider variety of brush shapes and sizes for more detailed work.
- The “washable” aspect is great for kids, but for serious artists, ensuring the paints are truly permanent and lightfast might be a consideration for archival work.
This watercolor set is a fantastic choice for sparking creativity and enjoying the art of painting. It offers great value and a wonderful experience for artists of all levels.
5. Watercolor Paint Set
Rating: 9.2/10
Unleash your inner artist with this comprehensive 48-color watercolor paint set! It’s designed for everyone, from curious kids to seasoned adults, and even beginners just starting their creative journey. This all-in-one kit gives you everything you need to dive into the vibrant world of watercolor painting. The paints are safe and non-toxic, ensuring a worry-free painting experience.
What We Like:
- A fantastic range of 48 bright and beautiful colors that mix wonderfully with water.
- The paints are highly soluble, meaning you can create smooth washes and vibrant hues.
- Comes with 10 versatile nylon paintbrushes in various sizes and 6 handy refillable water brush pens, making color blending a breeze.
- Includes a 10-page A4 pad of thick, high-quality watercolor paper that won’t easily bleed or warp.
- The durable plastic case is perfect for keeping your paints organized and for taking them on the go.
- This set is a wonderful gift idea for anyone who loves to paint.
- The company offers excellent customer service, ready to help with any questions you might have.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the brushes are versatile, some users might prefer a wider variety of natural hair brushes for specific techniques.
- The included art sponges are a nice addition, but could be larger for more extensive blending.
This watercolor paint set is a fantastic value, providing a complete package for budding and experienced artists alike. It’s ready to inspire your next masterpiece!
Your First Strokes: A Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor Sets
Starting with watercolors is exciting! You can create beautiful, flowing art. But choosing your first watercolor set can feel a little overwhelming. Don’t worry! This guide will help you pick the perfect set to begin your artistic journey.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re a beginner, you want a set that’s easy to use and gives you good results.
- Color Variety: Look for a set with a good range of basic colors. You’ll want reds, blues, yellows, greens, browns, and black. Around 12-24 colors is usually a great starting point.
- Pigment Quality: This means how strong and true the colors are. Higher quality pigments look brighter and last longer. For beginners, a decent quality is fine.
- Binder Type: Most beginner watercolors use gum arabic as a binder. This helps the paint stick to the paper and makes it easy to mix with water.
- Portability: Many beginner sets come in small, handy cases. This makes them easy to take with you to a park or a friend’s house.
Important Materials
Your watercolor set is just one part of the puzzle. You’ll need a few other things to get started.
Paper is Key
Watercolor paper is special. It’s thicker and can handle lots of water without wrinkling or tearing. Look for paper that is at least 140lb (300gsm). Cold-press paper is a good choice for beginners because it has a slight texture.
Brushes Matter
You don’t need a huge collection of brushes at first. A medium round brush and a flat brush are usually enough to start. Synthetic brushes are affordable and work well for beginners.
Other Essentials
- Water Cups: You’ll need two cups – one for rinsing your brush and one for clean water to mix with your paints.
- Paper Towels or Cloth: These are for dabbing excess water off your brush and for lifting paint from the paper.
- Palette: Most watercolor sets have a built-in palette. If yours doesn’t, a ceramic plate or a plastic palette works fine.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a watercolor set good or not so good?
What Makes a Set Great
- Vibrant Colors: Paints that are bright and true to life make your artwork pop.
- Good Pigment Load: This means there’s a lot of color pigment in the paint. More pigment means richer, more intense colors.
- Smooth Application: The paint should spread evenly on the paper without being patchy.
What Can Make a Set Less Ideal
- Faded Colors: If the colors look dull or chalky, they might not have good pigments.
- Weak Color Strength: You might have to use a lot of paint to get a strong color.
- Gritty Texture: Some cheaper paints might have tiny particles that make them feel rough.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do beginners actually use these sets?
Easy to Learn
Beginner watercolor sets are designed to be simple. You just dip your brush in water, pick up some paint, and apply it to your paper. The colors mix easily, and you can control how much water you use to create different effects. Learning to blend colors and make washes is fun and rewarding.
What You Can Create
With a beginner set, you can paint all sorts of things! Try painting simple flowers, landscapes, or even abstract designs. These sets are perfect for practicing techniques like layering colors, creating gradients, and using wet-on-wet or wet-on-dry methods. They’re also great for making greeting cards or small illustrations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between student grade and artist grade watercolors?
A: Student grade watercolors are more affordable and have less pigment. Artist grade watercolors have more pigment, are more vibrant, and cost more. For beginners, student grade is usually perfect.
Q: Do I need to buy expensive brushes when I start?
A: No, you don’t! Affordable synthetic brushes work great for learning. You can always upgrade later if you get more serious about painting.
Q: How do I clean my watercolor brushes?
A: After you finish painting, rinse your brushes with water. Gently wash them with a little bit of soap if needed. Make sure to reshape the bristles and let them dry flat or hanging bristles-down.
Q: Can I mix watercolor paints from my set?
A: Yes! That’s one of the best parts of watercolor. You can mix colors together on your palette to create new shades and hues.
Q: What kind of paper is best for beginners?
A: Cold-press watercolor paper that is at least 140lb (300gsm) is a good choice. It’s sturdy and can handle water well.
Q: How many colors do I really need to start?
A: A set with 12-24 basic colors will give you plenty of options to start mixing and experimenting.
Q: Can I use watercolors on regular printer paper?
A: It’s not recommended. Printer paper is too thin and will likely wrinkle and tear when it gets wet.
Q: What does “lightfastness” mean for watercolors?
A: Lightfastness refers to how well a paint color resists fading when exposed to light over time. Higher lightfastness means the color will stay vibrant longer.
Q: How do I store my watercolor set?
A: Keep your set in its case and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve the paints.
Q: Can I use my beginner watercolor set for professional work?
A: While beginner sets are excellent for learning, professional artists often use artist-grade paints for their vibrant colors and lightfastness. However, you can create beautiful art with beginner sets!
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Robert Contreras, a passionate archery instructor based in the USA. With years of experience under my belt, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the art of archery and sharing its intricacies with enthusiasts of all levels. Through my website, 10Bows.com, I invite you to explore a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and personal insights that reflect my journey in the world of archery. Whether you’re picking up a bow for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to help guide you toward precision, focus, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport.