10 Best Watercolor Sets 2026 in the United States

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is a great option for beginners and hobbyists looking for a reliable and portable watercolor kit. It offers a good range of 16 half-pan colors, including popular shades like Cadmium Yellows and Ultramarine, which gives you a nice palette to start mixing your own hues. The paints are known for their good transparency and excellent tinting strength, meaning your colors will blend well and remain vibrant when diluted. Although these paints use some less expensive pigments to keep the cost reasonable, they still maintain decent quality, making this set suitable for practice and casual projects.

The included pocket brush, kneaded eraser, and mixing palette add convenience, making it easy to paint on the go or in small spaces. One thing to note is that the set is not waterproof once dry, so your artwork may reactivate with water, which is typical for most student-grade watercolors. The packaging is compact and sturdy, making it easy to carry around without worrying about spills.

If you’re looking for professional-grade permanence or a wider, more specialized color range, this might feel a bit limited. For those starting out or wanting a handy travel set, this Cotman set balances quality, variety, and portability quite well.

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is a solid choice for both beginners and more experienced artists looking for a reliable watercolor option. One of its notable strengths is the extensive color range, boasting 45 half pans that provide a wide spectrum of hues to experiment with. This is particularly beneficial for artists who enjoy mixing and blending colors, as the excellent tinting strength allows for vibrant results with minimal effort. Additionally, the set is designed for good transparency, which is essential for watercolor techniques that require layering and glazing.

In terms of quality, while the Cotman range uses some less expensive pigments compared to professional-grade options, it still adheres to high-quality standards. This makes it an economical choice without compromising too heavily on performance, making it suitable for art students or hobbyists.

Packaging is another strong point; the compact case includes a mixing tray, making it easy to carry and set up for painting sessions. This portability is perfect for artists who like to paint outdoors or travel, offering convenience without sacrificing functionality.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. Some artists might find that the use of alternative pigments affects the color saturation when compared to professional-grade sets, which could be a concern for serious artists seeking the richest colors. Also, while the set is excellent for general use, those who require specific lightfastness ratings may need to research individual colors since the lightfastness may vary within the Cotman range.

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is a great option for those who value a wide color range and good quality at an affordable price, but serious artists may want to evaluate their specific needs regarding pigment quality and lightfastness.

The Grabie Watercolor Paint Set is designed for artists, amateur hobbyists, and painting enthusiasts who appreciate a versatile and portable option for their projects. With 50 vibrant colors, this set provides a broad range that caters to various artistic needs. The paints are known for their good transparency and tinting strength, making them easy to mix and blend for unique creations. Additionally, the high-quality, non-toxic formulation ensures safety for users of all ages, aligning with common safety standards.

On the practical side, the set comes with essential accessories, including a water brush pen, nylon paintbrush, and detail brushes, making it a complete kit for artists on the go. The compact metal case is lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for travel and outdoor painting sessions.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The paint does not have waterproof properties once dry, which can limit its application in certain projects. Additionally, while the range of colors is extensive, some shades may require multiple layers to achieve the desired opacity.