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Before starting my watercolor painting trip, I had to make the difficult choice of which paint set would go with me. There were so many possibilities that I felt like I couldn’t make a choice. But after a lot of trial and error, I found the best that stood out and met my needs as a starting artist. I’ll talk about my experiences with each of these sets in this guide, giving you an idea of their benefits and how well they work for beginners like me.
I prefer these watercolor paint sets because they provide vibrant colors with quality pigments, are affordable, and come with comprehensive accessories, despite some sets having limited color options and potential lightfastness issues.
- Quality Pigments: These sets feature high-quality pigments that offer vibrant colors and smooth application, ensuring beginners achieve professional-looking results from the start.
- Affordability: Budget-friendly options make these sets accessible to aspiring artists, allowing for experimentation with different colors and techniques without breaking the bank.
- Comprehensive Sets: Many include additional accessories like brushes, palettes, or instructional guides, providing beginners with everything they need to kickstart their artistic journey.
- Limited Color Range: While diverse, the color range may not match that of professional-grade sets, which could restrict advanced color mixing and effects as skills progress.
- Lightfastness Concerns: Some budget sets may have lower lightfastness ratings, meaning colors may fade over time when exposed to light, although this might not be a significant concern for beginners.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Set
When I first dipped my brush into the Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Set, I was immediately captivated by the rich pigments and smooth application. There were so many bright colors that I could try them all, which made it easy for me to indulge in my imagination. Even though the Cotman paints were a little more expensive, I thought they were well worth the extra money. I quickly fell in love with how versatile these paints were because they were so easy to mix.
However, I saw that the Cotman set might not have all the colors or tools that more experienced artists like. Whatever the case, the Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Set was a great way for someone like me to start exploring the world of watercolor painting.
Arteza Watercolor Paint Set
As a beginner artist on a budget, the Arteza Watercolor Paint Set was a godsend. I was happily surprised by how well the pigments worked on paper. They stayed bright and smooth. Even though they didn’t come in as many colors as more expensive sets, I thought the Arteza paints were a great deal for the money. It was fun to mix the colors, and I liked how consistent the effects were with this set.
Some users may notice that different colors are not as lightfast as others, but I didn’t think this was a big deal for my needs. I thought the Arteza Watercolor Paint Set was a great choice for people like me who were new to art but wanted to try something new without spending a lot of money.
Prang Washable Watercolor Paint Set
When I saw the Prang Washable Watercolor Paint Set for the first time, I was interested because it said it would be safe and easy to clean up. If you’re like me and sometimes make a mess while painting, the thought of washable paints sounded great. The colors were bright and easy to work with, which made them great for making art that is both simple and beautiful.
It was noticeable, though, that the colors in the Prang set were not quite as saturated as those in professional paints. Also, the small number of colors could be a problem for more experienced artists who want a bigger palette. The Prang Washable Watercolor Paint Set was still a great way for a beginner like me to start being artistic because it was safe and easy to use.
MozArt Supplies Watercolor Paint Set
As I delved deeper into my watercolor painting journey, I discovered the MozArt Supplies Watercolor Paint Set, which offered a comprehensive package at an affordable price point. This set came with many colors and important drawing tools like brushes and a mixing palette. It had everything I needed to be creative. I was able to try out different styles thanks to the rich pigments and smooth application. The included brushes also made it easy to bring my ideas to life on paper.
Even though I was worried about how long the packaging would last, I thought the MozArt Supplies set was a great deal and of high quality overall. More experienced artists might need a wider range of colors, but this set was great for people like me who were just starting with watercolor painting and wanted to see what it could do.
Sakura Koi Watercolor Field Sketch Set
I stumbled upon the Sakura Koi Watercolor Field Sketch Set, which catered to my desire for portability and convenience. This set came in a small box that made it easy to paint while I was moving or exploring the great outdoors. Thanks to the carefully chosen range of bright colors and the refilled water brush, I was able to accurately and easily capture my surroundings.
The Sakura Koi set may not have as many colors as bigger studio sets, but I thought it more than made up for it in terms of being flexible and easy to move around. Using the water brush was a little tricky at first, but I liked that it let me paint wherever the mood hit.
Pros
- Quality Pigments: The best watercolor paint sets for beginners often come with high-quality pigments that provide vibrant colors and smooth application. This ensures that beginners can achieve professional-looking results from the start, boosting their confidence and motivation to continue painting.
- Affordability: Many of the top watercolor paint sets for beginners are budget-friendly, making them accessible to a wide range of aspiring artists. This affordability allows beginners to experiment with different colors and techniques without breaking the bank, fostering creativity and exploration.
- Comprehensive Sets: Some watercolor paint sets for beginners come with additional accessories such as brushes, palettes, or instructional guides. These comprehensive sets provide beginners with everything they need to get started on their artistic journey, eliminating the need to purchase additional supplies separately.
Cons
- Limited Color Range: While beginner watercolor paint sets often come with a variety of colors, they may not include the full spectrum of hues available in professional-grade sets. This limitation can restrict the range of effects and color mixing possibilities for beginners as they progress in their skills.
- Lower Lightfastness: Some budget-friendly watercolor paint sets for beginners may have lower lightfastness ratings, meaning that the colors may fade over time when exposed to light. While this may not be a significant concern for beginners just starting, it’s something to consider for artists who plan to display or sell their artwork.
- Less Durability: Inexpensive watercolor paint sets may come in packaging that is less durable or prone to damage during use or storage. This can be frustrating for beginners who want to keep their supplies organized and in good condition for future use. Investing in higher-quality packaging or storage solutions may be necessary to prolong the lifespan of the paint set.
Conclusion
As I came to the end of my search for the best watercolor paint set for newbies, I realized that finding the right set is a very personal process. From what I’ve seen, the Winsor & Newton Cotman set is reliable because it has high-quality colors, while the Arteza paints are bright and affordable. The Sakura Koi Field Sketch Set is also easy to carry around, which meets my need for ease. Each set has its pros and cons, but the most important one for me is the one that fits with my artistic vision. When making my choice, I’ve thought about things like powder quality, color range, and how easy it is to use.
I’ve learned that there is no one-size-fits-all answer and that trying different things is the only way to find what works best for me. I’m looking forward to painting for hours on end, and I can’t wait to keep exploring my creativity with the new ideas I’ve learned from this project. Here’s to accepting the endless ways we can express ourselves that lie ahead!
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