How to Choose the Right Watercolor Set for Your Painting Style

Ready to dive into watercolor painting or find the perfect travel companion for your creative getaways? With an overwhelming array of tins, palettes, and kits, it can be tough to know where to start. Pans or tubes, 12 or 48 colors, included accessories... the options are endless.

This guide is here to help. As a product expert at Joybuy, my mission is to give you all the key insights to find the watercolor set that perfectly matches your artistic practice and goals, whether you're a curious beginner or a nomadic artist.

Key Criteria for Choosing Your Watercolor Set

Before diving into our selection, let's review the key points to ensure you make the right choice.

1. Pans or Tubes: A Matter of Practice

The format of the watercolor paint is the first criterion to consider.

• Pans: These small, solid blocks of dry paint, housed in a metal or plastic case, are activated with a wet brush. Their number one advantage is portability. A travel watercolor set is almost always made up of pans. It's the ideal format for painting outdoors (urban sketching), travel journaling, and small-scale works.
• Tubes: These contain a paste-like paint that is highly concentrated with pigments. You just need to squeeze a small amount onto a palette before diluting it. Tubes are often favored for studio work, as they allow you to mix larger quantities of color and achieve particularly vibrant hues.

For versatile use, consider an empty portable watercolor palette that you can fill with your favorite tube colors.

2. What Makes a Good Beginner's Kit

To get started without any hassle, a beginner's watercolor kit is the perfect solution, saving you from buying each item separately. A good starter set should include:

• A selection of basic colors: 12 colors are more than enough to start with and learn to master color mixing.
• One or more brushes: A water brush pen is a real plus for painting outdoors, as it saves you from carrying a separate water pot.
• An integrated palette: Very often, the lid of the case is designed to be used as a mixing palette.
• Suitable paper: Some sets include a few sheets of watercolor paper. A welcome bonus for testing your new supplies right away.

3. Pigment Quality and Color Selection

Without getting too technical, there are two main grades of paint: "student" and "artist" (or "extra-fine"). For a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, student-grade paint is more than sufficient and offers excellent value. By choosing a watercolor set from a reputable brand, you ensure good transparency and blendability—two crucial properties in watercolor.

Recommended Watercolor Sets

Here are three options that cater to different needs, from the perfect introductory kit to a pocket studio for the seasoned artist.

1. STAEDTLER Watercolor and Paper Set

Why it stands out: This set is the perfect all-in-one solution to dive right in. It combines the basic materials (paint and paper) for an immediate start, with no extra purchases needed.

Strengths:

• Complete Kit: Designed as a starter pack, it contains everything you need to get going.
• Transparent Paint: The colors have the classic properties of watercolor, allowing you to play with layering and washes.
• Easy to Use: The paint can be reactivated with water even after it dries, which is very convenient for correcting mistakes or reworking an area.

Who is it for? This beginner's watercolor kit is ideal for those who want to explore the medium without investing in multiple separate items. It's a simple and effective starting point.

2. SAKURA Koi Water Colors Pocket Field Sketch Box | 24 Half Pans + Iridescent Medium

Why it stands out: This Sakura Koi watercolor set stands out with its rich color palette and included iridescent medium. It offers maximum creative versatility in a surprisingly compact format.

Strengths:

• Creative Palette: With 24 vivid colors and a medium to create pearlescent or shimmering effects, the creative possibilities are immense.
• Quality and Special Effects: The watercolors are well-pigmented and blend easily. The included medium is a real bonus for adding luminous touches to your creations.
• Portable Studio: Despite its large number of colors, the box fits in your pocket and includes a mixing palette. It's the perfect travel watercolor set for the more demanding artist.

Who is it for? Perfect for hobbyists, illustrators, or travel journal enthusiasts who want a wide range of hues and the ability to play with effects, without compromising on portability.

3. SAKURA Koi Water Colors Pocket Field Sketch Box | 12 Half Pans

Why it stands out: This is the quintessential portable watercolor palette. This model prioritizes extreme compactness and maximum lightness, making it the ultimate travel companion.

Strengths:

• Ultra-Compact: It slips into a jacket pocket or a small bag, ideal for painting on the go, anytime, anywhere.
• All-in-One: The watercolor set includes a mixing palette and a water brush pen, for complete autonomy in the field.
• Essential Colors: The 12 colors are concentrated and well-pigmented, allowing you to create a wide range of shades through mixing.

Who is it for? The go-to set for urban sketchers, hikers, and travelers looking for minimalist yet high-performing gear to capture moments in color, wherever they are.

Can't Find What You're Looking For?

This selection highlights three distinct user profiles. But the world of watercolor is vast, and your needs might be even more specific. If you're looking for other formats, different brands, or additional accessories, feel free to explore our complete collection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the difference between watercolor in pans and tubes? The pan contains dry, solid paint, ideal for portability and small creations. The tube holds a highly pigmented paste, perfect for vibrant colors and studio work on larger formats. The choice depends on your practice: are you more of a nomadic or a studio artist?

2. Is a travel watercolor set sufficient for beginners? Absolutely. A 12-color travel set is an excellent starting point. It forces you to master color theory and create your own mixes—an essential skill in watercolor. Plus, its convenient format will encourage you to paint more often, wherever you are.

3. How do I care for my watercolor set? It's simple. After each session, rinse your brushes thoroughly and clean the mixing palette with a damp cloth or sponge. Most importantly, let the pans air-dry before closing the case to prevent mold. A well-maintained set will last you for many years.