Top Travel Watercolor Sets for Artists on the Go
The Winsor & Newton Cotman Pocket Box is our top pick for most travelers, offering a balanced 12-color palette with good pigment load and a compact, durable metal case. Its main advantage is reliability and brand trust, but it lacks a built-in water brush.
Traveling with watercolors can be a challenge. You need a set that is compact, durable, and has a good pigment selection. We compared seven popular options to help you choose.
From pocket-sized pans to field kits with brushes, each set has its strengths. Consider your painting style and travel needs. Some prioritize portability, others offer more colors or better quality paint.
The shortlist, ranked
Winsor & Newton Cotman Pocket Box
This classic pocket box includes 12 Cotman half pans in a sturdy metal case. The colors are well-chosen for landscape and portrait work. The pans snap in and out for easy replacement. Owners report the paint rewets easily and the case holds up well.
Pros
- Compact and durable metal case
- Excellent rewetting quality
- Easy to replace individual pans
Cons
- No brush included
- Limited color range compared to larger sets
Sakura Koi Travel Watercolor Set
This set comes with 24 vibrant colors in a sleek tin, plus a water brush. The colors are student-grade but perform well. The case includes a mixing palette. It is slightly larger than pocket sets but still fits in a backpack.
Pros
- 24 colors for variety
- Water brush included
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Slightly bulky
- Student-grade pigments
Sennelier Wooden Travel Box
Sennelier’s 12 half-pan set features honey-based, professional quality paints. The wooden case has a classic look and includes a mixing palette. It is slightly heavier but offers superior pigment load and lightfastness. Owners note the paints are very creamy.
Pros
- Professional-grade honey-based paints
- Beautiful and sturdy wooden case
- Excellent lightfastness
Cons
- Heavier than metal cases
- Higher price point
Van Gogh Travel Pocket Box
This set packs 12 extra-fine quality half pans from Royal Talens. The plastic case is lightweight and has a built-in water reservoir. It includes a small brush. The colors are well pigmented and mix nicely.
Pros
- Built-in water reservoir
- Lightweight and portable
- Good pigment quality
Cons
- Plastic case may feel less durable
- Limited color selection
Schmincke Horadam AQUA Drop
Instead of pans, this set features 12 liquid watercolors in dropper bottles. Each bottle holds 10 ml of highly concentrated paint. The case includes a palette and fits in a pocket. It is ideal for mixing and creating vibrant washes.
Pros
- Highly concentrated liquid pigments
- Easy to mix
- Compact dropper bottles
Cons
- Risk of spills
- Requires separate water container
Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor Travel Set
This set comes with 12 half pans of Daniel Smith’s renowned watercolors, but you can choose your own colors. The metal tin is sturdy and includes a mixing palette. The paint quality is exceptional, with high pigment load and beautiful granulation.
Pros
- Professional-grade paints
- Customizable color selection
- Durable metal tin
Cons
- More expensive
- No brush included
Arteza Travel Watercolor Set
This set includes 24 half pans in a lightweight plastic case. It comes with a water brush and a sponge. The colors are vibrant and suitable for beginners. The case has a large mixing area.
Pros
- 24 colors at an affordable price
- Water brush included
- Large mixing area
Cons
- Plastic case may not be as durable
- Student-grade paint quality
How they stack up
| # | Model | Type | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winsor & Newton Cotman Pocket Box | Half pans | Best overall for most travelers | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Sakura Koi Travel Watercolor Set | Half pans | Best for beginners and those who want an all-in-one kit | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | Sennelier Wooden Travel Box | Half pans | Best for artists who want professional-grade pigments | 9.3 | Check price |
| 4 | Van Gogh Travel Pocket Box | Half pans | Best for artists who want a large color range in a compact case | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Schmincke Horadam AQUA Drop | Liquid | Best for artists who prefer liquid watercolors in a travel-friendly format | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor Travel Set | Half pans | Best for artists who want custom colors in a metal tin | 9.0 | Check price |
| 7 | Arteza Travel Watercolor Set | Half pans | Best for budget-conscious artists who want a large set | 8.4 | Check price |
What to look for
Questions worth asking
What is the difference between half pans and full pans?
Half pans are smaller than full pans, typically measuring about 1.5 inches by 0.75 inches. They are designed for travel and fit more colors in a compact case. Full pans are larger and hold more paint, but are more common in studio sets.
Can I use any watercolor brush with these sets?
Yes, most watercolor brushes work, but travel sets often include a small brush that fits inside the case. For convenience, many artists use water brushes that have a water reservoir in the handle, which are easy to use outdoors.
How do I clean the pans after use?
Simply wipe the pans with a damp cloth or rinse them with water. Avoid using harsh chemicals. Allow them to dry completely before closing the case to prevent mold.
Are these sets suitable for professional artists?
Some sets, like Sennelier and Daniel Smith, use professional-grade paints and are suitable for professional work. Others, like Sakura Koi and Arteza, are student-grade and better for practice or beginners.
Can I replace individual pans if they run out?
Many sets allow for refillable pans. Winsor & Newton Cotman, Sennelier, and Daniel Smith offer refill pans that you can purchase separately. Check the specific set to see if it uses standard half pans.
Do these sets include a palette for mixing?
Most sets have a built-in mixing area, either on the case lid or as a separate palette. The Sakura Koi and Arteza sets have large mixing areas, while others like Winsor & Newton have a smaller mixing space.
What is the best way to store the set when traveling?
Keep the set in a padded pouch or wrap it in a cloth to prevent damage. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, as heat can melt the paints, and cold can make them brittle.
Can I use these paints with a water brush?
Yes, water brushes work well with all watercolor paints. Simply wet the brush and pick up color from the pan. Many travel sets include a water brush, but you can also buy a separate one.
Are these paints lightfast?
Lightfastness varies by brand. Professional grades like Sennelier and Daniel Smith claim high lightfastness, meaning the colors resist fading. Student-grade paints may fade more quickly. Always check the product information for lightfastness ratings.
Which set is the most compact?
The Winsor & Newton Cotman Pocket Box and the Van Gogh Travel Pocket Box are among the smallest, fitting easily in a shirt pocket. The Schmincke AQUA Drop is also very compact due to its dropper bottle design.
The verdict
For most travelers, the Winsor & Newton Cotman Pocket Box offers the best balance of portability, paint quality, and durability. If you prefer professional pigments and don’t mind a bit more weight, the Sennelier Wooden Travel Box is a superb choice. For those on a budget who want a full kit, the Sakura Koi set is unbeatable. Choose based on your priorities: Cotman for reliability, Sennelier for top-tier quality, and Koi for value.
