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Choosing Watercolour Paints as a Beginner

  • Writer: Yonder Paints
    Yonder Paints
  • Sep 7, 2025
  • 2 min read

So, you’ve decided to dive into the beautiful world of watercolour painting! How do you know what to choose in the beginning, I hope you'll choose Yonder Paints, but even if you don't here are some key steps!! (Please don't go to your local everything store. I promise you will be disappointed!!)


1. Types of Watercolour Paints

When it comes to watercolour paints, you’ll typically find two main types:

  • Tubes: These are great for mixing and can give you vibrant, rich colours. They’re perfect if you want to create larger pieces or work on a more extensive palette.

  • Pans: These are compact and portable, making them ideal for travel. They’re easy to use and perfect for beginners who want to try out different colours without committing to tubes.


Travel kit with split primary colours
Travel kit with split primary colours

2. Quality Matters!

You’ll come across two primary quality categories:

  • Student Grade: These are budget-friendly and great for beginners. They offer decent pigmentation and are perfect for practice without breaking the bank.

  • Artist Grade: These are more expensive but provide higher pigment concentration and better lightfastness. As you get better, you can invest in more artist grade paints. Yonder Paints and many other handmade paints are made with artist grade pigments.


3. Essential Colours to Start With

As a beginner, you don’t need every colour under the sun. You can mix the majority of colours with just your basic warm primaries & cool primaries.


eg.



5. Tools of the Trade

While you’re at it, don’t forget about your brushes and paper! A few good quality brushes and watercolour paper can enhance your painting experience. Look for:


  • Round Brushes: Great for detail and washes.

  • Flat Brushes: Perfect for broad strokes and washes.

  • 300gsm Cotton Paper: best to avoid lower gsm where possible


6. Have Fun!

Remember, the most important part of starting your watercolour journey is to have fun! Don’t stress about perfection. Embrace the happy accidents and enjoy the process of creating. So, grab your paints, some paper, and let your creativity flow! Happy painting! 🌈

 
 
 

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