Embarking on your artistic journey or simply looking to refresh your essential supplies? The foundation of any stunning piece of art lies in the quality of its pigments, and when it comes to fundamental hues, selecting the right materials can make all the difference. This guide dives deep into the world of essential colors, helping you navigate the diverse market to discover the best basics art paints that offer vibrant performance, excellent coverage, and lasting durability without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just starting out, understanding what makes a basic art paint truly “basic” is key. We’ll explore the crucial factors to consider, from pigment load and lightfastness to texture and drying time, all while reviewing a curated selection of top-tier options. Get ready to equip your palette with the dependable, high-quality paints that will serve as the building blocks for your creative expression, ensuring your foundational colors are as impactful as your wildest ideas.
Before we get to our review of the best basics art paints, let’s browse through some relevant products on Amazon:
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Understanding Basics Art Paints
Basics Art Paints, a well-regarded brand in the art supply industry, offers a comprehensive range of paints designed to meet the needs of students, hobbyists, and emerging artists. Known for their accessibility and consistent quality, Basics Art Paints provide a reliable foundation for learning and developing artistic techniques. Whether you are experimenting with color mixing, exploring different mediums, or embarking on your first serious painting projects, this line of paints is engineered to deliver satisfactory results without breaking the bank.
The brand’s product line typically includes acrylics, watercolors, and tempera paints, each formulated with specific properties to suit various artistic applications. Acrylics are celebrated for their versatility, quick drying time, and ability to adhere to a wide range of surfaces, making them a popular choice for mixed media and contemporary art. Watercolors, on the other hand, offer a luminous and transparent quality, perfect for delicate washes and expressive landscapes. Tempera paints, often favored by younger artists, are non-toxic, water-soluble, and easy to clean up, providing a safe and enjoyable introduction to painting.
One of the primary advantages of choosing Basics Art Paints is their emphasis on affordability without compromising on essential performance. Artists can confidently experiment and practice their skills, knowing they are using paints that are formulated to be vibrant, blendable, and lightfast to a reasonable degree for their price point. This makes them an excellent entry-level option, allowing individuals to build a diverse palette and explore various painting styles before investing in more expensive professional-grade materials. For many, discovering the best basics art paints is the first step in a rewarding artistic journey.
In essence, Basics Art Paints serve as a crucial stepping stone for anyone looking to engage with the world of art. They provide the tools necessary for creative exploration, skill development, and the sheer joy of bringing color to life. Their widespread availability and user-friendly nature ensure that the fundamental aspects of painting are approachable and enjoyable for a broad audience.
Top 5 Best Basics Art Paints
Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketchers’ Pocket Box 24 Half Pans
Winsor & Newton’s Cotman line has long been a go-to for artists looking for quality without breaking the bank, and the Sketchers’ Pocket Box 24 Half Pans is a testament to that reputation. This compact set offers an impressive spectrum of 24 half pans, providing a versatile palette for everything from detailed botanical studies to vibrant landscapes. The colors themselves are surprisingly luminous and blend beautifully, exhibiting good lightfastness for an introductory student-grade paint. The sheer convenience of this set cannot be overstated; it’s designed for portability, making it perfect for plein air painting, travel, or simply having a reliable watercolor option readily available.
The included mixing wells in the lid are generously sized, and the brush that comes with the set, while basic, is functional enough to get you started immediately. The paints re-wet easily, a crucial factor for maintaining workflow, and the overall experience of using this set is thoroughly enjoyable. For beginners or even experienced artists seeking an affordable and highly portable watercolor solution, the Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketchers’ Pocket Box 24 Half Pans is an outstanding choice that offers exceptional value and performance.
Arteza Everblend Art Markers, Dual Tip, 120 Colors Set
Arteza’s Everblend Art Markers are a revelation for anyone looking to dive into the world of alcohol-based markers without a significant financial commitment. This extensive 120-color set provides an incredibly comprehensive range of hues, ensuring you have the perfect shade for almost any project. The dual-tip design, featuring both a fine tip for detail work and a broader chisel tip for coloring larger areas, offers excellent versatility. The colors are vibrant and blend smoothly, allowing for seamless gradient effects and realistic shading.
The affordability of the Arteza Everblend markers makes them an ideal choice for students, hobbyists, and artists who want to experiment with a vast color palette. While they may not possess the ultra-fine control or extreme blendability of some high-end professional markers, they deliver fantastic results for their price point. The consistent ink flow and the sturdy build of the markers contribute to a satisfying user experience, making them a reliable tool for bringing illustrations, sketches, and designs to life.
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set, 12ml Tubes, 24 Colors
Liquitex is a name synonymous with quality in the acrylic paint world, and their BASICS line offers an accessible entry point for aspiring acrylic artists. This 24-color set, featuring 12ml tubes, provides a solid foundation of essential hues, including primary colors, earth tones, and secondary mixes. The paints themselves have a good body and viscosity, characteristic of acrylics, and they dry to a durable, flexible finish. The pigment load is commendable for a student-grade paint, offering decent coverage and vibrancy.
The Liquitex BASICS acrylics are easy to work with, whether you prefer opaque applications or thinned washes. They mix well with mediums and water, allowing for a range of techniques. The price point makes this set an excellent value, especially considering the brand’s reputation and the breadth of colors included. For anyone starting out with acrylic painting or looking for a reliable and affordable set for everyday use, the Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set, 24 Colors is a highly recommended and dependable choice.
Faber-Castell Goldfaber Colored Pencils, Tin of 24 Colors
The Faber-Castell Goldfaber colored pencils offer a delightful blend of quality and affordability, making them a top-tier option for basic colored pencil work. This 24-color tin provides a carefully curated selection of essential shades, perfect for beginners and those who appreciate a reliable set for everyday sketching and coloring. The pencils themselves are known for their smooth, consistent laydown and excellent blendability, allowing for nuanced shading and vibrant color mixing. The break-resistant leads are a significant plus, reducing frustration and wasted product.
What sets the Goldfaber line apart at this price point is the good pigment intensity and lightfastness. The colors are rich and build up beautifully, providing satisfying coverage without excessive pressure. The hexagonal barrel design ensures comfortable grip and prevents rolling, a small but appreciated detail. For artists seeking a foundational set of colored pencils that perform well beyond their price tag, the Faber-Castell Goldfaber Colored Pencils, Tin of 24 Colors are an outstanding and highly enjoyable choice.
Sakura Koi Coloring Brush Pen Set, 24 Colors
The Sakura Koi Coloring Brush Pen Set is an incredibly versatile and enjoyable introduction to brush pen artistry, making it a standout choice for basic art needs. This 24-color set features pens with flexible, brush-like tips that allow for a wide range of line weights, from fine details to broad strokes, all with the same pen. The water-based ink is vibrant and blends surprisingly well, especially when used with a water brush or by layering colors while they are still wet. The color selection is well-balanced, offering a good spectrum for various subjects.
These brush pens are perfect for illustrators, cartoonists, lettering artists, and anyone looking for a portable and expressive drawing tool. The control offered by the brush tip is intuitive, making it easy to achieve expressive mark-making. The ink flow is consistent, and the pens are generally long-lasting. For those seeking an affordable, user-friendly, and highly engaging set of coloring tools, the Sakura Koi Coloring Brush Pen Set, 24 Colors is an exceptional option that encourages creative exploration.
Why Buy Basic Art Paints?
The allure of vibrant, expressive artwork often begins with a foundation of fundamental materials. For anyone looking to explore their creative potential, acquiring basic art paints is an essential first step. These fundamental colors serve as the building blocks for a vast spectrum of hues and effects, allowing artists of all levels to experiment, learn techniques, and bring their visions to life without the initial intimidation of a complex palette.
Basic art paints, often found in student-grade or starter sets, provide an accessible entry point into the world of painting. They are typically formulated to be forgiving, meaning they can be easily mixed, layered, and corrected, which is invaluable for beginners still developing their brush control and color theory understanding. The affordability of these paints also removes a financial barrier, encouraging more people to pick up a brush and discover the joy of artistic creation.
Beyond the practical advantages, owning basic art paints empowers individuals to engage with art on a more personal level. Instead of simply admiring art, they can actively participate in its creation. This hands-on experience fosters a deeper appreciation for the skill and effort involved, and the ability to translate emotions and ideas into tangible forms is a deeply rewarding pursuit. Experimenting with different mediums and techniques using these foundational colors is key to developing a personal artistic voice.
Ultimately, the need to buy basic art paints stems from the desire to create, learn, and grow as an artist. They are the tools that unlock imagination, enabling everyone from curious novices to seasoned professionals to mix, blend, and paint their way to a more colorful and expressive world. While specialized paints have their place, understanding and utilizing the best basics art paints will always remain a cornerstone of any artistic journey.
Choosing the Right Type of Basics Art Paint
When selecting basics art paints, understanding the different mediums available is crucial. Acrylics are a popular choice for beginners due to their fast drying time, versatility, and water-based cleanup. They can be thinned to resemble watercolors or used thickly like oils, offering a wide range of application possibilities. Gouache, on the other hand, is an opaque watercolor that dries to a matte finish. It’s excellent for layering and creating bold, flat areas of color, making it a favorite for illustration and design work.
Oils, while requiring a bit more care due to solvent usage and longer drying times, offer unparalleled blending capabilities and a rich, luminous finish. For those new to oils, water-mixable oils can be a great alternative, providing similar handling properties without the need for harsh solvents. Watercolor paints, known for their transparency and delicate washes, are perfect for creating luminous and ethereal effects. Each type of paint has its own unique characteristics that can influence your artistic process and the final outcome of your artwork.
Ultimately, the “best” type of basics art paint depends on your personal preferences, the techniques you wish to explore, and the surfaces you intend to paint on. Experimenting with small sets of different mediums is highly recommended to discover which one resonates most with your artistic style and goals. Consider the project you envision and choose a paint that will best help you achieve that vision.
Understanding Paint Composition and Pigment Quality
The quality of basics art paints is largely determined by their composition, particularly the pigments used. Artist-grade paints, often found in “basics” lines, will utilize higher concentrations of pigment, leading to richer, more vibrant colors that are more lightfast. Lightfastness refers to a pigment’s resistance to fading when exposed to light over time, a critical factor for artworks intended for display. Look for information on the packaging regarding lightfastness ratings, often indicated by stars or letters.
The binder used in the paint also plays a significant role. For acrylics, the binder is acrylic polymer emulsion, which creates a flexible and durable film once dry. In gouache and watercolors, gum arabic is the primary binder, allowing for transparency and re-solubility. For oil paints, linseed oil or other drying oils act as the binder, providing a rich, glossy finish. Understanding these binders can help you anticipate how the paint will behave during application and when dry.
When evaluating basics art paints, pay attention to the pigment information provided. Some paints may use single pigments, which generally offer purer and more intense colors. Others may use mixtures of pigments. While mixtures can be convenient, they might not offer the same level of clarity or tinting strength as single-pigment paints. Higher quality paints will often list the specific pigment(s) used, such as “Cadmium Yellow” or “Phthalocyanine Blue,” giving you insight into their permanence and characteristics.
Essential Tools and Surfaces for Basics Art Painting
Beyond the paints themselves, having the right tools and surfaces is fundamental for a successful basics art painting experience. Brushes are perhaps the most critical accessory. For acrylics and gouache, synthetic brushes are a great starting point as they are durable, easy to clean, and can mimic the feel of natural bristles. For watercolors, soft natural hair brushes, like sable or squirrel, are preferred for their ability to hold a lot of water and create smooth washes.
A good palette is also essential for mixing colors. For acrylics and gouache, a stay-wet palette can be a lifesaver, keeping your paints from drying out too quickly. For oils, a wooden or glass palette is ideal for easy cleaning. Don’t forget about water containers for acrylics and watercolors, and potentially a medium or solvent for oils, depending on your chosen medium. A sturdy easel can significantly improve your comfort and control while painting.
The surface you choose will also impact your results. For acrylics, canvas panels, stretched canvases, and heavy-weight paper are all suitable. Gouache and watercolors are best suited for cold-press or hot-press watercolor paper, which is designed to handle wet media without buckling excessively. Oil paints typically require a primed surface, such as a primed canvas or panel, to prevent the oil from degrading the support material. Selecting the right surface ensures your paint adheres properly and your artwork lasts.
Tips for Getting Started and Improving Your Basics Art Painting
Embarking on your journey with basics art paints is an exciting process, and a few key tips can help you get started and grow as an artist. Begin by focusing on fundamental color theory. Understanding how colors mix, create secondary and tertiary colors, and the concept of complementary colors will unlock a world of possibilities for your palette. Practice color mixing exercises to build your intuition and achieve the exact hues you envision.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brushstrokes and application techniques. Whether it’s thin, transparent washes or thick, impasto layers, explore how varying pressure and brush movement can alter the appearance of your paint. Similarly, try blending colors directly on the surface or on your palette to see how different methods achieve different effects. The beauty of basics art paints lies in their adaptability.
Finally, embrace the learning process and don’t strive for perfection in your initial attempts. Basics art paints are an excellent medium for exploration and development. Seek inspiration from other artists, watch tutorials, and most importantly, paint regularly. Consistent practice, coupled with an open mind and a willingness to learn from your “mistakes,” will lead to significant improvement and a more fulfilling artistic experience.
The Ultimate Buying Guide to the Best Basics Art Paints
Choosing the right art paints is a foundational step for any aspiring or seasoned artist. For beginners and those looking for reliable, everyday supplies, “basics” art paints offer an excellent balance of quality, affordability, and versatility. This guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting the best basics art paints to fuel your creative journey.
Understanding Your Needs and Skill Level
Before diving into specific paint types, take a moment to assess your current artistic goals and experience. Are you just starting out and exploring different mediums, or are you looking for a dependable set for practicing techniques? The “basics” category often encompasses a range of paints designed for broad appeal, but understanding what you hope to achieve will help you narrow down the options. For instance, if you’re a complete novice, a student-grade acrylic or watercolor set might be ideal for learning color mixing and application without a significant investment.
Your skill level directly influences the type of paint that will best serve your learning process. Beginners might benefit from paints that are forgiving, easy to clean, and offer a good range of colors. More experienced artists looking for budget-friendly options for studies or sketching might prioritize pigment load and lightfastness, even within the basics category. Consider if you prefer a paint that dries quickly, allowing for layering, or one that remains workable for longer periods, enabling subtle blending. This self-awareness is the first step to identifying the best basics art paints for your specific situation.
Exploring Different Paint Types
The term “basics art paints” can refer to several different mediums, each with its unique properties and applications. The most common types found in basic sets are acrylics, watercolors, and gouache. Acrylics are water-soluble when wet but become water-resistant when dry, making them versatile for various surfaces and techniques, from thin washes to thick impasto. Watercolors are known for their transparency and luminous qualities, ideal for delicate washes and vibrant effects, but they require specific paper and careful handling.
Gouache, often described as opaque watercolor, offers the transparency of watercolor with the opacity of acrylics, allowing for layering and correction. It dries to a matte finish and can be reactivated with water. Oil paints, while a fundamental medium, are less commonly found in “basics” sets due to their solvent requirements and longer drying times, which can be more challenging for beginners. Understanding the inherent characteristics of each medium will guide you toward the type of basics art paints that align with your desired aesthetic and working method.
Evaluating Pigment Quality and Concentration
One of the most crucial aspects of any paint, even within the basics category, is the quality and concentration of its pigments. Higher pigment load generally translates to more vibrant, intense colors that are less likely to appear chalky or muddy when mixed. Student-grade paints, often found in basic sets, may use fewer pigments or less expensive, less lightfast alternatives compared to artist-grade paints. However, many brands offer excellent student lines that provide a good introduction to color mixing and application without breaking the bank.
When looking at the packaging, try to find information regarding pigment content or the presence of fillers. While detailed pigment information might be limited in very basic sets, a quick test swatch can reveal a lot. Do the colors appear rich and opaque, or somewhat dull and transparent? Do they mix cleanly, or do they become muddy quickly? For the best basics art paints, aim for a balance where the pigments provide satisfying vibrancy and coverage for your intended use, even if they aren’t the highest artist-grade formulations.
Considering Color Selection and Set Sizes
Basic art paint sets typically come in a range of sizes, from introductory small sets with a few primary colors and essential hues to larger sets offering a broader spectrum. For beginners, a set of 12 or 24 colors is usually sufficient to explore color theory and create a wide variety of shades. These sets often include the primary colors (red, yellow, blue), secondary colors (green, orange, violet), and a few earth tones and black or white. This curated selection allows you to learn how to mix your own colors, a fundamental skill in art.
When choosing a set, think about the types of subjects you are most likely to paint. If you’re drawn to landscapes, a set with more greens and blues might be appealing. For portraits, flesh tones and a good range of reds and browns would be beneficial. Some basic sets might offer a focused palette, while others aim for a general all-rounder. It’s often more economical to buy a well-chosen basic set and supplement it with individual tubes of colors you use frequently, rather than purchasing a very large, potentially overwhelming, and less versatile set.
Investigating Paint Texture and Consistency
The texture and consistency of paints can significantly impact your painting experience and the final result. Acrylics, for example, can range from fluid and pourable to thick and buttery, affecting how they spread and hold brushstrokes. Watercolors are inherently fluid but can be concentrated for thicker applications or diluted for delicate washes. Gouache is typically creamy and opaque.
For basic art paints, consistency is often geared towards ease of use. Student-grade acrylics might be slightly thinner than artist-grade ones, making them easier to spread and blend, especially for beginners. Watercolors in basic sets are usually formulated for good flow and re-wettability. When considering the best basics art paints, pay attention to reviews or product descriptions that mention the paint’s viscosity and how well it performs for common techniques like blending, layering, or creating texture. A consistent, workable texture is key for a positive learning experience.
Assessing the Price Point and Value
Affordability is a hallmark of “basics” art supplies, but it’s important to find a balance between cost and quality. Very inexpensive paints might compromise on pigment load, binder quality, or lightfastness, which can lead to disappointing results and frustration. However, you don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune to get good quality basics art paints.
Look for reputable brands that are known for offering solid student-grade options. Often, a slightly higher price within the basics category can mean significantly better performance and durability. Consider the number of colors in the set and the volume of paint in each tube. Sometimes, a slightly more expensive set with fewer but larger tubes can offer better value than a very cheap set with many tiny tubes that you’ll quickly run through. Reading reviews from other artists can provide valuable insights into the true value proposition of different basic art paint options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best basic art paints?
The “best” basic art paints depend heavily on your intended use, skill level, and budget. For beginners looking for versatility and ease of use, acrylic paints are often recommended. They dry quickly, are water-soluble when wet, and can be used on a variety of surfaces. Gouache offers a similar opacity to acrylics but has a matte finish and is re-workable with water, making it excellent for layering and corrections.
If you’re interested in a more traditional approach and are willing to invest more time in learning, oil paints are a classic choice. They offer rich color saturation and a slow drying time that allows for extensive blending and subtle gradations. Watercolor paints, on the other hand, are known for their transparency and luminous qualities, requiring a delicate touch and good paper to achieve their best results.
What is the difference between acrylic and oil paints?
The primary difference lies in their binder and solvent. Acrylic paints use an acrylic polymer emulsion as their binder, meaning they are water-soluble when wet and dry quickly to a permanent, water-resistant finish. They are generally less toxic and easier to clean up than oil paints, making them a popular choice for beginners and those working in shared spaces.
Oil paints, conversely, use a drying oil (like linseed oil) as their binder. This results in a much slower drying time, allowing artists to blend colors seamlessly and work wet-on-wet for extended periods. However, they require solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits for thinning and cleaning brushes, which can have stronger fumes and require more careful handling.
Are watercolor paints good for beginners?
Yes, watercolor paints can be excellent for beginners, but they come with a unique learning curve. Their transparency and the way water interacts with the pigment can be initially challenging, as mistakes are harder to correct compared to acrylics or oils. However, the affordability of basic watercolor sets and the beautiful, luminous effects achievable make them an inviting medium to explore.
Success with watercolors often depends on the quality of the paper and understanding how to control the water-to-pigment ratio. Starting with a limited palette of good quality beginner watercolors and practicing basic techniques like washes, layering, and wet-on-wet will build a strong foundation for this engaging medium.
What is gouache paint?
Gouache is a type of watercolor paint that is made from pigment, water, and a binding agent, typically gum arabic. What distinguishes gouache from traditional transparent watercolors is the addition of an inert white pigment, such as chalk or calcium carbonate, which makes it opaque. This opacity allows gouache to be applied in opaque layers, similar to acrylics or oils, and to cover up previous marks.
Gouache paints dry to a matte, velvety finish and are re-solubilized with water, meaning they can be reactivated and blended even after they have dried. This makes them forgiving for beginners and versatile for artists who enjoy layering, creating flat color areas, and making corrections. They are particularly popular for illustration, design work, and for achieving a soft, matte aesthetic.
What are the best surfaces to paint on?
The best surface to paint on depends largely on the type of paint you are using. Acrylic paints are highly versatile and can adhere well to a wide range of surfaces, including stretched canvas, canvas boards, paper (especially heavier weights designed for acrylics), wood panels, and even some plastics. It’s often beneficial to prime these surfaces with gesso to ensure better adhesion and a smoother painting experience.
Oil paints require surfaces that can withstand the drying process and potential warping. Stretched canvas, canvas boards, and prepared wood panels are common choices. It’s crucial to prime these surfaces with an oil-based primer or gesso to prevent the oil from seeping into the support and causing damage over time. Watercolor and gouache paints are best suited for absorbent paper, specifically watercolor paper, which is designed to handle water without buckling excessively.
How do I clean my brushes after using acrylic paints?
Cleaning your brushes after using acrylic paints is straightforward due to their water-soluble nature when wet. The most crucial step is to clean them immediately after you’ve finished painting. Start by wiping away as much excess paint as possible with a paper towel or rag. Then, rinse the brush under lukewarm running water, gently working the bristles to dislodge the paint.
For a more thorough cleaning, you can use a brush cleaner designed for acrylics or a mild soap, like dish soap. Lather the soap in your palm or a brush cleaning tank, swirl the brush gently, and rinse thoroughly. Reshape the bristles of your brush and allow it to air dry completely before storing it upright or laying it flat.
What is the best way to store basic art paints?
Proper storage is essential to maintain the longevity and usability of your basic art paints. For acrylics and gouache tubes, ensure the caps are screwed on tightly to prevent the paint from drying out. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If you have paints in jars or palettes, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent air exposure.
For oil paints, tubes should also be capped tightly. Store them in a cool, dry place, similar to acrylics. If you’ve poured oil paints onto a palette, it’s best to cover it or scrape off excess paint and clean the palette if you won’t be using the paints again soon. Many artists also store oil paints in their original boxes to protect them from light and dust.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right foundational art supplies is paramount to a fulfilling creative journey, and understanding the nuances of acrylic, oil, and watercolor basics can significantly impact your artistic development. Our comprehensive review of the best basics art paints aims to equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions, whether you’re a beginner eager to explore color or an experienced artist seeking reliable go-to options. By focusing on pigment quality, permanence, and ease of use, we’ve highlighted paints that offer exceptional value and performance, ensuring your initial investments translate into vibrant and lasting artwork.
Ultimately, the “best” basics art paints are those that align with your personal artistic goals and budget. We encourage you to experiment with the recommended brands and types to discover what resonates most with your technique and aesthetic. Remember, these foundational paints are the building blocks of your creative expression. Investing wisely in them will empower you to experiment, grow, and confidently bring your artistic visions to life.