Akademie Aquarell, Icy Colors Set of 12

2025 Reissue: Icy Colors Set of 12

Back by popular demand — Schmincke's playful collection of semi-opaque watercolors in pastel shades. The Akademie Aquarell Icy Colors Set was originally released a few years ago, and these matte, soft colors were a definite hit among our customers back then. We're glad to have them back in the shop for a limited time.

You can use Schmincke Icy Colors for lots of different artistic purposes. For dreamy, pale background painting, these watercolors are a great alternative to poster paints or gansai. For abstract work, use Icy Colors at nearly full strength on dry paper; you'll get very defined and opaque marks.

If you already own lots of watercolors, Icy Colors are a very convenient addition. Rather than mixing tints from white and pure color each time (which can involve some trial and error), just reach for the correct tint in your Icy Colors box. Alternatively, use Icy Colors as a starting point for mixing light colors in any part of the spectrum.

The Icy Colors set is generously sized, with twelve 15 mL tubes in a wide range of semi-opaque tints. It's packed in a sturdy lift-top box for studio storage.

Made in Germany.

About Schmincke Akademie Watercolors:

For its entire 140-year history, the Schmincke brand has meant the finest colors for artists, made to professional standards and used by the most demanding painters. On each package, the blue Schmincke owl holds a banner that reads "I strive for the best" in Latin. So you won't be surprised to hear that the company was hesitant to produce a more affordable watercolor for art students and beginners. It would have to appeal to artists on a budget but still adhere to the basic standards of the historic German color house.

Akademie Aquarell is Schmincke's answer to this challenge, and we recommend it strongly to any watercolorist who isn't ready to invest in a set of Horadam paints. It is the best student-grade watercolor we have ever carried; frankly, it outperforms many paints that call themselves artist grade. The colors are clear and vibrant, and it's easy to make mixed colors that are just as beautiful. A majority of Akademie colors are single-pigment, and the multi-pigment colors are carefully chosen to allow further mixing without muddiness. Intense, high-chroma colors are included alongside rich, organic earth colors, so you can make paintings in any style with Akademie.