Reddit reviews Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Sketchers' Pocket Box, Half Pans, 14-Pieces

Please don't buy the pad I use, it's not designed for watercolors. Here's one of my watercolor sets, you can buy it on amazon. As for a pad, just buy any watercolor pad and you should be good to go. Good luck!

between those two, i support the cotman.

HOWEVER, please consider the white nights set. i dont have this myself but it's a palette i've had on my list for several months now. it's the same price but the white nights is artist-grade (professional) paint. also, this Schpirr Farben set is also artist-grade. i also don't have this myself but is on my list. you can find reviews on youtube.

PM me if you're interested in my in depth review of the cotman pocket box set. i have this one.


EDIT: i'd like to add some pros and cons. the white nights set is very well known and has been around for a long time. many artists will vouch for it. however, the pans aren't of 'standard' size. as for the schpirr farben, that one is quite new i believe but it has great reviews. also, the metal box it comes with is versatile.

also note that these two sets i mentioned, both don't have the colour white. so you get 'more' colour which is very good in my opinion.

When I started I got a set of Winsor and Newton Cotman colours...

Something like this

The Cotman sets are student quality rather than artists quality but they gave me a really good grounding in how to use watercolour. After about a year I moved on to W&N Artist Quality. The set I've linked comes with a small palette and a brush. In addition to that I'd get a flat brush and maybe one other round brush a bit bigger that the one supplied. The only other thing you need is water and some kitchen towel.

I hope this helps!

i have the same set, its the "sketchers compact set" in the link i believe. https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Colour-Compact/dp/B00004THXI?th=1

I just started about a month ago and I had the same questions! I did some research on here and youtube to see what others recommended, and I decided on these:

• Watercolors: Winsor & Newton Cotman
  
  • I've seen this recommended a lot, and I saw quite a few youtubers using it. I've been very happy with it, and it's been satisfying all my needs as just a casual hobbyist.
    
• Brush: Silver Black Velvet, Round, Size 8
  
  • Brush selection made the biggest difference for me. I initially started with the cheap brushes that come in a combo pack from Michael's but found that they didn't work too well for holding water and applying the pigment. This is now the only brush I use, and I love it. I think the size 8 is a good middle-of-the-road size because I can get some finer lines with it and also put down a decent wash. I haven't yet felt the need to get a separate wash brush, but I think that's what I'd get next.
    
• Paper: Canson Watercolor Pad
  
  • I think the general rule of thumb is to go with at least 300gsm weight paper. I like using a smaller pad since I'm still learning and painting small things, and the size isn't intimidating.
    
    Here's an album of some of the things I painted with the supplies I listed: https://imgur.com/gallery/cDXH13G
    
    As for tutorials, I'm a fan of Coco Bee Art, Makoccino, and The Mind of Watercolor on youtube.
    
    Hope that helps! And of course, these are just my own recommendations. Definitely go out and see what other people have to say.

Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Sketchers Pocket Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004THXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_584.Ab298Z73K

I bought this one a year ago and it is still going strong! Totally recommended it.

Cute painting! I love elephants :) It looks like you're got a good grasp on how watercolors work, and to preserve whites of the paper. My biggest suggestion, as others said, would be to get some actual watercolor paper because you aren't going to get the lovely blooming, watery effect on canvas. I am not sure what paints you are using, but I would suggest a good quality paint too. Paper in this case would be more important! I do think changing up your supplies is going to give you that watercolor oomph you might be looking for.


I recommend in this order for paper:

• at least 140lb whatever you decide.
  
  
• Strathmore 400 series. This isn't "artist quality" but it's a pretty nice paper and afforable. For me, it handled better than the cheap "Canson XL watercolor" paper. You can get this at Michaels and probably Hobby Lobby.
  
  
• Arches. Expensive stuff. Highly praised but I got to admit it's not my faovrite. Seemed to warp more than others. This is at Michaels and HL but it's cheaper to buy online.
  
  
• Saunders Waterford. Also more expensive, harder to get in the US besides block style. The blocks annoy me though because it uses black glue on the edges which I found very hard to remove from the paper.
  
  
• Fabriano Artistico (the artist grade), this is so far my favorte paper.
  
  
  If you've not used real WC paper before it's going to behave differently than canvas; it's going to warp while you paint on it. You can tape it down to your desk to keep it workable (or a masonite panel really cheap on dickblick.com, or a gator board), and after your painting is done and dry - flip it over onto a clean DRY pillowcase, wet the pack with a sponge (lightly but covered), lay a thin pillowcase/sheet overtop and iron the paper flat. Can take 10-15 minutes of continuous ironing, make sure to keep it moving. Make SURE not to get the front side wet.
  
  
  Next, I would recommend at least 1 large round brush. I really like this one:
  
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00512C1VS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  
  Then, for paints, I'd recommend if your budget is tight a Cotman set like this,
  
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Colour-Sketchers/dp/B00004THXI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482286770&sr=8-1&keywords=cotman+watercolors
  
  
  You can get this at Michaels but it's...ridiculously more expensive.
  
  
  But if you can afford it, lines such as: Daniel Smith, M. Graham, Holbein. Remember that you don't have to just use one brand and pigments can vary from brand to brand! Check out:
  
  
  http://www.janeblundellart.com/building-your-palette-of-colours.html
  
  
  For color suggestions starting out.
  
  
  Lastlyyyy, check out dickblick.com, cheapjoes.com, jerrysartarama.com for supplies. Cross check it with Amazon. Usually the art supply sites are a few dollars cheaper and that really adds up on tubes of paint. jacksonsart.com ships brushes for free to the US, tend to be a good bit cheaper, but shipping can take a few weeks.

Welcome!

The best way to start with watercolours is to dive right in. You'll need a few things first:

1. Watercolor paper. There are different types, and different weights, but when you're starting out I'd just grab any sketchbook that says it's for watercolor. You really need to not use regular paper or you'll get a ton of buckling and other unpleasantness.
   
   
2. Paint. Pans or tubes. Comes down to personal preference... I think a lot of people use both. If you go with pans, here are two popular sets for beginners: 1 2. I'd probably lean towards the koi set because it comes with a water brush which is nice to have.
   
   
3. A brush or two. Don't get a bunch when you're starting off... you'd probably be fine with just the water brush from above depending on the size of stuff you want to paint. I know I have a bunch, but I only ever really use 3: a big one for covering large spaces, a tiny one I use for small details, and a medium one I use 90% of the time.
   
   Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

🙁 sorry you feel that way. I have major depression as well and it's been really tough, but we just gotta keep moving.

I have this watercolor paint set because I've been wanting to learn water painting. I think it will help with my anxiety and depression to have something calming to do.

I would suggest the Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Sketchers Pocket Box. You can find it at most craft stores and it is a great set for beginners. The set comes with pans which are larger than the Koi pans. These watercolors are transparent and not opaque, so you may have to adjust how you use the watercolors in your painting. Hope this helps!

Winsor and Newton is one of the most reputable brands, used by many professionals. I highly recommend their starting pallet, it's what I first used and is very affordable.

Amazon Link:
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Sketchers Pocket Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004THXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wkokzb8B7G5BC

For $50 you can get her some nice starter paints, maybe some brushes (I know I'm personally REALLY picky about my brushes), some nice paper, and maybe a nice porcelain palette. If you don't have a local craft store, I suggest either amazon or dick blick for internet shopping fun!

If she'd like cake sets, this would be a good starter set, Winsor and Newton is a good brand.

Or you can add on some tube watercolors if you so choose. (again I went with this brand but you can look at others, I have had some of the cheaper ones go bad on me)

I'm not sure what size of paper she wants but here is some basic watercolor paper. Of course you can find more fancy cold press papers as well.

As far as brushes, as I said I'm pretty picky, but you can start with a nice starter set. Something like this or this is similar to what I started out with. If you'd like to start her out with just one or two really good brushes let me know and I can get out my brushes and link you to ones I personally like. But really it all comes down to personal preference, as I've used hundreds of brushes over the years and brushes that I've liked aren't the same that say other artists like.

And if you still have some money left over I'd recommend a nice porcelain palette. Most sets come with plastic which is okay, but I find that porcelain is just much nicer to mix watercolor in, and of course lasts longer! This is the one I use but this is a nice one as well!

Hope that gives you some help!

I have this box http://amzn.com/B00004THXI is very small (and cute haha) but it lasts for a long time and the pigments are great! And I love the size, is perfect for a small bag and you can take it anywhere!

I also use this brush http://amzn.com/B0027A5J8O I love it because you can fill it with water and carry it around :).

Also, Strathmore paper is very good, just get the size you like. And that's all my watercolor knowledge haha, good luck :).

I'll definitely start watching crochet tutorials!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00004THXI/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Windsor and Newton Cotman watercolours. Five times more expensive in Australian than the UK.

Here is a pocket sketchbox, with 20% VAT, for £8.39. Roughly double to get to AUD, then minus 10% to even with the 10% GST, and you get AUD$15.10.

Here is the same kit for AUD$76.95.

That's five times more expensive.

I’m new as well but I’ve done lots (maybe too much) research. What is your budget? From what I understand Windsor & Newton Cotman paints are a good student/hobby grade paint. They sell them in nifty little 12 pan kits that pretty much provide all the colors you need to make good mixes.

Here is a travel set for about $13:
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Sketchers Pocket Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004THXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qq8Tzb8SY82G3

If you are willing to spend a little more on paint for artist grade I hear excellent things about these: St Petersburg White Nights Watercolour : NEW 12 Pan Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006FHNE3C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Gt8TzbT5PD01H

I’ve seen these really cool portable brushes: High-end art travel painting brush Synthetic Sable Round Hair Short Handle Brush for Acrylic Oil and watercolor painting 3Pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3VMDED/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5r8TzbVV97JR3

Or you can use a water brush: Pentel Arts Aquash Water Brush Assorted Tips, Pack of 3 (FRHBFMBP3) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AX31TZO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Os8TzbN7TW9AQ

As for Paper, I really want one of these myself: Moleskine Watercolor Album Sketchbook - 5"x8" (Spanish Edition) https://www.amazon.com/dp/8883705629/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vz8TzbWWMHY1M


I hope this helps! :)

winsor newton is a great brand here is a link to a small set http://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Colour-Sketchers/dp/B00004THXI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451194532&sr=8-1&keywords=winsor+newton+set hope this helps

いえいえ、このセットを使います。母のセット（１９９０から）を使ってるんですけど、internetで買えます。

Well, heres some tools I like to use and/or think might be a good choice for someone:

For sketching and whatnot this
pencil set is good.

Also Erasers and Blenders are useful

Charcoal pencils are cool too, but maybe not the best starting point. heres a link anyway

Oh, and drawing paper

I realize all this is getting expensive so maybe its best to get her this drawing set. The quality isn't as high in these complete sets, but it does gives her a wide variety of tools to experiment with. (including coloring pencils) The paper sucks in this set, so I would still probably get that separately.

The same folks also make a beginners set of acrylic here. Which seems pretty cool. Again though, it would probably be a good idea to get more paper. I've used this acrylic paper and it seems to be pretty good.


Also, If you want, it might be better to go for watercolor over acrylic.
If so, here is some decent stuff:

Paint or Cheaper Paint

Brushes

Paper

Well, that's all that springs to mind. Let me know if you have any questions that I might be able to answer.

I've used Rembrandt (meh) and Derwent pencils - the Derwents are nice on the go, but my favourite so far is this:

https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Colour-Sketchers/dp/B00004THXI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491486681&sr=8-1&keywords=winsor+and+newton+watercolor

The Cotman sketchers kit. I have three tubes added to it - Payne's Grey, Ultramarine Violet and Leaf Green. There's three mixing spaces in the top, I just leave a bit of each colour squeezed in the top because it dries between uses, and I find it to be a good 'complete' colour kit.

If you want the 24 pan set, it's here: https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Water-Color-Metal/dp/B001M6VMTY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1491486681&sr=8-2&keywords=winsor+and+newton+watercolor

I like the half pans for sketching, but if I'm doing professional illustrations in my studio, I usually use tubes (Holbein or Winsor and Newton are my faves). I do keep going back to the red in the Cotman pans though!

Good luck!

Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Sketchers' Pocket Box, Half Pans, 14-Pieces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004THXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JclDCbHYP1FCD

I got the 24-set last year after reading lots of positive reviews on amazon.

Good stuff: it's portable, has a lot of colors, and they are vivid.

Bad stuff: they are super chalky and therefore difficult to work with, and the set-up feels clumsy to use.

My review is probably skewed because my usual pallet is artist quality tube paints, but I tried the Koi set once and never wanted to use it again. I should probably give it a second chance, and someone used to student paints will probably enjoy it.

After trying a few set-ups, this is my favorite travel kit. I did replace the pans with my prefered tube colors, and use a waterbrush.

I use this one!

I've only used it for a couple of weeks but my friend /u/hika-tamari recommended it. And she has done some amazing things with them !

Get the 40% or more off coupon code at Michaels, you can use your phone. See if you can get 40% off all, instead of just one item. Otherwise bring a friend and use it on the expensive items.

• 15$ to 30$ - Paints like Winsor & Newton or Reeves or Prima I would avoid Artist Loft's paint as I have no experiance but other Michaels stuff is hit or miss. I think cakes is easiest to start with.
  
• 2$ - Palette or something to mix on. Dollar Store is probably good enough, otherwise like 5$.
  
• 20$ Paper - Canson or Strathmore make good tear off sheets. Make sure it says watercolour. A pad of paper is easier to start with then a bound sketchbook. These are usually on a buy two get one free type sale.
  
• 15$ - A brush set or Waterbrush if she travels with it (if you get this get it on amazon its overpriced in store) aim for something soft and labelled student or professioinal. Basically not Crayola.
  
• EDIT a WATERPROOF Sharpie.
  
  Depending on sales you can probably get everything for 50$. You might be able to get under 40$ but it'll be damn hard. The drawing pencils and kneaded erasers are cheapest at an art store where they will be sold loose for a few dollars, however with Christmas coming up also keep an eye out for sketching sets as they will use a like 5.99$ one to get all the art students back in stores and tempt them with other things

The Windsor-Newton watercolor kits are a good place to start. It comes with a little round brush that is a good starting point if you're just learning. https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Colour-Sketchers/dp/B00004THXI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518462587&sr=8-1&keywords=windsor+newton+watercolors&dpID=51QBIpNNTuL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Here is the brand I like : https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00004THXI/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1482435653&sr=8-12&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=watercolors
I have a bigger one but it seems to cost an arm and a leg on amazon, you might want to check out in an art supply center :)

Hi! I got started with watercolor using Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Sketcher Pocket Box http://amzn.to/2gepCLr , it is a good starter with all the basic colors. Right now I really love tube paints mainly because I can choose which colors I want. But they are more of an investment, and I would only recommend doing that once you figure out which colors and brands you like.

For paper, I would recommend using watercolor paper. Any brand will be good to start with. Also, one thing to remember is that watercolor paper comes in two paper textures - Hot press (smooth texture, like regular paper) and Cold Press (textured). For me personally, I love Cold Press. I enjoy having that little bit of texture show through, but it is all about preference.

For brushes, I would make sure you choose ones that are for watercolor, because they are designed to hold water. Don't get the really cheap ones, because those will fall apart. But you really don't need the super expensive kinds either. I would always buy mine when they were on sale. Also, you only really need one or two to start out with. I have several brushes, but I only really use about two or three of them.

Also, like the other person said, youtube is amazing for tutorials, and also product reviews.

I don't have a lot of experience with watercolors so I'm probably not the best person to ask, but I did notice u/Anila_Tac (hope you don't mind I tagged you) posts weekly watercolour tips so maybe get in touch with her or look out for her posts. Visiting r/watercolor might also be worth a try.

I think it's safe to just search for "watercolour paper" on Amazon and choose from the results (do look at the reviews, of course). Since you're starting out, the "best" paper is whatever gets you to practice a lot, so the cheap stuff will do. You likely won't be able to tell the difference between the basic and "professional"-level materials at this point, or make full use of its potential, so don't stress about getting the "best". Just doing a search here, some of the results show up some brands I can recognise, like Canson XL or Strathmore - those should be fairly safe if you're unsure of what to get. As for paint... I saw that Winsor & Newton sells this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004THXI

That looks like a good starter set, and you could move on to tubes later once you have more experience. (You might prefer a different brush than the one that comes with it though, but just try it out first.)

This article might also help explain some of the terms and properties of watercolour paper: https://www.art-is-fun.com/watercolor-paper/

I like to carry these:

Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Sketchers Pocket Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004THXI/

Refilled with some extra favorite colors.

da Vinci Travel Series 1503 Maestro Watercolor Brush, Round Kolinsky Red Sable with Pocket Case Handle, Size 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0041MQ0E8/

CANSON Montval Watercolor Postcards 140lbs 4"x6", Silky Surface https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0776D3WJV/

Generals G314 Draughting Pencil 2/Pk https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0027ACGIA/

An old film canister for water in which I store a chunk of real sponge.

They all pack up into a zippered pouch.

The watercolor block postcards are key since I mail them to friends and family and home.

You've got enough money to buy the acrylics you're using now, and presumably you're not counting on those to last you the rest of your life, so you'll be buying more of them at some point. I expect you could put together $15-20 or so for a small set of watercolors like this one: Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Sketchers' Pocket Box, Half Pans, 14-Pieces https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00004THXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_H.JzCbG5Y95SJ

• Supplies: this is an easy, great quality set to start http://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Colour-Sketchers/dp/B00004THXI/ .
  
  
• Just start! Get some paper and start sketching directly in watercolor to get the hang of the medium; while producing small work, the more you produce the better you'll get at it.

You may want to consider the Portable Painter

Or get a Cotman’s Pocket Box and put whatever half pans you want in that

Otherwise as far as I know that Whiskey Painters palette linked in a comment earlier is the only one with the set up you like.

Edit: after looking a little on Etsy under “vintage watercolor tin” I found this and I’m so sure you could clean it up and fill it with your favorites!

If you’re new, I suggest going with this Windsor & Newton box set:

Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Sketchers' Pocket Box, Half Pans, 14-Pieces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004THXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1r6wCb9AXRR69

It’s great for mixing colors, and a lot of the time you can get them at arts and craft stores like Michaels or AC Moore with a coupon.


I do suggest, taking the cake out of the white paint pan, and filling it with Payne’s Grey from the tube. The Cotman colors are really smooth, vibrant, and transparent.

! do it!

I am very much an amateur just sort of... doing whatever. I am a huge supporter of the idea of "AH WHATEVER, do what makes you happy" laughs.

https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Colour-Sketchers/dp/B00004THXI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1517883166&sr=8-3&keywords=windsor+newton+watercolor+set

the palette i'm using. I'm a COMPLETE amateur with watercolor, honestly, so these paints are student grade, not artist/professional, but I don't have the experience to know better. they seem fine to my untrained hand, and are cheap enough that i dont worry about "wasting" them. Someone more experienced could probably suggest a better palette but my concern was more "I want to not be stressed out about making mistakes with a+++ price supplies," so thats what I went for. (I did pop out the white and squeeze some payne's grey into the pan to replace it though)

I'm not even using the right sketchbook for them laughs i just like seeing colour as i flip through the pages. Watercolour is such a cheap medium. If you're into it, I definitely say heckin do it.

https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Sketchers-14-Pieces/dp/B00004THXI

https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Kolinsky-Pointed-Brushes/dp/B015TAVH0M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=winsor+%26+newton+series+7+size+1&qid=1565800268&s=gateway&sprefix=winsor+and+newton+series+&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Royal-Talens-Rembrandt-Watercolor-140lbs/dp/B00R2B14SC/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=watercolor+paper+rembrandt&qid=1565800332&s=gateway&sr=8-4

haha yes! this set actually has a really nice dinky little brush but if I am to get beyond A5 pieces I am going to have to get a bigger one!

This was the set I bought, btw.