SAKURA Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit - Watercolor Sets for Painting On the Go - 12 Colors - 1 Water Brush - 1 Sponge - 1 Palette

Please note: The 5 star rating is for the good color options and the convenience of a portable watercolor kit for painting on the go - and from the prospective of someone very new to using watercolors.I joined an outdoor sketching group over a year ago. Painting outside presented several challenges for me and my initial attempts were frustrated by the difficulty in juggling brushes, paints, a water bottle- all while holding onto the sketchbook and trying to draw in it! After I discovered water brushes and stumbled on this Koi Sakura portable watercolor set, I was finally able to get down to the business of painting. At first, I wasn't sure if I'd like watercolor as a medium and didn't want to spend too much. At less than $25 for the color range and portability, I felt I couldn't go wrong buying this set. At that time, I also purchased the Cotman 14-color watercolor set but didn't like the flimsy-feeling palette and the paints kept falling out. I needed something easier to manage.This 24-color set had all the shades I needed with a few colors I don't even use. It folds up neatly into a small, square box that fits into my shoulder bag. The colors are strong and more on the opaque side - which was my preference, initially. The problem I did have with the Sakura paints is that mixing colors created muddy results. I read somewhere to not mix more than 2 colors together if not using single pigmented watercolor brands. These are beginner/student quality but are much better than the retail store stuff that's all chalk and barely produces any color.I've only used the included brush a few times early on. It was too much work to take off the plug and then attach the brush end to the barrel (and then dismantle in reverse after I was done). Instead, I bought several other fuller length water brushes. I like the Niji, Kuretake and Pentel Aquash brushes and have used Derwent ones as well. I just store the other water brushes (won't fit the Sakura case) with my drawing pens and pencils that I bring along with me, in a pencil pouch.Now I'm ready for better quality paints and the price difference is considerable. I plan to keep this Koi set because the box is sturdy and well-made. I can replace the paints with better watercolors once I decide which to get. I've tried the Prima Marketing paints and was impressed with the color clarity and how more translucent they are compared to the Koi brand. I suppose this is part of the learning -- knowing what good paints look like on paper and what they can do!

Sakura is one of the premier manufacturers of quality, professional artist grade supplies, well known for their paint (watercolor) and pen products for artists, crafters, scrapbookers, etc. This set has so many qualities that meet my needs as a mixed media artist (who also travels some) that I like to sing their praises. First, and perhaps the most important positive about the set, are the QUALITY. I have found the Sakura line to have the most highly pigmented (meaning more color rather than binder, which can make colors 'wash out' and not be as vibrant) pan (meaning dry blocks of paint, rather than wet in the tube) watercolors on the market. What this means to artists/consumers is that while you may pay a bit more upfront for the set, they last a very long time, thus are highly economical. And the colors are vibrant and easy to activate with water and use, which translates into beautiful artwork and a whole lot less frustration. Those of us who have ever used an inexpensive set, like in children's or off-brand watercolors, and get frustrated with mixing or being able to get a rich color on the page or canvas know what this means. Beyond the quality of the paints, this is the handiest little travel set I've ever seen. The box opens to reveal a divided palette great for color mixing. If you want it to, the palette connects to the side using the little 'feet' on the bottom. Place your finger in the 'ring' on the bottom of the box, and you have a stable mixing platform to use. Nice. The water brush included means you can fill the barrel with water and use the brush by squeezing to control the amount of water you need...and eliminates the need to carry separate brushes and water to activate the pan paints. The barrel comes apart for easy storage, and is sealed (when not in use) by a little black top that fits in one of the corner holes of the base so that you won't lose it while you're working. There are replacement brushes available in three sizes, too, which I really like and have purchased. I believe it is the Large brush that comes with this set. The little yellow sponges located on either side of the pan paints are great for technique work, as in lifting paint or water off the page, OR to dry off your brush before moving onto the next color. The spongs can be turned over so that all 4 sides are used on both of them, giving you 8 spaces to remove color if you've forgotten to bring a babywipe or paper towels. The sponges wash/clean easily. Lastly, I also use the inside of the lid for additional palette space, since I do a lot of my own color mixing. I cannot say enough good about this set and have given several over the years as gifts to friends, who have also fallen in love with their ease of use and high delivery of paint. Enjoy!If this review was helpful please click the "helpful" button below :) I bought this with my own money, and have no relationship with the seller