One of the first choices artists have when starting out in watercolor painting is whether to use student-grade watercolors or Best professional watercolors. To improve your painting experience, it is essential for both novices and seasoned artists to comprehend the distinctions between these two kinds. We'll go over the main distinctions, advantages, and difficulties between using watercolors meant for professional use and those meant for student use in this article. We'll also look at Pakistan's watercolor market's pricing spectrum, enabling you to choose wisely according to your needs and financial constraints. This guide is for you if you're looking for the best professional watercolors and want to learn more about the cost of watercolors in Pakistan.
What Are Watercolors?
Before we delve into the comparison, let's briefly define what watercolors are. Watercolors are paints made by combining pigments with a binder, usually gum arabic, that dissolves in water. They are known for their translucent quality, allowing light to reflect off the paper for a luminous effect. Artists can layer and blend colors to create a wide range of visual effects, making watercolors a versatile and popular medium.
Understanding the Differences Between Professional and Student-Grade Watercolors
When it comes to watercolors, there are two primary categories: professional-grade and student-grade. Although they may seem similar at first glance, there are several key differences that affect performance, quality, and price.
1. Pigment Quality
Professional Watercolors: The best professional watercolors use high-quality, finely ground pigments that offer superior vibrancy and color intensity. These pigments are often purer and more concentrated, allowing artists to achieve rich, deep tones. Professional watercolors also tend to offer a wider range of pigments, some of which are rare or exclusive.
Student-Grade Watercolors: In contrast, student-grade watercolors typically contain less pigment and more fillers or binders. This means the colors may be less vibrant and harder to layer. While they still provide a satisfactory experience for beginners, the overall richness and transparency may not match that of professional watercolors.
2. Color Permanence and Lightfastness
Professional Watercolors: One of the key attributes of the best professional watercolors is their superior lightfastness. This refers to the paint's resistance to fading when exposed to light over time. Professional-grade watercolors are designed to maintain their vibrancy for many years, making them an excellent choice for artists who sell their work or display it in galleries.
Student-Grade Watercolors: Student-grade watercolors often have lower lightfastness ratings. While they are suitable for practice and learning, they may not hold up well over time if exposed to sunlight or strong lighting. As a result, they are typically not recommended for creating artwork intended for long-term display.
3. Price Comparison: Professional vs. Student-Grade Watercolors
Watercolor Price in Pakistan: Price is a significant factor for many artists, particularly those just starting out. Professional watercolors tend to be more expensive due to the higher quality of pigments and materials used in their production. In Pakistan, the price of professional watercolor sets can vary depending on the brand and size of the set.
Best professional watercolors in Pakistan typically range from PKR 4,000 to PKR 15,000 for a basic set of 12 colors.
Higher-end professional watercolor sets can go beyond PKR 20,000, especially for premium brands like Winsor & Newton or Daniel Smith.
Student-Grade Watercolor Price in Pakistan: On the other hand, student-grade watercolors are more affordable, making them a practical option for beginners or hobbyists. In Pakistan, you can find student-grade watercolor sets for as low as PKR 800 to PKR 3,000, depending on the brand and the number of colors included.
Pros and Cons of Professional Watercolors
Pros:
Vibrant Colors: The high pigment concentration ensures rich, intense colors.
Better Blending: Professional watercolors offer superior blending and layering capabilities.
Lightfastness: They are resistant to fading over time, preserving the quality of your artwork.
Variety of Colors: Professional watercolors provide access to a broader range of pigments, including rare colors.
Cons:
Cost: The best professional watercolors come with a higher price tag, making them a significant investment for many artists.
Availability: Certain high-end brands may not be as readily available in some countries, including Pakistan, which may require importing.
Pros and Cons of Student-Grade Watercolors
Pros:
Affordability: Student-grade watercolors are budget-friendly, making them ideal for beginners or those experimenting with the medium.
Availability: These paints are widely available in local art stores, making them easier to access.
Sufficient for Learning: For artists who are still learning or practicing, student-grade watercolors provide a suitable platform to explore techniques.
Cons:
Less Pigment Quality: The reduced pigment content results in less vibrant colors.
Limited Lightfastness: Over time, artworks created with student-grade paints may fade or lose their original color intensity.
Fewer Color Options: The range of available pigments is often more limited compared to professional-grade paints.
Which Type of Watercolor Is Best for You?
Choosing between professional and student-grade watercolors largely depends on your skill level, budget, and artistic goals.
1. For Beginners and Hobbyists:
If you're just starting out, student-grade watercolors are a fantastic option. They offer a more affordable entry point while still allowing you to explore the basic techniques of watercolor painting. If you're working on practice pieces or experimenting with different styles, student-grade paints provide a cost-effective way to develop your skills.
2. For Intermediate and Advanced Artists:
If you're more experienced or plan to sell or display your artwork, investing in the best professional watercolors is worth considering. The higher pigment concentration, superior blending, and better lightfastness will help you create high-quality, long-lasting pieces. The enhanced vibrancy and richness of professional paints can elevate your work, making them an essential tool for more serious projects.
Tips for Buying Watercolors in Pakistan
When purchasing watercolors in Pakistan, it’s important to do your research and compare prices across various stores. Online retailers and local art stores offer a range of watercolor brands, from budget-friendly student-grade options to high-end professional sets.
Shop Around: Visit different online stores or local art supply shops to find the best professional watercolors at competitive prices.
Look for Sales: Some stores offer discounts or sales on art supplies, making it possible to score quality watercolors at a reduced price.
Consider Importing: If you’re looking for specific professional watercolor brands that aren’t readily available in Pakistan, importing from international retailers may be an option, though this may increase costs due to shipping.
Final thought
The choice between student-grade and professional watercolors ultimately comes down to personal taste, financial constraints, and ability level. Student-grade watercolors provide an accessible and reasonably priced starting point for those who are new to painting or who paint as a pastime. But if you want brilliant, long-lasting colors and are serious about producing artwork of the highest caliber, then spending money on the finest professional watercolors is a smart move.
You can choose the paints that best fit your demands by being aware of the main distinctions between these two kinds of watercolors. Painting with watercolors can be a lovely and expressive art form, and there are many alternatives accessible to you whether you're buying them locally or researching watercolor prices in Pakistan.
