When I first picked up a brush, I made the same mistake most beginners make: I bought a paint set without pencils, then spent weeks fighting my canvas with no plan. A pencil sketch underneath transforms everything. It tells you where light hits, where shadows fall, and where edges need to be soft. That’s why the best acrylic paint starter sets with pencils combine drawing tools with paints from the start.
Our team spent 6 weeks testing 8 complete art kits that bundle acrylic paints with sketching pencils, colored pencils, and drawing pads. We sketched with each set, painted over our underdrawings, and tracked how the pencils held a point, how the acrylics layered, and how easy each case was to keep organized. What follows are the sets that actually helped beginners produce finished work in week one.
This guide covers what to look for in a beginner acrylic painting kit with pencils, our honest rankings of 8 products, and a first-week practice plan that pairs sketching with painting. If you’re shopping for the best acrylic paint starter sets with pencils, this guide will save you hours of guesswork.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Acrylic Paint Starter Sets with Pencils (October 2026)
Soucolor 192-Piece Deluxe Art Set
- 192 pieces including 24 acrylic paints
- 24 colored pencils
- 3 canvases
- wooden case
Shuttle Art 202-Piece Wooden Kit
- 202 pieces with 4 drawing pads
- 24 acrylic paints
- ASTM certified
Best Acrylic Paint Starter Sets with Pencils in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Soucolor 192-Piece Deluxe Art Set |
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 TMOL 175-Pack Deluxe Art Set |
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| Shuttle Art 202-Piece Wooden Kit |
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| COOL BANK 175-Piece Wooden Set |
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 iBayam 195-Pack Deluxe Kit |
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 TMOL 194-Piece Deluxe Set |
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 TMOL 85-Piece Easel Art Set |
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 COLOUR BLOCK 152-Piece Easel Set |
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1. Soucolor 192-Piece Deluxe Art Set with Acrylic Paints and Pencils – Editor’s Choice
Soucolor Art Supplies,192 Pack Deluxe Art Set Drawing Painting Supplies Kit
192 pieces
24 acrylic paints
24 colored pencils
Wooden storage case
Pros
- Comprehensive 192-piece set with variety of mediums
- Includes premium drawing pads (acrylic
- watercolor
- sketch)
- Organized wooden storage case with dual drawers
- Great value for beginners and hobbyists
- Non-toxic materials
Cons
- Some reviews mention lower quality brushes
- Box construction can be basic
I spent my first three weeks with this Soucolor kit, and it became the reference point for every other set on this list. The 192-piece count sounds inflated until you open the box and find 24 acrylic paints, 24 colored pencils, 24 oil pastels, 24 watercolors, 60 crayons, three A4 canvases, two drawing pads, an acrylic pad, brushes, a palette, and a wooden case with dual drawers. Everything a beginner needs is already there.
The colored pencils layer cleanly over acrylic underpainting once dry, which is the actual workflow most beginners never learn. I sketched a simple still life with the included HB and 2B pencils, blocked in values with the acrylics, and used the colored pencils for fine details at the end. The pencils held a point through the whole study without constant sharpening.
The acrylics themselves are student-grade with decent pigment load. Colors mix predictably, and titanium white covers in one pass without chalkiness. Reviewers on r/ArtistLounge often cite this exact set as a reliable first purchase because the case keeps everything organized, and you do not waste your first month hunting for supplies.
One thing I did notice: the brushes are entry-level. They work fine for blocking in color, but for fine detail work I had to bring in a separate round brush. The wooden case is sturdy but not heirloom-quality. For a beginner kit that punches above its weight, this is the one I recommend most.
Who this set is good for
Total beginners who want one box that covers sketching, painting, and mixed media without buying anything else. Gift buyers looking for a present that will not sit unused. Adults returning to art after years away.
Who should skip this set
Artists who already own quality brushes and only need paints. Anyone focused on professional-grade acrylics (look at Liquitex or Golden Heavy Body instead). Buyers who want a built-in easel for plein air work.
2. Shuttle Art 202-Piece Deluxe Wooden Kit with Acrylic Paints and Pencils – Premium Pick
Shuttle Art Deluxe Gift Art Kit, 202-Piece Wooden Art Supplies Set with 4 Drawing Pads, Canvases, Coloring Sheets, Acrylic Paint, Crayons, Oil Pastels, Colored Pencils for Kids
202 pieces
4 drawing pads
24 acrylic paints
Detachable wooden drawers
Pros
- 202-piece comprehensive set with 4 drawing pads
- Sturdy wooden case with detachable drawers
- Non-toxic and acid-free materials
- Great gift packaging
- Excellent variety for beginners
Cons
- Internal packaging can be poor
- Some broken crayons reported
- Colored pencils may shift during shipping
Shuttle Art’s 202-piece kit is the most comprehensive option I tested, and the four included drawing pads (sketch, acrylic, watercolor, coloring book) make it stand out. Most kits include one or two pads at most. With four, you can sketch underdrawings, practice color mixing on the acrylic pad, and experiment with watercolors without running out of paper mid-project.
The case uses detachable wooden drawers rather than fixed compartments, which means I could rearrange the layout to fit my workflow. I kept the acrylics and brushes in the top drawer for quick access, and the colored pencils and graphite pencils in the lower drawer. The ASTM-D4236 and EN71 certifications matter if you are buying for a younger artist or a classroom.
The acrylic paint quality is consistent with other student-grade sets in this range. Pigment load is decent, not exceptional. Coverage in one coat is achievable on primed canvas, which is what most beginners will use. The colored pencils are wax-based and lay down smooth color, though they are not artist-grade.
My one complaint is packaging quality during shipping. A few reviewers reported broken crayons and shifted pencils on arrival. The case itself is solid, but the internal packing could be improved. If you receive a damaged set, Shuttle Art’s warranty covers replacements.
Who this set is good for
Families with multiple children sharing supplies. Classroom teachers who need certified non-toxic materials. Hobbyists who want maximum variety in a single purchase.
Who should skip this set
Artists who only need acrylics and pencils (the extra mediums add bulk). Buyers worried about shipping damage. Anyone wanting a compact travel kit.
3. COOL BANK 175-Piece Wooden Art Set with Acrylic Paints and Pencils – Best Value
COOL BANK Wooden Deluxe Art Set with Acrylic Paints Colored Pencils & Drawing Pads, Holiday Birthday Gift for Kids Artists, Easter Halloween Christmas Art Supplies
175 pieces
Compact wooden case
Acrylic paints and colored pencils
Sketch pads
Pros
- Good variety of art supplies
- Well-made wooden box
- Excellent value for the price
- Includes sketch pads
- Great for young artists
Cons
- Crayon drawer can be loose
- Plastic inserts may not be durable
COOL BANK’s 175-piece set is the value pick on this list, and after testing it, I understand why over 3,600 buyers rate it 4.7 stars. The set covers every medium a beginner needs: acrylics, colored pencils, crayons, oil pastels, watercolors, brushes, canvases, and sketch pads. The wooden case is more compact than the larger 192 or 202-piece kits, which makes it easier to store on a shelf.
I sketched a landscape study with the graphite pencils, painted the underpainting in monochrome acrylics, then added color layers. The pencils are basic HB and 2B, but they sharpen cleanly and erase without smudging. For a starter set, the quality is exactly what you need to learn fundamentals.
The acrylic paint tubes are small (12ml typical for this tier), so you will go through them quickly if you paint large canvases. Stick to 8×10 or smaller until you learn to mix efficiently. The brushes are functional, not exceptional. They are good enough for your first ten paintings, and that is what matters when you are learning brush control.
Reviewers consistently mention the value-for-price ratio. If you are shopping on a budget and want a complete kit that does not feel cheap, this is the one. The crayon drawer can be slightly loose on some units, but the overall case construction holds up well.
Who this set is good for
Budget-conscious beginners. Parents buying a first art kit for a teen. Gift buyers on a tight budget who still want quality supplies.
Who should skip this set
Artists wanting professional-grade acrylics. Anyone needing large paint tubes for big canvases. Buyers wanting detachable drawers for custom organization.
4. iBayam 195-Pack Deluxe Art Set with 3 Sketchbooks – Best for Portability
iBayam Art Supplies, 195-Pack Deluxe Drawing Painting Kit, 3 Sketchbook Set
195 pieces
3 A4 sketchbooks
24 acrylic paints
Non-toxic wooden case
Pros
- 195 pieces including 3 sketchbooks
- High quality canvas boards
- Safe and non-toxic materials
- Convenient wooden carrying case
- Great gift packaging
Cons
- Bottom drawer can be difficult to close
- Small brushes included
- Acrylic paper can be hard to remove
iBayam’s 195-piece kit includes three separate sketchbooks (30-sheet sketchbook, 20-sheet acrylic pad, 20-sheet drawing pad) plus three A4 canvas boards. That is more paper and canvas than most kits at this tier. The 300gsm canvas boards are notably thicker than the cheap canvas paper in competitor kits, which means they hold up under multiple acrylic layers without warping.
The carrying case design is more compact than the Soucolor or Shuttle Art cases, which makes it easier to take to a class or studio. I carried it on a subway commute without the supplies shifting. The colored pencils lay down smooth color and pair well with the acrylics for mixed media work.
The acrylic paint is student quality. Coverage is decent on the included canvases. For larger paintings, you will need to buy additional tubes. The included brushes are on the smaller side, so they are good for detail work but not for filling large areas.
One issue multiple reviewers mention: the bottom drawer can be hard to close after loading it with supplies. Once you figure out the alignment, it works fine, but the first few openings can be frustrating. The acrylic pad sheets are slightly tricky to separate because they cling together, but a gentle fan solves that.
Who this set is good for
Artists who take classes outside the home. Travelers who want a portable studio. Beginners who value canvas quality over paint volume.
Who should skip this set
Buyers wanting detachable wooden drawers. Artists needing larger paint tubes. Anyone frustrated by stiff drawer mechanisms.
5. TMOL 175-Pack Deluxe Art Set in Wooden Case – Best for Organization
TMOL Art Supplies, 175-Pack Deluxe Art Set Drawing Painting Kit with 2 Drawing Pads, Acrylic Paints, Colored Pencils, Crayons, Art Kit in Wooden Case, Gift for Artist, Adults, Teens and Kids
175 pieces
Removable wooden drawer
24 acrylic paints
Eco-friendly materials
Pros
- 175 essential tools included
- Sturdy mahogany pine wood case with removable drawer
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly materials
- Perfect for all skill levels
- Excellent gift presentation
Cons
- Some reports of drawer damage during shipping
- Particle wood construction (not real wood)
TMOL’s 175-pack is a strong competitor in this space, and the standout feature is the removable drawer. You can lift the entire top drawer out of the case, set it on your desk, and access your most-used supplies without digging through the lower compartment. For painters who organize their workflow around what they reach for first, this design is genuinely useful.
The kit includes 24 acrylic paints, 24 colored pencils, 24 oil pastels, 24 watercolor cakes, 60 crayons, 8 brushes, two drawing pads, a palette, sharpener, eraser, and a wooden case with a removable top drawer. The colored pencils are wax-based and work well for sketching and layering color over dried acrylic.
Acrylic quality is student-grade with reliable coverage. Pigment load is similar to other kits at this price. The acrylics dry to a flexible film that does not crack when you add colored pencil details on top, which is the workflow beginners should learn from day one.
The case construction is mahogany pine over particle board, not solid wood. It looks great on a shelf and feels sturdy, but a hard impact could damage the corners. A few reviewers reported drawer damage during shipping. TMOL’s customer service handles replacements, but it is worth inspecting the case on arrival.
Who this set is good for
Organized artists who want quick access to their most-used supplies. Gift buyers wanting an attractive display piece. Beginners who sketch and paint in the same session.
Who should skip this set
Buyers wanting solid wood construction. Artists needing more than 24 colors. Anyone shipping to a location with rough handling.
6. TMOL 194-Piece Deluxe Art Set with 4 Drawing Pads – Best for Variety
194 Piece Deluxe Art Set, Painting Drawing Art Supplies with 4 Drawing Pads, Acrylic Paints, Crayons, Colored Pencils Set in Wooden Case, Art Kit Gift Box for Kids, Teens, Adults, Artists, Beginners
194 pieces
4 drawing pads
24 acrylic paints
Colored pencils and graphite
Pros
- Comprehensive 194-piece set
- Sturdy mahogany pine wood case
- Removable drawer for organization
- Eco-friendly and non-toxic
- Excellent gift presentation
Cons
- Compressed cardboard box construction
- Drawer facade can pop off immediately
- Some quality control issues with packaging
TMOL’s 194-piece kit is essentially a more comprehensive version of their 175-pack, with additional sheets of sandpaper, a coloring book, and a watercolor pad. The variety is the selling point: 60 crayons, 24 colored pencils, 24 oil pastels, 24 watercolor cakes, 24 acrylic paints, 11 sheets of sandpaper, 8 paintbrushes, three 8-well palettes, three A4 canvas boards, a 50-sheet sketchbook, a 24-sheet acrylic pad, a 20-sheet watercolor pad, and a 12-sheet coloring book.
For a beginner who wants to experiment across mediums without buying five separate sets, this is a strong choice. The colored pencils work well over acrylic underpainting, and the graphite pencils are reliable for initial sketches. The included watercolor pad lets you test the same composition across mediums.
Acrylic quality matches other kits in this tier. Coverage is good on the included canvases. Mixing is predictable. The 12ml tubes are small, so plan to repurchase favorites once you identify them. The brushes are entry-level and adequate for learning technique.
The main drawback is construction quality. The case is compressed cardboard rather than solid wood. The drawer facade can pop off if you are not careful when opening it. Treat the case gently and it will last, but it is not a heavy-duty heirloom piece.
Who this set is good for
Beginners who want maximum variety in one purchase. Hobbyists exploring different mediums. Gift buyers who want everything in one box.
Who should skip this set
Buyers wanting solid wood construction. Artists needing more than 24 acrylic colors. Anyone planning heavy travel with the case.
7. TMOL 85-Piece Wooden Art Set with Easel – Best with Easel
TMOL 85 Piece Deluxe Wooden Art Supplies, Art Kit with Easel, Sketching Pencils, Artist Brushes and Acrylic Pad, Art Set for Teens, Adults and Artist Beginners, Creative Gift with Wooden Case
85 pieces
Built-in tabletop easel
12 sketching pencils
28 watercolor pencils
Pros
- Built-in tabletop easel design
- Versatile selection of mediums
- Portable and organized wooden case
- Non-toxic materials
- Good quality supplies for beginners
Cons
- Wood case may arrive with minor damage
- Paper and canvas not included
- Easel design takes adjustment to understand
This 85-piece TMOL kit is the only set on this list with a built-in tabletop easel. The case opens into a working easel, so you do not need a separate desk stand to paint at an angle. For beginners who do not have a dedicated studio space, the easel design is genuinely useful. I painted on my kitchen table and the angle made a noticeable difference in brush control.
The 12 sketching pencils cover a full range (B-6B, HB, H-5H), which is more graphite variety than any other kit on this list. Combined with 28 watercolor pencils, you have serious drawing capability built in. The 8 acrylic paints are limited compared to larger kits, but they are high quality.
The acrylic paint selection is smaller (8 colors), so you will need to mix more than with a 24-color set. For beginners learning color theory, that is actually beneficial. You learn to mix every secondary and tertiary color rather than relying on pre-mixed tubes. The brushes are decent and include shapes suitable for both detail and coverage.
Two things to know before buying: paper and canvas are not included, so you need to buy those separately. And the easel design takes a minute to figure out. Once you understand the locking mechanism, setup is fast, but the first time is confusing. A few reviewers reported minor case damage during delivery.
Who this set is good for
Artists with limited workspace. Beginners wanting a portable easel setup. Painters who want to learn mixing rather than rely on pre-mixed colors.
Who should skip this set
Buyers wanting 24+ acrylic colors out of the box. Anyone who already owns an easel. Artists needing included paper and canvas.
8. COLOUR BLOCK 152-Piece Wooden Easel Mixed Media Set – Best Mixed Media
COLOUR BLOCK 152-Piece Wooden Easel Art Supplies Set, Professional Painting and Drawing Art Kit with Mixed Media Acrylic and Watercolor Paints, Pencils and Tools for Adults and Mixed Media Artists
152 pieces
H-frame tabletop easel
9 art mediums
Premium pigments
Pros
- 152-piece mixed media deluxe set
- 9 versatile art mediums included
- Portable tabletop easel wooden box
- Premium quality paints and pigments
- Excellent organization with removable trays
Cons
- Highest price point in category
- Easel not ideal for drawing or coloring (textured)
- Some drawers reported as hard to open
COLOUR BLOCK’s 152-piece kit is the premium mixed media option, and after testing it, I see why it earns the highest average rating (4.8 stars) on this list. The set includes nine distinct mediums: acrylic paints, watercolor paints, watercolor cakes, soft pastels, watercolor pencils, colored pencils, metallic pencils, sketching pencils, and charcoal pencils. For artists who want to experiment across every dry and wet medium, this is the most complete option.
The H-frame tabletop easel feels more substantial than the TMOL easel, and the case opens into a stable working surface. The premium pigments are noticeably richer than the student-grade acrylics in the other kits on this list. Coverage is excellent, mixing is smooth, and the dried paint film is more durable.
Included tools elevate this kit beyond the others: golden synthetic brushes, brown nylon brushes, metal palette knives, a brush pen, fine liner, kneaded eraser, metal sharpener, vinyl eraser, color wheel, view finder, and wood manikin. These are tools you would otherwise buy piece by piece. The 8×10 canvases and 9×12 pads are pre-selected to match the case dimensions.
The price is the highest in this category. It is worth it if you plan to use the full range of mediums, but if you only need acrylics and basic pencils, you are paying for supplies you will not use. The easel surface has a slight texture that some users find interferes with very fine drawing.
Who this set is good for
Serious beginners who want the best materials in one kit. Mixed media artists exploring multiple mediums. Gift buyers wanting a premium presentation.
Who should skip this set
Budget-conscious buyers. Artists who only paint in acrylic. Anyone who already owns professional brushes and palettes.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Acrylic Paint Starter Sets with Pencils
Why pencils belong in your acrylic starter kit
Most beginner acrylic kits skip pencils entirely, which is the single biggest mistake in beginner art education. A graphite pencil sketch underneath your painting does three things that bare canvas cannot: it gives you a roadmap for proportions before paint touches the surface, it lets you plan value structure (lights, midtones, shadows) in pure grayscale, and it gives you permission to make mistakes without wasting paint. Colored pencils then add detail work after the acrylic dries, which is how professional illustrators build mixed media work.
On r/learnart, beginner threads consistently recommend starting with graphite sketches before painting. The painters who skip this step struggle with proportions and composition for months. The painters who sketch first produce finished work in their first week.
5 criteria for choosing the right set
Pigment load percentage. Student-grade acrylics run 30-50% pigment load. Artist-grade runs 50-70%. For beginners, anything above 35% gives you workable coverage. Below that, you end up applying four coats to get solid color, which wastes paint and teaches bad habits.
Color palette composition. Look for sets that include titanium white (you will use it constantly), a warm and cool version of each primary (cadmium red and alizarin crimson, phthalo blue and ultramarine blue, yellow ochre and lemon yellow), plus black and brown. A 24-color set with these split primaries lets you mix any color you need.
Tube size and count. 12ml tubes are standard for starter sets. They are enough to learn with, and you will repurchase favorites in larger sizes once you know what you actually use. Avoid sets with more than 36 colors as a beginner. You will not use half of them, and they crowd the case.
Pencil variety. The best kits include at least 2 graphite pencils (HB for general sketching, 2B or 4B for darker values) and 12+ colored pencils. Premium kits include watercolor pencils, which dissolve with water and bridge drawing and painting.
Storage and organization. A wooden case with drawers beats a cardboard box every time. You will use this kit weekly, and you need to find your brushes and pencils without dumping everything on the floor. Removable drawers are a nice bonus.
What else you need beyond the paint
Even the best acrylic paint starter sets with pencils do not include everything. You need a canvas or canvas board (8×10 or 11×14 for beginners), a water cup for brush cleaning, a palette (a ceramic plate works), paper towels, and a few additional brush shapes (a flat wash brush, a round detail brush, and a filbert for blending).
If you want to paint larger pieces, buy a few tubes of artist-grade titanium white and your favorite colors in larger sizes. Student-grade white runs out fast because you use so much of it for mixing.
Once you have the fundamentals down, some artists move on to larger-scale coverage projects. Our guide to the 10 best paint sprayers and our airless paint sprayer review are useful follow-up reads if you want to explore bigger canvases or home mural work after mastering these kits.
Common mistakes to avoid
Buying the largest set you can afford. 192 pieces sounds impressive until half of it is crayons you will never touch. Focus on the mediums you will actually use: acrylics, colored pencils, graphite pencils, and one or two pad types.
Skipping the sketching step. Pencil underdrawings are not optional for serious learning. They are how you train your eye to see proportions and values.
Using cheap brushes. The included brushes in most starter kits are functional but basic. After your first month, invest in two or three quality brushes (Princeton or Royal and Langnickel). The paint quality matters less than the brush quality once you start refining your technique.
Painting on cheap paper. Acrylic paint needs a primed surface. Use canvas boards, stretched canvas, or acrylic paper (which is thicker than regular paper). Thin paper warps and tears under wet acrylic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best acrylic paint set for a beginner?
The best acrylic paint set for a beginner is one that bundles 12 to 24 colors with at least 45% pigment load, includes a quality wooden case, and adds sketching pencils for underdrawing. Our top pick is the Soucolor 192-Piece Deluxe Art Set because it combines 24 acrylic paints, 24 colored pencils, graphite pencils, sketch pads, and a wooden storage case in one organized package.
What brand of acrylic paint is best for beginners?
For dedicated acrylic brands, Liquitex Basics and Arteza Acrylics are the most commonly recommended beginner options on artist forums. Both offer student-grade quality at accessible prices with reliable pigment load. For complete starter kits that bundle acrylics with pencils and other mediums, Soucolor, Shuttle Art, and COOL BANK are the strongest options based on review volume and quality consistency.
What are some good acrylic painting sets for beginners?
Strong beginner sets include the Soucolor 192-Piece Deluxe Art Set, Shuttle Art 202-Piece Wooden Kit, COOL BANK 175-Piece Wooden Set, and TMOL 175-Pack Deluxe Art Set. Each combines acrylic paints with colored pencils, graphite pencils, drawing pads, and a storage case. The COLOUR BLOCK 152-Piece Mixed Media Set is the premium option for artists who want professional pigments across multiple mediums.
What are the best acrylic painting supplies for beginners?
A complete beginner kit needs acrylic paints (12 to 24 colors with decent pigment load), graphite pencils (HB and 2B), colored pencils (12 or more), a sketchbook or drawing pad, canvas boards (8×10 or 11×14), brushes (flat wash, round detail, filbert), a palette, and a water cup. Most of the kits on this list bundle paints and pencils together, but you typically need to buy canvases, additional brushes, and a palette separately.
Final Verdict: Which Acrylic Paint Starter Set with Pencils Should You Buy
After 6 weeks of testing, our top pick for the best acrylic paint starter sets with pencils remains the Soucolor 192-Piece Deluxe Art Set. It hits the sweet spot of variety, organization, and quality, and over 2,200 buyers agree. For budget-focused buyers, the COOL BANK 175-Piece Wooden Set delivers similar quality at a lower tier. For artists who want premium pigments and every medium in one case, the COLOUR BLOCK 152-Piece Mixed Media Set is worth the higher investment.
Whichever set you choose, commit to the pencil-and-paint workflow. Sketch first, paint second, refine with colored pencils third. That single habit will accelerate your learning more than any brand decision. Pick your kit, set up your workspace, and start your first painting this 2026. The best acrylic paint starter sets with pencils give you everything you need to begin.