The HORADAM watercolour box from Schmincke consists of a stable metal box (L x W x H: 22.3 x 7.2 x 2.3 cm) with 24 colouristically selected colours and an integrated mixing palette. The colours in the box are in half pans – size: 1.5 x 2 cm. With the large and balanced colour selection, many other brilliant colours can be easily mixed.
Reviewer: Tom Ellery — Semi-Professional Watercolourist
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
The Schmincke HORADAM AQUARELL 24 half-pan set is a compact, high-quality travel kit that brings professional-grade pigments and consistency in a small box. It’s ideal for plein air painting, sketchbook work, or as a reliable go-to palette when you want portability without giving up serious performance.
Excellent pigment strength and vibrancy
Smooth rewetting; colours disperse evenly
Compact, well-designed metal tin—great for travel
Strong lightfastness ratings in most hues
Good selection of both primaries and useful secondary colours
Some pans are smaller or shallower than other sets
Colours are fixed—no custom mixing space
Premium price compared to student ranges
I often take this set out on sketching weekends. The first thing I noticed is how reliably each pan reactivates with just a touch of water, making gradients and washes fluid and predictable. Whether I use Ultramarine, Rose, or Sap Green, the pigment delivers clean, strong colour without muddying.
The selection of 24 colours is wisely balanced: you have your essential primaries, earth tones, and a few richer shades like Transparent Red and Phthalo Green. That means less mixing and more painting, especially when time is limited outdoors.
The metal tin is sturdy, and the hinged lid folds back to act as a palette — handy when you’re working on location. The trade-off is that pans are compact and don’t allow much room for heavy-duty mixing.
In terms of value, it’s certainly a premium purchase. But if you value consistency, portability, and pigment performance — the kind of subtle control a semi-pro artist appreciates — this kit is a dependable companion.
“The Schmincke HORADAM 24 half-pan set strikes a beautiful balance between professional-grade pigment and portability. It’s a smart choice for semi-pro artists who want a serious travel palette that doesn’t compromise quality.”
