As an illustrator, I’m always on the hunt for tools that enhance creativity without compromising on quality. Whether working at home or sketching on the go, having a reliable watercolour set is essential so when I saw the Meeden 42-Colour Travel Watercolour Palette—a compact, budget-friendly set that promises vibrant pigments and portability, I just had to try it.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Meeden 42-Colour Palette makes an excellent first impression. It’s sleek, lightweight, and compact enough to slip into a travel bag or even a large pocket. The set includes:
42 half-pans of watercolour paint
Two built-in mixing trays
A water brush and sponge
For illustrators who enjoy sketching outdoors or painting while travelling, this set ticks a lot of boxes. It’s designed to be completely self-contained—no need to carry extra mixing palettes or water jars. But while the packaging is convenient, the real test lies in the quality of the pigments.
Pigment Performance
The colours in this set activate quickly, making it easy to get straight into painting without excessive scrubbing. The variety is impressive—there’s a balanced mix of primaries, earth tones, and pastels, which offers great flexibility for both loose sketches and more detailed pieces. However, when it comes to professional-grade quality, there are a few compromises. Some of the darker pigments, particularly ultramarine blue and burnt umber, dry with a slightly chalky finish. While this won’t be a dealbreaker for quick sketches or casual studies, those who prefer ultra-smooth washes may need to work around this by layering carefully or incorporating other professional-grade pigments into their workflow.
Mixing & Layering
One of my favourite aspects of watercolour is its ability to layer and blend. The Meeden set performs well in mixing—most colours combine cleanly without becoming muddy. However, the more opaque colours resist layering, meaning delicate transitions require a bit more patience. The built-in mixing trays are a great touch, providing ample space to experiment with colour blends. If you work in mixed media or like to fine-tune your palettes before committing to a final illustration, this feature is a definite plus.
Usability & Portability
For illustrators who love working outside the studio, this set is a dream for portability. It’s light, sturdy, and the inclusion of a water brush means you can paint anywhere without the hassle of carrying a separate brush roll and water container. That said, the water brush itself is fairly basic—it works well enough for casual sketches but lacks the precision needed for detailed line work. If you prefer more control over your brushstrokes, I’d recommend using your favourite travel brushes instead.
Who Is This Palette For?
So, should you add the Meeden 42-Colour Travel Watercolour Palette to your kit? Here’s my breakdown:
✔️ Great for:
Illustrators who love to sketch and paint outdoors or while travelling
Artists looking for a budget-friendly, portable set
Those who enjoy exploring different mediums and don’t mind some pigment variation
Beginners or hobbyists who want a versatile colour range without investing in individual pans
❌ Not ideal for:
Illustrators who need highly granulating or ultra-transparent pigments
Those looking for professional-grade layering and smooth colour transitions
Artists who rely on high-precision brushes rather than washes and looser techniques
Final Thoughts
While this isn’t a replacement for top-tier professional paints, it’s an excellent companion for illustrators who want a reliable, portable set for travel and quick studies. The colour variety, affordability, and convenience make it a solid addition to any illustrator’s toolkit, particularly for those who enjoy experimenting with different materials and techniques.
Would I personally use it for finished commissions? Probably not. But for on-the-go sketching, colour studies, and creative exploration? Absolutely.
What’s Your Go-To Travel Palette?
If you’ve tried the Meeden 42-Colour Palette, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How does it compare to your favourite sets? Drop a comment below or share your sketches with me on social media—I love seeing how different illustrators use the same materials in unique ways!
Note: This is not a paid review and all opinions are my own.
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