Question from Susan T:
“Tracy, I need help selecting watercolors. Can you please give me some tips that fit in a tight budget?”
First off, Susan — I LOVE this question! Trust me, if a new paint set crosses my path, I am more than happy to try it out. But, I always stick to my golden rule:
I only recommend art supplies that I know, use, and LOVE.
So let’s dive in! If you’re looking for beautiful watercolors on a budget, here’s where I suggest starting:
💛 My Tried and True: Art Philosophy/Prima Watercolors
These have been my go-to for years. They come in gorgeous, vibrant colors and the small metal travel tins make them super easy to toss in a bag and take anywhere. The best part? They’re at a great price point, which is why I stock them in my shop HERE!
🖍 Where I Started: Crayola and Prang
No shame here — I borrowed my kids’ Crayola and Prang watercolor sets when I first dipped my brush into this world. They work! But… they are limited in color selection and tend to run out pretty quickly. You definitely get what you pay for, and they’re a fun, affordable place to begin if you’re just testing the waters.
🚀 Taking it Up a Notch:
If you’re ready to invest a little more into your watercolor journey, here are a few sets I absolutely LOVE:
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Daniel Smith Pan Watercolors
I have both pan sets, and let me tell you, Daniel Smith is like the Mercedes-Benz of watercolor. Gorgeous pigments, beautiful granulation — just dreamy.
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Sennelier Watercolor Set
This set is a little larger (so not as easy to carry around), but the colors… WOW. The pigment load and quality are outstanding. Worth the splurge if you want that rich rainbow at your fingertips!
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Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors
These are a bit different — they tend to be more opaque than traditional watercolors, which makes them super fun for mixed media projects or bold, bright pieces – again, these are not so transportable
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MeiLiang Watercolor Paint Set
Another wonderful starter set! These come in a sturdy metal tin and often include a waterbrush, making them great for traveling or beginners who want to jump right in.
🌟 Coming Soon to Tracy’s Toolbox:
We’ll dive into gouache, tube watercolors, and more advanced options in future posts — so stay tuned!
Keep your awesome questions coming! I’m currently sitting on my back porch, enjoying a peaceful morning of writing, and loving every second of connecting with you all this way.
If there’s a product you want me to review or try out for you — let me know! I’m happy to test and share my honest thoughts.
Until next time, happy painting!
🎨💛 Tracy