The world's most recognised student watercolour range, Cotman gives you genuine Winsor & Newton quality at an everyday price — making it the natural starting point for beginners and a reliable workhorse for more experienced painters who get through a lot of colour.
Cotman uses fine art pigments, but with a slightly reduced pigment load compared to Winsor & Newton's Professional Watercolour range. Where traditionally expensive pigments are used — such as cadmium colours — more affordable modern organic alternatives are substituted. These are clearly labelled with the word "Hue" after the colour name. The result is a paint that handles well, mixes cleanly, and produces the transparent washes that watercolour is known for, without the premium price tag.
The consistency is deliberately uniform across the range, which is particularly helpful for beginners as there is less variation to get used to between colours. Colours are rated AA or A for lightfastness, meaning finished work will remain stable over time. The range spans 48 colours, available in 8ml and 21ml tubes, and the colour character of each shade is matched to the equivalent in the Professional range — so the two can be used alongside one another without any awkward adjustments.
Is Cotman watercolour suitable for beginners? Yes. The uniform consistency and predictable handling make it one of the most accessible watercolour ranges available, and the 8ml tube size keeps the cost of trying new colours low.
What is the difference between Cotman and Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour? Professional Watercolour has a higher pigment load and uses traditional pigments throughout, including genuine cadmiums and other costly materials. Cotman substitutes more affordable alternatives in some colours to keep prices down, but matches the hue and general character of the Professional range.
Can Cotman be mixed with Professional Watercolour? Yes. Because the colour names and hues are matched across both ranges, they can be used together with minimal adjustment.
How many colours are in the Cotman range? 48 colours in total, available in 8ml and 21ml tubes, as well as half pans.
Are Cotman colours lightfast? Yes. All colours in the range are rated AA (excellent) or A (good) for lightfastness, which Winsor & Newton regards as permanent for artists' use.
