Good watercolour set for beginners?? | Meeden review

Well what a pleasant surprise. I was highly skeptical when I got sent the Meeden Watercolour starter set to try out. Cheap art materials are rarely good, so they end up being a false economy. But this exceeded my expectations and they include a palette (so sweet), paints, brushes and paper. All you need to do is add water and you are off! In this film I put the supplies to the test and give tips to help you take your first steps in watercolour.

If you wonder what colours you need, why new brushes are rock hard, what 'cold pressed' means, or just find watercolours a bit confusing, then I hope this will help. Whether you decide to buy this set or not, you should learn lots about this gorgeous medium. And the world will be a better place if we all paint a bit more!!

It can be expensive to start out in watercolours, but if you cut corners you might end up getting frustrated, so I am always on the look out for good value materials I can recommend to students. I think this set offers amazing value. As you grow in confidence and experience you will be able to add and swap out things, but to get you going at an affordable price this might be hard to beat.

In the interest of full disclosure, I was sent this for free. I accepted on the condition I could be honest. I was expecting to hate it and have to think of polite ways of saying it was rubbish - but it isn't. Of course, at this price there are some wobbles, but I will point all those out too.

Meeden is a Chinese company established in 2015. I had never heard of them, but I am told they are pretty big in the States. If you are not a beginner, do check out their ceramic palettes - they have some wonderful ones. Their easels look very good too. You can use the discount code below on anything!!

Even better, Meeden have given me a discount code to share, which will save you a further 10% (post is included in UK, USA, Canada and Australia). It is Liz10. You can use it here: https://meedenart.com?sca_ref=3687517.WIMJFLNH9d

You can follow these links (these are affiliate links so I will get a small commission, but it will not cost you anything extra):

➢ [MEEDEN Watercolor Painting Set] - https://meedenart.com/collections/wat...

Pros
1. Economical - £36.95 in the UK (inc delivery) - prices in other countries are given in the film
2. Comprehensive - everything you need except water!
3. Ceramic palette, not plastic
4. Full pigment information for the paints is provided - they are more transparent than Meeden says in my opinion
5. Fully tested to international safety standards
6. The brush set is really pretty
7. The paper stands up to layering, lifting and wet in wet. It is 100% cotton and acid free
8. 12ml tubes, not 5ml
9. The yellow range is very nice

Cons
1. The paints have a few gaps - the blues aren't great and they include titanium white
2. The bane of my life - a fan brush - is included. Better to have a rigger
3. The brush sizing is confusing for beginners

If you have enjoyed this film, please like, comment and subscribe. It really helps the film get shown to more people. If you are just beginning, I have an introduction course at www.lizchadertonstudio.co.uk. You might also like to join my friendly Facebook group for ideas, tips and support: www.facebook.com/groups/watercolourstudiowithlizchaderton

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