Another Paul Rubens Watercolor Set? "Youlan series" artist palette (5th generation) review

Paul Rubens has developed another set of artists' watercolors for us to enjoy, this is called the "Youlan series" artist watercolor palette and it says 5th Generation Artists Solid Watercolor on the box. This was sent to me for free to review. The palette is packaged in a screen-printed black and gold (or pink and gold)tin wrapped in a black cloth in a giftable sturdy box. You can find it here: amzn.to/43qGbHw
Pros:
Price
Nice color selection (good mixing colors and some unique add ons)
Contains a couple granulating colors
Contains colbalt and cadium colors (this may be a negative for some)
Beautiful packaging
Colors glaze well
Colors mix well
Some colors lift and some stain just as I would expect from a professional quality brand
Pigment and lightfast info included
Swatch card with pigment info included
Cons:
I find the browns disappointing
Bottom line: These remind me the most of the 4th generation artists' tube paints from Paul Rubens: amzn.to/3x85PEH as they seem to be milled very similarly to those (and not as similar to the 4th gen pans.) I really enjoy the Paul Rubens watercolors, as I have mentioned in previous reviews I have been sent some from the brand to review but I have also purchased some with my own money because I think they are one of the best values going in watercolor. I think this set and the 4th generation tube sets are the sheerest offering of the Paul Rubens Pro range but in terms of quality they are all excellent and I recommend choosing the set with the colors you prefer the most. Paul rubens also has some eastern and student ranges so for clarity I will list the sets I recommend for a profession watercolor below.
5th generation pan set (reviewed today) amzn.to/3PsksJn
4th Generation Tube set: amzn.to/3x85PEH
Original half pan set: amzn.to/3PpLWiJ There are 2 24 sets that when combined equal the colors in the 48 set. There are also 12 color sets available and metallics that are very nice.
*I didn't like the 4th generation half pans as much as the others but they are still good paint: amzn.to/3INhriZ
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[@elizabeth3230]

FYI, Lindsay. Not sure if you already know about this, but in case you don’t…you can use the google app on your phone to translate the text in the brochure to English. Open the google app on your phone. At the end of the google search field there is a microphone and a camera icon. Select the camera, the camera screen will open. Hold your phone over the text and select translate on the bottom right. The English text will appear on your phone screen. Happy crafting 💜

[@jenniferalvarez4041]

Thank you so much for sharing this tip! I was excited to use it on the labels of my gouache that are labeled in Chinese. I wanted to know the names of each color so I could replace each color as it ran out. But much more importantly, my Mom and friends are helping a large group of Chinese refugees who just moved to Texas with help from China Aid. That group helps Chinese who are being persecuted for being Christians or who are being crushed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for being political dissidents. My Mom and her friends are volunteering to help them learn some basic English and all sorts of practical things. This tip should help a lot! My mom was so excited to hear you can use our phones in this way.

[@nadeaner.cowley513]

Hi, I absolutely love and prefer your longer reviews and videos!!! The real time swatching is the most important and best part of reviews in my opinion. Please don't ever change, I love all you're videos of course but the long ones just offer extra Lindsay which is what we all want of course! Anyway great video, thanks for sharing❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Awww:)

[@VanIsleWhimsy]

Not done watching yet either, but I have to say, it's really nice to see a paint company deliver a product that ISN'T drowning in plastic. Individual pans clearly don't need it. W+N - looking at you.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I agree!

[@nancyloomis3046]

I do like Paul Rubens, but I'm trying not to buy what I already have quite a bit of. Looks like a very nice set for those who need/want a good all-around artist quality set. I'm just glad I'm not tempted...this time 🤭

[@lorrainebrown6364]

I bought the set when I watched your daffodil painting. I already had the 4th generation set you mentioned and liked all the paints except the violet. It was so weak and almost impossible to work with. I saw that the 5th generation set had a strong violet, so I went ahead and bought it. I like the set except for the “brown”. It looks more like a raw umber and green leaning. However, the colors are strong and if you know how to mix what you want, you can work around the odd color. These will work good if you’re traveling and wouldn’t want to risk losing your higher priced paints. Thanks for a great review.

[@andreaizumoto9180]

I like the maroon and the cobalt green. They would probably mix beautifully.

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

I enjoy watching you swatch paints Lindsay… very relaxing! Interesting review, cool art work, and ‘Thank you!’ ✨😉🌸🌿

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you so much!

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Lindsay. I like the Paul Ruben paints as well. Very consistant and easy to use. That iridescent set is fun especially on the glitter paper for cards . That tilting ,shimmering in your hand admiring quality.❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@sonyaoart]

Not finished watching yet but I love the new tin, it looks fab

[@maryleitrim16]

Hi Lindsay. Paul Rubens are great products. I bought their metallic water colours and black paper. Would you do a painting with metallics on black paper? Thanks 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I have done some in the past but I prefer to use the metallic as accents over dark areas on paintings.

[@sheillaallen2538]

Yes I love the long videos of new pallet reviews. I find swatching very relaxing.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm so glad!

[@sonyaoart]

I have finished watching and I don't know if I need the paint, but I want the tin. It is so pretty! Thanks as always for your review and all the comparisons

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@mostlyvoid.partiallystars]

I was just playing with my Paul rubens set yesterday, the original artist grade in pink case. Still love them.

[@mostlyvoid.partiallystars]

Also thank you for the amazing amount of knowledge and work you put into these swatches and reviews! It’s so valuable to have someone who has been in this field, who knows pigments, and who appreciates all levels of supplies 😍

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks 😊

[@patriciaschoenberg1261]

Thank you for the thorough review! Your daffodils are gorgeous!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you like them!

[@joymiller9668]

I love Paul Rueben’s, their watercolors are amazing,their pastels also, and Their student line Arrtx, I have yet to be disappointed in a purchase.i love watching your reviews of them. I ended up getting the 48 pan set plus the 48 glitter set for $120 together such a great deal for 96 half pans, I also got the 36 5ml tubes for $55 and the 14ct. 5mls. Neons for $14. They run such great deals on Amazon, how could you turn down that quality for anything else. They are far superior to the name brand student brands that are way more expensive, like Van Gogh or Schminke akademie. I just love starting out the week with a new product from them.❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Fantastic, enjoy!

[@ZeeCeeCreations]

Hi Lindsay, Viburnum is a flower… one of my daddy’s favorites. It is pronounced V eye burn em Love your unboxing reviews!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Oh thank you!

[@kimberlywalker280]

Beautiful paints...BEAUTIFUL PAINTING....they look like "Happy Flowers".....very, very nice. 😀

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@Linda-qq5mg]

I love your daffodil painting! The paint colors look great! I have the glitter paints in the pink pan, and I really enjoy using them! Thanks for the review Lindsay.😉🤗

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you so much!

[@mariaalejandracardozo3879]

Love the color selection, so unique. Thanks for the review 🎉🎉🎉

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@SkiSkateSmile]

Brilliant. I love my Paul ruben paints.

[@ginabadeaux9319]

i have so many paul rubens i love them i need to get out my pink tin ,love your reviews but even more your interviews with artists are my favorite

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@CreativePhenomenonArt]

That tin💕💕💕💕 So cute🥰

[@ChantelleArts]

This is so gorgeous, such a fantastic review ☺☺

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you so much!

[@vatiammatri2660]

That's a great painting, love it. Good review!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@naaraahu1050]

Aaaa first to comment! I always enjoy you doing review. You have a knack of talking that’s so suitable to put in the background or me goung napping. Pardon, I’m trying to say I enjoy your videos very much! I’ve been waiting for you to make a new watercolor review! Thank you for creating this!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Wow, thank you!

[@le2382]

Hi Lindsay, thanks for swatching and reviewing these paints, I’m a huge fan of Paul Rubens paints. The tin looks gorgeous, but I feel like since I already have the 24 and 48 pink tin sets, it might be redundant for me (I did what you did, which is I loved the 24 set so much, I bought the 48 one too).

[@user-wk1mw9nj3i76]

Nice review! I still enjoy my pink tin PRs. I’m glad the company continues to innovate!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I totally agree!

[@starshinesoldier]

Thank you for the in-depth review!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

My pleasure!

[@brigitteitg]

I really like your in-depth reviews like this - thank you! I think I would miss a cool red in the set, like a magenta, other than that it looks like a nice versatile palette

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you like them!

[@berolinastrassmann]

I rewatched this, as this set became available in 🇩🇪 (55€). I appreciated your comparison with other sets. I find Paul Ruben's selection so confusing, so your in depth review and comparison helped. My 12 half pan set contains 8 of these 24 colours with identical pigments. It might be a good "backup" set, as the 12 half pan colours are not available open stock.

[@juicytulipboutiqueandartis8051]

What a beautiful tin!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I think so too!

[@joyfulldj]

i use the indigo blu for shadows; usually mixed with burned umber; almost makes a black

[@habituallearner7680]

I love that they included PG 16 and PR 179. Those are two of my favorites.

[@Gypsisoul1111]

I was considering this set so I came back to re-watch this video. But because you give such comprehensive reviews I ended up getting the Paul Rubens 36 tube set instead! Thank you for doing such in depth reviews and compares and swatching!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@windywednesday4166]

Nice review. I find Paul Reubens pretty confusing, but I did notice they have a 48 half-pan set with a watercolor book...30% off coupon makes it $46. I'm glad you went over the 5 ml tubes being about a half pan, I know it varies from brand to brand, but the shrinkage is real. When you subtract the pallette and add the mess it might be better to just get the pan set. ❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That's amazing!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Wow!

[@fr7115]

Funny, I just finished watching your last Paul Rubenstein video.... And here's a new one!! So cool!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@fr7115]

@@thefrugalcrafter I love all you videos! So funny, I didn't realize that the keyboard auto correct Rubens to Rubenstein! That's so funny! 😂

[@128titanic9]

Hi, Lindsay. Thank you for your video. Have a good day.❤.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you! You too!

[@vickie9822]

I prefer the colors I have in the pink case I use it all the time.

[@shanartstudio]

Thank you Lindsay, as soon I saw this set coming out, I know you will have a review for it. yay！！！ I heard this set is very very similar to Schminke Horadam 24 set, would you mind doing a comparison of these two whenever you get a chance? I am really enjoying the 4th generation tubes and this one is just so attempting in pan.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@berolinastrassmann]

I enjoyed this review. As always, you are so thorough. I was trying to see if this edition was very different to their original sets...but (at least on camera) I cannot see that they are that different. I live in 🇩🇪 and this set is not available. I got their 12 half pan set in the pink tin and love it🩷. I wish they had open stock half pans for their basic original set, though.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

They might on aliexpress

[@marytesta3003]

You are always excited about Paul Rubens products. It seems quite consistent. I like tubes. Which tubes are these? I don’t know why. Thank you for another nice review.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

amzn.to/499k8GE the tubes are lovely!

[@amortlepsg]

I don't see much change in comparison to the 4th generation, or am I getting confused? Except for the packaging of course. It seems like the same nice quality watercolor I already have. I don't need this updated version. Money saved ... for now 😄

[@moodyandtheartist]

You got the palette!! The tin is so cute. Love the pink one too. I'm looking forward to watching this 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you!! 😊

[@joyfulldj]

Ooh I like the naples yellow and indian yellow and pv 19

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Lindsay, I did not even consider any of these Chinese paints when going back to traditional art from the Digital workflow. I went right to Sennelier and Schmincke just to name two. Because of cost, I kept looking, I wanted to go back to Grumbacher's Finest paints, but my local art store had gone out of business and I had trouble finding them online! I do appreciate your reviews as I can point people to your channel when asked for a more budget friendly option. I feel you give more than enough information to make a decision on the plethora of offerings. I have since found DaVinci Paints of California and I can freely recommend them as a professional brand and so reasonably priced that nobody has to empty their wallet to get a great selection of colors! I also love that they have artists that have curated sets for the company. Interested in animals? Denise's Wildlife set might be for you! Concerned about the environment? Look for Denise's Earth Friendly palette! There are even more options too! Lovely video, Thanks Lindsay!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

The blick studio paints are relabled grumbacher finest watercolors if you are still looking for them.

[@mjpete27]

@@thefrugalcrafter I was told this but I wanted the original, but Grumbacher as a company has been mostly broken up and sold for parts. I will say I am happier with DaVinci. I will even say are the best company I have ever bought from and they treat their customers very, very well!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Well, I only tried one tube of the block watercolor and was not impressed so I think you are smart to stick to DaVinci LOL!@@mjpete27

[@lesleyegbert4807]

I looked for the Paul Rubens Song palette you mentioned and it's still available on AliExpress for $18!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Cool!

[@craftykat]

That looks like a beautiful set. How many sets of paints do you have ? I'd be like a kid at Christmas in your craft room, lol. Beautiful painting at the end too!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

A lot, I did a ranking my student grade and artist grade watercolor videos last year if you are curious 😆

[@jimflack9462]

Sounds like a good set. I have a set, which are " on loan" to my daughter. I bought another set which I'm using exclusively for your watercolor class. Don't think I need more, but I'd recommend them to anyone.😂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That's a great idea!

[@Obsidian_Iris_]

I love your in depth reviews. I adore these colors, except I wish there were a better dark brown. I actually like a sepia. I actually like the color sepia, but as ink in a pen, not for water coloring. Raw sienna, burnt sienna, or a nice Van Dyke Brown would have been more welcomed. However, adoring 23 out of 24 colors is phenomenal. I really want this set but already have the 36 tube set. My Inner Child’s 👧🏾 response to this set was “SQUEEE!!! WANT! WANT! WANT!” and now, a “Mr. W. Monster” 👼🏽 is at the door asking if he can have tea with her and chat. He seems nice... Lindsey, I believe you can put polls on your videos if you want more succinct feedback.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'll haveto look into that!

[@Obsidian_Iris_]

⁠@@thefrugalcrafter I have a question and a follow up comment: • What do you think of the Paul Rubens watercolor paper pads offered in the same Amazon listing? Yes or no (1-10) for practice with these paints? • The polls I’ve seen pop up when someone interacts with the comment section and are completely voluntary. If the commenter submits an answer, it provides the latest results via percentage and a bar meter (I hope I explained that right). The results would look *_vaguely_* similar to the following (though the bars come in colors and are solid lines): *Do you enjoy watching in-depth product reviews?* *YES:* ◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️ 83% *NO:* ◽️◽️ 17%

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I have never seen polls before, how did you get it to show up on your comment? As for the paper, do you mean the bundles below the listing where there is a black or pink sketchbook and the paint set? I have used the one with the pink color and I liked it fine for a sketchbook. I like their 100% cotton glitter watercolor paper too, it is subtle. if is is a 100% cotton product they have been good in my opinion. The wood pulk can be a bit dull. @@Obsidian_Iris_

[@momma8487]

hey! so if i’m correct you mentioned their 4th gen had two sets? like 2 24 sets? i have one tube set of 24 but i’d love to have the other set. i got my 5th gen pans today. i’d prefer tubes but didn’t see any as of yet.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

No, the 1st get has 2 24 sets that are different.

[@Firefly-tf8gu]

Unrelated-can you get John Muir Laws on your podcast? I really like him.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'd love to! I don't know him, though, but I plan to reach out!

[@sandrafletcher1220]

Lndsey I have a pink tin set of 24 do you have both of them listed i your favorite product section ? I would like to get the second set of 24 to have a full set but they dont list the colors > my set has lemon yellow cd yel med indian yellow etc

[@thefrugalcrafter]

The colors are listed for set be here, you might need to swipe a few pics to see them: amzn.to/4avzhTQ If you add these to the original set of 24 in the pink tin it equals the 48 tin colors.

[@wanderingstar5673]

😊

[@DorcusT]

Are the pink tin pans then considered 3rd generation? I started with their 48pan set. But I’ve always noticed some colors have what looks like glitter in it. I’m sure it’s just mineral since it mostly happens in the earth tones. Did this ever happen with any of your Paul Ruben’s paints? I love the quality but this issue stops me from using a handful of colors 😢

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I haven't noticed that with my 48 tin. I wonder if they mixed up the pans of a few colors and you got some of the phosferecent set they used to sell

[@DorcusT]

@@thefrugalcrafter oh that would be tragic if it happened. But oh well I’ve had the tin since 2022 at least.

[@stardustgirl313]

I have that set. They have more than one pink tin. I got mine on Amazon and they had a 48 set listed as glitter metallic and one listed as just artists paints. I think both are still in their store on Amazon. It’s confusing with so many similar ones!

[@DorcusT]

@@stardustgirl313 I got mine off Amazon but the thing is it’s not all the colors. Just a hand full of them so I can’t even say I ordered the wrong one 😅

[@stardustgirl313]

@@DorcusTMine is all metallic / pearlescent / glitter. The only text I can read on the label is LY3248 on the lid of the box. It sounds like they may have accidentally mixed up some pans. I didn't get the regular pink tin set because I already had the Mei Lang parrot one, plus a lot of tubes of other brands, so I don't have the other one to compare.

[@jannecapelle_art]

it might be a bit unnecessary, but man. if paul rubens does something well with their watercolors, its the packaging. i mean, i like the paints as well (i have their florals tube paint set), but those pans with those nice black and gold-foiled cardboard box...thats /real/ nice. some people dont like that i think bc it might be the case that without that fancy packaging, the price would be a bit lower, but honestly if the actual product is good as well, its just so nice to have something that feels kinda luxurious. especially bc paul rubens prices are really reasonable and not at all "luxury" level.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

So true!

[@joyfulldj]

Nah that's either sepia or a van dycke brown. Burnt umber is usually a single mx; yours is pretty; but not a true burnt umber; usually asian brands either have sepia or van dycke. Or both. I have various brands with sepia and van dycke brown. Looks Identical to what they claim to be an umber; it even looks similar to my polychromos sepia... not sure what's up with that umber from rubens. My usual burnt umbers are a lot warmer in undertone, much like what asian brands would refer to as a chocolate brown.

[@beckymadrid5894]

Yikes...didn't like them. No dimension... no movement :(