Winsor & Newton Watercolour, Cotman Travel Set of 14, 15 Piece Set

I decided to try watercolours at the start of the year and bought this set at a bargain price of around £14. I am a complete beginner so my review should be viewed in that light!First impressions are that this is a very complete set, with a range of colours to get you started in whatever style you want to try. There is a cool and warm shade of each primary, plus 2 good greens, a nice purple, and some good neutrals (burnt sienna and raw Umber).After swatching and playing around I found I wasn't completely happy with the colour choices, as there are 2 shades of cadmium red hue included. This is certainly just an element of taste! So I replaced one of them with a half pan of a different red, to give a little more choice. Equally, I haven't really used the white, and have popped a Paynes Grey in its place.I really like the layout of the palette, it has some good sized mixing spaces and sits nicely if you are out and about, thanks to the thumb hole. I also like the look of the palette when closed. It's a great size for slipping into my handbag or into my supplies drawer when at home. However the plastic dies stain with some pigments. This has not been a problem with the included paints, but with some pro paints that I have since acquired.The cotman brush that came with the set is good, albeit very short of course. I don't mind the handle length but I can imagine that some people might find it difficult to hold. It is a useful size 5 round and I have used it a lot. I would like to upgrade this as some point to a retractable brush, to avoid any damage when in the pallette. I have also used the brush holder to hold a pencil and rubber, and a slim water brush (the Pental ones don't fit) so it has other used too.I have got on very well with the Cotman paints. I particularly like Ultramarine (nice granulation), the greens, sienna and Umber. The colour choice is not too wide, so it does encourage you to explore colour mixing. Equally it gives you more choice than just starting with the primary colours.I would highly recommend this set to anyone who fancies dabbling in the medium, or anyone who finds professional grade paints too expensive for their budget. I am completely hooked and it is thanks to this lovely, affordable W&N set!

I used to paint alot in my younger days, so i really wanted to return to it as it gave me so much peace and calmness. I didnt want to spend alot so i went onto amazon to do a search. After reading a few descriptions i settled for this product.Why? Cheap, limited colours, compact.Upon receiving my item, i noted how nicely it was packed. In its own box, looked expensive than what i paid.The paint palette itself is made of strong white plastic. Upon opening it, i find 14 paint blocks, all neatly individually packaged in its place with its respective shade labelling on it. There is a small brush included and ample space as seen on the picture to mix shades etc.When opening the paint blocks packaging, i see how strong each colour is. Please take note, the colours included are not ahuge variation on eachother. For example 2 blocks are quite similar- '2 greens' in simple terms. This palette is a beginner set so you cannot expect to have all colours but a few with their darker shade alongside.I wet the brush and test each colour. I expected quality paint and i got it. I am delighted with my purchase and hope to buy a bigger set soon.

I bought these for my daughter in law as a Christmas present and she is absolutely delighted with the paints. I was somewhat surprised how small the paint box was even allowing for the fact that pictures on internet can be deceiving, but all in all, including delivery, I am pleased with this purchase

Buying watercolours can be a minefield: good artists quality paints are expensive and cheap ones are not much good, to be honest. This set is priced just above not much good, but the cottman range are good quality paints. I have bought several sets, trying to get the best one, others with different mixing pallets, but I have come to the conclusion that using a small sheet of thick glass with smoothed edges is best and the number of paints included, offers better value. For me, waterclolour is a past time, but I am serious about it: this set provides 14 colours and I have added to the collection a tube of Payne's Grey, which is not in the set. With these colours, you should be able to mix colours and paint just about anything you care to. The pigments are rich. mix well and appear long lasting. It is economical in use and, providing you keep the top closed after use, the colours should last a long time. Replacement half-pans are quite expensive, so this set offers good value for money: 5 stars!

I bought this set so I could still paint on our recent holiday. I found there to be a good range of colours, and used all except the black. Before we went away, I noticed in a couple of local art stores that this set was priced £10 above what I paid here so it is certainly value for money.

This product is excellent value for money. Well produced, it features 14 half pan top class paints from Windson & Newton.I ordered it simply for the paints which are excellent value alone, without he Compact Case they're enclosed in. This set is a must for those who enjoy a spot of simple outdoor watercolour painting. It slips neatly into your pocket. All you then require is a small container to carry a little water and a few brushes and you're ready to complete that watercolour masterpiece. It is a very well designed product and came well packed on the delivery date promised. I strongly recommend this product.

For outdoor travel watercolour this set is perfect. You get Winsor & Newton top quality 1/2 pans with integral palette that slips into your pocket. The included brush is OK too, but I use my own travel water brush.OK, others have remarked the lack of black. This for me is no biggie cos I always carry 8ml tubes of black & white. Much easier for fine details & highlights 😉.At this price on Amazon its a steal 👍