10 Best Beginner Watercolor Sets 2026: Expert Tested & Ranked
Welcome, aspiring artists and curious creators! If you’ve ever dreamt of dipping your brush into a world of vibrant hues and fluid beauty, then watercolor painting is an incredible journey to embark upon. Finding the best beginner watercolor set can feel a little overwhelming with so many options out there, but don’t worry, we’re here to help! We’ve scoured the market to bring you a handpicked selection of top-notch watercolor sets perfect for anyone just starting their artistic adventure. Each set offers a fantastic entry point into this rewarding medium, focusing on ease of use, quality pigments, and essential accessories. Let’s find the perfect companion to kickstart your creative flair!
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 Best Beginner Watercolor Set Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. A Beginner’s Watercolor Workbook Set: 16 Colors Paint, plus 15 Plant-Themed Projects.
This all-inclusive beginner watercolor set is a fantastic way to dive into the art of watercolor. It’s not just paints; it’s an entire workbook experience designed to guide you through beautiful plant-themed projects. With 16 vibrant colors and high-quality paper, you’ll have everything needed to create lovely art right away.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Beginner-friendly watercolor coloring book with 15 original plant-themed designs.
- ✓ Step-by-step instructions make learning easy and enjoyable.
- ✓ Includes 16 rich and colorful watercolor paints.
- ✓ Features 15 pages of high-quality watercolor paper, perfect for practice.
- ✓ Portable 6.5″ x 9″ size makes it ideal for art on the go.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this set because it combines quality materials with structured learning. For a true beginner, having guided projects can remove the intimidation factor, allowing you to focus on technique and color mixing. The portable design means you can take your creativity anywhere, making it a truly versatile beginner watercolor set.
Best For
This set is best for absolute beginners, aspiring botanical artists, or anyone who enjoys guided projects and wants an all-in-one watercolor learning experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comes with a helpful workbook and clear instructions.
- Good quality paper suitable for watercolor.
- Vibrant color selection perfect for learning.
- All-inclusive kit, no need to buy extra supplies.
Cons:
- Limited to 16 colors, which might feel restrictive for some.
- Specific to plant-themed projects, not ideal for general exploration.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “These workbooks are great. The paper is wonderful for watercolor. Great selection of colors for beginners. Clearly written instructions. Both my Grandaughters spend hours on them.”
Customer Review: “Excellent instructions and colorful paint selection.”
2. Portable Watercolor Paint Set for Beginners: 24 Colors in a Travel-Friendly Box.
For those who love to paint wherever inspiration strikes, this portable watercolor set for beginners is an excellent choice. It features 24 vibrant colors neatly packed in a travel-friendly tin box, making it perfect for painting at home, in a park, or on vacation. The high-quality pigments ensure your art comes to life with beautiful, lasting colors.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Includes 24 high-quality, vibrant watercolor paints.
- ✓ Designed for portability, allowing you to create art anywhere.
- ✓ Elegant and practical tin box that’s also great for gifting.
- ✓ Formulated for excellent durability and reliability, even with daily use.
- ✓ Suitable for both kids and adults starting their watercolor journey.
Why We Recommend It
This set earns our Editor’s Choice for its balance of quality and convenience. The 24 colors offer enough variety for beginners to experiment without being overwhelming, and the compact design makes it incredibly easy to use on the go. It’s a reliable beginner watercolor set that encourages creativity without boundaries.
Best For
This is ideal for beginners who prioritize portability and want a good range of colors in a compact, durable package for travel or outdoor painting.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent range of 24 vibrant colors.
- Highly portable with a sturdy tin case.
- High-quality pigments for good color saturation.
- Makes a beautiful and functional gift.
Cons:
- Might not include brushes or paper, requiring separate purchases.
- The metal tin could dent with rough handling.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I love how compact this set is. The colors are really bright and easy to re-wet. It fits perfectly in my bag for sketching at the coffee shop.”
Customer Review: “Great little travel set! The paints blend nicely, and the tin feels very durable. Perfect for my watercolor journaling.”
3. Portable Watercolor Paint Set with 50 Colors, Palette, and Brush Pens for Beginners.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive beginner watercolor set that won’t break the bank, this 50-color option from Artistro is a fantastic value. It provides a huge range of vibrant shades along with essential accessories like brush pens and a mixing palette, all in a convenient, portable metal case. It’s perfect for exploring many different color combinations.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Features 50 rich and vivid watercolor shades, ideal for extensive color exploration.
- ✓ All-in-one kit includes a refillable water brush, a nylon paint brush, a natural sponge, and a built-in mixing tray.
- ✓ Housed in a sturdy, lightweight metal case for protection and portability.
- ✓ Paints are designed for smooth application and blendability.
- ✓ Suitable for beginners, students, and even professional artists needing a travel set.
Why We Recommend It
This set offers incredible value, providing a wide array of colors and necessary tools at an affordable price. It’s a perfect starter kit that allows beginners to experiment freely without a significant investment. The comprehensive nature of the kit means you’re ready to paint right out of the box, making it an ideal beginner watercolor set.
Best For
This is best for budget-conscious beginners who want a large variety of colors and an all-in-one kit for exploring watercolor techniques.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for the number of colors included.
- Comes with essential accessories like water brushes and a palette.
- Colors are vibrant and easy to work with.
- Portable and durable metal case.
Cons:
- Some pigments might be less lightfast than professional grades.
- Included brushes may be basic for advanced techniques.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I love this paint palette. The colors are very vibrant and easy to work with. The extra palette is great for making puddles of paint, and the price is fantastic. The blend-ability of the colors is great, I am pretty new to watercolor painting so I did not want to spend a lot on my first palette, the”
Customer Review: “Awesome pallet! Super bright colors and a little goes a long way. Also love the water brush that came with the kit and the paper paper so it’s easy to identify which color after dry. And super affordable”
4. Extensive Watercolor Paint Set for Beginners: 128 Colors, Papers, and Brushes Included.
If you’re an ambitious beginner who wants an immense array of color options, this 128-color watercolor set is calling your name. It’s truly extensive, offering not only a vast palette but also watercolor paper and brushes, creating a complete package for creative exploration. This beginner watercolor set ensures you have everything needed for diverse projects.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Features an impressive 128 unique colors, including regular, fluorescent, and metallic shades.
- ✓ Comes with watercolor papers and brushes, making it an all-inclusive art kit.
- ✓ Paints are highly pigmented, offering vibrant and rich colors for various techniques.
- ✓ Designed for both adult watercolor enthusiasts and beginners alike.
- ✓ Portable setup allows for creativity on the go, perfect for any location.
Why We Recommend It
This set is an excellent recommendation for beginners who aren’t afraid to dive deep into color theory and mixing. The sheer number of colors, combined with the inclusion of paper and brushes, means you can start creating immediately. It’s a fantastic value for such a comprehensive beginner watercolor set.
Best For
This is best for adventurous beginners or those looking for an extensive color palette and a complete all-in-one watercolor kit with included paper and brushes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched variety of 128 colors, including special effects.
- Includes essential papers and brushes, ready to use.
- Vibrant and rich pigments that blend well.
- Great for exploring many different styles and subjects.
Cons:
- The vast choice of colors might be overwhelming for some absolute beginners.
- Quality of included paper and brushes may be basic.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’m new to watercolor so this is really my first adult pan set. I love the variety of colors and find the pigments to be very pleasing. The metallic are a bit lighter than I’d like but the rest of the colors are very nice. They work for my amateur purposes. I’m a beginner but would say that the qual”
Customer Review: “Get on painting! This beautiful set comes with flat and sparkly watercolor paint, easy to use and great colors. Also comesWith a pencil, a brush and an amazing eraser.My first buy as a watercolor beginner, it provides me with great and refreshing colors! What a beautiful set!”
5. Beginner Watercolor Paint Set: 168 Colors, Coloring Book, Water Brushes, and Drawing Pencil.
If you thought 128 colors was a lot, prepare to be amazed by this 168-color beginner watercolor set! This comprehensive kit goes above and beyond, including not only an incredible array of vibrant, metallic, fluorescent, and macaron colors, but also a coloring book, water brushes, and even a drawing pencil. It’s truly an artist’s dream starter pack.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Massive collection of 168 vibrant colors, including special metallic, fluorescent, and macaron shades.
- ✓ Includes 10 cotton paper coloring books, 3 water cups, a soft sponge, drawing pencils, a sharpener, and a metal palette.
- ✓ Features high-quality, highly pigmented colors with excellent transparency.
- ✓ Paints apply smoothly for both wet and dry watercolor techniques.
- ✓ Everything you need for various art projects, from sketching to finished paintings.
Why We Recommend It
This set is outstanding for beginners who want to explore every facet of watercolor art without needing to purchase additional supplies. The sheer volume of colors inspires endless creativity, and the included accessories ensure you have all the tools for a complete art experience. It’s a truly generous and inspiring beginner watercolor set.
Best For
This set is ideal for beginners who want the widest possible range of colors and a complete art studio in one box, perfect for extensive experimentation.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- An unparalleled selection of 168 colors, including unique shades.
- Comes with a coloring book and a full range of essential accessories.
- High-quality, highly pigmented paints with good transparency.
- Excellent value for the sheer amount of content.
Cons:
- The large number of colors might be overwhelming for some true novices.
- Portability might be slightly compromised due to its comprehensive nature.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great colors and good quality paint. I got this as a beginner watercolor kit but can see my self using it for the long haul. Easy to use, color card really helps and just the right size for on the go painting. Works well!!”
Customer Review: “Run, don’t walk, to add this gorgeous collection of watercolors to your collection. The colors are stunning and the quality is outstanding. Don’t miss out in these.”
6. Portable Watercolor Paint Set for Beginners: 36 Colors, Pocket Box, Brush, and Metal Ring.
This 36-color portable watercolor set for beginners is designed with convenience and quality in mind. It boasts high-pigmented colors with Arabic gum, enhancing gloss and transparency, and comes in a well-designed metal case that doubles as a palette. It’s a wonderful option for artists who want a balance of color variety and easy transport.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Contains 36 high-pigmented colors with enhanced gloss and transparency due to Arabic gum.
- ✓ Sturdy metal case with a lid that cleverly doubles as a mixing palette.
- ✓ Comes with a brush and a metal ring, perfect for holding while painting outdoors.
- ✓ Colors mix well and provide a smooth application without chalky residue when dry.
- ✓ Excellent color selection for a beginner to explore various hues.
Why We Recommend It
The thoughtful design of this set, particularly the metal case and included ring, makes it incredibly practical for outdoor painting or quick sketches. The quality of the pigments and their enhanced transparency are great for learning authentic watercolor techniques. This is a robust and highly functional beginner watercolor set.
Best For
Ideal for beginners who enjoy painting outdoors or in different locations, valuing both portability and a decent range of quality colors.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-quality pigments with good transparency and gloss.
- Metal case doubles as a palette, enhancing utility.
- Highly portable with an included brush and finger ring.
- Colors are vibrant and blend nicely.
Cons:
- The plastic insert for holding colors might be fragile.
- Brush quality could be basic for finer details.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Gorgeous, creamy & vibrant colors! The blooms these cause are lovely and they blend nicely. High quality at a reasonable cost. Will continue to purchase these colors! Swatch them first. I do wish the little plastic insert that holds the color trays was off a higher quality and not cheap, fragile pla”
Customer Review: “My regular practice watercolors are Cotman pans, I use them for practice, studies and on the go painting, and the palettes are really hard to beat for portability, mixing areas , the transparency of colors which is important when you begin learning watercolors and affordability when you need new pa”
7. Travel-Sized Watercolor Paint Set for Beginners: 100 Colors, Including Metallic, with Palette.
Unlock endless creative possibilities with this 100-color travel-sized watercolor paint set for beginners. Featuring a vibrant spectrum including metallic shades, this comprehensive kit ensures you have every color you could imagine, complete with a palette and brushes. It’s perfect for artists who want variety and convenience in one sleek package.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Expansive collection of 100 distinct watercolors, including special metallic finishes.
- ✓ Versatile set suitable for both budding beginners and experienced artists.
- ✓ Includes everything you need: a palette, water brushes, and regular brushes.
- ✓ Paints are highly pigmented and blend well for smooth transitions.
- ✓ Compact and premium design ensures ease of use and portability for painting anywhere.
Why We Recommend It
This set stands out for its vast color selection and the inclusion of both standard and metallic paints, which adds an exciting dimension for beginners to explore. The complete accessory kit makes it a fantastic all-in-one solution for anyone looking to get started or upgrade their portable supplies. It’s a truly inspiring beginner watercolor set.
Best For
This is best for beginners who desire a very broad color palette, including specialty metallic colors, and an all-in-one portable set for varied artistic projects.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge range of 100 colors, including unique metallic shades.
- Comes with multiple brushes and a palette.
- Highly pigmented colors that blend well.
- Robust tin case with a protective divider.
Cons:
- Some beginners might find 100 colors overwhelming.
- The quality of some included brushes could be improved for precision work.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Paint was soft and blends well. Goes on smoothly. Colors are vibrant and metallic colors are beautiful. Color swatch was fun to make and test all the colors and was very useful when painting. The brushes included were very nice quality, a lot better then I thought they would be. Would buy again”
Customer Review: “The media could not be loaded.The colors are highly pigmented, a little water goes a long way. The water brushes came in 3 different styles and the regular brushes came in two different styles. The tin is sturdy and I love that it has a thick plastic removable protective divider that fits snuggly. T”
8. Comprehensive Watercolor Paint Set for Beginners: 36 Colors, Pad, 6 Brushes, and Palette.
This comprehensive watercolor paint set for beginners offers a well-rounded introduction to the art form. With 36 vibrant colors, a watercolor pad, six brushes of various sizes, and a mixing palette, it truly has everything you need to start painting right away. It’s a fantastic value for anyone looking for a complete starter kit.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Includes 36 opaque and vibrant watercolor cakes for a good color range.
- ✓ Comes with a 5.5 x 8.5 watercolor paper pad, so you can start painting immediately.
- ✓ Features 6 different brush sizes, suitable for various techniques and details.
- ✓ Built-in palette for easy color mixing and experimentation.
- ✓ Contains primary colors and many more, allowing for broad artistic exploration.
Why We Recommend It
What makes this set great for beginners is its completeness. You don’t have to worry about buying paper or brushes separately; everything is included. The 36 colors provide a solid foundation for learning color theory and mixing, making it a very practical and thoughtful beginner watercolor set.
Best For
This set is perfect for beginners who want an all-in-one solution that includes paints, paper, and multiple brushes to start learning watercolor immediately.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comes with watercolor paper and a good range of brushes.
- Affordable option for a comprehensive starter kit.
- Vibrant colors that are easy to activate.
- Great for gifting to aspiring artists of all ages.
Cons:
- The quality of the included paper might be basic for advanced techniques.
- Paints are opaque, which might be different from traditional transparent watercolors.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great quality for affordable cost! Will buy again. Great gift for kids and adults.”
Customer Review: “I am used to painting with acrylic paints and watercolor “pencils” however for pans of color I amnew to the actual watercolor media and did not want to spend a lot to “try it”. I read the reviews and decided to try them. When I started to paint with them I found the colors were really nice. Water”
9. Washable Watercolor Paint Set for Beginners: 48 Non-Toxic Colors, Brush, and Water Pen.
For beginners, especially those with kids or who prefer easy cleanup, this washable watercolor paint set is a fantastic choice. It features 48 non-toxic, vibrant colors that are soluble in water, making them incredibly easy to use and wash off. The portable case and included brushes make it a convenient and worry-free way to explore watercolor art.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Features 48 unique, vibrant, and highly soluble non-toxic colors.
- ✓ The paints are washable, making cleanup quick and easy, ideal for beginners and children.
- ✓ Comes in a lightweight and sturdy plastic box, ensuring easy portability.
- ✓ Includes 2 paint brushes and a water pen for versatile application techniques.
- ✓ Fine pigment powder ensures smooth application and buildable color depth.
Why We Recommend It
The washable and non-toxic nature of this set offers peace of mind, especially for families. The 48 colors provide a great spectrum for exploration, and the included water pen is a fantastic tool for beginners to control water flow. It’s a practical and encouraging beginner watercolor set for a mess-free artistic journey.
Best For
This set is ideal for beginners of all ages, including children, who value non-toxic and washable paints for easy cleanup, along with a good range of colors.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Non-toxic and washable, perfect for kids and easy cleanup.
- 48 vibrant colors offer extensive blending possibilities.
- Includes both traditional brushes and a water pen.
- Paints have a creamy texture and build color well.
Cons:
- The plastic case may be less durable than metal alternatives.
- Washable paints might have slightly less permanence than artist-grade pigments.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I love this pan of paint. Good quality, and easy to paint. The texture is creamy and you can easily build up the color for deeper shade. So many reds, purples and pinks. Comes with brushes which is a nice perk, even one that you can fill with water and paint just about anywhere. From subtle hues and”
Customer Review: “Purchased for my granddaughter and she loves it. Good quality for a beginner. Colors are vibrant.”
10. Watercolor Paint Set, 50 Colors, Watercolor Set with Watercolor Paper, Palette, Brushes, Ideal fo…
This 50-color watercolor paint set for beginners is an all-in-one artistic powerhouse, providing everything you need in one convenient box. Beyond the rich and vibrant paint selection, it includes watercolor paper, a palette, and various brushes, making it an excellent choice for sketching, illustration, or calligraphy. It truly simplifies starting your watercolor journey.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Complete set with 50 highly pigmented, blendable watercolors.
- ✓ Includes essential accessories like watercolor paper, brushes, and a palette.
- ✓ Colors glide smoothly onto paper, ideal for sketching and various illustration styles.
- ✓ Compact and lightweight design, making it perfectly portable for any creative pursuit.
- ✓ Ideal for beginners and students, offering a broad spectrum of colors to learn with.
Why We Recommend It
We love this set because it’s incredibly inclusive, offering not just paints but also paper and brushes. This eliminates the guesswork for beginners and allows them to jump straight into creating. The 50 vibrant colors provide ample opportunity for color mixing and experimentation, making it a well-rounded beginner watercolor set.
Best For
This is best for beginners who want a comprehensive kit that includes paper and brushes, offering a hassle-free start to watercolor painting.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- All-in-one kit with paints, paper, and brushes.
- 50 rich and vibrant colors for diverse artwork.
- Highly pigmented and easy to blend.
- Portable and travel-friendly design.
Cons:
- The watercolor paper might be thin for heavy washes.
- Brush quality could be basic for advanced users.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “These are a perfect set for these just starting watercolor. At such a great price and with all of the different colors,you can paint for hours. The colors are so pigmented and smooth. Very easy to blend and mix”
Customer Review: “An awesome set of colors. Lots of pigment in each pan works. Really good on watercolor paper. I love the metallic shimmer colors.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Beginner Watercolor Set
Choosing your first beginner watercolor set can be an exciting step into the world of art. To help you make an informed decision, let’s look at the key factors we consider when recommending these fantastic sets.
Essential Factors We Consider
When picking out the best beginner watercolor set, several things come into play. First, the pigment quality is crucial. While professional-grade pigments might be too costly for a beginner, you still want paints that offer good vibrancy, blendability, and lightfastness (meaning they won’t fade quickly). Secondly, the color range is important; a set with 12-36 colors usually offers enough variety without being overwhelming. More colors can be fun for exploration, but you can mix many shades from a basic palette. Thirdly, consider what accessories are included. Many beginner sets come with brushes, palettes, or even paper, which can be a huge bonus. Finally, portability matters if you plan to paint on the go. A compact tin or plastic case is ideal for travel, keeping everything neat and protected.
Budget Planning
Watercolor sets for beginners come in a wide range of prices. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good quality beginner watercolor set. Often, sets in the $15-$40 range offer excellent value, providing decent pigments and useful accessories. Investing a little more than the absolute cheapest options can significantly improve your experience with better color payoff and blendability. Remember, you can always upgrade your supplies as your skills develop, so starting with a solid, affordable set is a smart move.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best beginner watercolor set for you is one that makes you excited to paint! Consider your personal preferences, like whether you prefer a limited palette for focused learning or a vast array of colors for pure experimentation. Think about where you’ll be painting most often – at home or on adventures. All the sets reviewed here offer a great starting point for different needs. Don’t be afraid to try a few different types as you grow as an artist. The journey is part of the fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the real difference between student-grade and artist-grade watercolors?
A: Student-grade watercolors, which are what most of our recommended beginner watercolor sets fall under, contain less pigment and more binder or fillers. This makes them more affordable. Artist-grade paints use a higher concentration of pure pigment, offering richer, more vibrant colors, better lightfastness, and smoother application, but they are also significantly more expensive.
Q: Do I need special paper for watercolor painting as a beginner?
A: Yes, absolutely! Regular drawing paper or printer paper will buckle and warp when wet. For a good experience, even as a beginner, you should use watercolor paper. It’s thicker and designed to absorb water without deforming. Many of the best beginner watercolor sets include a starter pad, which is great.
Q: How many colors should a beginner watercolor set have?
A: For a beginner, a set with 12 to 36 colors is usually ideal. This range allows you to learn color mixing without being overwhelmed by too many choices. As you advance, you can always expand your palette with individual tubes or pans, but a solid foundation is built on understanding how to create new colors from a limited selection.
Q: Can I really paint outdoors with these portable sets?
A: Yes, many portable watercolor sets for beginners are specifically designed for plein air (outdoor) painting. They often come in compact cases with built-in mixing areas and sometimes even a finger ring or an included water brush. These features make it incredibly convenient to paint anywhere you find inspiration!
Q: Are the brushes included in beginner sets usually good enough?
A: For learning basic techniques and general painting, the brushes included in beginner watercolor sets are typically adequate. They might not be artist-grade quality, but they serve their purpose well for starting out. As you progress, you might want to invest in a few higher-quality brushes for specific effects or finer details.
Choosing your first best beginner watercolor set is an exciting step into the world of art. We hope this guide has helped clarify your options and empowered you to pick the perfect kit to start your creative journey. Whether you’re drawn to the comprehensive options, the ultra-portable choices, or the budget-friendly finds, there’s a set here that’s just right for you. Don’t hesitate – grab your favorite, dip your brush, and let your imagination flow onto the paper. Happy painting!
