The Best Watercolor Pencil Sets for Beginners

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​If you’re just getting started with watercolor pencils, you might be wondering: What should I look for in a watercolor pencil set? What are the best sets for beginners? What brands offer good quality without breaking the bank? 


Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered!

In this post, I’ll share my favorite watercolor pencil sets for beginners, along with their pros and cons.

They all offer great quality while being accessibly priced, so you can experiment and practice without overwhelm or guilt.

Let’s dive in!



What Are Watercolor Pencils?

Watercolor pencils are a hybrid between colored pencils and traditional watercolor paint.

You can use them dry like regular colored pencils or activate them with water for a more painterly effect.

They're incredibly versatile, portable, and perfect for beginners who want more control than traditional watercolor paints typically allow.




What to Look For in Beginner Watercolor Pencil Sets

When choosing a set, consider:

• Solubility – Do the colors activate and blend well with water?
• Pigment Quality – Are the colors vibrant and rich?
• Core Hardness – Softer cores are easier to blend but may wear down faster.
• Lightfastness – Important if you're creating work to display (not just for practice).
• Price – You want a balance of affordability and quality to get started confidently.

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Best Watercolor Pencil Sets for Beginners

Here are my top 5 beginner-friendly picks.
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1. Arteza Watercolor Pencils

Overview:
Arteza’s Pro Series Watercolor Pencils are a favorite among beginners for their balance of affordability, color variety, and solid performance when activated with water. These pencils lay down smoothly and offer rich pigment and are available in larger 72- or 120-color sets.

Pros:

• Affordable price for large sets
• Smooth color application and blending
• Rich pigments, especially when activated with water
• Sturdy metal tin for storage

Cons:

• Not lightfast (colors may fade over time)
• Tips may break more easily than higher-end brands
• Some inconsistency in softness/hardness across colors​

Arteza Watercolor Pencil Set Tin Box With 72 Colors

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2. Winsor & Newton Watercolor Pencils

Overview:
From the reputable Cotman student line, these pencils are great for beginners seeking consistent quality. While not as vibrant as professional-level brands, they’re reliable, portable, and easy to use, especially in smaller sketching kits or travel sets.

Pros:

• Well-known, trusted brand
• Smooth and easy to use
• Great for sketching on-the-go
• Reputable quality for student-grade

Cons:

• Smaller color range
• Less vibrant or soft compared to premium options

​

Winsor and Newton Watercolor Pencil Set Tin Box With 24 Colors

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3. Staedtler Ergosoft Aquarell Watercolor Pencils

Overview:
These student-grade pencils are designed with ergonomics in mind, great for young learners or adults just getting started. The triangular barrel and soft lead make them comfortable and beginner-friendly, though the pigment load is lighter than some competitors.

Pros:

• Triangular ergonomic barrel for comfort and control
• Soft and richly colored lead
• Affordable
• Good for sketching and coloring

Cons:

• Limited color sets available
• More suitable for basic use than refined watercolor effects

Staedtler ErgoSoft Aquarell Watercolor Pencil Set With 12 Colors

4. Faber-Castell Goldfaber Aqua

Overview:
This is a solid mid-range option from Faber-Castell’s student line. Goldfaber Aqua pencils offer bright colors, break-resistant cores, and smooth laydown, making them a great step up in quality for serious beginners looking to explore watercolor effects.

Pros:

• Bright, vibrant color payoff
• Excellent solubility and smooth blending
• Break-resistant cores
• Affordable for the quality

Cons:

• Not as intense or lightfast as Faber-Castell’s professional Albrecht Dürer line
• Fewer open-stock options for replacing single colors
• Some pigment tones may feel slightly chalky when dry

​

Faber-Castel Goldfaber Aqua Watercolor Pencil Set 36 Colors

5. Derwent Watercolour Pencils

Overview:
Derwent’s Watercolour pencils are a long-standing favorite, known for their wide color range and excellent control in both dry and wet applications. These pencils work beautifully in layers and are ideal for beginners who want something long-lasting and versatile.

Pros:

• Smooth application and soft core
• Good for detailed dry work and painterly wet effects
• Decent lightfastness in many colors
• Available open-stock and in various tin sizes
• High build quality and professional feel

Cons:

• Pricier than other student options
• Color activation varies by hue (some are less soluble)
• Subtle tones may feel too muted for those who prefer vivid color

Derwent Watercolor Pencil Set With 24 Colors

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​How to Use Watercolor Pencils Like a Pro

Using watercolor pencils effectively takes a bit of practice, but once you understand the basics, you’ll be able to create beautiful, painterly effects with ease.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started.

And you'll be able to find lots of step-by-step tutorials over on my YouTube channel that will teach you how to use watercolor pencils for vibrant, glowing results. 

Check them out here!


​Whether you're just starting out or already loving their versatility, remember this: what matters most is showing up consistently and exploring with curiosity.

You don’t need the fanciest tools to create meaningful art, just the willingness to keep learning and experimenting.

You've got this!

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