Professional Watercolor Paints

Professional Watercolor Paints


Ok, so you’re a watercolor artist, and you want to take your work to the next level, but you’re not quite sure what the next step is.

The difference between your next work and a Van Gogh original might be the watercolor paints you use. The finest watercolors are used by most professional artists alike and one thing that holds back many great artists is the art supplies they use. The best watercolor paints are created using natural pigments and it’s these quality watercolor sets that can take your paintings to the next level.

The world of professional watercolors might seem unreachable from the outside and that’s where this list comes in.

So without further delay, here is a list of the best watercolor paints that you can ask for.


01) Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Half-Pan Paint Metal Set

With 12 Open Spaces, Set of 36 Colors

Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Half-Pan Paint Metal Set main image

Features:

• Metal set

• 36 color

• 12 open spaces

• Color guide

• Optimal amount of Oxgall

Description:

Natural, high-quality ingredients are meticulously chosen each year for each mix to ensure the most effective results. Standard recipes have been the same since 1881, regardless of packaging. Emil Nolde and Oskar Kokoschka both employed formulas in their work. Oxgall allows the artist (and not the paint!) to decide where the paint should run moist or remain dry on the paper when using the correct amount. The set comes with 36 watercolor paints.

Pros
  • The superior quality of the natural ingredients create beautiful professional paints
  • The color palettes are bright and vibrant
  • The included color guide lets artists mix and match to create more vibrant colors
Cons
  • The half pan paints could count as a con if you are specifically in the market for full pan watercolors
  • On the pricier side of artist quality paints

Review:

While this set might command what seems like a hefty price tag, the vibrant colors, mixing palette inside and quality paint are more than enough to justify the price. The high quality paints are a delight to use with the use of watercolor brushes, creating beautiful watercolor paintings each and every time.

The quality of this paint cannot be overstated! It’s just divine, and I adore it. If you can afford to splurge, you will not be disappointed.


02) Rembrandt Watercolor Paint Metal Tin Deluxe Set

48 Pans + 1 Brush, General Color Selection

REMBRANDT ARTISTS METAL DE LUXE PAINT SET main image

Features:

• Metal set

• 48 Amsterdam watercolors

• Half pan

• 32 colors are transparent paint and 12 semi-transparent paint

• Watercolor brush

Description:

The lightfastness of Rembrandt Artists’ Watercolours is unparalleled. These bright and vibrant colors can be thinned with water to achieve the most transparent effect possible. Colors in the full range of 80 hues are created using only the best pigments in a pure gum arabic; perfect for any artist.

Included in the Metal Set Are: 48 x Pans “Rembrandt reversible Brush Series 110 no. Rembrandt Water Color” (round, extra fine point, red sable hair).

Pros
  • The hues are bright, clear, and transparent.
  • Great as a traveling set.
  • Worthy for it’s price and even comes with a brush.
Cons
  • The half pans can be a barrier for professional artists.
  • As a result of the lack of adequate support, the paints are shaky.
  • A few transparent colors don’t mix well with others.

Review:

For its price the set is an absolute steal, I can’t explain enough how well the set covers all bases. This watercolor set with its high quality pigments and transparent colors, doesn’t leave any paint stain and works well with all brush shapes.

With various beautiful colors and a metal body to mix colors in, this set is perfect as a traveling companion for your watercolor paper and paint brush.


03) Sennelier – L’Aquarelle Professional Watercolor Paint Set (14 Full Pans)

With Portable Metal Palette Box | Master Artist Grade High Honey Content

Sennelier - L'Aquarelle Professional Watercolor Paint Set (14 Full Pans) main imagr

Features:

• 14 Full Pans

• Metal body

• Classic French watercolor paint

• 4 large mixing palette wells

• 10 shallow palette wells

Description:

Do you desire the highest quality watercolors used by professional painters since the Impressionist era? Do you enjoy the convenience of full pads that last longer between refills? For over a century now, Sennelier L’Aquarelle by Savoir Faire has been manufacturing traditional Parisian watercolors. The top lid has 4 big mixing wells and the lower lid has 10 shallow palette wells. Their new mix contains more honey, which helps create more brilliant watercolor pigments and preserve paint pots longer. Aside from extra honey, they use the same traditional pigments and grinding method that has made their paints famous worldwide. France Made Master artist L’Aquarelle watercolors are created in France by Savoir Faire. So, add your 14 pan professional watercolor paint kit to your cart today and get in on the action!

Pros
  • Mix contains more honey, which helps create more brilliant watercolor pigments and preserve paint pans longer.
  • The mixing wells are built into the set.
  • Great value for price.
Cons
  • The violet watercolor paint is less transparent.

Review:

Purchasing watercolor paints might be a stressful process but going with a Sennelier Watercolor paint set is a no brainer as Sennelier makes a few of the best watercolor paints available in the market for professional watercolor painting. One thing to keep in mind is the paints are not student grade paints, so I would only recommend these if you are a professional artist who can appreciate these quality art supplies.

With over 100 years of making the best watercolor paint sets, you can always instantly improve your watercolor paintings with Sennelier watercolors. Their watercolor pans in this set are amazingly vibrant and I cannot recommend them enough.


04) Montmar Art Artists Special Watercolor Paint

15ml Tubes 34 Color Set

Montmar Art Artists Special Watercolor Paint main image

Features:

• 15ml Tubes

• 34 Color set

• Finest high-grade gum arabic

• Soft and stable color

• Clear and vivid colors

Description:

Colors that pop off the page. This water color, called Montmar Art Artists’ Water Color, is made with only the best pigments and gum arabic.

The color is smooth and consistent and it’s long-lasting and doesn’t fade, even when blended with other colors.

Art professionals, including professors, writers, and others who have been involved in the process from the beginning to the end, have confirmed that the product is of the highest quality.

Pros
  • Paint tubes last longer than dry paint
  • Liquid paint mixes well with other paints
  • Artist quality paint
Cons
  • If not used for a long period of time the liquid paint can dry up
  • Can have an issue with availability

Review:

As watercolor paints go, Montmar Art Artists Special Watercolor Paint is a step above other watercolor tubes as the vibrant colors mix well to create more exciting colors.

These 34 professional grade paints sets are best for a variety of professional watercolor techniques.

If you are not a big fan of watercolor pans and prefer tube paints, Montmar Art Artists Special Watercolor Paint will satisfy you immensely.


05) Windsor & Newton Artist Watercolors

5ml, 24 Color Professional Set

Windsor & Newton Artist Watercolors main image

Features:

• 24 Color Set

• 5ml tubes

• Transparent Color

• Stable and gentle hues

•Watercolors in the traditional French style

Description:

Chemistry and art were brought together in 1832 to provide fine artists with an unprecedented range of color, clarity, and durability in their mediums.

This set by Winsor & Newton includes 24 key colors, all of which are manufactured with high-quality, fine-art pigments.

Windsor & Newton’s whole 40-color watercolour collection is also available for purchase and in even greater sizes too.

Pros
  • Even when mixed, the colors remain faithful to their original hues.
  • Stunning, bright and vibrant professional paint.
  • The tube and paint are easy to use.
Cons
  • On the pricer side of watercolor paints.
  • Might be a little challenging for amateur painters.

Review:

If you are someone who is serious about watercolor paintings, these could be the product that takes you from being a good artist and make you into a great artist.

The pigments and colors are all very vibrant and are used by many professional artists.

If you outgrow watercolor, Winsor & Newton also make professional quality acrylic paints.

So as an artist getting into the Winsor & Newton ecosystem is totally worth it and you’ll never look back.


General Information About Professional Watercolor Paints

The majority of professional watercolor paints are composed of four primary ingredients: pigments, gum arabic, additives such as glycerin, ox gall, and honey, and finally evaporating water, which serves as a solvent for the paint.

Most professional watercolors are made with high-quality pigments and gum arabic that make the paint rich and bright.

Generally speaking, watermedia refers to any painting medium that uses water as a solvent and can be applied with a brush, pen, or sprayer.

Nevertheless, the term is more specific. Among these are the majority of inks, watercolors, temperas, caseins, gouaches, and contemporary acrylic paints.


Conclusion / Roundup

Watercolor paints are made of pigments suspended in a water-based solution. People make stunning paintings by mixing palettes and creating vibrant colors on their canvases.

Professional paints come in various shapes and sizes such as full pans, half pans, paint tubes and so on.

Amidst all these brands and types, I hope this list helps you find the one set that is best for you.


FAQs

What watercolor paints do professionals use?

Most professional artists use watercolors from brands such as Daniel Smith watercolor, Winsor Newton professional watercolor, Van Gogh, RATEL Premium, Sennelier – L’Aquarelle and so on.

What are the highest quality watercolors?

The highest quality watercolors are from Sennelier – L’Aquarelle or Winsor Newton Cotman which are made with rich, bright pigments and high quality gum arabic.

Do professional artists use watercolor?

Many professional artists use watercolor as well as acrylic and oil colors.

Are Van Gogh watercolor paints professional?

Van Gogh watercolor are used by artists starting into professional water paintings. So, yes, Van Gogh watercolor paints are considered professional.

Is Arteza watercolor paint professional grade?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as different artists may have different opinions and preferences when it comes to choosing a watercolor paint.

However, some professional artists do use Arteza watercolor paints, so they can certainly be considered professional-grade paints.

Whether or not you choose to use them depends on your own personal tastes and preferences.

Ultimately, the most important thing is that you are happy with your choice and feel confident using the paints to create beautiful watercolor paintings.

Are watercolor paints washable?

Yes, watercolor paints are washable.

owever, you may need to use a mild detergent and warm water to remove any stubborn stains.

You should also be careful not to rub the paint too hard, as this could damage the surface of your painting.


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Written By Adam Rushton

Adam has made a name for himself in the illustration industry and is a passionate blogger and writer on the subject of art, illustration and graphic design.

His artwork has been featured in countless publications and used for very well-known media projects. As a professional illustrator for over 20 years, Adams media outlets, a wealth of knowledge, and experience enable him to consult and advise artists and illustrators in this country (from York and Manchester to Southampton and London) and all over the world.


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