13 Best Watercolor Paints For beginners

Here’s a list of the best watercolor paints to use. There are so many watercolor paint sets out there, it can be hard to know which ones are actually worth it. The good news is that I have been using watercolor paints for over 20 years! I have some great watercolor paint sets to show you in this list.

In this post, I’ll go over some of the top watercolor paints for beginners and even more advanced artists. This list can help you find a set that fits your style and your budget.

Watercolor paints come in two main forms: pans and tubes. Pans are dry and easy to travel with, while tubes give you more paint and stronger color right away. Some artists love the control of tubes, while others like the grab-and-go feel of pans. Both work great depending on your style.

When I first started painting with watercolor, I grabbed a cheap set from the store. It got me through a few projects, but once I tried a higher quality watercolor paint set, I never looked back. The colors were so much brighter and easier to blend, and it made painting feel more relaxing.

I keep a few favorites nearby now. Some for quick ideas and others for slow weekend painting sessions. If you’re just getting started or thinking of upgrading, I’m excited to share what’s worked for me.

Best Watercolor Paint Sets

1. Artistro Watercolor Paints

Artistro watercolors are a great budget friendly pick, especially if you’re just starting out. I use this set often when I’m testing new brushes or painting simple scenes. The colors are smooth and easy to blend, and it’s nice knowing I can grab them without overthinking.

2. The Art Spirits

When you’re ready to splurge on handmade watercolor paints, The Art Spirits is the set to reach for. The colors are rich, creamy, and packed with personality. Each pan feels like a little treasure. I only use mine on special days when I want painting to feel like a treat.

3. Paul Rubens Artist Grade Watercolor Set

Shimmer alert! If you love shimmery watercolor paints, their glitter sets are fantastic for special pages in coloring books and the classics for everyday painting. They’re buttery smooth, and their pinks and blues are especially dreamy.

4. IUILE Pro Watercolor Paint Sets

Iuile makes some of the most eye catching handmade colorshift watercolor paints. The pigments shift beautifully in the light, making your art look dynamic and rich. These are for those time that you want to add something truly special to your pages.

5. Holbein Watercolors

Holbein has that professional feel with colors that don’t get muddy. Their reds and yellows really stand out. You will love how they dry true to color without weird shifts.

6. Van Gogh Watercolor Paints

Van Gogh watercolor paints are one of those sets that feel easy to use but still look amazing on the page. The colors are rich without being too bold, and they flow really nicely with just a bit of water. If you’re ready to move beyond beginner paints, this is a great step up without being overwhelming.

7. Schmincke Watercolor Paints

Schmincke watercolor paints are definitely a splurge, but so many artists swear by them. The colors are deep, smooth, and they layer like a dream. If you’ve been painting for a while and want something high end, this is one of those brands that feels like a treat every time you open the palette.

8. Schmincke Horadam® Aquarell

The Schmincke HORADAM® AQUARELL Super Granulation Set is one of the most stunning (and pricey) watercolor collections out there. Each pan has this magical texture where the colors separate and settle in ways that make every brushstroke feel special. It’s a full set, so you get the complete range.

It’s definitely a wishlist item for many artists including myself! If you’re drawn to texture and unique effects, this set really does something different. When I get a set I’ll be posting a review so keep checking back.

9. Holbein Artist’s Watercolor Set

The Holbein Artist’s Watercolor Set with 60 tubes is packed with bold, vibrant colors that are great for serious painting sessions. The paint flows really well and doesn’t get chalky, even when layering. Since it’s a big set, you get lots of color options without having to mix too much.

10. Winsor & Newton Pro Watercolor

Winsor & Newton Pro Watercolors have bright, rich colors that last a long time. They come in lots of shades, so you can mix whatever you want. Some say they can be tricky to rewet once dried, but the quality is really worth it.

11. Claire Chi Studio

I found a handmade watercolor artist on Etsy who creates beautiful, unique paints. Their colors have a soft, natural feel that’s perfect for adding a personal touch to your art. These paints are great if you want something different from the usual store brands.

12. Chubby Mermaid Mica Set

You can find some of the best watercolors on Etsy, like this 45 color mica set. These handmade paints have a gorgeous shimmer and come in a cute tin case, making them perfect for gifting or treating yourself. They’re great for adding a little sparkle to your art projects.

13. Addison and Sedgwick

And then here is a top selling brand on Etsy that makes beautiful handmade watercolor paints. They’ve got all kinds of unique shades, and I got very excited scrolling through their sets. If you love supporting small shops and want something a little more special than store bought, this is a fun one to check out. Great for gifts, or just a treat for yourself.

Hope this helped you find the best watercolor paints for your next project. From smooth blending to bold color, a good set makes painting so much more fun. These are some of the best watercolor paints for coloring books, art journals, and quiet creative time. Keep this list handy next time you’re ready to upgrade or try something new.

More coloring ideas

Coco Wyo coloring books: review

Copic markers: Guide to using Copics

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Video: How to use colored pencils