Watercolor painting is a delicate and expressive medium, beloved for its versatility and vibrant washes. Artists often spend a significant amount of time selecting the right tools, with watercolor paints being one of the most critical choices to make. Among the many brands available, TaoTree Watercolors and Koi Watercolors have gained significant attention for their unique features, affordability, and quality.
Both brands offer a range of watercolors, but they differ in several important ways. In this article, we will dive deep into these two popular brands, comparing them on various factors such as pigment quality, color range, price, packaging, ease of use, and overall performance. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, understanding these aspects will help you make an informed decision about which watercolor set best suits your artistic needs.
2. Brand Origins and History
TaoTree: Origins, Development, and Evolution
TaoTree is a relatively new name in the world of watercolor paints, known for producing affordable, high-quality watercolors. The company has grown in popularity among artists who are looking for a budget-friendly yet professional-grade watercolor set. TaoTree has positioned itself as an option for those who value good pigment quality without the steep price tag often associated with top-tier watercolor brands. Their mission is to provide artists with accessible products without sacrificing the integrity of the medium.
Koi: Origins, Development, and Evolution
Koi Watercolors, produced by the well-established Japanese brand Sakura, have a long-standing reputation for their excellent quality and wide range of colors. Sakura is a global brand known for producing high-quality art supplies, from markers to sketchbooks. The Koi watercolor line was specifically designed for artists who enjoy watercolor painting but seek a more portable, convenient, and affordable option for their art. These paints are popular in both beginner and professional circles due to their ease of use and reliable performance.
3. Quality of Paint
Pigment Quality
Both TaoTree and Koi watercolors aim to provide strong pigmentation, though their methods differ slightly. TaoTree uses high-quality pigments, ensuring that their paints produce vibrant and consistent colors on paper. The pigments used in TaoTree watercolors are lightfast, meaning that they will not fade significantly over time, even when exposed to light. This is an important feature for any artist concerned with the longevity of their artwork.
Koi Watercolors, on the other hand, are also praised for their high pigmentation. They utilize a mix of synthetic and natural pigments, ensuring a good balance between vibrant colors and affordability. While they may not offer the same level of lightfastness as some other professional brands, their pigments are still strong enough for most applications.
Lightfastness and Durability
Lightfastness refers to the ability of the paint to resist fading when exposed to light over an extended period. Artists who create works for exhibitions or clients need paints that will maintain their vibrancy.
TaoTree watercolors are known for their decent lightfastness, making them a solid choice for anyone looking for durable, long-lasting colors. However, some pigments may not be as lightfast as those found in high-end brands, so it’s essential to check individual pigment ratings.
Koi watercolors tend to have a somewhat lower lightfast rating overall compared to TaoTree. While they are durable and will not fade quickly, they may not perform as well over many years of exposure to light.
Consistency and Smoothness
Both brands are known for their smoothness and consistency when applied to paper. TaoTree watercolors tend to feel slightly thicker and more opaque, providing excellent coverage and vibrancy in a single layer. Koi watercolors, on the other hand, offer a slightly more translucent finish, ideal for layering and building up subtle washes.
4. Color Range and Palette
TaoTree Color Selection
TaoTree offers a wide array of colors, including both essential shades and unique, more specialized hues. Their color palette is designed to be both accessible for beginners and inspiring for advanced artists. The variety of shades allows artists to experiment with color mixing, creating custom blends that are rich and vibrant. TaoTree’s watercolor sets often feature a balanced mix of primary, secondary, and neutral tones, making them versatile for different painting styles and techniques.
Koi Color Selection
Koi Watercolors are similarly comprehensive in their color range, offering many vibrant shades and a set of 24 colors as the standard palette. One of the standout features of Koi is the availability of a variety of hues, ranging from intense bright colors to more subtle, earthy tones. This makes Koi a solid choice for artists who prefer to have a complete set of colors that can be used for a wide range of subjects.
In terms of color mixing, Koi watercolors perform very well, with colors blending easily and providing consistent results. However, they may have slightly fewer options for advanced color mixing than TaoTree, which offers some more specialized hues.
5. Price Point and Affordability
TaoTree Pricing and Value
TaoTree Watercolors are typically priced lower than many high-end brands, making them a fantastic option for beginner artists or those working with a limited budget. Despite their affordability, TaoTree still manages to maintain a good level of quality, making them an excellent value for money. While they are not the cheapest option on the market, they do strike a balance between cost and quality that many artists appreciate.
Koi Pricing and Value
Koi Watercolors are generally priced in the mid-range, offering affordability without sacrificing quality. While they are a bit more expensive than TaoTree, they are still quite budget-friendly when compared to other professional watercolor brands. The price of Koi sets is reasonable, considering the brand’s reputation for consistency and quality. For those looking for a more portable, beginner-friendly set, Koi is a reliable option.
