10 Best Watercolour Paints 2025 in the UK

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour 'Complete Travel Tin', with its 24 half pans, is a solid choice for both beginners and experienced artists seeking a portable and comprehensive set. One of the primary strengths of this product is its use of high-quality artist pigments, which results in vibrant and intense colours that enhance the vibrancy of any artwork. With excellent luminosity and a wide range of colors, this set is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of artistic needs.

Despite being marketed as 'student grade', the high pigment concentration gives the paints strong colour payoff, which can sometimes rival more expensive artist-grade options. The set includes a variety of shades, from bright yellows and reds to deep blues and greens, providing a versatile palette for diverse projects. Furthermore, the transparent nature of these watercolours allows for easy layering and melding of colours, a crucial factor for creating depth in watercolour paintings.

There are some limitations to consider. While the set includes a generous 24 colours, it may not contain all the specific shades a professional artist might require, potentially necessitating the purchase of additional individual pans or tubes. Additionally, the Cotman range, being student grade, may not offer the same level of lightfastness as some higher-end products, which could affect the longevity of the artwork if exposed to sunlight over time.

The portability of the travel tin is a notable advantage, making it easy to take this set on-the-go for plein air painting or for convenience when traveling. This feature, combined with the relatively affordable price point, makes it particularly appealing to art students and hobbyists. The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour 'Complete Travel Tin' is a practical and user-friendly set that provides a good balance of quality and affordability for a wide range of users.

The ARTISTRO Watercolour Paint Set includes 48 vivid colors, with a mix of standard, metallic, and fluorescent hues, making it appealing to artists who seek variety and creativity in their work. The set is designed to cater to both professional artists and hobbyists, boasting high-quality pigments that promise vibrant and bright colors. For those who are concerned about safety, the paints are non-toxic and conform to safety standards, which is great for both adults and children above the age of three.

In terms of portability, the set excels with its compact and lightweight design, packaged in a stylish mint tin box. This makes it an excellent choice for artists on the move, allowing for artistic exploration in various environments—from the comfort of your studio to the refreshing outdoors.

It includes a flexible brush, water brush pen, and other useful tools, making it ready-to-use right out of the box, which is beneficial for beginners. The fact that it is labeled as both student and artist grade suggests it may not meet the strict standards of dedicated professionals looking for artist-grade paints with high pigment concentration and transparency. Nevertheless, it shines as a versatile and giftable option, perfect for creative activities like journaling, calligraphy, and sketching. This set is a fantastic starter or travel companion for budding artists and casual creators who value color diversity and ease of use.