Watercolor painting is a beautiful and expressive form of art that has captivated artists for centuries. Its unique characteristics, such as transparency and vibrant hues, make it a favorite medium for both beginners and seasoned artists. One of the most crucial aspects of creating stunning watercolor artworks is choosing the right watercolor paints. In this article, we will delve into the world of watercolors, discussing what makes the best watercolor paints and guiding you through the factors to consider when selecting them.
What Makes the Best Watercolor Paints?
Before we dive into the details of selecting the best watercolor paints, it’s essential to understand the characteristics that set high-quality watercolors apart from the rest. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Pigment Quality: The heart of any watercolor paint is its pigment. High-quality watercolors use finely ground pigments that are vivid, lightfast (resistant to fading), and produce vibrant colors when mixed with water. Cheap paints often use lower-quality pigments, resulting in dull and less permanent colors.
- Binder: The binder is the substance that holds the pigment together in a paint tube. The best watercolors use gum arabic as a binder, which allows for smooth and even application. Gum arabic also ensures that the paint adheres well to the paper without cracking or flaking.
- Transparency: Watercolors are known for their transparency, and the best ones maintain this quality. Transparent watercolors allow the white of the paper to show through, creating luminous and layered effects. Lower-quality watercolors can appear opaque, diminishing their appeal.
- Lightfastness: Lightfastness is a measure of how well a color resists fading when exposed to light. High-quality watercolors are rated for lightfastness, ensuring your artwork remains vibrant for years to come. Always look for the Lightfastness rating on the paint tubes.
- Color Range: A comprehensive color range gives artists the flexibility to create a wide variety of hues. The best watercolor paint sets often include a diverse selection of colors, enabling artists to experiment and express their creativity fully.
- Consistency: The consistency of the paint matters as well. Watercolors should be easy to mix and dilute with water to achieve various effects, from bold to delicate washes. The best watercolor paints maintain their consistency even after years of use.
Now that we understand the qualities that define the best watercolor paints, let’s explore the factors to consider when choosing the perfect set for your artistic endeavors.
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Watercolor Paints
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Watercolor Paints- Brand Reputation and Reviews: Start your search by looking into reputable watercolor paint brands. Brands like Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith, and Schmincke have a long history of producing top-quality watercolors. Reading reviews and testimonials from fellow artists can also provide valuable insights into the performance of specific paints.
- Price Point: Watercolor paints are available in a wide price range, from budget-friendly options to high-end professional sets. Your budget will play a significant role in your choice, but remember that investing in quality paints is an investment in the longevity and quality of your artwork.
- Type of Watercolor Paint: Watercolors come in various forms, including tubes, pans, and liquid. Tubes are versatile and great for artists who prefer to mix their colors, while pans are convenient for on-the-go painting. Liquid watercolors offer a unique, ready-to-use option. Choose the type that suits your painting style and preferences.
- Color Selection: Consider the range of colors available in the set. If you’re a beginner, a smaller set with essential colors can be a good starting point. Experienced artists may opt for larger sets with a broader spectrum of colors for greater creative flexibility.
- Lightfastness Rating: As mentioned earlier, the lightfastness rating is crucial for the longevity of your artwork. Look for paints with high lightfastness ratings to ensure your creations stand the test of time.
- Transparency: Transparent watercolors allow for more depth and layering in your artwork. If transparency is essential to your style, seek out paints known for their clarity.
- Pigment Quality: Investigate the pigment quality of the paints you’re considering. Manufacturers often provide information about the pigments used and their properties. Look for paints made with high-quality pigments for the best results.
- Additional Features: Some watercolor sets come with additional features such as travel-friendly packaging, brushes, or mixing palettes. These can be convenient bonuses, especially for beginners who may not have all the necessary tools yet.
- Personal Preferences: Lastly, your personal preferences and painting style play a significant role in your choice of watercolors. Experiment with different brands and types to discover which paints align best with your artistic vision.
Top 6 Best Watercolor Paints on the Market
Now that we’ve discussed what makes the best watercolor paints and the factors to consider when choosing them, let’s explore some of the top watercolor paint brands and sets available on the market:
- Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Set: Winsor & Newton is a renowned name in the art world, known for its high-quality watercolors. Their professional watercolor sets offer a wide range of colors with excellent lightfastness and transparency. The pigments used are of superior quality, ensuring brilliant and lasting results.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, 20 Colors- Premium Quality Starter set
- Outstanding lightfastness
- Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors: Daniel Smith is celebrated for its extensive range of watercolor pigments, including unique and vibrant colors. Their extra fine watercolors are known for their exceptional lightfastness and pigment quality. Artists appreciate the vividness and versatility of these paints.
DANIEL SMITH 285610005 Extra Fine Essentials Introductory Watercolor, 6 Tubes, 5ml
DANIEL SMITH 285610005 Extra Fine Essentials Introductory Watercolor- Premium Quality Essentials Set
- just the right size to get started painting
- Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Watercolors: Schmincke is a German brand that has been producing high-quality watercolors for over a century. Their Horadam Aquarell line boasts a superb selection of colors with top-notch pigment quality and exceptional transparency. These paints are favored by professional watercolor artists.
Schmincke - HORADAM® AQUARELL, Super- Granulation Set Shire 5 x 5 ml tubes- Premium Quality Professional Set
- 5 supergranulating colors
- M. Graham Watercolor Tubes: M. Graham is recognized for its use of honey in its watercolor paints, which gives the paints a unique creamy consistency. These watercolors have high pigment loads and excellent lightfastness, making them a great choice for artists who want rich, lasting colors.
M. Graham Tube Watercolor Paint Cobalt Mix 5-Color Set
Schmincke - HORADAM® AQUARELL, Super- Granulation Set Shire 5 x 5 ml tubes- Artist quality watercolor paint
- Made with natural blackberry honey!
- Sennelier La Petite Aquarelle Watercolor Set: Sennelier offers a more affordable option without compromising on quality. Their La Petite Aquarelle sets are suitable for beginners and hobbyists, offering a range of colors with good transparency and lightfastness.
Sennelier La Petite Aquarelle Watercolor Set of 10 Colors
Sennelier La Petite Aquarelle Watercolor Set of 10 Colors- Ideal for students
- Honey-based watercolor
- QoR Modern Watercolors: QoR watercolors stand out for their innovative formulation, which allows for vibrant, intense colors. They also offer a wide array of colors, including some unique options. These watercolors are known for their consistent quality and easy mixability.
QoR Watercolor, 12 Color Set of 5ml Tubes
QoR Watercolor, 12 Color Set- Modern Watercolors
- Excellent glazing qualities
Conclusion
Choosing the best watercolor paints is a crucial step in your artistic journey. High-quality watercolors with excellent pigment quality, lightfastness, transparency, and a wide range of colors will empower you to create stunning and lasting artworks. Consider your personal preferences, budget, and painting style when making your selection.
Remember that the best watercolor paints for one artist may not be the same for another, as individual preferences and needs vary. It’s essential to experiment and find the paints that resonate with your artistic vision.
Investing in top-notch watercolor paints is an investment in the beauty and longevity of your artwork. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, the right choice of watercolors will help you unlock your creative potential and bring your artistic ideas to life on paper. So, go ahead, explore the world of watercolors, and paint your masterpiece with the best watercolor paints that suit you best.
