Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The packaging has been updated so it's not exactly as shown, but after double checking with Winsor and Newton, everything is in order and the package arrived in perfect condition! Note that the packaging it comes in is now silver and white instead of green and is labeled "Professional" watercolor instead of just "Artists' " watercolor. The pans do not have individual foil labels on them as shown, they arrive individually wrapped in clear plastic. Winsor and Newtons customer support confirmed that this is all correct. It's such a perfect watercolor set. The included waterbottle, with the amount I use, usually lasts me three paint sessions if I pour the cup out afterwards (Since then I've gotten better at cleaning with the sponge instead of swishing in the water and can reuse the water). The sponge is a great addition, you use it to both clean pigment from brushes and dab the paper to lighten areas and its better than a paper towel in size and cleans without issue. If its full of water, just squeeze it out into the grass or cup if you're indoors. The pigments are vivid and go a long way with just a little paint. They mix well. The brush is very tiny, so I'd recommend getting a Da Vinci 1523 Russian Red Sable Round size 5 portable brush or something to carry along with it. The included brush is maybe a 2, give or take. It works well but is best used in conjunction with a 5 or 6. I use a 5x8.25 moleskine watercolor album [EDIT: I don't like my moleskine as much as my plain Strathmore 400 series watercolor sketchbook. The paper is super thin in moleskine, good for light washes but not layers at all] and those two brushes work for just about everything, but I use more when I'm at my desk. If you're new and wondering whether you should spend twice the money of the Cottman colors, get what you can afford but lean towards these ones. I haven't compared them in depth, but the professional quality ones seem to be a better and the pans last a bit longer. Get yourself a good watercolor sketchbook too, and perhaps some sakura pigma micron pens and a gelly roll white pen and you can do anything. Don't be afraid to use up your supplies, you learn a lot from using them often. Overall this is a perfect set for doing watercolor on the go. I got them so I wouldn't have an excuse not to watercolor wherever I went. I do it in class, too. I'll attach pictures of all of the items. (sorry for bad lighting)