Watercolor for Absolute Beginners: How to Choose Your First Paint Set Without Getting Overwhelmed

8 min read · Feb 25, 2026

Executive Summary

Standing in front of a wall of watercolor paints as a beginner can feel like trying to read a menu in a language you don’t speak. Pans, tubes, student grade, artist grade, pigment codes, lightfastness… and that’s before you even get to brushes and paper.

This guide is here to quiet all that noise.

You’ll learn:

The only features that actually matter in a beginner watercolor set
The difference between cheap vs. beginner‑friendly (not the same thing)
How many colors you really need (spoiler: fewer than you think)
What to look for in all‑in‑one sets and portable pocket sets
How brands like Grabie bundle paints, paper, and guided projects to help you start without decision fatigue

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for in your first watercolor set—and be ready to start painting instead of endlessly scrolling.

Introduction: The “Too Many Options” Problem

You know that feeling when you walk into an art store “just to look,” and suddenly you’re frozen in front of a rainbow wall of supplies?

Maybe this is you:

You finally decide, “I’m going to learn watercolor.”
You Google “best watercolor set for beginners.”
Ten tabs, three blog posts, and a couple of YouTube videos later… you’re seriously considering taking up knitting instead.

The funny part? Watercolor itself is simple and soothing once you’re actually painting. It’s the buying part that feels like a pop quiz.

You don’t need to decode every pigment code or own a suitcase of 168 colors to begin. If anything, overbuying is the fastest way to stall your creativity. Too many choices = “I’ll start tomorrow.”

Instead, think of your first watercolor set like your first set of kitchen knives:
You don’t need the giant 20‑piece block. You just need a few solid tools that make “cooking” (or painting) feel easy, fun, and not terrifying.

Let’s strip things down to what really matters.

Market Insights: Why Choosing a Beginner Set Feels So Confusing

If you’ve wandered through an art store or browsed sites like Grabie, you’ve probably noticed a few things that make the decision harder, not easier.

1. An Explosion of “All‑in‑One” and Mega Sets

You’ll see:

All‑in‑one watercolor sets (like Grabie’s All‑In-One Premium Watercolor Set of 100)
Giant color collections (such as a Watercolor Set of 168 with Coloring Book)
Pocket sets and themed bundles (like the Watercolor Pocket Set – 5 Themes Value Bundle)

On one hand, these are incredibly convenient. On the other, they can make you feel like you need the biggest set to be a “real” painter.

Spoiler: you don’t.

Imagine learning to cook and thinking you need every spice in the supermarket. Fun? Maybe. Necessary? Not at all.

2. More Focus on Mental Health & Relaxation

There’s also a shift happening: watercolor isn’t just about “serious art” anymore. Platforms like Grabie are leaning into watercolor as a tool for calm, creativity, and self‑care.

You see this in:

Quarterly Watercolor Coloring Clubs (like ocean‑themed boxes)
Guided 30‑day creative journeys
Partnerships with art therapy conferences and donations to wellness programs

For you as a beginner, the message is simple:
Your first set shouldn’t just be technically good—it should feel inviting, low‑pressure, and genuinely enjoyable.

3. The “Student vs. Artist Grade” Intimidation Factor

Walk into any art forum and the conversation quickly jumps to things like pigment quality, granulation, and archival ratings. All important… eventually.

But when you’re just starting, the most important question isn’t:

“Is this paint lightfast enough to last 100 years?”

It’s:

“Does this set make it easy for me to sit down and paint today?”

So that’s the lens we’ll use from here on out: what makes starting easy.

Product Relevance: What a Beginner‑Friendly Set Actually Looks Like

On sites like Grabie, watercolor sets usually sit alongside markers, acrylic pens, coloring kits, and sketchbooks. That’s your first clue:

They’re not just selling paints—they’re offering a whole creative ecosystem, especially for people who don’t (yet) call themselves “artists.”

When you’re choosing your first watercolor set, look for three big things.

1. Everything You Need in One Place

Decision fatigue is real. A genuinely beginner‑friendly set cuts down your choices and lets you open the box and start.

An ideal starter kit often includes:

A good range of pre‑selected colors
A basic selection of brushes (at least one small brush for details)
Watercolor paper or a coloring book so you’re not staring at a scary blank page
A sturdy case or box that makes it easy to store and grab on a whim

Grabie’s All‑In-One Premium Watercolor Set of 100 and their Watercolor Set of 168 with Coloring Book are classic “open‑and‑paint” bundles: paint, tools, and surfaces all in one place. Often, there’s also a coloring element to gently guide you in without having to draw everything from scratch.

2. Built‑In Guidance or Structure

If you’ve ever opened a fresh sketchbook and immediately closed it again… structure helps.

Look for sets, clubs, or kits that offer:

Printed coloring pages or line art (as in some Grabie kits and clubs)
Simple project ideas or themed prompts (like ocean‑themed coloring clubs)
30‑day or step‑by‑step journeys that slice the learning curve into tiny, doable steps

It’s like having a workout plan instead of just “go exercise.” You always know what to do next.

3. A Brand That Thinks Beyond “Just Supplies”

When a brand invests in things like art therapy, youth programs, and hospital donations (as Grabie does with the Grabie Art Fund), it’s a clue:

They’re thinking about art as a way to support well‑being, not just move product.

For beginners, that often shows up as:

Softer, more encouraging content
Kits designed to de‑stress, not impress
Community support (Discord groups, tutorials, ideas & inspiration pages)

That kind of environment is gold when you’re just figuring things out.

How to Choose Your First Watercolor Set (Without Overthinking It)

Let’s turn all this into an actual decision you can make in a few minutes—not weeks.

Step 1: Decide How You Want to Use Watercolor

Ask yourself: What sounds the most like me right now?

“I want to relax and color, not worry about drawing.”
“I want to paint simple scenes or florals and learn basic techniques.”
“I want something I can throw in a bag and use anywhere.”

Match your answer:

If you chose 1 → Look for watercolor coloring sets or bundles with a coloring book (like a large watercolor set paired with themed pages).
If you chose 2 → A comprehensive all‑in‑one watercolor set with brushes and a nice color range is ideal.
If you chose 3 → A compact watercolor pocket set or a value bundle of pocket sets will be your new travel buddy.

You can absolutely grow into other options later. For now, pick one main use so you don’t end up with a closet full of unopened supplies.

Step 2: Ignore the Hype, Focus on These 7 Essentials

Here are the only things that actually matter for your first purchase.

1. Number of Colors: 12–24 Is Plenty

Yes, those mega sets are tempting. But more colors can mean more second‑guessing.

Good starting ranges:

Minimalist: 12–18 colors
Comfortable: 24–36 colors
Maximal + guided: 72+ colors only if the set includes a coloring book or structured projects (like some of the larger Grabie sets)

If you do go big (like a 168‑color set), treat it like a library, not an assignment. Pick 10–15 colors you like, swatch them, and ignore the rest at first.

2. Pan vs. Tube

Imagine pans as solid candies you re‑wet, and tubes as squeezable paint.

For most beginners:

Pan sets (solid blocks in a tray) are:
- Less messy
- More portable
- Easy to store and pull out for a 10‑minute session
Tube paints shine later when you’re:
- Covering larger areas
- Doing more “finished” pieces

Starting out, a pan‑based set or pocket set usually keeps the process cleaner and simpler.

3. Portability & Storage

Ask yourself:

Does it close securely or will it explode if it tips over in your bag?
Can it fit in a drawer, backpack, or tote without a game of Tetris?
Is there a built‑in mixing area in the lid or tray?

Pocket sets, mini‑palette value bundles, and all‑in‑one kits with cases are excellent here. The easier it is to set up and put away, the more often you’ll actually paint.

4. Paper Compatibility

Here’s a sneaky secret: watercolor is about half paint, half paper.

For beginners, look for:

Paper labeled “watercolor” or “mixed media”
A thickness that feels more like a postcard than printer paper (often noted as 140 lb / 300 gsm)

Sets that already include watercolor paper or a coloring book are ideal, because you know your paints will behave properly—and you skip another decision.

5. A Couple of Decent Brushes

You don’t need a fancy 20‑brush collection. You just need:

1 small round brush (for details)
1 medium round brush (for most things)
Optional: 1 flat brush (for backgrounds or straight edges)

Many all‑in‑one kits from brands like Grabie already include these basics. That’s plenty to begin.

6. Ease of Use

As a beginner, you want your paints to be as low‑maintenance as possible:

Easy rewetting: The color should come to life quickly when your brush touches it.
Clear labeling: Names or numbers so you can find the colors you fall in love with.
A swatch card or space to swatch: Some sets include one; if not, you can easily make your own.

That swatch becomes your map—one glance, and you know exactly what each color will look like on paper.

7. Your Budget—and Longevity

Aim for that sweet spot: affordable, but not so cheap that it’s frustrating.

Look for:

Mid‑range sets (not the rock‑bottom “kid craft” sets, not the luxury splurge)
Kits with added value like coloring books, extra brushes, or sturdy cases
Occasional bundles or deals (for example, the Watercolor Pocket Set – 5 Themes Value Bundle)

Think of it this way: a slightly better set that you enjoy using often is cheaper than buying a super‑cheap one now and replacing it two weeks later.

Step 3: Match Yourself to a Type of Beginner Set

Here are three common “beginner profiles” and what tends to work best for each.

Profile A: “I Just Want to Relax and Color”

If you want your watercolor time to feel like a quiet coloring‑book session with a cup of tea, you might love:

Watercolor coloring sets
Large watercolor sets that come with a themed coloring book
Subscription or quarterly watercolor coloring clubs (like ocean‑themed kits)

Why this works:

You skip the stress of drawing.
You focus on water control, blending, and color choices in a low‑pressure way.
Built‑in structure (specific pages, themes, or a 30‑day journey) keeps you coming back.

Look for words like “coloring kit,” “coloring club,” “with coloring book,” or “30‑day journey.”

Profile B: “I Want to Learn the Basics and Paint My Own Scenes”

If you’re dreaming of loose florals, cozy house portraits, or misty landscapes, you’ll probably gravitate toward:

A comprehensive all‑in‑one watercolor set with:
- A solid range of colors
- A few brushes
- A tin or case with a mixing area

How to get the most from it:

Start with limited palettes: pick 6–8 colors per painting and hide the rest.
Practice simple subjects: single flowers, fruits, small skies, mini landscapes.
Use online beginner tutorials or the “Ideas & Tutorials” sections on art supply sites to guide you.

Profile C: “I Want Something Compact and Portable”

If you like the idea of painting on a park bench, in a café, or while traveling, you’re a:

Watercolor pocket set person
Or a pocket set value bundle person (e.g., a 5‑theme bundle that gives you variety while staying tiny)

These are perfect for:

Travel sketchbooks
Quick 10‑minute daily practice
Keeping art supplies in your bag without hauling a whole studio

Look for words like “pocket,” “travel,” or “value bundle” and themed mini‑palettes.

Actionable Tips: What to Do the Day Your Set Arrives

You’ve picked your set, it shows up at your door, you open the box… now what?

Here’s a simple “Day 1” game plan that works with almost any beginner‑friendly watercolor kit—whether it’s an all‑in‑one set, a big bundle with a coloring book, or a tiny pocket set.

1. Swatch Your Colors (Yes, Really)

This is your getting‑to‑know‑you phase with your paints.

Grab a piece of watercolor paper or the swatch card (if your set has one).
Make a small rectangle or stripe of each color.
Write the name or number underneath.
Pay attention to:
- Which colors are soft vs. super bold
- Which have fun textures
- How they look when you add more water vs. use them more concentrated

Keep this sheet forever. It’s your color cheat sheet.

2. Limit Yourself to 6–8 Colors for Your First Paintings

Even if your set looks like a candy store, choose:

1 warm yellow, 1 cool yellow
1 warm red, 1 cool red
1 warm blue, 1 cool blue
1 earthy neutral (like a brown or ochre)
Optional: 1 “just because I love it” color

Use only these for a few sessions. This teaches you:

How colors mix
How to create harmony with a small palette
That you don’t need “all the things” to make something beautiful

3. Start with Simple, Non‑Intimidating Subjects

Avoid subjects that scream “perfection required” (like realistic portraits) for now. Instead, try:

Abstract color swatches and blobs
Simple leaves and stems
Loose, messy florals
Sky gradients and sunsets
Ocean‑inspired color washes (especially if you’re using an ocean‑themed club or palette)

If your set comes with a coloring book or printable pages, start there. It’s like training wheels—you can focus on water and color, not getting your drawing “right.”

4. Practice Just Water Control for One Session

Set a 15–20 minute timer and treat it like a mini workshop:

Paint a gradient: start strong at one end, fade to almost clear at the other.
Try wet‑on‑wet: wet the paper first, then drop in color and watch it bloom.
Try wet‑on‑dry: paint on dry paper and notice the crisp edges.

This one little session will make your paints feel so much less mysterious.

5. Create a “No‑Judgment” Sketchbook

Pick one notebook or pad to be your no‑pressure zone. This is where you:

Experiment
Make “ugly” paintings
Test colors and techniques
Doodle while watching Netflix

Resist the urge to tear out pages. Over time, flipping back and seeing your progress is ridiculously satisfying.

Putting It All Together: A Simple Checklist Before You Buy

Before you hit “add to cart,” run your choice through this quick checklist:

[ ] Does this set match how I want to start? (relax & color, paint scenes, or go portable)
[ ] Does it give me at least 12–24 colors without overwhelming me?
[ ] Is it pan‑based (or clearly labeled as beginner‑friendly)?
[ ] Does it include paper or a coloring book, or do I know which watercolor paper I’ll grab with it?
[ ] Does it come with at least 1–2 brushes, or do I already have simple brushes?
[ ] Is it easy to store or travel with (tin, box, or pocket format)?
[ ] Does it come from a brand that supports beginners and creativity, not just pros?
[ ] Does the price feel comfortable enough that I won’t be scared to actually use it?

If you’re checking most of these boxes, you’ve found a solid first set.

Conclusion: Your First Set Isn’t a Life Commitment

Your first watercolor set is not a forever decision; it’s a starting point—like your very first yoga mat or your first pair of running shoes.

You don’t have to pick the “perfect” palette for the rest of your creative life. You just need a set that makes it:

Easy to start
Fun to keep going
Simple to learn the basics without drowning in choices

Curated all‑in‑one watercolor sets, pocket palettes, and guided coloring clubs—like the options you’ll find on Grabie—are designed with exactly this in mind: to lower the barrier to entry so you can focus on what matters most:

Brush in hand. Color on paper. A few quiet minutes where the rest of the world can wait.

Your Next Step

Pick your beginner profile:
- Relax & Color
- Learn the Basics
- Portable Painter
Choose one watercolor set that matches that profile—maybe an all‑in‑one kit, a pocket set bundle, or a watercolor + coloring book combo.
When it arrives, swatch your colors, pick 6–8 favorites, and paint something small the very same day (yes, even if it’s just colorful blobs).

If you’d like help narrowing it down, share your profile and where you plan to paint (at home, on the go, at a tiny desk), and I can suggest the kind of set configuration that’ll fit your life—and actually get used.