10 Best Watercolor Sets 2025 in the United States

The ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set is a versatile choice for both beginners and experienced artists, boasting 48 vivid colors, including metallic and fluorescent options. The color range is extensive, making it suitable for a variety of artistic projects, from coloring books to more intricate artwork. One of the standout features is its portability; the set comes in a lightweight and stylish tin box, which makes it easy to take on trips or outdoor painting sessions. Additionally, this set includes useful accessories like watercolor paper, a water brush pen, and a sponge, ensuring you have most of the essentials for painting right out of the box.

The quality of the paint is generally well-received, providing vibrant hues that can bring art to life. They conform to safety standards, making them suitable for children aged 3 and up, which is a plus for parents looking for a safe art supply. However, while the paints are non-toxic, they are not waterproof, which means finished artwork may require careful handling.

On the downside, some users might find that the lightfastness of the colors could be better, especially for works intended for display or archival purposes. Additionally, the kit might feel overwhelming for complete beginners due to the large number of colors and tools included, although many will appreciate having such a comprehensive set. For those who enjoy mixed media or performance art, the addition of metallic and fluorescent colors could be an exciting feature. The aesthetic appeal of the packaging also makes it a wonderful gift option, whether it's for a holiday or a special occasion.

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 Winsor & Newton Cotman Field Pocket Set is designed for artists who want a compact and portable watercolor set, especially suitable for outdoor painting. It offers a modest but useful color range of 12 half pans, covering essential hues from yellows and reds to blues and greens, allowing for good mixing flexibility. The paints are Cotman quality, which means they maintain decent transparency and tinting strength but use some more affordable pigments, so the colors may not be as vibrant or lightfast as professional-grade paints. This makes them a solid choice for beginners or hobbyists rather than serious or archival work.

The set includes practical extras like a travel brush, a sponge, a small water bottle, and a clip-on water container, which together make it very portable and convenient for on-the-go painting. While the paints have good working properties and a glossy finish, they are not waterproof, so finished pieces may require careful handling. The packaging is compact and lightweight, fitting easily into a pocket or small bag, which is great for plein air artists.

In essence, this set provides a reliable, budget-friendly option for those wanting to explore watercolor painting outdoors with a neat, all-in-one kit, though it may not satisfy users looking for top-tier pigment quality or permanence.