Fine painters have long loved watercolor painting for its fluidity, luminosity, and adaptability. But selecting the appropriate watercolors can really make a big difference in producing outstanding outcomes. It can be intimidating to search for the best professional watercolors because there are so many possibilities. This post will walk you through the best options available to professional painters and explain what to consider when choosing the best watercolor paints for fine art.
Why Choose Professional Watercolors?
It's important to comprehend why professional watercolors are superior to student-grade alternatives before getting into precise advice. Higher pigment concentrations in watercolors intended for professional use result in more vibrant, stable, and long-lasting color. Generally speaking, the transparency and texture are smoother, giving you more flexibility and room for subtler details in your work. To put it briefly, they offer the caliber and accuracy needed for great painting.
Features of the Best Professional Watercolors
- High Pigment Concentration: Professional watercolors use more pigment, which results in intense and vibrant colors.
- Lightfastness: These paints are made to last, ensuring the colors won’t fade over time.
- Consistency: Professional watercolors have a uniform texture that allows smooth application and easier mixing.
- Transparency: The ability to control transparency is crucial for creating depth and layering.
Now that we know the advantages, let’s explore some of the best professional watercolors that deliver quality for fine art projects.
1. Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors
Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors are well regarded in the watercolor community because to their exceptional pigment power and wide color spectrum. More than 200 hues are offered by the business, including uncommon and special pigments that aren't found anywhere else.
Why Choose Daniel Smith Watercolors?
- Wide Range of Pigments: From earthy tones to bright, vibrant shades, Daniel Smith offers colors that stand out.
- Excellent Lightfastness: These paints are designed to stand the test of time, with most colors rated highly for their ability to resist fading.
- Unique Pigments: Daniel Smith is known for special pigments like Quinacridone Gold and Moonglow, which are hard to find in other brands.
Ideal For:
Professional artists who need a diverse palette and high-quality pigments for creating detailed and vibrant fine art. The depth and richness of these colors make Daniel Smith one of the best professional watercolors on the market.
2. Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolors
Winsor & Newton is one of the most established brands in the world of watercolors. Their professional-grade line is well-loved for its superior quality and versatility. Artists appreciate the balance of vibrancy and subtlety that Winsor & Newton provides.
What Sets Winsor & Newton Apart?
- Classic Color Palette: The brand offers a wide array of colors, from classic hues to more contemporary shades.
- Long-lasting Quality: These paints have excellent permanence, meaning your artwork will retain its color over time.
- Smooth Application: Winsor & Newton watercolors are renowned for their even consistency and easy mixing.
Ideal For:
Artists looking for reliable and high-quality watercolors that produce professional results across various styles and techniques. Winsor & Newton is a go-to for artists seeking the best professional watercolors with consistent performance.
3. Sennelier L'Aquarelle Watercolors
Sennelier L'Aquarelle watercolors have been used by artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, so you know you're in good company with these paints. Made with honey as a binder, Sennelier paints are known for their smooth texture and brilliant luminosity.
Why Choose Sennelier?
- Honey Binder: The use of honey makes the paint exceptionally smooth and adds a beautiful glossy finish to paintings.
- Rich Color: The pigments in Sennelier watercolors are deep and highly saturated, ensuring your artwork has a vibrant, professional quality.
- Soft Texture: The unique formulation results in a buttery texture, making it easy to blend colors.
Ideal For:
Artists who appreciate smooth, highly blendable watercolors with a luxurious feel. Sennelier’s honey-based formulation makes it one of the best professional watercolors for fine art that requires smooth transitions and vibrant hues.
4. Holbein Artists' Watercolors
Holbein is a Japanese brand known for its vibrant, pure colors and exceptional craftsmanship. Their Artists' Watercolors are crafted without any additives like ox gall or glycerin, making them excellent for artists looking for clean, unadulterated pigments.
Key Benefits of Holbein Watercolors
- Pure Pigments: Holbein avoids using fillers, resulting in colors that are as pure and bright as possible.
- No Flow Agents: The absence of flow agents allows artists to have more control over the paint, ideal for detailed work.
- Vivid Colors: Holbein paints are famous for their vibrant colors, making them perfect for fine art that demands bold, striking visuals.
Ideal For:
Fine artists who want highly pigmented, easy-to-control paints that allow for precision in both bold and detailed work. Holbein’s line offers some of the best professional watercolors for those who prioritize color purity and control.
5. Schmincke Horadam Watercolors
Schmincke is a German brand that has been producing high-quality watercolors for over 125 years. Their Horadam line is particularly popular among professional artists for its high pigment load and superior quality.
Why Choose Schmincke?
- Excellent Rewetting Properties: Schmincke Horadam watercolors rewet easily, even after drying on the palette, making them extremely versatile.
- Top-Quality Pigments: Schmincke uses only the highest-quality pigments, ensuring that your colors are vivid and consistent.
- Smooth Application: The paint has a creamy consistency that spreads evenly across the paper.
Ideal For:
Artists who often work in layers and need watercolors that perform well both wet and dry. Schmincke Horadam is among the best professional watercolors for artists who appreciate high-quality pigments and superior rewetting capabilities.
How to Choose the Right Professional Watercolors for You
With so many exceptional brands on the market, choosing the right set of watercolors can be a daunting task. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best professional watercolors for your fine art work:
1. Pigment Quality
Always prioritize paints with high pigment concentration. More pigment means richer color and better coverage, which is essential for professional-level artwork.
2. Lightfastness
If you plan on selling or displaying your artwork, lightfastness is crucial. Look for paints with a high rating in permanence, so your colors remain as vibrant as the day they were applied.
3. Texture and Flow
The texture of your watercolor paints can significantly affect your artwork. Some brands offer smoother finishes, while others provide more granulation. Choose a texture that complements your painting style.
4. Palette Range
A wide range of colors gives you the freedom to explore and experiment. Look for sets that offer a broad spectrum of colors or unique pigments that you won’t find in standard sets.
Finalization
The quality of the materials you use to create beautiful art matters. Purchasing the best professional watercolor paints will improve your artwork by providing you with the strength, consistency, and durability of the pigments you need to achieve remarkable results. A good set of watercolors may revolutionize your creative process and ultimate product, whether you go for Sennelier for its honey-based formulation or Daniel Smith for its distinctive pigments. Have fun with your paintings!