My Favorite Watercolor Brands - 2021

[@evaaltman5774]

as someone who has very little experience with watercolors, i really enjoyed the less technical descriptions! we love intuition and emotional connections

[@millieb3823]

They really are amazing i love them too!

[@SwedePotato314]

I absolutely love White Nights. I bought the 36 set before they somewhat disappeared off Amazon and then bought some booster pans from a seller on Etsy (who no longer has any listings) and most recently a seller on eBay. I came from doing colored pencil portraits so I had (and still kind of do- I have to fight it) the mindset of having to have all the colors. The fact that they were the brand that I stuck with and they’re somewhat harder to get makes it easier for me to be ok with a more limited palette. I have my 36 most important in one palette and then a pastel palette then a palette of convenience shades and backups. I love them. I use them for when I need reliability, control and I need them to behave and stay where I put them. They’re my go-to. For travel I use my 2 Paul Ruben’s palettes, the pink 48 and the 24 gem shades. I also have the Mission watercolors 36 set that is BEAUTIFUL. Vibrant and I have a sample pan of their single pigments are they’re beautiful as well. I have some random tubes of granulating and layered Paul Rubens, Daniel Smith and a ton of Super Vision which I love. Maybe because I am newer to watercolors, I know and understand the “rules” of watercolors- like we’re supposed to want single pigment colors because those are “best” or don’t use white to mix or black for shadows…. I don’t want to always listen to those rules. I want to ink first or after or actually ink my lines. I want to do what I want to do with my art. I want to have paints like QOR that aren’t made with the same old expensive Lapis Lazuli pigment. At this point it’s been so long that we have come so far with synthetic dyes and pigments that I feel like the snobbery with watercolors and art in general is so unwarranted. In all honesty, art is mostly a therapeutic process and experience for me and the finished painting or end product is kind of just like a by-product. It’s the creating of the art that is the most valuable to me so I find that whatever I enjoy using the most is the most valuable to me. I do not care how long it lasts after I’m gone. Maybe one day I will but not now. I love watching your videos so much and a lot of is due to your attitude towards paints and supplies. I like being able to see someone’s process who isn’t letting something stand in their way like only using the most expensive paints or brushes made with hairs plucked from the heiney of the last unicorn. Thank you for existing.

[@ionutkaissaris4303]

I am currently using a white nights customized palette which I have upgraded to a year ago from their sonnet paints. I have really been liking their vibrancy and depth and your advice for colors has really helped me decide which ones I should get so thank you for helping build up my first professional watercolor palette

[@arleebean]

Ohhhh, that's so exciting. :D I'm so glad you're enjoying the White Nights paints!

[@louislawrence2534]

why does this say 18 hours its just been uploaded!

[@starikuu]

@@louislawrence2534 probably early access for patreons

[@didi7074]

I was expecting to see White Nights and Roman Szmall, I think they suit you so well! I want to try them one day

[@angelaschredl9245]

After almost 15 years, I still love my white nights so much. I hardly can describe why, but they are so bright and colorful, reliable and true. They speak to my heart. About 2 years ago I started to buy some Daniel Smith colors, mainly the granulating and mineral colors. I love to combine both brands and explore the combinations. The third part in my "Trio" are watercolor pencils (Faber-Castell, Staedler and Inktense ). I wish I had more time for painting and exploring these days. But I don't give up. I seize the days where I can find time for my art.

[@millieb3823]

I bought my white nights paints a few years ago and I love them they are my favourites I used them throughout my time at school for my art work and loved using them they're just so lovely to use and so simple as well and they're affordable which is great for a student! Love the video as always!

[@SuperDadsBaby]

You convinced me to get White Nights, and I’m so happy with that decision

[@isaniart]

Same. I bought them last year and I couldn't be happier

[@Finelinernerd]

@@isaniart after what you’ve both said I might try some myself!

[@isaniart]

@@Finelinernerd you should! They’re so vibrant and lovely

[@darcyreads]

Do you guys have issues with transparency? I really want to get White Nights because of their flow and vibrancy but I am a little worried with their transparency, something I prefer in my paints.

[@isaniart]

@@darcyreads They’re definitely on the more opaque side. I wouldn’t say it’s a huge deal, but if you prefer to have a lot of transparency then these might not work for you. The vibrancy of some of the colors comes with more opaqueness

[@thaemystart5032]

Would love to try those White Nights Watercolors! 🌺

[@millieb3823]

They're amazing they're my faves, depending on where you are you can get a pack of 12 fullpans for £18 which i think is really good! Hope you end up getting them!

[@thaemystart5032]

@@millieb3823 Will try them, thank you for recommendation 🌸

[@millieb3823]

@@thaemystart5032 no problem!

[@prettybyaccident]

The 12 is SO good. It feels like all you need to make every color imaginable. I recently upgraded to the 24 pan set and it's an adjustment to have so many options but the formulas of WK is fabulous

[@brognaarts3266]

Using my white nights right now on a commission while I watch this video. Happy they are still some of your favorites but it’s interesting to see how things have changed

[@AndreaBlythe]

Your poetic, emotional descriptions are so beautiful. It makes me want to love the paints because you love them.

[@DAYbreaking_Ideas]

I love my white nights palette. The atmosphere of your channel is a comfy corner for me. Thank you for sharing.

[@roc1761]

I started with WN Cotman but after a year I switched to Isaro with 15 colours approx and I must say I would never come back. It is funny because despite my low experience in watercolour brands, I see exactly what you mean when you describe the emotional connection we can feel with colours. Thank you for this beautiful video

[@chedoodles]

I absolutely love Roman Szmal. Your review about them made me get some of the pans and I love the magic of their colors. The granulation & luminosity of the paints are amazing! I'm currently building my custom set but I'm loving them so far. I mixed St. Peterbsurg's full pan with Roman Szmal's in my 24 tin pallete - I've filled them out but it feels as if I'm still missing colors. that's on collecting paints hahaha!

[@Finkeldinken]

I don't actually want concise, technical reviews from you, you are so good describing the colours with soul and teh feels - and other KZbinrs are great at the technical stuff! I haven't tried Isaro or Roman Szmal yet, but it's a matter of time before I fall head first into the RS well for sure. I am proud it hasn't happened yet, but I know it's not gonna last. The Isaros look gorgeous too, but RS has that siren's call to my soul for sure. I love my White Nights. I got the 24 set as a gift from a (then) stranger and I think I know what you mean - they feel wonderfully...assertive? I don't have a favourite brand all in all, though. I find that I find favourite colours in a variety of brands. Like, a long time obsession of mine, even if I am not usually a Maimeriblu fan: Maimeriblu's Sepia (Single pigment weirdo, dries weirdly dusty and loves to make dendrites in wet+wet application) and Turquoise Green (Very green leaning PB16) and they combo in the most gorgeous separating neutral. It's stuff like that that gets me going.

[@Christine_R]

I wish I could talk about my favorite watercolors... I like all of them. But my favorite trio is Cobalt Blue, Quinacridone Rose and Benzimidazolone Yellow (PY154). These are my 3 go-to colors that I always need in a palette. I think they mix beautiful colors for a very limited palette of 3 colors.

[@isaniart]

I love how the painting turned out, Arlee! I feel like you've been moving in a looser, lighter direction lately and it's so fun to watch you evolve and grow.

[@monikawiedmann8594]

I stumbled upon the Roman Szmal paints when I looked for something more expressive than my old Reeves set. I found the experience of painting with them a complete revelation. I never knew watercolour could be like this! I also got interested in the pigments used, I have learned so much! These paint have kept me sane this year.

[@Lexouchan]

I personally love the mission gold. I love how vibrant they are, and that they don't move a lot. They also are super easy to rewet and so pigmented that you don't need much. I also love the Sennelier for their transparency and layerability, even though they are a bit less vibrant. I also use a lot of Van Gogh paint because here in Europe they are super cost effective ! And easy to find.

[@SVNopq]

Mission Gold paints is my fave too.

[@SVNopq]

And I love Daniel Smith watercolors. I like Van Gogh in the tubes, and have a few small tubes of that.

[@hiddenshadow2105]

Glad to find somebody who also likes Van Gogh!

[@darcyreads]

I love Van Gogh as well because of their quality!

[@Lexouchan]

@@SVNopq Daniel Smith are way too expensive here in Europe !

[@diaryofcolours]

Last summer I bought a few Roman Szmal colours and I wish I had bought more! My favourite from the colours I have is quinacridone gold. It is such a warm, magical and vibrant colour! 100% sure I will be getting more Roman Szmal paints when I can find them in my country.

[@veeroach]

I love Roman Szmal!! It is my favorite too. My second favorite is a handmade watercolor called 31Purplefish she has great colors that aren’t chalky. She make them using clove so the smell as nice as they paint. I love Isaro’s indigo it uses PBr7 instead of a black in it.

[@HawkRyder853]

I recently discovered Beam Paints. They are an indigenous woman owned brand made with local honey and pigments (and no plastic). I would be curious for your opinion of them if you ever acquire them. They have been a joy to work with. And knowing they come hand made from a small family business makes me happy!

[@gloriaukasiak5739]

your opinion and videos pushed me to get white nights as my first good watercolors. thank you so so much, they are amazing and with them learning is pure fun and pleasure. also I'm not worried anymore to give a little painting to someone, because quality is so great. lately i bought one Roman Szmal pan and ooooh I love it so much, can't wait to get more :D

[@fuzzydragons]

always good to know what watercolours to keep on eye on and try in the future

[@SoYeahChrisCrafts]

Those random tangents are what we love so much about you arlee 🧡🧡🧡

[@mjpete27]

It is kinda funny because I used to hop from brand to brand loving one over another for the smallest reasons. I have been a Da Vinci user for about 2 years now and I believe they are simply wonderful. From the Earth Friendly palette Denise created, to the Solid color washes to the granulating pigments you can count on for consistent results. They are a true superior paint that do not cost your arm and right leg! I look forward to your next painting experience.

[@SuperUsername147]

I love DaVinci! It’s the only brand I own and I don’t plan on branching out any time soon.

[@reneaclark7689]

I love white nights and roman szmal! I have Isaro on my to try list! Thanks for the video.

[@ziamukherjee171]

I love the Sonnet St. Petersburg watercolors. I was introduced to them by your old watercolor video. Just wanted to say thanks!!🥰

[@boyinblue.]

I might get a few tubes of white nights now, I am in love with the mix that blue and the napals yellow gave you. I'm pretty content with my current sets but dang I can't get my mind off those mixes. I just have to decide on a red I like and then I'll probably grab the tubes up.

[@LilGagaChick]

I can't stop buying all the new white nights pans. I stay giving them my money.

[@particleartist9006]

I love Szmal's watercolors too! I'm so grateful my friend brought me to art shop when they were available for testing out

[@sabinassketchbook]

I love White Nights watercolors so so much!!! 🤩🤩🤩

[@YoureBeautiful4Life]

Love white nights and Roman Szmal. Just ordered Isaro because of the Jackson’s watercolor sale. Can’t wait to try them!

[@victoriavelazquez9461]

My Roman Szmal colors are my number one as well. I love the way they move, their vibrancy, and how they interact/mix. There is nothing about them that I don't like. I have the Isaros on my wishlist for the future.

[@sophiamarco3614]

I'm just a beginner so I just use Prang:) Thanks for the instruction and inspiration arleebean. I've also seen your classes on skillshare. So grateful.

[@RadishTheFool]

This was such an amazing video, thank you very much. I think my next palette will be White Nights. The vibrancy of their colours appeals to me, and they have some really interesting shades.

[@NakiaPickering]

I think I only really have a top two, which are Van Gogh and Da Vinci, both for how vibrant they are and also their affordability. I've recently gotten some Schmincke watercolors as well, and I'm still getting used to those, but I can definitely say they were well worth the investment!

[@louislawrence2534]

this is very interesting,i awlways love watching your video and the aesthetic is mazing!

[@Narja23]

I discovered the white nights watercolor last year thanks to one of your video, and thanks a lot : It was just a huge crush, they are still mu favourites now

[@elvenham1]

I know what you mean about the ethereal quality to the Roman Szmal's. There's not a great deal of flow, but the textures and depth they provide seem to half-create the overall piece all on their own. I only have one tube of Isaro, so can't really comment, and I've steered clear of White Nights due to so many mixed reviews and poor lightfast qualities, though they look great for sketchbooks. It also comes down to purpose as far as which brands to reach for. I have a Qor set that's great for plein air, some handmades that are fun for embellishments, and a Daniel Smith/other pro line palette or the Roman Szmal's for studio work. Watercolors are just so much fun!

[@hiddenshadow2105]

If you want like White Nights but better lightfastness, try Rosa Gallery. They are great paints in the same vein as White Nights but their pigments are better curated for lightfastness.

[@miaomiaochan]

Funnily enough, Denise of In Liquid Color had trouble controlling the flow of the Aquarius paints, saying she had to fight them to get the look she wanted. This makes me wonder if tap water quality figures into how well watercolors flow or if her batch was somehow different.

[@elvenham1]

@@miaomiaochan Very possible on both accounts. I have very hard, chemical-filled city water, which may hold it back. And, being a small business, it's possible Roman's batches vary slightly. I might try well water or bottled next time.

I also use white nights from years, its great

[@ps11chic]

i actually bought a small white nights set for my sister a while ago based on your reviews! i used them a few times as well, they have a sort of earthy vibe to the that i love

[@ps11chic]

i still have my own pallete made up of several brands but i might get a white nights set myself when i have the money for it

[@roxanneazul]

I mainly use White Nights but definitely return to a little custom cotman set and my sakura koi.

[@temitopeoluwaseun]

I can’t agree more it’s weird right I have DS. Schminke, sennellier, W&N, MJ Gold, Roman szmal but guess what my White Nights is still the one I love the most. I relate when you say you open the palette and you feel some sense of comfort. Same with me. I just simply love them more than all the others. I do have A agallo and Poems about you coming to join them soon and will see if they take over that love

[@greekveteran2715]

Since Royal Talens, is WAY more affordable in Europe and since their 2 lines, have the most accurate colors (in many people's opinion including me), it's a one way option for me. Some coulrs are way better in the Van Gogh line others in Rembrandt, so, choosing the best from both lines, can create a full palette, that will cost you as much as 2 Daniel Smith Hapf pans cost in Europe (30-32 euro) I just spent, around 40 euro and I got tubes and pans from both Talens lines, didn't count them, but it's like 25 different colors?! If I had chosen Daniel Smith, which cost 15 to 16 euro, for only 1 little half pan, 25 x 15euro= 400 euro... I can't afford 400 euro but I 100% can afford 40 euro!!! I also like how Royal Talens colours look, compared to any other brand! Happy new year!! Schmincke is the 2nd love and thank God, they also cost way less, than Daniel Smith!!!

[@concertina3]

Roman Szmal is hands down my favorite for the way I paint. I like the Isaro but I haven't used them enough to fall in love yet. My other top two has to be Mission Gold and M. Graham...and the last just for what you said...their watercolor and gouache is just...reliable. I always know what to expect when I use them.

[@martiisor]

Hold on, let me get my notepad out 👀😂📝

[@joeyz6395]

I was just thinking to myself yesterday that it was about time you did an updated one!! I think I've seen your 2020 favorites video so many times that I've practically memorized it :) Wonderful video, as always

[@katiealleena2049]

I really love my two white nights palettes! I have the main one and then a bunch of the yearly colors grouped in a different palette -- and even their mixes with white pigment are cute and function similarly to gouache for me. It's so fun to use them! And oh I still haven't been able to pick up a set of Roman Szmal colors -- I know I should

[@shanealexsmith6201]

YAY WHITE NIGHTS ARE HERE AGAIN WOO don't mind me I'm just proud

[@kurromiki8354]

I have been waiting for this video my whole life *^*

[@miaomiaochan]

I'm in the process of building a Roman Szmal Aquarius collection after having watched so many glowing reviews of it, including yours. My order's already been dispatched by Jackson's, and I'm eagerly anticipating its arrival; in the meantime, I'm waiting for a few colors to be restocked so I can place yet another order and finally have all the colors I want... unless they release even more colors.

[@chedoodles]

I'm currently at work right now so I can't watch it yet and oh my gosh, you've been treating us real good with the videos ❤️ I just know Roman Szmal will be there on the list haha

[@dragonli1y]

My school got art club a lot of pretty good art supplies, but an... interesting watercolor palette. So chalky, not too bad at rewetting. I actually don’t hate them, because for some reason they make a weird texture that goes really well with my nicer watercolor. Personally, my favorite is Kuretake Gansai Tambi 24 set because it has a pretty good range and is a little opaque.

[@otterluv4941]

My Roman Szmal paints are also the ones I keep reaching for. I try to spread the love, but when I go to paint that’s the one I automatically reach for. The granulation, the transparency, how they flow off the brush. Man, they just WORK. My other most used paint palette has a bunch of half pans with paint from M Graham, Daniel Smith, and Schminke. It has more colors, I worked hard to put it together, and I LOVE it. But the Roman Szmals, I grab it every time.

[@lishapisha002]

I’m so shocked that so many people love Roman Szmal paints. I bought the trial set and was incredibly underwhelmed. Very low pigmentation. Maybe I need to try some different colors. What set do you have?

[@yunamargaret2847]

Im actually looking at what best watercolors to use what a coincidence🤯🤩!!

[@Lauraisabelgonzalezart]

I would love for you to review the Renesans Polska watercolors... They are handmade in Poland and I respect your opinion so much that I may see what you might do with them....

[@RainE136]

I adore your brushes🖤

[@existentialcrisistime]

Okay here I was telling myself I shouldn't buy the White Nights paints just yet, and now I've just seen they're on sale on Jackson's too! And to be fair, it's probably time for something a step up from my W&N Cotman set. *And* it's payday, so I think a little treat yourself moment may be in order - and maybe I'll finally try out the Canson Moulin Du Roy paper you've had me wanting too, thank u for all the wonderful recommendations

[@beckbabej]

I love that paper! I don't know if you have Hobby Lobby, but they have the big single sheets of it, when you cut it down you get a lot out of it.

[@OwolabiEsther]

arleebean favorite is definitely mine too ... Ready to see what's in store!

[@cloudwolfbane7704]

I would say my top 3 our my A. Gallo paints, their Payne’s grey is soooo beautiful. They have a really unique range of colors that are more muted/pastel than any of my other paints but I really appreciate that if I’m trying for a particular atmosphere in a painting. Also, totally weird, but the paints smell really good, they use a honey binder but the paints smell almost like cinnamon or some sort of cozy herbal scent, it’s hard to explain. Second would probably be my Da Vinci palette designed by Denise, I love her Denise green and I do a lot of wild life pictures so her color selections are just perfect. 3rd would be hmmm, probably my Stoneground paint company, I like a lot of granulation and they have a lot of unique colors that I really enjoy.

[@nataliedubious5241]

So happy to see this video, i do love a favourites update 💕

[@ARTYCOATY]

Wonderful painting‼︎ You very talented‼︎

[@BayaintheRez]

I don’t paint with watercolours anymore, but this is inspiring me to do so :)

[@Love2DrawManga]

Lovely video.

[@Finelinernerd]

I could watch you paint all day, honestly I find your process and voice so calming, exactly what I needed after a hectic day at work. I loved hearing your thoughts, and I got some Isaro Paints recently (just a trio of primaries for now) and couldn’t agree with you more about how lovely they are to paint with, I hope you’re doing well Arlee 🖤

[@danielafurini]

I love the white nights pallette too! Just like my Cotman 45 set pallette, they are very similar... I am so sad that I cannot fit other standard full pans in them, though.

[@mydogeatspuke]

Some people have had success with sanding the little stopper bits inside the channels down so that other full pans can fit, and using blu tac or tape to secure them. May be worth investigating if you prefer the plastic palette to the metal ones they sell that hold 35 rather than the standard 24 full pans.

[@eliza.art.teacher]

I used White nights watercolors for more than a decade , relatively cheap and they have rich pigmentation. Though I had some minor problems with their lightfastness

[@alliebourke1769]

I love white nights :)

[@chromaimp1315]

I've been eyeing the Isaro paints since your first video with them and hearing that you still like them makes me want to get them asap (unfotunately I decided to not buy any art supplies this year, rip me)

[@lsmill4754]

Love the animal crossing stickers!

[@charlottesmom]

Same they are great! Makes me miss my save...

[@AndreeaEremiaArt]

Wow. So beautiful video. Nice sharing ❤❤

[@aqsariaz6790]

Second that's amazing 😍😍😍

[@jillkama7614]

Wow, no Daniel Smith on the list!! I keep trying *and failing* to like DS. Yay to white nights!

[@paintingtheskykingdom9005]

I know, it seems Daniel Smith is over-rated. They are not honey-based and the thing about all the watercolors she mentions above is that they are honey-based. Once I started using honey-based, I never wanted to use another kind. Lets just hope they treat the bees fairly (my guess is they do)

[@wystemd]

white nights and roman szmal are the best value for money, I believe. Sad that roman szmal does not come in tubes, maybe in future.

[@cyberbard]

You've made it really hard to decide between adding to my Szmal paints or get a couple of Isaro paints lol. Oh, how will i choose?

[@AafkeVultink]

I second the white nights opinion. I Love m. For new techniques I always reach for them first. I wonder if it is the binder that makes m feel like that. It feels honey based to the touch, wich Im not even sure of but in that they feel like my senneliers. I cant even compare m with a ds wich are different on itself. Really weird

[@XPIEXBUNNYX1]

By any chance are you going to make a print of “dawn” or we could only get it if we sign up for your pateon ?

[@denissemendivil2683]

Great video🥰

[@meikehiemstra1122]

Where did you get the color wheel stencil from?🤷🏽‍♀️

[@mrsweedwalker]

I see a link to that item in the materials list above.

[@neko-val4633]

Omg finally I am early! Our time is different so i really wait till you upload 🥰

[@josebernardoceballos7119]

Muy Bueno !!!!

[@mikeyfinger8026]

Runs to hit purchase on my cart full of RS before stock drops! 🤣

[@juuzousuzuya7580]

What type of paper are u using?

[@aglassofasti]

i just bought stickers from you and i'm really excited to get them (i know that it's probably going to take a few weeks, if not months, for me to get them but i also wanted to support you with the purchase...)

[@zeynepturkkan7908]

We are waiting new favorite udate video 😋🥰

[@curiouscolour8336]

Why would anyone dislike this video? 🧐

[@awatercolourist]

If your Roman Szmal paints have an etherial presence then you need an exorcist! The Exorcist, anyone? No? How about The Conjuring, then?

[@emil5729]

The captions in the beginning says: hitler [music]

[@DanilaAbramenkovArt]

Great content. Keep it up)

[@kuraicraft]

aww looks like the stencil listing is gone :(

[@оксбокс]

OMG White Night! Hello from Moscow) Neva palette the most popular and cheapest brand in Russia. White Night is professional ruler. All of us using this watercolor in our art school. Sonnet is study ruler and more cheaper then WN. But I have never use this. Would like to try Roman Szmal)

[@simonettahelena986]

Do you have a favorite brand/color pairing for each color on your palette?

[@meldixon1918]

I love my White Nights and have had them for nearly four years now, last time I used them I felt like they smelled strong and it made me sick. Maybe an allergic reaction to resin? Mold? Cadmium colors? I’m scared to use them again.

[@viviannevillanueva80]

Have you tried the new White Nights 35 set Neva palette? Would love to know your thoughts about those! :D

[@mydogeatspuke]

They're just a selection of colours from the full range, nothing any more special than any other set they do. If they're colours/pigments you like then choose that set instead of a different White Nights set, but all White Nights paints are good and widely recommended.

[@Llamanescent]

I'm not sure if this is fixable, but I wanted to let you know that in the beginning when there is sound in the background, the captions say "hitler". It was a little jarring. The video was good, though. I have a few Roman Szmal paints and I really like them, so I do plan to get more in the future.

[@zeynepturkkan3140]

I miss you 😔