Navigating the world of watercolors can be difficult due to the hefty prices of artist-grade or professional range pigments required for quality artwork.
However, Royal Talens’ Van Gogh is a brand that has become renowned for their incredibly affordable and reliable watercolor paints that are an amazing entrance point for beginner artists looking to test the waters.
Here’s why you should definitely consider these paints as a beginner.
Review
Irrespective of it’s affordable price-range, the Van Gogh watercolor range have one of the most lightfast (100+ years under museum conditions), vibrant and transparent pigments relative to any other student-grade lines such as the Winsor and Newton Cotman range.
With these factors being some of the most important when it comes to reviewing watercolor paints, the Van Gogh range produced in the Netherlands tops the competition for its outrageous value.
Available in 72 high tinting colors in 10ml tubes or half pans, they are amazing for budding artists who are looking for QUALITY paints with specially selected pigments of high purity that perform and do not hinder.
Compared to other student-grade lines, Van Gogh’s watercolors remain well pigmented even when watered down allowing for effortless mixing that is highly beneficial for beginning watercolorists learn and get used to the medium as well as watercolor techniques.
Alternatives brands to Van Gogh for similarly priced watercolors includes Paul Rubens and White Nights if you’re looking for a greater (professional calibre) pigment load.
Tubes from both of these brands are slightly more expensive than Van Gogh’s student line but still a lot less than artist grade paint brands such as Daniel Smith, Schmincke Horadam, M. Graham, Old Holland.
In essence…
Van Gogh watercolors are dedicated for an avid beginner or genuine hobbyist slotting itself between in a niche characterized by affordability and quality.
Please not that this drastic drop in price from such artist-grade brands does come with a compromise in color variety (e.g. limited proprietary colors) and quality of paints.
However, Royal Talens also produces a professional grade watercolor called “Rembrandt” with a greater pigment load and specialty high-chroma colors if you’re willing to pay a little more.
The best part is:
Having some Van Gogh watercolors will endure throughout your progression in watercolor painting as they will remain useful in tandem with upgraded pigments and developed expertise.
It seems as though the general consensus is that the Van Gogh watercolor range has exceeded the watercolor community’s expectations with its incredible value for money that reduces the barrier of entry to watercolor painting dramatically.
Recommended set
Any of Van Gogh’s sets would be a great addition to your collection if you’re starting out with water colors, but I’d personally recommend their 12 Half Pan General Selection Pocketbox.
This set provides you warm and cool variants of primary colors in order to equip you with the necessary colors to be able to mix any pigment you desire!
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Outperforms “student-grade” labeling | Some pigments are difficult to mix |
| High lightfastness (100+ years under museum condition) | Lower color variety (72 available pigments) |
| Good pigment weight | Good labelling for color identity |
| Amazing value for money | |
| High tinting strength |
F.A.Q
Who are the Van Gogh Watercolors for?
The Van Gogh watercolor range is suited for beginner artists wanting to invest in some high quality watercolor paints without having to compromise the quality of their work and learning process for cheaper alternatives. It is an ideal bridge for a transition from low end ‘craft’ paints to a middle ground that falls behind professional-grade paints that are commonly double the price.
Where are Van Gogh Watercolors made?
Watercolor paints are carefully manufactured in Holland, the Netherlands.
Who makes Van Gogh Watercolors?
Watercolor paints are made by Royal Talens, a company founded in 1899 close in proximity to the Dutch city of Apeldoorn. Three brothers tare responsible for founding the brand whose family are associated in the art supplies and materials business since the 1600s.
Are Van Gogh Watercolors artist grade?
No, they are classified as ‘student-grade’ watercolors that very much push beyond its label and pulls several qualities characteristic of professional line paints.
How many Van Gogh Watercolor paints are there?
There is currently a selection of 72 available pigments that comes in sets of 6, 12 and 24 (in tubes or half pans).
Summary
It is clear that Van Gogh’s Watercolor paints transcend beyond its ‘student-grade’ label for its exceptional lightfastness, vibrancy, pigmentation and tinting strength, all the characteristics you’d normally see in professional-range watercolor paints.
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