The best watercolor paint can vary depending on the preferences of the artist, the type of painting they are pursuing, and their skill level. However, some factors play a key role in determining the quality of watercolor paints, including pigmentation, transparency, lightfastness, consistency, and ease of use. In this guide, we’ll explore these attributes and provide recommendations for top watercolor paint brands that cater to a wide range of needs.
Key Factors in Choosing Watercolor Paint
- Pigmentation
Pigmentation refers to the type and quality of the colorant used in the paint. High-quality watercolor paints contain more pigment and less filler, which leads to vibrant colors and greater intensity. The richness of the pigments also ensures that the paint will mix well and retain its hue even when diluted with water. Artists should look for paints that contain high pigment concentration, as these paints are more likely to be vivid and produce more layers of depth and tone in their work. - Transparency
Watercolors are known for their transparency, which allows for layering and the creation of beautiful washes. The best watercolor paints should offer good transparency without becoming too opaque. Transparent paints allow the light to pass through layers, creating luminosity in the artwork. While some pigments are naturally more opaque, the transparency level can often be controlled through the application of water, so finding a set with a variety of transparent and semi-transparent options is ideal. - Lightfastness
Lightfastness refers to the ability of a pigment to retain its color over time when exposed to light. Watercolor paints with high lightfastness are less likely to fade when exposed to sunlight or artificial lighting. Artists, especially those creating works meant for long-term display, should prioritize paints with excellent lightfastness ratings. This is particularly important for collectors and galleries who want to ensure that the artwork remains vibrant for years to come. - Consistency and Texture
Watercolor paints should be easy to apply and should have a smooth texture when mixed with water. The consistency can vary from brand to brand and even from color to color within the same set. Some watercolors are soft and creamy, while others are more granular, creating different textures and effects in the artwork. The best paints allow for smooth washes and rich color gradients without streaking or clumping. - Ease of Use
Watercolor paints should also be easy to work with, especially for beginners. Some paints re-wet easily with a brush, while others may require more effort to activate. For new artists, paints that re-wet quickly and have a creamy consistency are more forgiving and can help them learn the medium faster. On the other hand, more experienced artists may prefer paints that offer greater control and more intricate effects.
Top Watercolor Paint Brands
- Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolors
Winsor & Newton is a longstanding brand known for producing some of the highest-quality watercolors on the market. Their Professional Watercolors are known for their superior pigmentation, lightfastness, and transparency. These paints are made with finely milled pigments that deliver exceptional color intensity and depth. The line offers a broad selection of hues, and many artists consider Winsor & Newton to be the gold standard in watercolor paints.
The paints are highly responsive to water, allowing artists to manipulate color easily, whether they’re creating delicate washes or rich layers. The range of colors available, along with their excellent mixing properties, makes this brand a favorite for both professional artists and beginners alike.
- Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors
Daniel Smith is another highly respected brand in the world of watercolor painting. Their Extra Fine Watercolors are known for their exceptional range of colors, many of which are made from unique pigments not found in other brands. This is particularly appealing to artists looking for colors that are not available in traditional sets. Daniel Smith paints are praised for their vibrant colors, excellent lightfastness, and smooth application.
One of the unique selling points of Daniel Smith is their expansive selection of specialty pigments, such as luminescent, pearlescent, and iridescent colors. These specialty colors allow artists to create distinctive effects and textures in their work that are not easily achievable with other brands.
- Sennelier Watercolors
Sennelier is a French brand known for producing luxurious watercolors that are ideal for fine art applications. Sennelier’s paints are handmade using a traditional method that includes honey as a binder, which imparts a smooth, velvety texture. This also contributes to the longevity of the paint, as the honey helps prevent cracking and enhances the flow of the pigment.
Sennelier watercolors are known for their vibrant, rich color and smooth consistency. The honey binder makes them easy to re-wet, which is ideal for artists who need to take breaks and then return to their work. Sennelier is particularly appreciated by artists who value traditional craftsmanship and luxurious textures in their materials.
- Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Watercolors
Schmincke is another top-tier brand that produces premium watercolor paints. Their Horadam Aquarell series is especially popular due to its high pigment load and unique characteristics. These paints are known for their excellent lightfastness, transparency, and intense color payoff. Schmincke’s watercolors are smooth and easy to work with, making them a great option for artists of all skill levels.
What sets Schmincke apart is the company’s commitment to producing colors with superior mixing properties. Their paints are formulated to allow for subtle gradations of color, which gives artists more control over the painting process.
- M. Graham Watercolors
M. Graham produces watercolors that are highly regarded for their buttery consistency and exceptional pigment quality. These paints are made with a natural honey and glycerin binder, which makes them highly responsive to water and easy to work with. The honey binder also helps the pigments stay moist for longer periods of time, reducing waste and making it easier for artists to work on extended projects.
Artists who prefer a smooth, creamy consistency will appreciate M. Graham’s watercolors. The colors are intense and vibrant, and the lightfastness rating is excellent across their entire range.
- Arteza Watercolors
For beginners and intermediate artists looking for quality at an affordable price, Arteza offers an excellent selection of watercolors. While they may not be as refined as professional-grade paints, Arteza’s watercolors provide excellent value for money. The pigments are decent, and the colors are vibrant enough for everyday painting projects.
Arteza’s watercolors are easy to work with and have a smooth consistency, which makes them ideal for those learning how to use the medium. They also offer a wide range of sets, from basic colors to more specialized sets that cater to specific needs.
- Holbein Artist Watercolors
Holbein is a Japanese brand that is known for producing artist-grade watercolors with a high concentration of pigment. The Holbein Artist Watercolors are favored for their ability to maintain rich color even when diluted with water. They are also highly transparent and have great flow, which makes them a great choice for detailed and delicate washes.
Holbein’s watercolors are praised for their consistency, with many artists noting how easily they re-wet and mix. The colors tend to be clean and bright, making them suitable for a wide range of artistic applications.
Conclusion
Choosing the best watercolor paint depends on an artist’s individual needs, preferences, and budget. Professional brands like Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith, and Schmincke offer exceptional quality with a broad range of colors and characteristics that cater to seasoned artists. For those just beginning their journey into watercolors, brands like Arteza and M. Graham offer excellent options at more affordable price points.
Ultimately, the best watercolor paint is the one that aligns with your artistic style and goals. Whether you are creating detailed portraits, soft landscapes, or vibrant abstract works, selecting the right paint will greatly enhance your ability to express yourself through this versatile medium.
