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11 Best Travel Watercolor Set for 2024

Published:

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Terese Gordy

11-best-travel-watercolor-set-for-2023

Are you a travel enthusiast and an avid watercolor artist? Are you looking for the perfect set of watercolors to take along on your adventures in 2023? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the 11 best travel watercolor sets for 2023. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced painter, these sets are carefully curated to provide you with high-quality pigments, compact packaging, and ease of use while on the go. Prepare to elevate your artistic experiences during your travels with these top-notch watercolor sets.

Top Picks:

Overall Score: 9/10

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is a compact and lightweight field pocket set perfect for outdoor watercolor painting. It includes 12 half pans of high-quality watercolors that possess good transparency and excellent tinting strength. The set also comes with a pocket brush, an artist's sponge, a water bottle, and a clip-on water container. With a range of vibrant colors, this set is ideal for both beginners and experienced artists. It offers professional-grade quality at an economical price. The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is convenient and offers everything needed for creating beautiful watercolor artworks on the go.

Key Features

  • Economical range of high-quality watercolors
  • Transparency and excellent tinting strength
  • Compact and lightweight field pocket set
  • Includes pocket brush, artist's sponge, water bottle, and clip-on water container
  • 12 half pans in a range of vibrant colors

Specifications

  • Color: Multicolor
  • Dimension: 5.12Lx1.57Wx2.76H
  • Size: 14 Piece Set

Pros

  • Good value for money
  • High-quality pigments
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Comes with essential accessories

Cons

  • Small brush
  • Limited water supply
  • Inconsistent aesthetics

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is a top choice for art enthusiasts who are looking for a portable and convenient watercolor set. Its high-quality pigments, compact design, and included accessories make it a reliable companion for outdoor painting. While the small brush and limited water supply may be minor downsides, the overall performance and value for money of this set are outstanding. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this set is sure to meet your watercolor painting needs. Bring your creativity to new heights with the Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set.

Overall Score: 9/10

The ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set is a high-quality, portable watercolor set that includes 48 vivid colors, including metallic and fluorescent shades. It is suitable for artists, amateur hobbyists, and painting lovers of all skill levels. The set comes in an elegant and giftable tin box, making it ideal for professionals or beginners. The watercolors are non-toxic and conform to safety standards. Everything needed to paint on the go is included, such as a water brush pen, watercolor paper, and a black marker. The set is compact, lightweight, and perfect for traveling. With vibrant colors and convenient features, this watercolor paint set provides endless possibilities for creative expression.

Key Features

  • High Quality Watercolor Paint Set
  • Create On the Go
  • Elegant Design & Giftable Box
  • Non-Toxic
  • Everything Included

Specifications

  • Color: Multicolor
  • Dimension: 8.07Lx3.70Wx1.65H
  • Size: 1 Count (Pack of 1)

Pros

  • Vibrant and vivid colors
  • Ideal for beginners and professionals
  • Compact and portable
  • Includes water brush pen and watercolor paper

Cons

  • Some colors may not match the chart
  • Metallic paints can absorb excess water

The ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set offers a wide range of vibrant colors, making it perfect for artists, hobbyists, and painting enthusiasts. With its compact and portable design, this set is great for painting on the go. The inclusion of a water brush pen and watercolor paper makes it convenient and versatile. While there may be slight inconsistencies in color matching and the metallic paints require careful handling, these minor drawbacks do not outweigh the overall quality and value of this set. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, the ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set is a fantastic choice for unleashing your creativity.

Overall Score: 8.5/10

The Jerry Q Art 24 Assorted Water Colors Travel Pocket Set is a high-quality refillable watercolor set that is perfect for painting on the go. It features 24 vibrant colors that are easy to blend, making it ideal for artists of all ages. The set comes with a quality water brush, sponge, and porcelain calligraphy dish, all neatly packed in a plastic case that fits easily in your pocket. The water colors conform to ASTM D4236 and come in a beautiful range of colors. This set is a great value and makes a perfect gift for any art lover. With its small size, light weight, and easy-to-use design, the Jerry Q Art 24 Assorted Water Colors Travel Pocket Set is a must-have accessory for any artist on the go.

Key Features

  • 24 Assorted Water Colors With a Quality Refillable Water Brush And Sponge
  • Designed To Fit In Your Pocket, Ideal For Painting On The go, Perfect For Artist of All Age
  • Water Colors Are Formulated To Blend Easily
  • Small Size, Light Weight and Beautiful Range of Color
  • Contents: 24 Vibrant Colors in 24 mini watercolor cakes, Quality Water Brush To Transport and store water, A Porcelain Calligraphy Dish, Sea Sponge, All in a Plastic Case

Specifications

  • Color: Random color
  • Dimension: 8.20Lx0.80Wx4.20H
  • Size: 27 Piece Set

Pros

  • Compact and portable design
  • Vibrant and easy-to-blend colors
  • Refillable water brush and sponge included
  • Comes with a porcelain calligraphy dish
  • Great value for the money

Cons

  • Some colors may stain
  • Pan size is smaller than standard
  • Limited mixing space
  • Not suitable for professional artists

The Jerry Q Art 24 Assorted Water Colors Travel Pocket Set is a fantastic option for artists on the go. The compact and portable design, along with the vibrant and easy-to-blend colors, make it a convenient and versatile choice. The included refillable water brush and sponge add to the overall value of the set. While it may not be suitable for professional artists, it is an excellent option for beginners, hobbyists, and those who enjoy painting as a recreational activity. The Jerry Q Art 24 Assorted Water Colors Travel Pocket Set offers great quality and convenience at an affordable price.

Overall Score: 8.5/10

The SAKURA Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit is a portable watercolor palette perfect for artists on the go. It includes 12 beautiful half-pan watercolor cakes that allow for mixing vibrant colors. The kit also comes with a 4 mL water brush with a medium tip, a dabbing sponge for artistic effects, and a palette for color mixing inside the snap case. The Sakura watercolor paints are of the highest quality and provide stunning results. This kit is ideal for students, hobbyists, and artists looking to paint anywhere and everywhere. Its compact size makes it easy to carry and store. Get creative with the SAKURA Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit and unleash your artistic potential!

Key Features

  • Portable Watercolor Palette for Art Anywhere
  • Create On the Go with the 4 m L water brush
  • Includes 12 half-pan watercolor cakes
  • Mix vibrant colors with the palette and dabbing sponge
  • Highest quality Sakura watercolor paints

Specifications

  • Color: Multicolor
  • Dimension: 3.50Lx1.00Wx6.10H
  • Size: 12 Count (Pack of 1)

Pros

  • Portable and compact
  • High-quality watercolors
  • Convenient palette for color mixing
  • Comes with a water brush and sponge

Cons

  • Colors may require more layering for intensity
  • Blocks may fall out of the pan
  • Water brush needs to be disassembled for storage
  • Limited color selection

The SAKURA Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit is a fantastic travel companion for artists. Its portable design, high-quality watercolors, and convenient features make it a must-have for painting on the go. While the color selection is limited, the ability to mix vibrant colors with the palette and sponge allows for endless creativity. The water brush and sponge provide the necessary tools for artistic effects. The compact size of the kit makes it easy to carry and store. Overall, the SAKURA Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit is highly recommended for students, hobbyists, and artists who want to explore their creativity anywhere and everywhere.

Overall Score: 8.5/10

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set offers high-quality watercolors at an economical price. With good transparency, excellent tinting strength, and good working properties, this set is perfect for both beginners and professionals. The pocket-sized plastic box with an integral mixing palette provides convenience for on-the-go painting. The set includes 12 Cotman Water Colour half pans, a pocket brush, and colors ranging from Lemon Yellow Hue to Chinese White. The pigments are vibrant and can be easily replaced or supplemented with additional colors. While some customers found the paint pans to be loose in the case, simple modifications like using removable glue dots can solve this issue. Overall, this versatile and compact watercolor set delivers great value and quality.

Key Features

  • Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colours with transparent performance
  • Pocket-sized plastic box with mixing palette
  • Includes 12 Cotman Water Colour half pans and a pocket brush
  • Variety of colors from Lemon Yellow Hue to Chinese White
  • Easily replaceable and expandable with additional paints

Specifications

  • Color: Multicolor
  • Dimension: 2.56Lx5.12Wx0.87H
  • Size: 13 Piece Set

Pros

  • Convenient pocket-size for travel
  • Good transparency and tinting strength
  • Versatile range of colors
  • Replaceable and expandable paint pans
  • High-quality pigments

Cons

  • Paint pans may be loose in the case
  • Difficulties opening the palette container

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is a reliable companion for artists on the go. Its compact size and integral mixing palette make it perfect for travel and outdoor painting. The variety of vibrant colors and the quality of the pigments ensure excellent results. Although the loose paint pans and difficulties opening the palette container can be minor drawbacks, they can be resolved with simple modifications. Overall, this paint set offers great value for its price and is suitable for both beginners and professionals. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Paris or creating masterpieces at home, this watercolor set is sure to ignite creativity and deliver satisfying paint results. Unleash your artistic potential with the Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set!

Overall Score: 9/10

The Professional Watercolor Paint Set from ZenART is a perfect companion for artists on the go. With its compact and portable tin, this set of vibrant and highly pigmented watercolors allows for joyful painting and exploration of new techniques. The set includes 12 pure and vibrant colors, carefully selected to create infinite harmony and facilitate color mixing. The non-toxic paints are certified to be safe and produce beautiful color mixes. Designed by artist Ardak Kassenova and co-created with fine artist Anastasia Shimshilashvili, this watercolor set is suitable for both beginners and aspiring artists. The high-quality paints dry quickly and last longer due to their high pigment load. With every purchase, you also contribute to creating a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable people around the globe. Get your ZenART Starter Set and start creating a better art and better life!

Key Features

  • Non-toxic professional paints for vibrant color mixes
  • Limited watercolor palette with 12 high-quality paints
  • Compact metal tin for painting on the go
  • Designed by artist Ardak Kassenova and co-created with Anastasia Shimshilashvili
  • Positive impact with every purchase

Specifications

  • Color: 07. Vista 12 Colors (Virtuoso)
  • Dimension: 2.91Lx0.94Wx4.88H
  • Size: 12 Count (Pack of 1)

Pros

  • Professional grade paint set with vibrant colors
  • Compact and sturdy metal tin for easy travel
  • High-quality and non-toxic paints
  • Great for beginners and aspiring artists
  • Supports a positive cause with every purchase

Cons

  • Tin may have issues with loose joints and removable pans
  • Limited color options in the set
  • Some colors could be more vibrant

The Professional Watercolor Paint Set from ZenART is a fantastic choice for artists who want a compact and portable watercolor set that doesn’t compromise on quality. The vibrant and highly pigmented colors allow for beautiful and expressive artwork, while the non-toxic formula ensures safety. The sturdy metal tin is perfect for painting on the go, and the set is designed by artists for artists, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals. Additionally, with each purchase, you contribute to making a positive impact in the world. While there may be a few minor drawbacks, such as the removable pans and limited color options, overall, this is a highly recommended watercolor set that provides excellent value for its price.

Overall Score: 8.5/10

The WOOCOLOR Watercolor Paint Set offers 50 vibrant colors in a portable metal box, perfect for kids, adults, hobbyists, and beginners. These high-quality watercolors are easy to use and dry quickly without fading. The set includes 50 half pans, two kinds of paint brushes, a sponge, and a color card. The empty pans can be used for mixing and blending colors. Made with premium quality pigments, these watercolors are non-toxic and provide a smooth and vibrant painting experience. With its beautiful packaging, this set makes an ideal gift for any aspiring artist. Customer satisfaction is guaranteed, with a commitment to high quality and resolution of any issues.

Key Features

  • High Techniques: 50 vibrant colors for endless creativity
  • Value pack: Portable metal travel box with 50 half pans, brushes, sponge, and color card
  • Artist quality: Non-toxic pigments that mix well and dry smoothly
  • Ideal gift: Beautifully packaged and perfect for everyday practice
  • Satisfaction Assurance: High quality guarantee and excellent customer service

Specifications

  • Color: 50 colors
  • Dimension: 7.99Lx3.54Wx1.30H
  • Size: 4 Piece Set

Pros

  • Vibrant and mixable colors
  • Compact and portable
  • Non-toxic and fade-resistant pigments
  • Affordable and great for everyday practice
  • Excellent customer service

Cons

  • Cheap container and brushes
  • Small pan sizes

The WOOCOLOR Watercolor Paint Set is a great option for artists of all levels. With its vibrant colors, compact design, and affordable price, it offers everything you need for your art journey. While the container and brushes may be cheaply made, the quality of the pigments and the excellent customer service make up for it. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a beginner, this set will allow you to create lively and vibrant works of art. Overall, it’s a wonderful product that offers great value for its price.

Overall Score: 8.5/10

The MEEDEN Watercolor Paint Set is a versatile and portable kit that is perfect for both kids and adults who enjoy painting. With 42 vibrant colors, this paint set allows for endless creativity and easy blending. The non-toxic paints dry quickly and are resistant to fading, making your artwork last. The set also includes a point tip water brush and a mixing paint palette, all in a sleek and lightweight design that can easily fit in your pocket or travel bag. Whether you're painting at home, school, work, or on-the-go, this watercolor paint set is a convenient and affordable choice. It also makes a great gift for any occasion.

Key Features

  • 42 vibrant colors for endless creativity
  • Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
  • Non-toxic and quick-drying paints
  • Includes a point tip water brush and mixing paint palette
  • Ideal for home, school, work, and travel

Specifications

  • Color: 42 Colors
  • Dimension: 7.68Lx1.97Wx0.94H
  • Size: 5 Piece Set

Pros

  • Vibrant and rich colors
  • Quick-drying and fade-resistant
  • Compact and portable design
  • Includes a water brush and paint palette
  • Suitable for both kids and adults

Cons

  • Paints are hooked together and may be difficult to use
  • Some paints may arrive chipped or cut short

The MEEDEN Watercolor Paint Set is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced artists alike. With its vibrant colors, compact design, and convenient accessories, this portable paint set allows for endless creativity wherever you go. While there may be some minor flaws such as the paints being hooked together and the occasional quality issue, overall, this set offers great value for the price. Whether you’re painting at home, traveling, or just want to try out watercolors, this set will not disappoint.

Overall Score: 9/10

The SAKURA Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit is the perfect portable watercolor palette for artists on the go. With 30 vibrant colors included, you'll have a wide range of options to create beautiful works of art. The kit also comes with a water brush, sponge, and mixing palette, making it easy to mix and blend your colors. Whether you're a student, hobbyist, or professional artist, this watercolor set is sure to inspire your creativity. The paints are of high quality and are perfect for use in journals or on vacation. The set is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for traveling. With its impressive customer rating and positive reviews, the SAKURA Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit is a must-have for any artist.

Key Features

  • Portable Watercolor Palette for Art Anywhere
  • Create On the Go with the water brush
  • Includes 30 vibrant watercolor cakes
  • Plastic palette for mixing colors
  • Highest quality watercolor paints from Sakura

Specifications

  • Color: 30 Colors
  • Dimension: 6.50Lx4.50Wx1.13H
  • Size: 1 Count (Pack of 1)

Pros

  • Portable and lightweight
  • Vibrant and beautiful colors
  • Comes with water brush, sponge, and mixing palette
  • Good value for the price

Cons

  • Paint tablets are thin
  • Not suitable for lightfast artwork
  • Color blocks may drop out of the pan

The SAKURA Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit is a fantastic travel companion for any artist. Its portable and lightweight design, along with the vibrant and beautiful colors, make it a joy to use. The water brush, sponge, and mixing palette are convenient additions that enhance the painting experience. While the paint tablets may be thin and not suitable for lightfast artwork, they are perfect for sketching, journaling, and practicing techniques. Overall, this set offers excellent value for the price and is highly recommended for artists of all levels. Take your creativity on the go with the SAKURA Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit!

Overall Score: 8/10

The Portable Mini Tin Box is a 12-well empty watercolor palette that is perfect for artists on the go. It includes a small paint storage kit with a magnetic clip and oil pot, making it ideal for outdoor sketching and painting. The tin box is compact and easy to clean, while the magnetic clip allows for convenient attachment to a drawing book. The stainless steel oil pot is durable and rust-resistant, perfect for blending oil paint or cleaning brushes. This portable watercolor set is small enough to fit in your pocket or bag, making it a convenient tool for recording beautiful moments wherever you go.

Key Features

  • Mini Portable Painting Travel Kit
  • Paint Box Dimensions
  • Magnetic Design Clip
  • Oil Pot
  • Convenient and Compact

Specifications

  • Color: Outdoor Painting Set-selva

Pros

  • Highly pigmented colors
  • Fits nicely inside mint tin
  • Nice portable setup for watercolor
  • Perfect size for Plein air painting
  • Adorable and convenient

Cons

  • No true blue color
  • Smaller than regular half-pans
  • Not true half pan size

The Portable Mini Tin Box is a fantastic travel companion for artists. Its compact size and magnetic clip make it easy to carry around, while the 12-well palette provides ample space for a variety of colors. The highly pigmented paints and durable construction make it a high-quality product. However, some users may find the lack of a true blue color disappointing, and others may prefer larger half-pans. Overall, this watercolor palette offers great convenience and functionality for artists on the go.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Jerry Q Art 18 Assorted Water Colors Travel Pocket Set is the perfect companion for artists on the go. With its compact size and lightweight design, it fits easily in your pocket, making it convenient for painting anytime, anywhere. The set includes 18 vibrant colors that are formulated to blend easily, allowing you to create a wide range of shades and effects. The refillable water brush and sponge make it easy to transport and store water for painting. The built-in palette in the lid provides a convenient space for mixing colors. Whether you're a professional artist or a beginner, this set is sure to impress with its quality and versatility. Get one for yourself or give it as a gift to a fellow artist.

Key Features

  • 18 Assorted Water Colors With a Quality Refillable Water Brush And Sponge
  • Designed To Fit In Your Pocket, Ideal For Painting On The go, Perfect For Artist of All Age
  • Water Colors Are Formulated To Blend Easily
  • Small Size, Light Weight and Beautiful Range of Color, Perfect for A Gift
  • Contents: 18 Vibrant Colors in 18 mini watercolor cakes, Quality Water Brush To Transport and store water, A Porcelain Calligraphy Dish, Sea Sponge, All in a Plastic Case

Specifications

  • Color: Various
  • Dimension: 7.40Lx0.60Wx3.50H
  • Size: 1 Count (Pack of 1)

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • 18 vibrant colors for a wide range of shades
  • Refillable water brush for easy transportation
  • Built-in palette for color mixing
  • Perfect for artists of all ages

Cons

  • Flimsy half pans that may stain
  • Disappointing water brush
  • Inconsistent sponge quality

The Jerry Q Art 18 Assorted Water Colors Travel Pocket Set is a convenient and versatile option for artists on the go. While it may have some drawbacks, such as the flimsy half pans and disappointing water brush, its compact size, vibrant colors, and built-in palette make it a great choice for both beginners and professionals. Whether you’re painting in a studio or on a travel adventure, this set has everything you need to unleash your creativity. Despite its minor flaws, this set offers good value for the price, making it a worthwhile investment for any artist. Give it a try and let your imagination soar!

BUYER'S GUIDE: Travel Watercolor Set

Are you a passionate artist who loves to capture the beauty of the world through watercolor paintings? Or maybe you're an enthusiastic traveler looking to add a dash of creativity to your adventures? Whether you're a professional artist or just starting out, a travel watercolor set can be a crucial companion on your artistic journey. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled this buyer's guide full of valuable insights and recommendations. So, let's dive into the colorful world of travel watercolor sets!

Key Considerations

When choosing the perfect travel watercolor set, there are several important factors to consider:
  1. Portability:
  • Is the set lightweight and compact for easy transportation?
  • Does it come with a sturdy and convenient carrying case?
  • Are there any additional accessories that enhance portability, such as a collapsible water cup or a detachable palette?
  • Color Range:
    • How many colors are included in the set?
    • Are the colors vibrant, pigmented, and suitable for a wide range of subjects?
    • Does the set offer a good mix of primary and secondary colors to allow for color mixing and blending?
  • Quality:
    • Are the watercolors made from high-quality, lightfast pigments?
    • Do they provide good coverage and transparency?
    • Is the paper included in the set of good quality and suitable for watercolor painting?
  • Brushes:
    • Does the set come with a variety of brushes suitable for different painting techniques?
    • Are the brushes made from durable materials and easy to clean?
  • Price:
    • What is the overall value for money offered by the set?
    • Does the price align with the quality and features provided?

    Frequently Asked Questions about 11 Best Travel Watercolor Set for 2023

    Which brands offer the best travel watercolor sets?

    There are many reputable brands known for their quality watercolor sets, such as Winsor & Newton, Holbein, Mijello, and Sennelier. However, the best brand depends on your specific preferences and requirements.

    Are travel watercolor sets suitable for beginners?

    Absolutely! Travel watercolor sets are a fantastic choice for beginners as they provide a compact and comprehensive set of colors to experiment and learn with. They also offer the convenience of portability for painting on-the-go.

    Can I use a travel watercolor set for studio painting as well?

    Yes, you can definitely use a travel watercolor set for studio painting. However, keep in mind that the compact size of travel sets may limit the number of colors available compared to larger studio sets.

    How do I clean the brushes after using watercolors?

    To clean your watercolor brushes, rinse them thoroughly with water until the water runs clear. Gently reshape the brush bristles and let them dry completely before storing them.

    Can I refill the watercolor pans in a travel set?

    Some travel watercolor sets allow you to refill or replace the pans when they run out. However, not all sets have refillable pans, so it’s essential to check the product details or contact the manufacturer for specific information.

    How do I prevent my watercolor pans from drying out?

    To prevent your watercolor pans from drying out, make sure to close the set properly after use. Additionally, you can mist the pans with a fine spray of water or use a palette with a sealing lid to keep them moist for an extended period.

    Are travel watercolor sets suitable for children?

    Yes, travel watercolor sets can be a great creative tool for children, encouraging their artistic expression. However, it’s important to supervise them while using watercolors and ensure they are using age-appropriate materials.

    Can I mix different brands of watercolor pans within a set?

    Yes, you can mix different brands of watercolor pans within a set if they are of the same size and fit properly. However, keep in mind that the consistency and quality of the colors may vary between brands.

    How long do watercolor pans typically last?

    The lifespan of watercolor pans can vary depending on the amount of paint used and the surface coverage. With regular use, a watercolor pan can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

    Are travel watercolor sets suitable for professional artists?

    While travel watercolor sets are commonly used by artists on the go, many professional artists also enjoy the portability and convenience they offer. However, professional artists often prefer larger sets with a wider color range for their studio work.

    Can I use a travel watercolor set for other art forms besides painting?

    Absolutely! Travel watercolor sets can also be used for sketching, journaling, calligraphy, and other art forms that require a portable and versatile color medium.

    Are travel watercolor sets suitable for painting outdoors in different weather conditions?

    Most travel watercolor sets are designed to withstand different weather conditions. However, it’s always a good idea to check the product description or consult with the manufacturer to ensure that the materials used are durable and ideal for outdoor use.