Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Watercolor Painting
Posted by Sarah @ PIA on Dec 9th 2024
We’re diving into the vibrant world of watercolor painting! Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned pro or someone just starting to explore the medium, these thoughtful gifts are perfect for any artist looking to add new tools to their watercolor studio. From professional-grade paints and brushes to toned watercolor papers, these picks are designed to help your loved ones—or yourself—create beautiful works of art. Each product has been chosen for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and ability to bring a new dimension to watercolor techniques. Let’s dive in!
Paint with Magic and Mystery
Looking for the perfect gift to wow the watercolorist in your life? Or are you building your own holiday wishlist? Our Gansai Tambi Sumi and Granulating sets are as stunning to use as they are to unwrap!
The Granulating Set features dreamy, duochromatic colors that create mesmerizing effects as they separate and blend—ideal for artists who love an element of surprise in their work. The Sumi Set offers deep, rich tones inspired by traditional Japanese sumi inks, drying with a subtle sheen for truly elegant results. Pair them with a favorite brush, and you’ve got a gift that’s sure to delight!
Shop Gansai Tambi Granulating Colors
Portable Perfection
These elegant journals from Hahnemuhle feature softly tinted beige or gray paper that adds depth and dimension to every brushstroke. The finely textured surface is perfect for lifting colors, using masking fluids, or layering details, making it a versatile choice for any watercolorist.
With sturdy covers, adjustable bands, and a travel-ready design, these toned watercolor notebooks are perfect for artists who love to paint on the go. Available in three sizes, they’re a thoughtful gift for anyone who craves inspiration wherever they wander.
Shop Hahnemuhle Toned Grey Book
Shop Hahnemuhle Toned Beige Book
Brushes That Keep Their Cool
For watercolorists who love fine details, Interlon Brushes from Japan are a game-changer. Crafted with a unique interlocking nylon blend, these brushes deliver sharp, controlled strokes for botanical illustrations, brush lettering, and intricate designs.
Durable yet flexible, their bristles keep their shape through countless painting sessions—and if they bend, a quick soak in hot water restores them like magic. Affordable and versatile, these brushes are perfect for anyone looking to elevate their watercolor or gouache techniques.
From Sketch to Wash in Seconds
Combine the precision of a pencil with the unpredictability of watercolor using Supracolor Watercolor Pencils from Caran d’Ache. With their soft yet strong water-soluble cores, these pencils deliver vibrant, highly pigmented color that’s perfect for washes, shading, cross-hatching, and mixed media creations.
Designed with a durable California cedar shaft and exceptional lightfastness, Supracolor pencils are built for artists of every skill level. Available in an incredible range of 120 colors (including metallics!), they make a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves watercolors and lettering equally. Click here to watch us explore Open-Shaded Script with these pencils.
The Ultimate Watercolor Sidekick
These portable sticks combine the best of painting and drawing, letting you sketch, scribble, or layer with ease. Each Daniel Smith Watercolor Stick packs the pigment power of three full pans, delivering incredible value in a compact design.
Choose from curated sets like Granulating Power for textured depth, Aquatic Landscapes for ocean-inspired hues, or Core Mixing Palette for ultimate color versatility. Each set comes in a snap-lid case for effortless transport and organization. You can effortlessly separate the compartments to carry individual sticks or keep them attached to ensure your favorite colors stay together!
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120 Years of Stunning Colors
This next gift is for the truly watercolor-obsessed! This limited-edition Gansai Tambi 100-color set celebrates Kuretake’s 120th anniversary with a beautifully arranged wooden box featuring both classic tones and exciting new shades. From the mesmerizing color-shifting granulating pigments to the luminous starry gold and gem-like opal, these watercolors allow you to create everything from bold, opaque strokes to soft, transparent washes. Plus, the addition of Gofun White brings a traditional Japanese touch for a truly unique painting experience.
Click here to watch an unboxing video from Kuretake.
Shop Gansai Tambi 100-Color Set
Ultimate Brush Upgrade
Give the calligrapher who’s mastered every brush technique the ultimate upgrade: the Escoda Ultimo Evolution Mop Brush. Designed with input from master artist Joan Coch, this tool combines the classic feel of a squirrel hair mop brush with modern engineering for unmatched precision and water capacity. Its distinctive perforated ferrule holds up to 50% more water than a standard mop, delivering ultra-smooth, consistent flow across expansive washes and intricate details alike—a perfect match for large-scale compositions or delicate flourishes.
More than just a brush, the Ultimo Evolution is the result of generations of expertise and innovation, made to elevate the work of artists who demand the best.
Tradition Meets Transparency
Discover the beauty of hand-crafted watercolors with Stoneground Paint! Each pan is made using a centuries-old process that blends pure pigments with a natural binder of gum arabic, water, and wildflower honey. The result? Luminous, transparent colors with exceptional clarity and depth.
Stoneground’s commitment to single-pigment formulations gives artists the freedom to create vibrant, expressive works without the risk of muddiness. Perfect for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship and the unique properties of each carefully created hue. Plus, they’ll fit perfectly in any stocking!