Good watercolour set for beginners?? | Meeden review

Well what a pleasant surprise. I was highly skeptical when I got sent the Meeden Watercolour starter set to try out. Cheap art materials are rarely good, so they end up being a false economy. But this exceeded my expectations and they include a palette (so sweet), paints, brushes and paper. All you need to do is add water and you are off! In this film I put the supplies to the test and give tips to help you take your first steps in watercolour.
If you wonder what colours you need, why new brushes are rock hard, what 'cold pressed' means, or just find watercolours a bit confusing, then I hope this will help. Whether you decide to buy this set or not, you should learn lots about this gorgeous medium. And the world will be a better place if we all paint a bit more!!
It can be expensive to start out in watercolours, but if you cut corners you might end up getting frustrated, so I am always on the look out for good value materials I can recommend to students. I think this set offers amazing value. As you grow in confidence and experience you will be able to add and swap out things, but to get you going at an affordable price this might be hard to beat.
In the interest of full disclosure, I was sent this for free. I accepted on the condition I could be honest. I was expecting to hate it and have to think of polite ways of saying it was rubbish - but it isn't. Of course, at this price there are some wobbles, but I will point all those out too.
Meeden is a Chinese company established in 2015. I had never heard of them, but I am told they are pretty big in the States. If you are not a beginner, do check out their ceramic palettes - they have some wonderful ones. Their easels look very good too. You can use the discount code below on anything!!
Even better, Meeden have given me a discount code to share, which will save you a further 10% (post is included in UK, USA, Canada and Australia). It is Liz10. You can use it here: meedenart.com?sca_ref=3687517.WIMJFLNH9d
You can follow these links (these are affiliate links so I will get a small commission, but it will not cost you anything extra):
➢ [MEEDEN Watercolor Painting Set] - meedenart.com/collections/wat...
Pros
1. Economical - £36.95 in the UK (inc delivery) - prices in other countries are given in the film
2. Comprehensive - everything you need except water!
3. Ceramic palette, not plastic
4. Full pigment information for the paints is provided - they are more transparent than Meeden says in my opinion
5. Fully tested to international safety standards
6. The brush set is really pretty
7. The paper stands up to layering, lifting and wet in wet. It is 100% cotton and acid free
8. 12ml tubes, not 5ml
9. The yellow range is very nice
Cons
1. The paints have a few gaps - the blues aren't great and they include titanium white
2. The bane of my life - a fan brush - is included. Better to have a rigger
3. The brush sizing is confusing for beginners
If you have enjoyed this film, please like, comment and subscribe. It really helps the film get shown to more people. If you are just beginning, I have an introduction course at www.lizchadertonstudio.co.uk. You might also like to join my friendly Facebook group for ideas, tips and support: groups/watercolourstudiowithlizchaderton
#lizchaderton #meeden #learntopaint

[@KRIS-gr5hn]

Thanks for your review of these paints. I'm a beginner with watercolours and the choices available out there really had me stumped, so a review from an established artist in the medium is so helpful and very much appreciated.

[@LizChadertonArt]

there is so much to choose from. My top tip is to pay more attention to the paper than the paint. Makes a huge difference!

[@KRIS-gr5hn]

@@LizChadertonArt would you recommend cold press over hot? Or is that more a matter of the finish you're going for? Does it need to be 300gsm?

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@KRIS-gr5hn 300gsm is a minimum for me. Anything less and you will need to stretch it to avoid cockling. I prefer cold press as the slight texture helps you control the water better and adds to the watercolour effect. Hot press is great for very detailed work, but the paint skids around on the smooth surface. Rough is lovely for loose landscapes….

[@KRIS-gr5hn]

@LizChadertonArt thank you so much for your advice. I've just got back from Jacksons, the local art supply store and I ended up with a 300gsm cold pressed by Canson and some W&N Cotman. I have ordered some Rosa but I'm getting impatient to start and the delivery is taking so long!

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@KRIS-gr5hn lucky you living near a real art shop!

[@maryannprzybycien2013]

I love the Meeden pallets. I have one that is double sided. One side has wells for paint and a mixing space in the middle, and the other side is all rectangular mixing spaces. Plus, they're really inexpensive compared to other brands.❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

Their palettes do look good. I am hoping to review some in a little while. You can use the discount code Liz10 for any product, so hopefully that will help when you next order! I was impressed that they sent a ceramic palette and not a plastic one. They are so much nicer.

[@UJB123]

I get those porcelain ashtrays from the Dollar Tree (USA) to use as little pallets. They work great. Only one spot to mix but it’s $1.25. Congrats on your gifts! Medeen is a good company and I believe it may be a subsidiary of Baohong?

[@LizChadertonArt]

Good tip for palettes. I have used a porcelain egg caddy before now. I am trying to work out the connection with Baohong, because sometimes the paper seems to be labelled that way. I shall have to ask!

[@sacrebleu1371]

For WC, I use white glazed ceramic or porcelain relish trays that have very large compartments that I find often for less then $5 thrifting. I just make sure the glaze is not cracking and never put them in a dishwasher. Added info: old items, even new dollar store type, may still have leaded glazes, so handle accordingly with that unknown.

[@LizChadertonArt]

A great idea, if you are lucky enough to spot them!

[@judyt4087]

I clean my plastic palette with the magic eraser sponge - it works pretty well 😊

[@LizChadertonArt]

tried that! I’ve bleached it, I’ve put it through the dish washer….. After a while they just stay stained!

[@tynaheadrick-phipps6768]

Fabulous video. I had ordered the paper for me to try, so glad it handles wet on wet so well. Also ordered the watercolors for the young artists in my life. Was curious about the brushes, glad to hear that you are satisfied with them, so far.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I was pleasantly surprised, as so much inexpensive watercolour materials is just rubbish. Let me know what you think.

[@charliefoxtrot6017]

And to clean stained pallets? Just use some paper towel with olive oil same as cleaning carrot stained food processor components. With badly stained palette you may need to soak it with a thin coating of olive oil . Then thoroughly wash with hot water and dish washing detergent.

[@LizChadertonArt]

well I shall try that! Thank you. I have tried bleach, Magic-eraser, the dishwasher…. if it comes off I will let you know!

[@csillar534]

Thank you so much for this review!!!!! I usually don't bother with affiliate links since I watch videos on one device and order from another but you did a bang up job❤ (And I don't usually leave comments! Your enthusiasm upon opening the kit made me giddy with joy too. I can't wait to get mine, as well as a few other goodies I purchased!) Thanks again for taking the time to record this, I have been so frustrated with my watercolouring that I was about to give up. All I could do is make blobs and even then, they didn't look right. How can a blob look right?😂 I try to be a mixed media artist (I'm so hard on myself) but the most I can do is backgrounds, or abstract work. I always feel I'm messing everything up. I'm excited to get a whole load of paint so I can practice without worry of "wasting" supplies. I watched another one of your videos with that paper pallet from India, that you took on your travels, and Meeden had a similar one so I got that too! Thank you for giving me something worthwhile to spend my limited money on. (I'm on disability) I think I will record my adventures and post privately on KZbin... I'm too scared to upload publicly 😢 Hopefully I can get you to see some of them. Will have to figure out a way to do this. Your kind and gentle voice is so soothing and encouraging. I need someone like you in my life! Definitely subscribing ❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

I hope you like them. I thought they were great value. it sounds like you need to let yourself play and let the watercolour play too. Your blobs will get better 😆

[@csillar534]

@@LizChadertonArt Well, the paints aren't here but I ordered hot and cold pressed 100% cotton paper... I'm still scared to use it, but I did one blob experiment, they look a little better on this paper. Paints are being sent direct from China since they didn't have any stock in Canada. Can't wait to get those! Yes, I do need to give myself permission to paint....have fun.🥰

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@csillar534 remember it is only a piece of paper. There to be used and it has two sides!

[@helgaleifsdottir5191]

I hope they will ship to Iceland. Thank you Liz for the review. Could you possibly review more beginner art supplies. I am curious about what brand and size of wc. brushes, you work with, e.t.c.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Sorry, I don't think they currently ship to Iceland. I will certainly add those ideas to my list!!

[@craftykat]

This was an awesome review! Thank you so much, Helen. I need some tubes to make up a plein air kit; would you recommend these? They are on discount on the Canadian Amazon right now.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I think they are better quality than you would expect for the price you pay

[@goat8477]

Too bad they don't deliver to switzerland. I couldn't even open the website 😞...

[@LizChadertonArt]

oh what a shame. I believe they are planning to extend their distribution

[@marthajacobo3519]

Hello Liz, Enjoying yr videos. What do you think of the kuratake paint sets, could you please review. Would love if you could do more animal paintings or landscape with textures, I would appreciate it. Yr awesome!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Hi Martha, I’ve never used the kuratake paints, I tend to use tubes unless painting on location or urban sketching. Will have a look and see whether I can add it to the list. I’ve just recorded an otter, so need to get that edited 😊

[@charliefoxtrot6017]

Script brush is the same as a liner brush I believe. Like a rigger, long hairs, but pointed ?

[@LizChadertonArt]

The trouble is the brush just looks like a round and not longer hairs…..

[@debbyleiper8367]

Liz, I can easily get Derwent trays, do you recommend these?

[@LizChadertonArt]

The only Derwent I use is their Line and Wash set, which I find very opaque. So I don't really have experience of their general sets I'm afraid

[@ralphherrick596]

How did you like working with the brushes?

[@LizChadertonArt]

I don't feel that I've given them a good test yet, but so far so good. I love the design and apart from the silly fan brush, they seem good. I would love to see a larger round. Since making this film I have used them more, including the wash brush and they haven't shed and seem soft with a good capacity. So nothing negative to report so far. I tried a set from Etchr recently and I think the Meeden are better at a quarter of the price.

[@ralphherrick596]

@@LizChadertonArt wow on the etchr. Thanks for sharing ....I ordered the starter set even though I don't need it, just couldn't help myself..great review thanks again!

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@ralphherrick596 Let me know how you get on! I thought it offered amazing value for money.

[@shirleygreaves9650]

Thanks for this I’ll definitely try this paper next Tim I buy some. X

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@shirleygreaves9650 don’t forget the discount code!

[@TS-nf6by]

Tempting..till I found out they don't ship to Europe! 😢

[@LizChadertonArt]

oh, that’s a shame. I believe they have plans to expand. currently UK, Australia, US and Canada. Sorry.

[@WhstlblwrBlastingEpsteinsILK]

That's really odd since their website has prices in Euros. Isn't it? I may be mistaken.

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@WhstlblwrBlastingEpsteinsILK I believe 5gey intend to expand, so maybe future proofing? I don’t know

[@theartisticactuary]

Throw those paintbrush protectors away? Noooooo!!!! Save them to use for blowing wet paint or ink around on the paper. Just to be clear. that's putting the paint down first, then blowing air down the tube at it, not sucking up paint into the tube and blowing it out onto the paper!

[@LizChadertonArt]

😆 you made me laugh there! I have a drink straw I use for blowing paint, but I like your improvisation!!

[@gila1959]

Why to buy chinese goods ? Dont you have Britain Americans European ?

[@LizChadertonArt]

Of course where you buy supplies from is you personal choice. It is good to understand what is available which will help you make that choice. The iPad I am typing on is made in China, every car worldwide has Chinese components, just about every electronic item has a Chinese microchip, so to avoid using Chinese paint seems like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.

[@gila1959]

@@LizChadertonArt i only say this - try south Korea , japan, germany, britain , usa. there are so many choices, one only has to be connected to its principles .its so much MORE important than money .

[@LizChadertonArt]

I understand what you are saying @@gila1959

[@swl9270]

Folks Temu has all the items on this video and I feel sure they would ship to countries inquired about above.