I spend a lot of time researching about art materials. Probably more than most artists, since I have a special interest in materials from my academic conservation/restoration background. This curated list can be used as a resource for workshops and coaching – the direct links can save you time searching. I’ll only reference things I personally use, or am planning to get for myself, i.e., products I use or would use. I will be using affiliate links and promo codes whenever possible. Please use them, it should help both me and you, and will encourage me to keep making the lists better, more comprehensive and informative over time.
Watercolour:
I am very fortunate that I was gifted this set directly from Japan. It is a bit expensive in the UK, being a Japanese import, but it is a premium grade watercolour. Jacksonsart.com gives it their highest rating (exceptional). It has high pigment load and no dispersing agents, and is suitable for European as well as Japanese traditional styles. I would describe it as easy and pleasant to work with. The tube paint dries in half pans without cracking. It rewets very easily. It is smooth, and intensely coloured. The set I have doesn’t granulate much. One downside is that many of the colours are not single pigments. Generally, I would prefer single pigment colours as they are less likely to colour shift from light damage.