Not too long ago I saw this cool looking travel watercolor set that I decided I had to try. I’m not big on gimmicky kind of things, but this looked like it was actually well made, well thought out, and might work for a bigger – on the go – travel kit.

I have a tiny travel set, the Tobio Watercolor Set, and I absolutely love it. You can read the review I wrote here. But, it is tiny, and I wanted something a little more substantial for plein air painting, traveling once I get to where I’m going, etc. I love the tiny, but I also want to paint a bit bigger as well.

First, before I share my review. When I shared the Tobio review, I think people thought I was somehow affiliated with the company and started asking me questions. So, just be clear, I am not nor ever have been associated with Tobio or Lightwish. This is just a genuine artist’s review of a product that I wanted to try out. Please don’t contact me about problems with your product, I cannot solve them for you!

A bit about the product:

This product is in a 6-ring binder type case that zips shut. It measures 5 x 6.5 x 2 inches. The paper inside is 100% cotton paper and it has 20 sheets that you can use both sides on. There is a swatching sheet on the front, so once you get your paints you can swatch them out on an already labeled chart that is set up like the palette for easy reference.

It has a 24-color palette that also has a ceramic mixing area. It comes with an adjustable, detachable strap that I found was long enough you could carry it over the shoulder or cross body. It comes with a tab that you can slide into your phone case so it hangs off the same strap. There is also a pocket on the outside.

Inside the case you’ll find a travel brush and a water brush, a tiny spritzer water bottle, a unique pencil called an eternal pencil, and a collapsible water cup with lid. Oh, there’s also a small carabiner clip inside the case as well.

The price tag on this little kit on Amazon is $38.39 and from the company Lightwish it’s currently on sale for $49.99

The Review:

Cons:

There’s really only one I’ve found as I used this case. The paint is in a flat case that has holes so it sits in the binder like the paper. It slides out of the case, but doesn’t lock out. I found that as I was using it, the paints would start to slide back into the case as I adjusted in my sitting position. Not a game changer though and it might just be my case.

I cannot find anywhere to buy a paper refill for this product. I have searched the Lightwish site and Amazon. Many of their products do have refills, so I might not be looking in the right spot and then it’s not an issue. If anyone has found one, let me know!

The swatching chart actually had a couple of the colors reversed. Not a big deal as I know what my color are and they were really obviously switch (Violet and Ultramarine). Just something to watch for.

Pros:

I love cotton watercolor paper, so that’s a huge plus to me.

I love that it comes with a nice brush. I’m not a huge fan of the water brushes, but they are growing on me and I have found an appreciation for them when I am traveling. But the size 12 travel brush it comes with is a great brush.

The pencil actually worked better than I thought it would, and it does erase.

The compact size. It all fits on my lap except the water cup, and that can sit next to me for the most part. I also love that I don’t have to carry around a big backpack full of painting gear, an easel, a tripod, my paints, paper, all separate and rattling around in my bag.

I love that it zips shut so nothing gets lost or damaged.

The swatching chart is on both Pros and Cons, but I love the swatching chart and that it’s set up like the palette. It makes for easy reference as I get used to the paints in this particular palette and I used it for reference several times while I painted.

I love that it’s a binder, so all the pages lay flat as I paint.

I like the collapsible cup having a lid. That way if I’m in a hurry cleaning up, I don’t have to worry about water left in the cup leaking on my paintings.

The palette mixing area is ceramic. I use ceramic mixing trays at home and I love that they don’t stain. I’m excited to see how this one holds up over the long haul.

Overall Review:

I would give Lightwish Travel Watercolor Set a 4 star review. Even with the palette not locking into place, I love how compact and easy to use it is. The paper refill option is the only thing that brings it down, and if I can find that then I’d go with 5 star. I like that everything is in the same little case so I don’t have to worry about forgetting something (I’ll probably use the pocket on the outside for extra paper towels). This is a fun travel set, and I am excited to use it more and more!

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