Whether you are a seasoned artist looking to explore a new medium or a beginner eager to delve into the world of watercolor painting, finding the right paints is the first step towards creating stunning masterpieces. With a plethora of options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best watercolor paints for beginners. Fear not, as this article will guide you through a curated list of top-notch watercolor paint sets that are perfect for those just starting their artistic journey. From vibrant pigments to easy-to-use formulations, these paints will help you unleash your creativity and create breathtaking artwork. So, let’s dive in and discover the best watercolor paints for beginners! If you’re just starting out with watercolor painting, it can be overwhelming to choose the right paints. With so many options available, how do you know which ones are the best for beginners? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the factors to consider when choosing watercolor paints, the different types of watercolor paints, and the top brands that offer excellent options for beginners.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Watercolor Paints

When selecting watercolor paints, there are several key factors to keep in mind. These factors will help you determine the quality, usability, and suitability of the paints for your needs. Here are some important factors to consider:

Quality vs. Price

As a beginner, it’s natural to be conscious of your budget. However, it’s essential to strike a balance between affordability and quality. While inexpensive paints may be tempting, they often lack the vibrancy, transparency, and lightfastness of higher-quality paints. Investing in better quality paints will ultimately yield better results and a more enjoyable painting experience.

Types of Watercolor Paints

Watercolor paints come in different forms, including tubes, pans, and liquid. Tubes are a popular choice for beginners as they offer a wide range of colors and are easy to control. Pans, on the other hand, are compact and portable, making them ideal for traveling or painting outdoors. Liquid watercolors are highly concentrated and can be diluted to achieve various effects.

Professional vs. Student Grade Paints

Watercolor paints are available in two main grades: professional and student grade. Professional-grade paints are made with higher-quality pigments and have a higher concentration of pigment, resulting in more intense colors. They also tend to be more expensive. Student grade paints, on the other hand, are more affordable and suitable for beginners who are still learning and experimenting.

Top Brands for Watercolor Paints

Now that we’ve covered the factors to consider, let’s take a look at some of the top brands that offer excellent watercolor paints for beginners. These brands are known for their quality, affordability, and wide selection of colors.

Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colours

Winsor & Newton is a renowned brand in the world of art supplies, and their Cotman Water Colours line is perfect for beginners. These paints are made with high-quality pigments and offer good transparency. They are also available in both tube and pan sets, catering to different preferences. The Cotman Water Colours are known for their consistent performance and excellent value for money.

Van Gogh Watercolors

Made by Royal Talens, Van Gogh Watercolors are another popular choice for beginners. These paints are vibrant, easy to work with, and reasonably priced. They offer good lightfastness and are available in both tubes and pans. Van Gogh Watercolors provide a wide range of colors, allowing beginners to explore and experiment with different shades.

Sennelier La Petite Aquarelle

Sennelier is a prestigious brand known for its high-quality art supplies, and their La Petite Aquarelle line is no exception. These watercolors are made with honey, which gives them a creamy texture and enhances their luminosity. Sennelier La Petite Aquarelle paints offer excellent color intensity and good lightfastness. They come in both tube and pan sets, making them suitable for various painting styles.

Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors

Daniel Smith is renowned for its professional-grade paints, but they also offer a range of watercolors suitable for beginners. Their Extra Fine Watercolors are made with high-quality pigments and have excellent lightfastness. These paints are highly pigmented, resulting in vivid and vibrant colors. Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors are available in both tubes and pans, allowing artists to choose their preferred format.

Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Watercolors

Schmincke is a German brand known for its exceptional watercolors, and their Horadam Aquarell line is highly recommended for beginners. These paints are made with high-quality pigments and provide excellent color intensity. They offer smooth application, good lightfastness, and a wide range of colors. Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Watercolors come in both tube and pan sets, ensuring options for different painting styles.

Mijello Mission Gold Watercolors

Mijello Mission Gold Watercolors are known for their exceptional quality and affordability. These paints are made with high-quality pigments that result in vibrant and intense colors. They offer good lightfastness and are easy to work with, making them suitable for beginners. Mijello Mission Gold Watercolors are available in tubes and sets, providing flexibility for different painting needs.

Prima Marketing Watercolor Confections

Prima Marketing Watercolor Confections are compact and portable watercolor sets, perfect for beginners who enjoy painting on the go. These paints come in small pans and offer a wide range of colors. They are highly pigmented and provide vibrant results. Prima Marketing Watercolor Confections are known for their affordability and versatility.

Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors

Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors are traditional Japanese watercolors known for their intense and vibrant colors. These paints are made with high-quality pigments and offer excellent opacity and lightfastness. Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors come in both individual tubes and pan sets, allowing artists to choose their preferred format.

Daler-Rowney Aquafine Watercolors

Daler-Rowney Aquafine Watercolors are a great choice for beginners looking for affordability without compromising on quality. These paints are made with high-quality pigments and offer good lightfastness and color brilliance. They are transparent when diluted and can be layered to achieve various effects. Daler-Rowney Aquafine Watercolors are available in both tubes and pan sets to suit different preferences.

Holbein Artist Watercolors

Holbein is a prestigious brand known for its high-quality art materials, and their Artist Watercolors are no exception. These paints are made with high-quality pigments, resulting in vibrant and intense colors. They offer excellent lightfastness and are highly regarded for their smooth and consistent performance. Holbein Artist Watercolors come in both tubes and pans, providing options for different painting styles.

Testing Out Different Watercolor Paints

When it comes to choosing the best watercolor paints for beginners, personal preference plays a significant role. What works for one artist may not necessarily work for another. Therefore, it’s essential to experiment and test out different brands and colors to find the ones that suit your style and preferences.

Many art supply stores offer sample cards or small tubes of watercolor paints, allowing you to try them out before committing to a full set. These samples can be particularly helpful for beginners who want to get a feel for the different colors and their characteristics. Additionally, watching online tutorials and demonstrations can give you an idea of how different watercolor paints behave.

Exploring Watercolor Paint Sets

Watercolor paint sets are a perfect way to experiment with different colors and brands without the hassle of choosing individual tubes. Sets usually come in various sizes and feature a selection of colors curated by the brand. They are an excellent option for beginners who want to quickly start painting without having to select and purchase individual tubes.

Whether you opt for a small set or a larger one, it’s important to consider your preferences and painting style. Look for sets that offer a range of colors that you find appealing or that align with the subjects you’re interested in painting. It’s also essential to choose sets that include the basic primary colors, as these will allow you to create a wide range of shades and tones.

Individual Tubes vs. Pan Sets

When it comes to watercolor paints, you have the option of purchasing individual tubes or pan sets. Both options have their advantages, so it’s important to consider your painting style and preferences.

Individual tubes offer more flexibility as you can choose exactly which colors you want. This is particularly useful for artists who have specific color preferences or want to mix their own custom colors. Tubes also allow for easier color replenishment, as you can squeeze out the exact amount of paint you need.

Pan sets, on the other hand, are compact and portable. They are a popular choice for artists who paint on the go or enjoy plein air painting. Pan sets come with pre-dried paint in small pans that can be reactivated with water. They are convenient for travel and offer a good range of colors in a compact and organized format.

Pigment Selection and Color Range

When selecting watercolor paints, pay attention to the range of colors available. Most brands offer a standard range of colors, including primary and secondary colors. However, some brands also offer specialty colors, such as metallics or granulating pigments.

The color range is important because it determines the variety of hues and tones that you can achieve in your paintings. A robust color range will allow you to create different moods and atmospheres in your artwork. Additionally, having a good selection of colors will make it easier to mix and blend shades without having to create them from scratch.

Lightfastness and Permanence

Another important factor to consider when choosing watercolor paints is their lightfastness and permanence. Lightfastness refers to the ability of a color to resist fading when exposed to light over time. Permanence, on the other hand, refers to the stability and longevity of the paint film.

Watercolor paints are assigned a rating for lightfastness and permanence, usually indicated with a Roman numeral or a star system. The highest ratings indicate excellent lightfastness and permanence, while lower ratings suggest that the paint may fade or deteriorate over time. It’s important to choose colors with high lightfastness and permanence ratings to ensure the longevity of your artwork.

Transparency and Opacity

Watercolor paints have varying levels of transparency and opacity. Transparency refers to the ability of a color to allow light to pass through, creating a luminous and layered effect. Opacity, on the other hand, refers to how much the color obscures what is underneath.

Transparent colors are commonly used in watercolor painting as they allow for the layering and glazing techniques that give the medium its distinctive look. They are ideal for creating depth, shadows, and transparent washes. Semi-transparent and opaque colors, on the other hand, are useful for covering large areas or adding highlights and details.

When choosing watercolor paints, consider the transparency and opacity of the colors and select a range that allows you to achieve the effects you desire in your artwork.

Texture and Consistency

The texture and consistency of watercolor paints play a significant role in how they perform on paper. Some watercolors have a smooth, buttery texture, while others have a more granulating or textured appearance.

The texture of the paint can affect how it spreads and adheres to the paper. Smooth paints are ideal for creating even washes and glazes, while granulating paints can add interesting texture and depth to your artwork. It’s a matter of personal preference and the desired effect you want to achieve in your paintings.

Consistency refers to the thickness or viscosity of the paint. Some watercolors have a more fluid consistency, while others are thicker and more gel-like. Liquid or fluid watercolors are easier to work with and offer more control, especially for beginners. However, some artists prefer the thicker consistency of certain paints as it allows for more textural effects and impasto work.

Mixability and Blendability

One of the joys of watercolor painting is the ability to mix and blend colors to create an almost infinite range of shades and tones. When choosing watercolor paints, it’s important to consider their mixability and blendability.

Some watercolors blend effortlessly, creating smooth and seamless transitions between colors. These paints are ideal for creating gradients, shadows, and subtle variations. Other paints have a more granulating or sedimentary quality, creating unique texture and blending effects. It’s important to experiment with different brands and colors to find the ones that blend well and suit your desired painting style.

Packaging and Portability

The packaging and portability of watercolor paints can play a significant role, especially for artists who paint on the go or travel frequently. Pan sets are generally more compact and portable than tubes, making them ideal for plein air painting or creating art while traveling.

The packaging should also be sturdy and well-designed, ensuring that the paints are protected and won’t dry out. Look for sets that come with a mixing palette or convenient storage compartments for brushes and accessories. It’s important to choose packaging that suits your needs and makes painting convenient and enjoyable.

Additional Materials for Watercolor Painting

In addition to watercolor paints, there are several other materials that are essential for a successful watercolor painting session. These materials will help you achieve the desired effects and enhance your overall painting experience. Here are some important materials to consider:

Watercolor Paper

Watercolor paper is specifically designed to withstand the wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques used in watercolor painting. It is available in different weights, textures, and surfaces. Heavier paper, such as 300gsm or 140lb, is more durable and allows for multiple layers and techniques. Textured paper, such as cold-pressed or rough, adds interesting texture and detail to your artwork. It’s important to choose high-quality watercolor paper that can handle the water and pigments without buckling or warping.

Brushes

A good set of watercolor brushes is essential for achieving different effects and applying paint to the paper. Synthetic or natural brushes can be used for watercolor painting, depending on your preferences. Round brushes are versatile and commonly used for washes, details, and fine lines. Flat brushes are useful for covering large areas or creating bold strokes. It’s important to choose brushes that have a good water-holding capacity, spring, and flexibility.

Palette

A palette is used to mix and dilute your watercolor paints. There are different types of palettes available, such as traditional plastic palettes, ceramic palettes, or even makeshift palettes like white plates or porcelain tiles. The palette should have enough space for mixing colors and be easy to clean. Some palettes come with wells or compartments for organizing colors, making them convenient for plein air painting or small spaces.

Water Containers

Water containers are used to hold clean water for rinsing brushes and diluting paints. It’s essential to choose containers that are large enough to accommodate your brushes and have a wide opening for easy access. Some artists prefer using two water containers: one for rinsing brushes and one for clean water. It’s also important to change the water frequently to avoid muddying your colors.

Masking Fluid

Masking fluid is a useful tool for preserving areas of white or light colors in your paintings. It is applied to the paper and dries to form a barrier, allowing you to paint around it and remove it once the paint is dry. Masking fluid comes in bottles with an applicator or in marker form for more precise application. It’s important to use masking fluid sparingly and remove it gently to avoid damaging the paper.

Other Accessories

There are several other accessories that can enhance your watercolor painting experience. These include a pencil or pen for sketching outlines or details, a kneaded eraser for correcting mistakes, masking tape for creating clean edges, and a spray bottle for creating interesting watercolor effects. It’s important to have these accessories on hand to make your painting process smoother and more enjoyable.

Tips for Getting Started with Watercolor Paints

Now that you have an overview of the factors to consider and the materials needed, let’s explore some tips to help you get started with watercolor painting:

Experiment and Play

Watercolor painting is all about exploration and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques, mix different colors, and let the water and pigments interact on the paper. Embrace the unpredictable nature of watercolors and allow yourself to play and have fun with the medium.

Start with Basic Techniques

As a beginner, it’s beneficial to start with basic watercolor techniques to build your skills and confidence. Techniques like wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, glazing, and lifting can help you understand how watercolors behave and interact with each other. There are numerous online tutorials and books available that teach these techniques step-by-step.

Practice Color Mixing

Color mixing is a fundamental skill in watercolor painting. By mixing primary colors, you can create a wide range of secondary colors, shades, and tones. Practice mixing different combinations of colors to familiarize yourself with how they interact and how to achieve the desired hues and values in your artwork.

Use Reference Materials

Using reference materials, such as photographs or still life setups, can help you improve your observation and painting skills. Start by recreating simple objects or scenes, focusing on capturing accurate colors, shapes, and proportions. As you gain confidence, you can move on to more complex subjects and experiment with different techniques.

Learn from Other Artists

Watercolor painting is a vast and diverse medium, and there is always something new to learn. Take advantage of online resources, workshops, and classes to learn from other artists. Study their techniques, ask questions, and incorporate their tips and tricks into your own practice. This will help you grow as an artist and develop your own unique style.

Keep a Sketchbook

Keeping a sketchbook is an excellent way to practice and document your progress as a watercolor artist. Use your sketchbook to experiment with colors, try different techniques, and sketch ideas for future paintings. It’s an opportunity to play, make mistakes, and learn from them without the pressure of creating a finished artwork.

Take Care of Your Brushes

Proper brush care is essential for maintaining the quality and longevity of your brushes. After each painting session, rinse your brushes thoroughly with clean water. Avoid leaving them sitting in water or paint for long periods as this can damage the bristles. Once clean, reshape the bristles and allow the brushes to air dry. Store them horizontally or vertically with the bristles facing up to prevent distortion.

Clean and Organize Your Palette

Regularly cleaning and organizing your palette is important for maintaining the quality of your watercolor paints. Remove any dried or unused paint from the palette and wipe it clean with a damp cloth or sponge. Reorganize the colors and mixtures, making sure to separate warm and cool hues. This will help you find and mix colors more easily and keep your palette in good condition.

Conclusion

Choosing the right watercolor paints for beginners is an exciting journey filled with exploration, experimentation, and discovery. By considering factors such as quality, type, brand, and personal preferences, you can find the paints that suit your style and needs. With the right materials, practice, and an open mind, you can embark on a fulfilling artistic journey and create beautiful, vibrant, and expressive watercolor paintings. So, grab your brushes, mix your colors, and unleash your creativity with the best watercolor paints for beginners!