Looking for your first watercolor set?
The 2 Pack Watercolor Set (4.8 stars) offers essential colors for beginners, while Taotree's 100-color collection provides impressive variety. TRANSON's 48-color kit includes quality brushes, and the Watercolor Workbook combines paints with step-by-step instructions. Grabie's 50-color set features a compact metal case, perfect for on-the-go painting.
All these options are non-toxic, portable, and designed to make your artistic journey less intimidating and more colorful!
2 Pack Watercolor Paint Set with Palette and Brushes
If you're just dipping your toes into the colorful world of watercolor painting, the 2 Pack Watercolor Paint Set is your perfect starting point! With 12 vibrant colors that blend beautifully, you'll create stunning art right away. The clever design features a lid that doubles as a mixing palette—talk about smart engineering!
Don't worry about lugging around bulky supplies. These lightweight sets (just 9.1 ounces!) fit easily in your bag for painting anywhere inspiration strikes. Kids and adults alike love these non-toxic paints, which have earned an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 850 happy artists. Grab yours and start creating those watercolor masterpieces you've been dreaming about!
Best For: Beginners, children, art students, and casual artists seeking an affordable, portable watercolor set with essential colors for learning techniques and creating basic watercolor paintings.
Pros:
- Includes everything needed to start painting immediately - 12 vibrant colors, mixing palette, and 2 brushes
- Lightweight and compact design (3.7 x 8 x 0.8 inches) makes it ideal for travel, classrooms, and on-the-go art
- Non-toxic formula is safe for children while still providing good blending capabilities for beginning artists
Cons:
- Colors are slightly opaque compared to professional-grade watercolors, limiting advanced transparency techniques
- Not ideal for high-end professional artwork requiring superior pigment quality
- Limited to 12 colors per set, requiring more mixing for specialized shades and tones
Taotree Watercolor Paint Set 100 Colors with Brushes
The Taotree Watercolor Paint Set stands out as a versatile powerhouse for beginners seeking maximum variety without breaking the bank. You'll get an impressive 100 colors—including regular, metallic, macaron, and even fluorescent options—that'll make your creativity soar!
What's awesome is how this kit comes ready for action with water brush pens, detail brushes, and a handy swatch sheet to track your colors. The pigments are non-toxic and blend beautifully with just a few drops of water.
Toss the sturdy tin box in your backpack for art class or outdoor sketching. It's perfect for gifting to the budding artist in your life!
Best For: Beginner artists, students, and hobbyists seeking a diverse color palette with specialty finishes (metallic, fluorescent) in a portable format for casual art projects.
Pros:
- Impressive variety with 100 colors including specialty finishes (50 regular, 35 metallic, 10 macaron, 5 fluorescent)
- Complete kit includes water brush pens, detail brushes, palette, and color swatch sheet
- Non-toxic, eco-friendly formulation that blends easily and comes in a portable tin case
Cons:
- Paint quality may not meet professional standards for serious art projects
- Individual paint pans are small, potentially requiring frequent reactivation
- Some colors may not be as vibrant or consistent as higher-end watercolor brands
TRANSON 48 Colors Watercolor Paint Set with Brushes
Beginners seeking a comprehensive watercolor experience will find the TRANSON 48 Colors Watercolor Paint Set exceptionally valuable. With its finely pigmented colors and portable design, you'll enjoy creating anywhere inspiration strikes! The included four synthetic brushes plus a water brush pen give you everything needed to start painting right away.
You'll love how the semi-gloss colors blend in the convenient mixing palette. While some colors might need layering for maximum vibrancy, that's actually perfect for learning watercolor techniques. At just 10.8 ounces, you can toss this set in your bag and head outdoors to capture nature's beauty. Plus, with non-toxic certification, you'll paint with complete peace of mind!
Best For: Beginners and student artists seeking an affordable, comprehensive watercolor set with good color variety and necessary tools to start painting immediately.
Pros:
- Includes 48 vibrant colors, 4 synthetic brushes, and a water brush pen providing excellent value in one portable package
- Portable palette box with cover makes it easy to transport at just 10.8 ounces and provides space for color mixing
- Non-toxic formulation meeting ASTM-4236 and EN71 safety standards makes it suitable for users of all ages
Cons:
- Some colors require multiple layers to achieve desired vibrancy and opacity
- 12-liter volume may be misleading as the actual paint quantity is much smaller
- At #35,277 in Arts & Crafts ranking, it's not among the top-rated watercolor sets on Amazon
Watercolor Workbook with 12 Colors Paint Set and Brush
Learning watercolor painting becomes a delightful journey with ANRUI's all-in-one Watercolor Workbook package. You'll find 12 gorgeous bird examples with step-by-step instructions that make your first brushstrokes less intimidating. The thick paper prevents frustrating color bleeds, while the included color palette key helps you nail each design.
Your creativity can travel anywhere with the compact tin of 12 vibrant colors. At just $18, it's a steal! The 4.6-star rating proves it's a hit with beginners. Grab a water cup (not included) and watch your confidence bloom with every page you complete.
Best For: Watercolor beginners and hobbyists looking for a guided, stress-free introduction to bird painting with all essential supplies included in one package.
Pros:
- Complete starter kit with workbook, 12 paint colors, and brush in a portable format
- High-quality thick paper prevents color bleeding and maintains vibrant results
- Step-by-step instructions with color palette keys make learning accessible for complete beginners
Cons:
- Basic included brush may need upgrading for more detailed work
- Missing essential accessories like water cups and mixing dishes
- Limited to bird designs which may not appeal to all artistic interests
Grabie 50 Colors Watercolor Paint Set with Detail Brush
Aspiring artists looking for a comprehensive introduction to watercolor will find the Grabie 50 Colors Watercolor Paint Set a perfect companion on their creative journey. With a whopping 50 vibrant colors and six premium brushes, you'll have everything needed to dive right in!
The compact metal case (just over 8 inches long) makes this set ideal for painting anywhere—from your kitchen table to a sunny park bench. You'll love the built-in mixing tray that saves you from hunting down extra supplies. Beginners especially appreciate how these semi-transparent pigments activate easily with water, creating beautiful washes without frustration. At just 12 ounces, you can toss it in your bag for impromptu creative sessions!
Best For: Amateur artists and beginners seeking an affordable, comprehensive watercolor set that balances quality and variety with excellent portability for creative projects at home or on-the-go.
Pros:
- Extensive palette of 50 vibrant colors with a built-in mixing tray eliminates the need for additional equipment
- Includes 6 premium brushes in various sizes (3/0 to 3) with fine-pointed tips for detail work
- Lightweight, compact metal case (8.19 × 4.93 × 1.38 inches) makes it ideal for travel, outdoor painting, and easy storage
Cons:
- Some colors may have a hard film that requires extra effort to activate
- Not professional-grade pigments, which may limit advanced techniques and color permanence
- Limited mixing space compared to dedicated palettes, which might constrain complex color blending projects
ARTISTRO Portable Watercolor Paint Set with Metallic Colors
The ARTISTRO Portable Watercolor Paint Set dazzles with its impressive array of 48 colors, including 4 eye-catching metallic and 4 fluorescent options that'll make your artwork pop!
You'll love how this set comes ready for adventure in a stylish tin box that fits right in your bag. Whether you're sketching outdoors or journaling at home, the included water brush pen, flexible brush, and black marker give you everything you need to start creating instantly.
With a stellar 4.7-star rating from nearly 10,000 reviewers, this non-toxic set is perfect for artists of any age or skill level. Grab this #1 bestseller and watch your watercolor skills bloom!
Best For: Artists of all ages and skill levels looking for a portable, versatile watercolor set with vibrant colors including unique metallic and fluorescent options.
Pros:
- Complete kit with 48 colors (including 4 metallic and 4 fluorescent) plus accessories like water brush pen, flexible brush, and black marker
- Highly portable design with a stylish tin box that easily fits in bags for creating artwork anywhere
- Excellent value backed by nearly 10,000 positive reviews (4.7/5 stars) and #1 bestseller status in Kids Watercolor Paint
Cons:
- Not suitable for children under 3 years old due to small parts
- Limited space in the compact tin may make organizing all components challenging
- Water brush pen may require refilling during longer painting sessions
Artecho Watercolor Paint Set 100 Colors with Metallic Box
Beginners dreaming of a comprehensive painting kit will find their perfect match in the Artecho Watercolor Paint Set, which delivers an impressive 100 colors in one elegant metallic box. You'll get an incredible variety—51 regular shades plus metallic, fluorescent, and candy colors that'll make your artwork pop!
Don't worry about hauling supplies around; this portable set includes everything you need: brushes, papers, even a natural sponge! Whether you're sketching at home or in the park, you're all set. The strongly pigmented colors conform to safety standards, so they're non-toxic and washable (your mom will thank you!). Ready to unleash your creativity? Grab this kit and start painting today!
Best For: Aspiring artists and beginners looking for a comprehensive, portable watercolor set with a wide variety of colors and all necessary painting accessories in one elegant package.
Pros:
- Includes an impressive variety of 100 colors (51 regular, 35 metallic, 4 fluorescent, and 10 macaron/candy colors) for versatile artistic expression
- Comes complete with all necessary tools including brushes, watercolor papers, sponge, and sketching supplies in a portable tin box
- Non-toxic, acid-free, and washable paints that meet ASTM D-4236 safety standards, making it safe for artists of all ages
Cons:
- May be overwhelming for absolute beginners who might prefer starting with a smaller color selection
- The portable size might mean smaller paint pans compared to professional studio sets
- No information provided about paint refills or replacement options when colors run out
Factors to Consider When Choosing Watercolor Paint Sets for Beginners
When you're shopping for your first watercolor set, there are several key factors that'll make or break your beginner experience. You'll want to check the color selection range, paint quality, whether brushes are included, and how portable the set is for painting on-the-go or in class. Making the right choice now will save you money and frustration as you start your artistic journey!
Color Selection Range
The rainbow of possibilities in your watercolor set can truly transform your artistic journey from the very first brushstroke! While beginners can start with just 12 vibrant colors that'll cover your basic painting needs, don't be afraid to dream bigger!
Sets with 100 colors—featuring regular, metallic, fluorescent, and macaron shades—open doors to endless experimentation. You'll love mixing these finely ground pigments to create your own unique palette!
Look for sets that include mixing palettes, brushes, and swatch sheets—these extras help you understand how colors blend and behave on paper. And don't forget to check that your paints are non-toxic and eco-friendly (super important if you've got little artists around)!
Ready to unleash your creativity? The right color range makes all the difference!
Paint Quality
Behind every stunning watercolor masterpiece lies the secret ingredient: paint quality! When you're browsing those colorful sets, look beyond the pretty packaging and check the pigment concentration. Higher pigment levels mean vibrant colors that'll make your artwork pop!
You'll want paints that play nicely with water—they should blend easily and activate quickly when you dip your brush in. This makes creating different shades a breeze! And don't forget safety—always choose non-toxic, eco-friendly options that meet standards like ASTM D-4236.
Consider durability too! Your masterpieces should stay gorgeous over time without cracking or fading. And if you're just starting out, pay attention to opacity levels. Transparent paints are perfect for layering, while slightly opaque ones might need multiple coats for that wow-factor vibrancy you're after!
Brush Inclusion
While stellar paint quality forms your watercolor foundation, don't overlook those brushes bundled in your beginner set—they're absolute game-changers! A comprehensive set with various brush sizes lets you explore different techniques right out of the box, from broad washes to delicate details.
You'll save both time and money when your set includes quality brushes—no extra shopping trips needed! Look for sets featuring round, flat, and detail brushes to maximize your creative options. The difference between good and great brushes is immediately noticeable in how your paint flows and responds to your movements.
Some premium beginner sets even include water brush pens—these magical tools hold water in their handles, making blending and on-the-go painting so much easier. Trust me, your watercolor journey will be much smoother with the right brushes at your fingertips!
Portability Features
Now that you've got your paints and brushes sorted, let's talk about taking your watercolor adventures beyond your home studio! When you're ready to paint outdoors or during travels, you'll need a set that won't weigh you down or create a mess.
Look for lightweight, compact designs that'll slip easily into your bag. The best beginner sets come with sturdy storage cases—either tin or plastic—that keep everything organized while protecting your supplies from damage.
Don't overlook those handy detachable mixing palettes! They're lifesavers when you're perched on a hillside mixing the perfect sunset orange. And grab a set with water brush pens or sponges included—you'll thank yourself when you're painting in places without easy water access. Remember, secure closures are non-negotiable unless you want colorful surprises inside your backpack!
Mixing Palette Design
The unsung hero of your watercolor journey is undoubtedly the mixing palette where all your creative color magic happens! Look for sets with detachable palettes that make experimenting with colors a breeze—you'll be whipping up custom shades without juggling extra equipment.
Transparent palettes are game-changers! They'll help you see exactly what you're creating before it hits the paper, saving you from those "oops, that's not what I wanted" moments. When shopping, grab a set where the palette doubles as a lid—you'll thank yourself when painting on-the-go becomes super simple.
Built-in mixing trays are perfect for beginners since they keep everything in one place. And don't overlook cleanability—you'll be much more likely to play with color mixing when cleanup isn't a chore!
Price-to-Value Ratio
Beyond your mixing palette, making smart budget decisions can transform your watercolor experience! When shopping for sets, don't just look at the price tag—consider what you're actually getting. A 100-color set might cost the same as a 24-color option but gives you way more creative possibilities!
Count those extras, too! Sets that include quality brushes, palettes, and other accessories deliver better bang for your buck, especially when you're just starting out. Don't forget to check for non-toxic formulations—they're safer for everyone and increase the set's versatility.
Always scan those customer ratings! Sets with 4.5+ stars usually mean happier artists. And if you're planning to paint outdoors or during travel, look for lightweight, portable kits. They'll quickly become your favorite artistic companions!
Non-Toxic Materials
Three crucial safety factors should influence your watercolor paint selection, with non-toxic materials topping the list! When you're just starting out, you'll want paints that won't harm you or your creative space.
Look for watercolor sets featuring ASTM D-4236 or EN71 certifications on their packaging—these badges guarantee your artistic adventure stays worry-free. You'll find most beginner-friendly options are washable and easy to clean up (perfect for those inevitable spills!).
Non-toxic paints contain pigments free from harmful chemicals, making them ideal for painting anywhere—your kitchen table, backyard, or classroom. This is especially important if you're sharing your new hobby with kids or pets around.
Don't compromise on safety! Choose watercolors that let you focus on creating beautiful art, not potential health risks.