Top Watercolor Paints for Beginners: A Starter Guide

• 2025-04-30
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Watercolor painting is a magical art form that combines creativity, color, and a bit of unpredictability. It's perfect for beginners because it's relatively affordable, portable, and forgiving—mistakes can often be blended away with a bit of water. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day, explore a new hobby, or even turn it into a side hustle, choosing the right watercolor paints is crucial for a smooth start. In this guide, we'll break down the best watercolor paints for beginners, what to look for when shopping, and some tips to help you dive in confidently.

Why Start with Watercolors?

Before we jump into recommendations, let's talk about why watercolors are such a great choice for newcomers. Unlike oils or acrylics, watercolors use water as a medium, making them easy to clean up and transport. They're ideal for experimenting with light and transparency, creating ethereal landscapes, vibrant florals, or abstract designs. Plus, with the rise of online tutorials and social media communities, it's easier than ever to learn.

The key to enjoying watercolors is starting with the right tools. High-quality paints can make a big difference in how your colors blend and how long they last, but as a beginner, you don't need to break the bank. We'll focus on student-grade options that offer good performance without the premium price tag of professional artist-grade paints.

What to Look for in Beginner Watercolor Paints

Not all watercolor paints are created equal, especially for those just starting out. Here's a quick rundown of the factors to consider:

• Pigment Quality: Look for paints with good lightfastness (how well they resist fading) and pigmentation. Student-grade paints are usually less intense than artist-grade ones but are still vibrant and affordable. Avoid sets with fillers or low-quality binders that might crack or wash out easily.
• Format: Watercolors come in pans (dried blocks), tubes (like toothpaste), or liquid forms. Pans are great for beginners because they're portable and less messy—perfect for travel or quick sketches. Tubes offer more control for mixing custom colors.
• Color Selection: A basic set should include essential colors like reds, blues, yellows, and earth tones. Aim for 12-24 colors to start, as this gives you variety without overwhelming you.
• Brand Reputation: Opt for well-known brands that have positive reviews. They often use non-toxic, archival materials, which is important if you're painting in a shared space or with kids.
• Budget: Expect to spend $10-$50 on a starter set. Remember, you can always upgrade later as you gain experience.
• Other Considerations: Check for ease of use—paints should rewet easily and blend smoothly. Also, ensure they're suitable for the paper you'll use (more on that later).

With these in mind, let's explore some of the best watercolor paints for beginners based on popularity, user reviews, and expert recommendations.

Top Recommendations for Beginner Watercolor Paints

Here are five excellent options that balance quality, affordability, and ease of use. I've included pros, cons, and why they're suitable for newcomers.

1. Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Set

• Price Range: $15-$30 for a 12-pan set
• Why It's Great for Beginners: Winsor & Newton is a trusted name in the art world, and their Cotman line is specifically designed for students. These paints offer solid pigmentation and a wide range of colors that mix well, making it easy to create gradients and blends. The pans are compact and come in a handy tin for storage and portability.
• Pros: Excellent color variety, good lightfastness, and beginner-friendly packaging. They rewet quickly, so you can start painting right away.
• Cons: The colors might not be as vibrant as higher-end sets, and the set is on the smaller side if you want more options.
• Best For: Those who want a reliable, no-fuss introduction to watercolors. It's a step up from craft-store brands but still affordable.

2. Sakura Koi Water Colors Pocket Field Sketch Box

• Price Range: $10-$20 for a 12-24 color set
• Why It's Great for Beginners: This set is incredibly portable, fitting easily into a pocket or bag, which is perfect for plein air (outdoor) painting. The paints are formulated to be highly soluble and mixable, with a focus on bright, cheerful hues.
• Pros: Affordable, lightweight, and includes a built-in palette and brush. It's non-toxic and ideal for on-the-go creativity, like sketching in a park.
• Cons: The colors can be a bit more transparent than some users prefer, and the set might feel basic if you're aiming for more advanced work.
• Best For: Budget-conscious beginners who love the idea of painting outdoors or traveling with their supplies.

3. Reeves Water Colour Paint Set

• Price Range: $10-$15 for a 12-tube set
• Why It's Great for Beginners: Reeves offers a straightforward tube set that's easy to squeeze and mix. It's a great way to learn about color theory without committing to pans. The paints are smooth and provide good coverage for various techniques.
• Pros: Inexpensive, comes with a variety of colors, and is widely available. Tubes allow for precise control over how much paint you use.
• Cons: Some colors may not be as lightfast, meaning they could fade over time if exposed to sunlight. It's more suited for practice than for pieces you'll frame.
• Best For: Absolute newcomers who want to experiment with tube paints and build their skills affordably.

4. Crayola Washable Watercolors

• Price Range: $5-$10 for a 8-16 color set
• Why It's Great for Beginners: If you're just dipping your toes into art or have kids involved, Crayola is a fantastic entry-level option. These paints are washable, non-toxic, and incredibly easy to use, making them forgiving for mistakes.
• Pros: Extremely affordable, vibrant colors, and perfect for casual fun. They're a low-pressure way to see if watercolors are your thing.
• Cons: The quality is basic, with less pigment density, so they're not ideal for serious artwork or long-term projects. Blending might not be as smooth as higher-end brands.
• Best For: Families, kids, or adults who want a risk-free introduction without a big investment.

5. Daler Rowney Aquafine Watercolour Set

• Price Range: $15-$25 for a 12-pan set
• Why It's Great for Beginners: Daler Rowney's Aquafine line strikes a nice balance between quality and cost. The paints have good flow and are easy to layer, which helps beginners learn about wet-on-wet and dry brush techniques.
• Pros: Consistent performance, a good mix of warm and cool tones, and durable pans. It's often recommended for classroom settings.
• Cons: The set size is modest, and some users note that the colors can be a tad grainy compared to pricier options.
• Best For: Learners who want something a step above basic craft paints but don't want to spend a lot.

Tips for Getting Started with Watercolor Paints

Once you've picked your paints, you're ready to start! Here are some practical tips to make your beginner experience enjoyable:

• Gather Essential Supplies: You'll need watercolor paper (not regular paper, as it can warp), a few brushes (start with a round and a flat one), a water container, and a palette for mixing. Cold-pressed paper is great for beginners because it holds up well to water.
• Start Simple: Begin with basic exercises like color mixing or painting simple shapes. Watch free tutorials on YouTube channels like The Art of Watercolor or Proko to learn techniques.
• Experiment with Techniques: Watercolors shine in washes, gradients, and layering. Remember, less is more—use water to dilute paints and create transparency.
• Practice Patience: Watercolors can be unpredictable, so embrace the happy accidents. If something goes wrong, let it dry and try again.
• Budget for Upgrades: As you improve, you might want to add individual tubes of colors you love or invest in artist-grade paints. For now, stick to your starter set.
• Safety First: Always work in a well-ventilated area and wash your hands after painting, especially with non-washable paints.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best watercolor paints for getting started doesn't have to be overwhelming. With options like Winsor & Newton Cotman or Sakura Koi, you can find something that fits your budget and style while building a strong foundation in this beautiful medium. The key is to have fun, experiment, and not worry about perfection—watercolor painting is all about the joy of creation.

If you're inspired, grab a set today and start your artistic journey. Who knows? Your first strokes might lead to a lifelong passion. For more resources, check out art supply reviews on sites like Amazon or Dick Blick, or join online communities like Reddit's r/watercolor for tips and encouragement. Happy painting!