Key Takeaways
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The Studio Series Watercolor Field Kit by Peter Pauper Press includes 48 half-pan watercolors, a refillable water brush, and a compact case designed for painting anywhere.
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The kit suits artists who want a wide color range on the go, but it doesn't include watercolor paper.
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Users praise the Studio Series for its color range and vibrancy but note the missing paper and that the water brush takes practice to control at first.
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Tobio’s Kits, Sakura Koi, and Kuretake Gansai Tambi are three portable watercolor options worth considering, each with different strengths.
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Tobio's Watercolor Kit includes quality pigments, a cotton paper sketchbook, a walnut wood palette, a travel water brush, and a digital guide, all backed by a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
Is the Studio Series Watercolor Field Kit Good for Painting on the Go?
Yes, if you already own watercolor paper. The Studio Series delivers strong pigment quality and the widest color selection of any portable kit at its price point, and the compact hinged case fits in a daypack without taking up much room. Regular outdoor painters rate the 48-pan range as the kit's standout feature, giving them enough variety to mix on location without carrying tubes.
The gap is what surrounds the paint. The box includes no paper, so first-time outdoor painters need to find compatible watercolor stock before their first session. The wrong paper buckles, bleeds, or absorbs pigment unevenly, and choosing the right weight and texture adds a decision most beginners don't expect when they buy a kit labeled ready to go.
Tobio's Watercolor Kit takes the opposite approach, pairing its palette with a cotton paper sketchbook, travel water brush, and digital guide so you don't need to source anything separately before sitting down to paint.
Tobio's Kits: Everything You Need to Start Painting, In One Box
Complete Starter Kit | Ages 6+ | No Art Experience Needed
Tobio's portable watercolor kit puts everything in one compact box (pans, paper, and a wooden palette) so you can start painting right away, whether you're at home or on the go. No separate shopping, no guesswork. Just open the box and paint.
✓ A truly portable all-in-one kit, not just the wooden palette (unlike cheaper lookalikes)
✓ Pre-sketched Beginner Workbook with 30 guided illustrations, so no drawing required
✓ Curated supplies that work together, designed for beginners without the overwhelm
✓ Great for ages 6+ and thoughtful gift-givers who want to give something meaningful
Creativity should feel welcoming, not overwhelming.
What's Included in the Studio Series Watercolor Field Kit
The Studio Series Artist's Watercolor Field Kit, available for $24.99, is a portable watercolor set that lets artists paint wherever inspiration strikes. It includes the following:
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48 watercolor half-pans
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A refillable water brush
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A removable mixing palette that attaches to either side of the case
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A compact hinged case measuring 7.25 by 4.75 by 1 inch
The 48-color selection is one of this kit's strongest features. Most field kits in this category top out at 12 to 24 colors, so 48 half-pans without carrying extra tubes or pans is a real advantage for artists who paint detailed or varied subjects. The refillable water brush eliminates the need to bring a separate water cup, making the kit genuinely packable for outdoor use.
Studio Series Watercolor Field Kit User Reviews.
The Studio Series Watercolor Field Kit earns praise for its color range and compact form. Artists who paint outdoors regularly tend to highlight the 48-pan selection as the kit's strongest feature.
On the downside, the lack of watercolor paper is a notable limitation. Some also found the brush confusing during the first use.
Users find the kit’s colors vibrant. (Image Source: Barnes & Noble)
Best Alternatives to the Studio Series Watercolor Field Kit
Tobio's Watercolor Kit ($36, originally $80)
Tobio's Watercolor Kit follows a different philosophy than most field kits. The kit includes 12 colors, a cotton paper sketchbook, a walnut wood palette, an absorbent wristband, a travel water brush, a metal art clip, and a digital guide. The kit is pocket-sized, and the wooden palette clips directly to the blank sketchbook, making it a great starting point for beginners who want to paint outdoors.
Users consistently highlight Tobio's kit as compact, all-in-one, and beginner-friendly. First-time painters in particular note that having the digital guide, paper, and brush together in one package removed the guesswork from getting started.
Users find the Tobio’s Watercolor kit very compact and beginner-friendly.
Sakura Koi Watercolor Field Sketch Kit ($29.53, originally $51.25 on Dick Blick)
Sakura's Koi Watercolor Field Sketch Kit focuses on portability and ease of use outdoors. The Koi line uses affordable half-pan watercolors designed to blend easily, and most Koi Field Sketch Kits include compact water brushes and a dabbing sponge.
Users highlight the paints' blendability, noting that colors mix smoothly even for painters with little technical experience. On the downside, the pigments may feel limiting once you want more polished, finished pieces.
Some users find it fun to practice and experiment with the kit. (Image Source: Dick Blick)
Kuretake Gansai Tambi Portable 14 Set ($58.99 on Amazon)
The Kuretake Gansai Tambi Portable 14 Colors Set is a compact Japanese watercolor set aimed at artists, illustrators, urban sketchers, and calligraphers. It targets artists who specifically want the Gansai Tambi watercolor experience in a travel-ready format.
Artists familiar with the Gansai Tambi line rate the pigment quality as the kit's strength. The compact format is also praised for making the paint experience portable. On the other hand, some users are not satisfied with the paint’s results.
Some users applaud the pigment quality, while others find it unsatisfactory. (Image Source: Dick Blick)
Studio Series Watercolor Field Kit vs. Alternatives: Comparison Table
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Kit |
Colors |
Paper Included |
Water Brush |
Pigment Grade |
Price |
Best For |
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Tobio's Watercolor Kit |
12 |
Yes |
Yes (travel water brush) |
Beginner-friendly, curated set |
$36 (originally $80) |
Complete beginners, on-the-go painting |
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Studio Series Watercolor Field Kit |
48 |
No |
Yes (refillable) |
Artist-grade |
$24.99 |
Artists wanting a wide color range |
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Sakura Koi Watercolor Field Sketch Kit |
Varies by configuration |
No |
Yes (compact) |
Student-grade |
$29.53 (originally $51.25) on Dick Blick |
Casual sketching, outdoor sessions |
|
Kuretake Gansai Tambi Portable 14 Set |
14 |
No |
Yes (BrusH2O water brush) |
Artist-leaning, rich pigment |
$58.99 on Amazon |
Illustrators, calligraphers, urban sketchers |
Paint Wherever You Are with Tobio's Watercolor Kit
With Tobio’s Watercolor Kit, you can paint anywhere and everywhere.
Choosing a portable watercolor kit depends on what you actually need. A wide color range means little if you have no paper to paint on, and 48 half-pans can feel overwhelming if you have never mixed a wash. The best field kit removes barriers rather than creating new ones.
Tobio's Watercolor Kit was designed for exactly that: a complete, portable painting experience that works on a park bench or a hotel balcony. With a cotton paper sketchbook, travel water brush, digital guide, walnut wooden palette, and 12 colors included, you can start painting as soon as you open it. Order the Tobio’s Watercolor Kit and see what painting on the go actually feels like.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the Studio Series Kit include watercolor paper?
No, the Studio Series Watercolor Field Kit does not include watercolor paper. Artists will need to source compatible watercolor paper separately before their first session.
How can you watercolor while traveling?
Watercoloring while traveling works best with a compact, self-contained kit that eliminates the need to carry separate water cups, loose brushes, or bulky paint tubes. A refillable water brush provides a portable water supply, a palette keeps colors organized and spill-resistant, and a dedicated watercolor sketchbook with thick paper prevents buckling and bleed-through.
What supplies do beginners need for watercolor?
Beginners need a watercolor palette with a basic color range, at least one watercolor-suited brush (a water brush works well for travel), watercolor paper rated at least 140 lb to handle wet pigment without warping, and a mixing area for blending colors.
What are common mistakes people make when using watercolor?
Common mistakes include using too little water, which makes blending difficult and leaves harsh edges; painting on regular printer paper, which buckles and absorbs pigment unevenly; overworking wet washes by adding more paint before the first layer dries; and not letting layers dry fully before adding detail on top.
Is Tobio's Watercolor Kit portable?
Yes, Tobio's Watercolor Kit is designed to be portable. The kit is pocket-sized and includes a travel water brush, a compact 12-color watercolor palette, and a carrying case, making it practical for trips, outdoor sessions, or anywhere away from a studio setup. You can set up your kit by simply clipping the wooden palette to the sketchbook.
*Disclaimer: Tobio's Kits watercolor supplies are designed for ages 6 and above. As with all art materials, paints are not food-safe and should be kept away from the mouth. Best suited for beginner-to-intermediate painters. Visit Tobio's Kits to explore our full range of art kits and find the right set for you.