10 Best Watercolor Paints 2025 in the United States

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set offers 20 essential colors in convenient 5ml tubes, making it a solid choice for beginners or hobbyists exploring watercolor painting. These paints fall into the student-quality category, which means they provide good color and transparency but use some more affordable pigments to keep costs lower than professional-grade paints. The tube form is handy for mixing and controlling paint amount, especially for those new to watercolors.

This set covers a good range of basic hues, including yellows, reds, blues, greens, and earth tones, allowing you to mix many shades for different projects. The paints emphasize high transparency, which is great for layering colors and achieving that classic watercolor look. They also offer strong lightfastness, so your artwork is less likely to fade over time when displayed indoors.

Because it’s a student set, some colors may not be as vibrant or permanent as professional options, and the pigment quality is slightly compromised to keep the price economical. For those looking for a starter kit balancing quality and value, this Cotman set suits beginners or casual painters who want reliable, easy-to-use watercolors without a steep investment. Professional artists or those needing the highest pigment intensity and permanence might prefer upgrading to a professional line.

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is a solid choice for both beginners and hobbyists looking for quality at a reasonable price. The set includes 12 vibrant 8ml tubes, which cover a good range of colors necessary for various projects. One of its strengths is the good transparency and tinting strength, allowing users to create beautiful washes and layers in their artwork. Additionally, the paint is rated AA and A for lightfastness, meaning your artwork will retain its vibrancy over time, which is a significant plus for any artist.

However, since these paints are categorized as student-grade, they may not meet the expectations of professional artists who prefer higher pigment concentrations and richer hues found in professional-grade paints. The use of less expensive pigments does mean a slight compromise in some color richness compared to premium options.

In terms of form, the paint comes in tubes, which is convenient for mixing and controlling the amount used, especially for those who appreciate the flexibility of squeezing out the desired amount. However, some users might prefer pans for easier portability or storage. This watercolor set is particularly beneficial for artists working on paper and those who are learning the craft, as the user-friendly characteristics and vibrant colors help foster creativity. The Winsor & Newton Cotman set serves well for those looking to explore or enhance their watercolor skills without breaking the bank.

The Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set offers professional-quality watercolor paints that are ideal for artists and serious hobbyists. With 48 colors, this set provides a broad color range, ensuring you have plenty of options for your artwork. The paints are in pans, which is convenient for mixing and using with both small and large brushes, thanks to their larger-than-average size. This flexibility is a significant advantage for various painting techniques.

The colors are vivid and opaque, which is typical of traditional Japanese Gansai watercolors, making them suitable for bold and expressive artwork. However, this opacity might not be the best fit if you prefer more transparent layers in your paintings. Additionally, the paints dry to a slight shiny finish, which some artists may appreciate, while others might not. The set includes a protective sheet that doubles as a palette mixer and a color chart for easy swatching, making it user-friendly.

The packaging is beautiful and suitable for gift-giving, adding an aesthetic touch. The paints are non-toxic and made in Japan, ensuring safety and quality. The Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set is a versatile and high-quality option for those who enjoy vibrant, easy-to-use watercolors but may not be the best choice if you need highly transparent colors.