Watercolour painting is a wonderful and accessible way for beginners to express their creativity. With just a few basic tools, anyone can start creating beautiful artwork. One of the most important tools you’ll need is a good set of watercolour paints. This guide will help you choose the best watercolour paints for beginners.
1. Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolours
Winsor & Newton is a trusted brand known for its high-quality art supplies. The Cotman line offers affordable, student-grade watercolours that are perfect for beginners. These paints are vibrant and easy to work with, making them a great choice for those just starting. The set includes a wide range of colours, so you can experiment with different shades and techniques.
- Pros: Affordable, vibrant colours, reliable brand
- Cons: Not as pigmented as professional-grade paints
2. Arteza Watercolour Paint Set
Arteza offers a budget-friendly watercolour paint set that’s perfect for beginners. The colours are rich and come in both pans and tubes, so you can choose the format that suits you best. The set is also well-packaged, making it easy to store and carry. The smooth consistency of the paint makes it easy to blend and layer.
- Pros: Affordable, smooth texture, good selection of colours
- Cons: Some colours may need multiple layers for full opacity
3. Prang Watercolours
For those on a tight budget or just starting out, Prang watercolours are a great option. While they are simple and basic, they still provide solid quality for beginners. The set is easy to use and provides a good introduction to watercolour painting without breaking the bank.
- Pros: Very affordable, easy to use
- Cons: Limited colour range, less vibrant than higher-end brands
4. Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Watercolours
For beginners who want to invest in professional-grade watercolours, Schmincke Horadam Aquarell offers exceptional quality. These paints are known for their intense pigmentation, smooth texture, and excellent colour mixing. While the price is higher than student-grade options, the value is undeniable for those serious about watercolour painting.
- Pros: High pigmentation, excellent mixing, smooth texture
- Cons: Expensive for beginners
5. Sakura Koi Watercolours
Sakura Koi is another great option for beginners, offering a set of vibrant colours that are easy to use. The Koi watercolour set is designed for portability, making it perfect for outdoor painting or travel. The colour payoff is solid, and the paints blend well, making them a great starting point for new artists.
- Pros: Vibrant colours, portable set, good for on-the-go painting
- Cons: Some colours may appear slightly muted on paper
6. Van Gogh Watercolours
Van Gogh watercolours are another student-grade option that provides good quality at a reasonable price. The paints are smooth and easy to apply, making them ideal for beginners. The colours are bright and mix well, and the brand is known for consistent quality.
- Pros: Affordable, good colour range, easy to use
- Cons: Less durable compared to higher-end paints
What to Look for in Watercolour Paints for Beginners
When selecting watercolour paints as a beginner, there are a few factors to consider:
- Pigmentation: Look for paints with good colour payoff. You want your colours to appear vibrant on paper, even with thin layers of paint.
- Blendability: Watercolours should be easy to blend, allowing you to experiment with different techniques.
- Price: As a beginner, you don’t need to spend a lot of money. Student-grade paints offer good quality at a lower price.
- Portability: If you plan to paint outdoors or on the go, a compact and portable set is a good choice.
Conclusion
The best watercolour paints for beginners depend on your budget and what you’re looking for in a paint set. If you’re just starting, brands like Winsor & Newton Cotman, Arteza, and Prang are great affordable options. If you’re ready to invest in more professional-grade paints, Schmincke Horadam and Van Gogh are excellent choices. Regardless of which set you choose, watercolour painting is a fun and rewarding experience, and the right set of paints will help you get started on your creative journey.
Happy painting!
