Watercolor painting is an art form that’s been around for centuries, bringing color and life to countless canvases. One thing we all notice when purchasing watercolor paints is that they are divided into artist grade and student grade. What grade of watercolor should we choose? There is a big price difference between the two. In this article, we will teach you the difference between artist grade and student grade watercolors.
The Basics of Watercolor Paints
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of student grade vs artist grade watercolor paints, let’s cover the basics. Watercolor paints are a mixture of pigment, binder (usually gum arabic), and water. They’re known for their transparency and ability to create soft, luminous washes.
Types of Watercolor Paints
Tubes: Ideal for mixing large amounts of paint, offering vibrant colors straight out of the tube.
Pans: Convenient and portable, perfect for artists on the go.
Liquid: Highly concentrated, offering intense colors perfect for large washes.
What Sets Student Grade and Artist Grade Apart?
Student and artist grade watercolor paints have different qualities. Artist grade is better in terms of color, gloss and durability, while student grade is more affordable and suitable for beginners. Choose the product that suits your needs and budget.
Pigment Quality and Concentration
Student Grade: These paints often use less expensive pigments or even synthetic alternatives. They’re formulated with more fillers and extenders, which can result in less vibrant colors.
Artist Grade: Made with high-quality, pure pigments, these paints offer superior luminosity and color intensity. They’re often more concentrated, providing richer hues.
Color Range
Student Grade: Typically features a more limited color palette. However, they cover the basics well enough for beginners.
Artist Grade: Offers an extensive range of colors, including unique shades that aren’t available in student grade lines.
Lightfastness and Permanence
Student Grade: May be less resistant to fading over time, making them less ideal for works intended to last for generations.
Artist Grade: Formulated to be highly lightfast, ensuring that your artwork maintains its vibrancy over the years.
Why Choose Student Grade Watercolor Paints?
For those just getting their feet wet in the world of watercolor, student grade paints can be a wise choice. Here’s why:
Affordability: Student grade paints are easier on the wallet, making them perfect for experimenting without the guilt of wasted expensive materials.
Learning Curve: When you're still figuring out your brush technique or color mixing skills, it’s okay to make mistakes with paints that are more forgiving price-wise.
Availability: Easily found in most art supply stores, offering a convenient option for beginners.
Why Opt for Artist Grade Watercolor Paints?
On the flip side, if you’re ready to take your artistry to the next level, artist grade paints might be calling your name:
Color Brilliance: The vibrancy and depth of color you can achieve with artist grade paints is unparalleled.
Consistency: Artist grade paints allow for consistent results, crucial for professionals or anyone looking to create archival-quality artwork.
Creative Freedom: With a wider color range, you can explore and express your creativity without limits.
Best watercolor palette artist grade
If you find the choice troublesome. Trust me, skipping the student grade and going straight to artist grade watercolor paints is the secret to saving money. Artist grade watercolor paints allow you to avoid a bad experience with poor quality paints. Here we recommend a few quality artist watercolor paints.
1) Paul Rubens Solid Watercolor Paint Set Artist Grade
- Ultra-pure pigments for vibrant colors.
- High transparency for layering techniques.
- Strong tinting and excellent lightfastness.
- Made with extra-fine gum arabic.
- Portable, customizable metal tin.
- Comprehensive 24-color floral palette.
2) Lightwish Watercolor Paint Set Artist Grade
- 24 and 48 Vibrant Colors for Diverse Expression
- High-Quality Single-Pigment Hues
- Non-Toxic and Safe for All Artists
- Superior Transparency for Depth
- Portable Set for On-the-Go Artists
- Reliable Customer Support
Tips for Watercolor Beginners
If you’re just starting out, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your watercolor experience:
Start Small: Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many supplies. A set of paints, a few quality brushes, and good paper will do.
Experiment with Techniques: Try wet-on-wet, dry brushing, and layering. Each technique offers different effects.
Mix Colors: Learn how to mix your colors to expand your palette and create custom shades.
Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you paint, the better you’ll get. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes—they’re part of the learning process!
FAQs
Can I mix student grade with artist grade paints?
Yes, you can! Mixing the two can give you a taste of both worlds, but remember that the final piece may not have the same vibrancy or permanence as one created entirely with artist grade paints.
How should I store my watercolor paints?
Keep your paints in a cool, dry place. For pans, make sure they’re dry before storing to prevent mold. Tubes should be closed tightly to avoid drying out.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between student grade vs artist grade watercolor paints boils down to your personal needs and goals. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a student, or a professional artist, there’s a perfect set of paints waiting for you. Embrace the journey, enjoy the process, and let your creativity flow! With the right paints in hand, there’s no limit to what you can create. Happy painting!
