Best Watercolor Pigment Resource Ever! + NEW Masking Fluid & Schmincke Shire Review.

Let's look at some new Schmincke super granulating colors (new to me), a new non-ammonia, non-latex masking fluid, and one of the best online watercolor, color and pigment resources I've ever seen. A triple review for your viewing pleasure.
Watercolor Database - OtoKano.com
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[@mindofwatercolor]

PLEASE NOTE! - I mentioned in the video that the Handprint.com site had not been updated in decades. This is inaccurate. The site was created in 1994 and I assumed too much from that. Bruce MacEvoy, the creator of the site has foot noted that revisions on the watercolor pages were made as recently as 2015 and the site copyright notation has been updated to 2021. It appears many of his own lightfast tests were added in 2004. His last blog post from that site was in April of 2009 and from a separate Blogger site in 2014. Best information from those who have conversed with him is that he no longer updates the watercolor information on this site. Regardless of any of that, I don't wish to diminish what a valuable resource Handprint has been over the years. Many thanks to Bruce MacEvoy. If you have any updated information about Bruce and the Handprint site that you wish to share feel free to add replies to this comment.

[@AnimalArtbyTerraCotta]

Thank you for this note. I've loved that source but have been wondering why the updates weren't happening.

[@wulfseig1864]

Yep, love Handprint. A lot of useful information.

[@kellyro77]

I've always found Handprint difficult to use, and probably because of its dated design (ie: I never know which icon to click on his home page to get me to the watercolor database to begin with). He has a ton of valuable information, however, and hopefully some day he can fund a redesign. Glad Dr. Oto Kano has put all her knowledge into one place, though. I'm going to run over and check it out.

[@thebuttermilkyway687]

Thank you for this news, Steve! I’ve spent years nerding out on the handprint website and I sense now I have a whole new world to explore.

[@ScottFree45]

The ad content level is insane what happened?

[@OtoKano]

First of all, thank you so much Steve for such a detailed and supportive review of the database. It was totally unexpected for any channels to review it, let alone the biggest watercolor channel! Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity in sharing it. You are a truely wonderful person for bringing others up. Second, thank you so so much for everyone who's left such kind words about the database. I'm so overwhelmed with how kind you all have been. You give me such a motivation to work harder in adding more content, and improving the website in the future.

[@Athanais157]

I looked at your database in this moment. And I have to say I am really blown away. Thank you so much 🤗💜

[@mindofwatercolor]

You’re very welcome! Your efforts have and will help us all.

[@annepercival7814]

Where can I find the link to your new website Oto Kano?

[@mindofwatercolor]

@@annepercival7814 Otokano.com

[@stuffstuffstuffyay]

it is amazing! I'm excited for you to start adding swatches of Daniel Smith. No rush though, it is a cool site you have made. I am going to share with my students!

[@regig.9493]

I have used the Schminke masking fluid for a while now, and it comes off easily even on cheap paper. I left it on a painting for weeks by accident and it came off without problem. I usually fill a little bit of it into a tiny glas jar, ( the ones you get with jam in them in some hotel breakfasts), and add a few drops of water. Stir gently, don't shake. After adding the water it becomes fluid enough to use it with a ruling pen. I've had the main bottle for two years now and it has not gone bad.

[@InLiquidColor]

Desert Green is a pretty wild and fun (although admittedly niche) color in the SG Schmincke line. Really fun for reptiles! That mask! Holy cow... game changer indeed. I'm so excited to see Oto's database come to life, and so glad that we have access to it in the community.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Hey thanks for the tip on Desert Green. I need to take a closer look at that set. Not sure if the jury is entirely in on the mask yet but fingers crossed. I'm anxious to put it to more rigorous testing. And yes, Oto really outdid herself. Thanks so much for stopping by Denise!

[@kimlindseyOH]

I've got my eye on Desert Green as well - it looks so unique! 😀

[@wulfseig1864]

Forgot to say love Dr. Oto Kano. She's been going at this for years. Her dedication is amazing.

[@sherryfurr9115]

I saw her new database last night and immediately went to PayPal and donated. The amount of time and research she put into this is incredible.

[@kristiw.1823]

As a true "Mama Hobbit/Rosie Gamgee" sort of person, the Shire set is the only one I've had a hard time not buying. Fortunately, Kimberly Crick has put out some good videos and demos on how to mix some decent dupes. I suspect my love of painting trees comes from adoring the Ents since I was a child. Thank you for giving Dr. Oto Kano's database a shout-out!! She's a true gift to the watercolor community.

[@artericson]

I agree that shire set looks very tempting! I could paint trees for days...:)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Personally I really don’t want to take time mixing my own. Too tedious and some are reporting the results aren’t as dramatic.

[@mwestb1959]

Oto’s database is so amazing! Everyone who is interested in watercolour should see it and use it. So, good for you to draw our attention to it. I had already seen her launch video and I was blown away by the extent of this database when I checked it. This is so helpful.

[@RoryP22]

Dr Oto Kano is amazing. Kimberly Crick also has some great pigment info and light-fast testing. Edited for typo.

[@amyjoystudios]

I've been watching you for years. To calm and educate myself, I loaded your product review playlist this morning. Between the heavy duty housecleaning of this day, this is one of the best channels to decompress while learning about paints and techniques.... just adore your accessible, brilliant videos. Even your voice is like talking to a very knowledgeable uncle, very calming. Thank you for this channel. Okay, end of gush. Kudos to an exemplary channel, sir.

[@alisonhendry2928]

Yay I KNEW when I read the title of your KZbin it was going to be Oto Kano! When her feed came up sept 1 for me I was jumping up and down with pigment nerd glee! So impressed and donated right away and shared the info with many of my watercolour society pals. Thank you for her shout out too. All of your groupies ( me included ) will pass it along too. She deserves it. Also thanks for that Shminke masking fluid review. Wow! Game changer. Now I hope the blue colour does not stain paper like pebeo. I switched to Winsor newton clear for a reason, but NO brush damage??? Definitely trying this .

[@katarinaholik]

I watch dr Oto Kano from time to time, and her channel is not the sort you will wait for a new episode to watch and have fun but rather the kind you will go to when you are needing information about a specific brand or a pigment or when you need a comparation to make easier decision of purchasing a certain pigment. Of course nothing beats trying it yourself but her videos still have a lot to offer.

[@OmegaRainbow]

If you want to accelerate and _increase_ the granulating effect, you can hold the paper block horizontally with one hand and tap it on the side facing down (fairly energetically, if you need to) , with the fingers of the other hand. The more you tap, the more the pigments separate and the more intense the effect will be. I discovered this effect while using ultramarine blue mixed with other colors, and I haven't tried it _specifically_ with super granulating colors... but my guess is that it will work just the same :)

[@jesstolley7193]

For thorough, accessible information on pigments, you'd be hard pressed to find a better resource than Oto Kano. Her channel is so full of useful videos. This new website is so fantastic

[@B1ackDahlia767]

@The Mind of Watercolor I, too, have been trying to decide which of the super granulating paints to try. I've been eyeballing them since they came out, and watching you use them definitely helps! I am a sucker for violets the way you are a sucker for Lord of the Rings & Star Wars, (we share that, by the way.) @Dr. Oto Kano did such an amazing job!! We love and appreciate you Oto! Steve, Oto, & Denise, (@Denise Soden,) you've all been so crucial in helping me a long my watercolor journey. Thank you for being yourselves and for all that you share! *OMG THAT MASKING FLUID!!

[@B1ackDahlia767]

@The Mind of Watercolor Steve, FYI; see above, spam?

[@TrueLoveX1027]

I'm not sure which I am more blown away by, the non-brush ruining/doesn't "go bad" Schmincke masking fluid or Dr. Kano's extremely(!) labor intensive and exhaustive watercolor site?! Thanks so very much for sharing this information. You said these were game changers and they most definitely are!

[@perevision]

Fellow LOTR nerd and tree lover here (painting them, anyway)! The name and the paints are awfully tempting. Thanks for these, I love all your videos. Edit: also love the shoutout to Dr. Oto Kano! She’s brilliant. What a great KZbin crossover!

[@traceymars]

I have been to the Shire and it’s a good thing to do for any LOTR fans visiting NZ. You see the actual set that was used, can buy a pint at the Green Dragon, see the fronts of all the hobbit holes including Frodos… 5:33

[@shaunaartsandcrafts3330]

I wanted to let you know that if you buy the Volcano Yellow and the Volcano Red (PY 159 and PR 108) you can create a LOT of the hues from the Shire, Desert, and Volcano sets with pigments you probably already have in a variety of different brands. I only bough a few of the supergranulating colors but I bought the Volcano Yellow and Volcano Red and I mix colors very close to the SG colors with pigments I already own (whether they are Schmincke colors or not). Just FYI.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Very inconvenient in my opinion to go to the trouble of mixing your own. I’d rather be painting. Some have reported that the results aren’t as dramatic. May be the pigment grind.

[@Jendollla]

@@mindofwatercolor I have volcano yellow and red. I am very underwhelmed. They are hard to use. The only way to get any good color payoff is to use from tube. To use them from a pan you really have to scrub at the paint.

[@glorioskiola]

I love experimenting with mixing my own!

[@nancynewlin]

Speaking of Schmincke’s granulating watercolors and swatching, Jerry’s Artarama just released a Painter’s Color Diary for watercolor. Each 100% cotton page has space for 35 swatches. I’m going to use it to swatch out the Schmincke granulating watercolor sets I have (too many!!) and the brand new watercolor pencils that are on their way to me. Check out the Diary!!

[@catherinelevison3310]

Woohoo!!!!! That sounds great. Thanks!

[@patti3d]

Yes I bought two of them and redoing all my swatches for all my paints. And will reorganize by color/pigment this time. My other method was not working!

[@bpappert56]

Just bought the other day.. very cool. Would be nice if pages could be printed on front and back.

[@chaddesrosiers1107]

The volcano set... has the advantage of having Volcano yellow and Volcano red in it. As you discovered in this look, that PY159 transparent granulating yellow is pretty cool. I think you could probably just get their single pigment volcano yellow and red and mix 90% of their super granulating colors.

[@chrissieclapp8007]

Another Rings fan. Read The Hobbit to my 4 year old. She is now 50 and still a major fan. Start them young😎Love these granulating colors. Perfect with your style.

[@grannysmithart]

i avoid masking fluid for several reasons: dries up in bottle long before i use it up, they often stain the paper, not all papers tolerate the fluid-the top surface of the paper comes off with the mask removal, hard to apply in thin line, must be removed within hours of application. I'm excited to see a new product introduced, and await reviews such as yours to answer these issues.

[@mkbuike7895]

I agree. I’ve used this masking fluid. It does stain if left on. I used it out Urban Sketching and it didn’t dry fast enough. It does dry up in the bottle, though it’s possible they fixed it as the last time I bought some, a couple or three years ago I later learned the product had this problem.

[@hArtyTruffle]

I saw Oto’s upload about this the other day, bookmarked her website, but haven’t had a chance to really check it out. Looks pretty amazing. She’s such a lovely person too. Thanks for the reminder.

[@ginabadeaux9319]

thank you steve i saw her video the other night on my tv.its a great tie in art history when great artists share their passion for paints

[@judemakray8982]

Couldn’t agree more. Been following her KZbin channel for awhile now. Was incredibly helpful when I got back into Watercolour. She is amazing!

[@bpappert56]

I agree, have been following her for only a month, but she is awesome and so is her database.. talk about dedication!

[@craftergin]

Thanks for the tons of info in this video. I love those super-granulating colors. I have fun with abstract paintings by letting the paint flow and do it's own thing. I love that. But, I am planning on filling a new sketchbook with studies of reptiles and amphibians. And another one with fossils. I want to get the desert set! But I love the galaxy and glacier sets too. I don't have any of these yet. They are on my various wishlists! Thanks again!

[@theresarowe1656]

Dr. Kano is my primary source for paint selection.

[@maryanharrell561]

Thanks, Steve! I love the new Schmincke colors and the masking fluid seems to be a real game changer! Also, thanks for your support for Dr. Oto Kano. I have enjoyed her KZbin channel for several years and love to learn about paints from her, but her new website resource seems extraordinary! I am really excited about it. You are so wonderful to watch out for other artists and to support them and their work. That is one of the things I love about my favorite teacher!

[@lightwavz]

Yay! I am a Pigment Nerd and have been following you and Oto for an equal amount of time. You are both such great resources and have been quite valuable to my "school of hard knocks" watercolor education.

[@wulfseig1864]

Schmincke almost got me with this set as well. Wouldn't it be cool if they came up with Tatooine, Hoth or Forest Moon, Endor sets. It would be my duty to buy those. TFS. ❤❤❤

[@juliao1255]

I love you more than ever, knowing that you're as big a LOTR nerd as I am! LOL. This video is awesome, as usual, too.

[@sallywright5503]

I don’t know how I missed this video! Great product information. Dr.Kano,,, wow, impressive work and greatly appreciated. (I too am a fan of the Shire.) Thank you again for sharing your discoveries with us.

[@jdschneider5858]

I love your demonstrations! I think I'll try the Schmincke frisket. The Schmincke granulating colors are beautiful, but once you know which pigments are in them, I don't think there is much need to buy them; you can mix your own. There are some new pigments though, such as PV 62, which I found is strontium something or other! I imagine it isn't radioactive : ). It's a cobalt violet hue (bluish) and it granulates -- interesting. And, yes, Dr. Oto Kano is amazing and Handprint still has a lot of information that's not available elsewhere.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Some are reporting that self mixed super granulating paints don’t always perform as dramatically. Then again some do. Could be the pigment grind. Personally I wouldn’t want to take the time to do the mixing and testing for color and balance. If you wanted repeatability you’d need to mix a good bit. I’d rather be painting.

[@VanmeterFL]

Great information, as usual. I've used Dr. Oto's and Bruce's sites. They are both helpful, but I find Bruce's site to be difficult to navigate. I prefer Jane Blundell's helpful information on her blog where I can see the swatches painted out side by side. Dr. Oto's comparison videos really saved me a great deal of money in the past, when trying to decide between options. Again, great information. Thanks, Steve!

[@leeannarcher]

Wow! They had me at “Shire” too, had to get those. Another LOTR fan watercolor painter . Love your videos, thanks so much. Lee Ann

[@nancyrolfe3033]

I completely understand!! I started reading my first Lord of the Rings book in college in the 70’s and fell in love! Interesting fact I found out much later…Tolkien was very good friends with C.S. Lewis, another of my favorite authors!?! Great video and great information as always! I always check Dr. Oto’s channel for information prior to purchasing new watercolor. P.S. I just poured my M. Graham’s and excited to try!! I wasn’t aware of them or several other brands for years. I began with WN and Grumbacher oils (my mother had used) so naturally transitioned to WN when I began watercolors. KZbin is definitely expanded my knowledge!! I’m not one to buy everything but you and Lindsay have made me very curious about M. Graham. Plus, I like that the company seems truly interested in quality!! Just seems like a sincere man driven by love of art and artists….of course, watercolors!! I’ll have to say surprised me when I fell in love with them!! I reluctantly tried it when I was taking care of mother and she had reaction to odor in oils. I have never been so excited by anything as watercolors. I’ve collected so many books it fills a bookcase. I love to read and look at others techniques and paintings. I’m still just as fascinated with all of it 12 years later . Well, I will end my letter…lol Thank you for taking time to share your talents! You are very gifted artist and excellent instructor. Respectfully, Nancy Rolfe P.S. I thought I might as well sign off as though it was a “real “ letter…LOL

[@soulpain1381]

I‘ve got the little Schmicke Masking Fluid, too. It now dries in the bottle after I think three or four years and forms a clump inside the bottle which grows larger and larger

[@soulpain1381]

I‘ve looked it up. Have also a little bottle of uncolored masking fluid by Schmincke and it is probably about 15 years old and working like new. The lid closed it kinda up by itself with some fluid, was probably helpful. Used it today, worked absolutely fine.

[@Miastrong930]

Thank you for sharing the link on Dr Oto Kano. It is incredible.

[@suel4269]

Dr Otos new database is amazing!

[@carollegros8671]

Thanks for the helpful information and demo.

[@anneelliott513]

I use embossing tools for controlled lines with masking fluid. Easy clean up.

[@ginnyduerst868]

Wow Steve! Best info ever! Thank you.

[@ghostwriter6113]

Thank you! Excellent information.

[@ralphcrosby9622]

Thank you for this product review

[@LoriF25403]

LOVE handprint and Dr. Oto Kano's site too

[@Diane_McDon]

Thanks for your recommendation

[@glorioskiola]

Thanks for reviewing this set. I really like the Shire set.

[@theresarowe1656]

Much appreciate the Shire review. I’ve been wanting.

[@sesanger712]

Thank you so much for the pigment resource highlight and review! Invaluable! Appreciate your time and work!

[@tonibauerlein5806]

Love the way these paints look! Thank you so much for your excellent demonstration and instruction. You inspire me.

[@kattdejager6102]

I'm a Lord of The Rings Freak too and I want that box of greens so bad, love my greens. You should be getting them for free you are a great salesman for them, ha!

[@MisTikkalRosy]

WOW, thanks for pointing this out.

[@simonebourque1061]

Interesting video, many thanks!

[@grandmaarts6313]

Thank you so much for this informative video! Will definitely be checking out Dr. Oto Kano’s database. Your generosity is amazing!!

[@sundaysunshine2925]

I love your humor - makes my day . Thanks for these videos . I’m fascinated with the super granulating paints .

[@lisah336]

Another lovely video chock full of information and fun.

[@colorfulwater5070]

Shire! So cool!

[@eileengoldenberg270]

So thorough. I have watched oto’s videos! Thanks Steve..

[@ptworkshopmusic7229]

Super-helpful. Thanks for all the references!

[@artericson]

I agree! having all the guides and references at your finger tips is really nice.

[@GabrielleCarbonneau]

I’m going to need to get some of that masking fluid for sure! Oto is an amazingly thorough and lovely creator!

[@litylu]

You must be so excited about the new LoTR series :) Thanks for this great video. I’ve been a fan of Oto’s KZbin channel for a long time but had no idea she had a watercolor database! I’m excited to check it out.

[@nanschifris8734]

Dr. Oto Kano’s reviews were how I picked my 1st Supergranulating colors. She sorted out the overlaps from the initial sets and that was so helpful. I love the Volcano set and highly recommend it - the colors are not duplicated elsewhere. Thanks for reviewing the new masking fluid - looking forward to seeing if that remains a game changer over time. Thanks for your thorough and thoughtful information!

[@squadiodatamj5998]

Ah, Steve! Served up like a 3-course gourmet feast, this vid was jam-packed with what it is you do. SG paints, this set in partic. are most fascinating, something new in masking fluid full of new info-by-demo AND an introduction to Dr.Oto Kano's watercolor pigment resource website was the grand finale. Much enjoyed, thanks

[@hollyzessin2886]

I read the books in the mid 60's for the first time. The audio books are a great listen as well.

[@mindofwatercolor]

YES! Love them. You can even listen to the audio books on KZbin. I think my favorite audio though is the dramatized BBC radio version. We often listen to them on road trips. Pretty accurate to the books.

[@artericson]

Thanks for all the info Steve. I really enjoyed seeing how the Shmincke masking fluid turned out. I will have to pick some up. I have always used the W&N masking fluid but your right it is stinky and hard on brushes..I think this might be a good alternative. I just started up my own channel and appreciate your style of teaching and artwork!

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thank you for a very interesting and informative video. The masking fluid has a lot of good features to it! Thanks again.

[@Linda-qq5mg]

This response is almost a week late, but I want to thank you very much for the surprise gift offer. I think it was from this video, but I would like you to offer it to someone else! I thank you very much and really do appreciate your really wonderful paintings and excellent directions. May God bless you and your family!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Wow so many new to me things in this video. I have never heard of the 3 color websites for color information. I will definitely be checking out Oto Kano’s site & KZbin. That’s really is a fantastic game changer with the masking fluid and the Shire set of paint is fantastic. I am blown away by this, especially for checking out the colors and pigments. Thanks for sharing this information with us and I hope you’re enjoying & having a wonderful weekend!!

[@easternsecrecy9777]

Those really are fun to play with.

[@essietangle9931]

I have seen people use the mask but I didn’t know about the wash it out detail, WOW…..! Thanks Steve!

[@SouthernArtGallery]

That masking fluid is awesome

[@LaLa_ArtGal]

Shire paints!!! Oh, my! I literally just finished re-reading the trilogy YESTERDAY. I have REALLY been focused on only using what's in my extensive stash, but oh, MY, that set is so tempting!! 😄🖌💥

[@stevesloan5935]

Nice video; thanks!

[@ContagionStudios]

Ammonia free masking fluid 🤯 Thanks so much for testing this! It's always great news when you post.

[@musia1861]

OMG I planned on buying masking fluid tomorrow THANKS love you my dear.

[@mjpete27]

Sweet video Steve! Great resources for all watercolor painters done by Dr. Oto Kano. I am tempted by the masking fluid, I have been using a masking marker by Molotow, it’s pretty good. The Schmincke fluid looks so amazing! Thank you for sharing this with your viewers!

[@joyfulldj]

Oto Kano has an awesome review on all brands. She is awesome and you do so right by mentioning her.

[@monaburkard7163]

Just ordered the masking fluid and some calligraphy pens for fine lines, because of your demo with the brush. Love your vids, and your artwork. :You're #1 in my book! Thanks, Steve!!

[@dneel468]

It’s an amazing web site! I’ve spent hours on it since it’s launch. Off to buy some Schmincke masking fluid. Thanks for the video and spreading some well deserved Kano love.

[@donnapurdy4035]

I use a straight pin with a bead top to clean the tip of the bottle of masking. I love this masking fluid, it’s the only one I use. Makes great drops.

[@LowKey_izildura]

Great video, thank you! I also love Desert Green as well as Volcano violet, both with granulating cad red. Although, they do need a lot of water and playing and practicing.. Many of the SG colors from Schmincke (like those two) leave the red granulation when you attempt lifting while still wet, and that can be interesting.. perhaps these two even more because of the extreme weight of the red pigment, which is almost impossible to lift

[@lindyashford7744]

The Shire set is the only one that I liked the look of, so nice to see your review. You made a really pretty page there. Oto is a phenomena in her own right, she is so thorough in everything she does. I was delighted to see her database and staggered to see she anticipates several more years of work on it. I would love to see a book version of this! I shall be using it, it is pigment nerd heaven. Was very impressed with the masking fluid will have to check whether my little as yet unopened jar is the same. I tried some other stuff and hated it.

[@nattyw495]

Love super granulation schmicke paint they are on my lottery art win...enjoyed your video.watched dr. Ottos complete videos on the schmicke grandulation..mikelle sets it was very interesting......mikelle art mom 👩‍🎨🎨✍

[@anneburghardt1021]

Thanks!

[@slane_design]

you had me at Shire!! Love this set. Would love to play with the colors!

[@nancydavidson4899]

Didn’t know about Dr Oto Kano. Going there right now ❤

[@jenniefrench1338]

Enjoyed the video and Oto Kano has great information and she is a great resource in knowing about anything dealing with brands, pigments and testing. About a year and a half ago I switched to Holbein masking fluid and use the fineliner small gauge size with it because it is more controlable and not as viscous as many other brands. It has made a huge difference and doesn’t leave any staining even after leaving it on for a month on Arches paper and Hahnemule. Thanks Steve, those greens are tempting.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Good to know. Thanks Jennie!

[@tynaheadrick-phipps6768]

Wow, such an informative video 👍. I just subscribed to Dr. Oto Kano YT🥰. I must try that new masking fluid, looks marvelous !

[@catherinelevison3310]

I like granulation but I recently created a palette of non-granulating colors so I can know when in the middle of a painting-I had never heard of anyone doing that before but I had a sky granulate on me which changed everything…that was right before your video about that. This ties together with the amazing online resource Oto Kano just released. I was having to work so hard to reference and cross reference all my paint when creating that palette that I KNOW how valuable Kano’s work is. It will be used and enjoyed by thousands of people. It’s so helpful. I wish I had access to it just a week prior because it would have saved me so much time and effort. I will be using her site a lot in the future. (I knew from your title here you were probably going to recommend it-it is beyond fabulous.) And, I’m thrilled to see your review of this masking fluid because many a paintbrush has been sacrificed here in my pursuit of finding a way to have delicate masked lines. thank you !!!! You’re helping so many people!!

[@CrystalMartinArt]

STEVE! I'm so excited to report this. I watched this video and had to buy some schminke mask. I've had it a while but today I was running tests for a background and that's when I made the discovery!! Not only can u thin it, you can splatter that thinned out mask on WET paper and get great effects that leave the white of the paper! I think it's quickly becoming my favorite!

[@nancyrolfe3033]

I have never used a database but wow!!🤩 Dr. Oto has definitely spent alot of time and careful thought putting this together!! Thank you for sharing and telling us how to support her ongoing efforts as I’m sure it will be a useful tool for me along with her videos…. I didn’t think she was even aware you were talking about her database….lol. You have always promoted good people and companies based on the quality of them and their products . Much appreciated!!

[@mindofwatercolor]

We traded emails just before, so she knew it was coming. She's a gem!

[@amberdreams_0]

Worth noting re: the Schminke masking fluid - it will solidify if you store it too long. Mine’s turned into a solid lump of rubber inside the tube, even with the lid on tight.

[@mindofwatercolor]

If it's the jar with a flat cap, try storing it upside down. The contents dry out much slower.

[@amberdreams_0]

@@mindofwatercolor Ah thanks, a good tip. Mine was the tube like the one you had in this video - but I never thought to store it upside down. Could try that in future, in a pot with brushes or something.

[@TheRonHockman]

That database is awesome! I'd built something similar that used data extracted from a retailer, but hers is so much better!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Little touches like links to her videos and swatch scans (if available) are amazing!

[@glorioskiola]

Wow, that masking fluid looks great. I have really good results using Winsor & Newton masking fluid, even thinned down, in tiny applications, but it does wreck a brush. Would love to try this one.

[@acatinthecradle]

Steve thank you for showcasing the Shire set. I have this set and a few of the other sets. Is it bad to just want them all? 😆 I'm thinking of getting the sets I don't have...the glacier set and the deep sea set. I really love the haze set but I don't think I could choose a favorite yet since I really like them all. LOL! Can't wait to check out Oto's database. I know she has done a ton of hard work on that!

[@nancyhughes95]

I have used the Schminke masking fluid and it’s my favorite. Having asthma it is kind to my lungs. I found from a friend to use Colour Shapers from Royal Sovereign Ltd Uk. They are amazing. The tips are silicon and mask rubs off. There are several sizes and shapes. I’ve been able to achieve nice fine lines.

[@artonthecreek]

Ummm…you just threw down that Bilbo don’t like it was nothing! My precious!!! From int LOTR fan to another, I was SO EXCITED to see your shire review on these because, well, yeah…shire. Shire!!! Thanks, Steve! Ps I love that schmincke masking fluid it tends to be the one I go to & I love the dispenser. The others are “so very hard.”

[@ellieseibert7473]

Thank you so much for that wealth of information!! I would like to share these helpful watercolor sites with my local art group. Also, it dawned on me after watching your video that I live in a Shire, myself! I’ve been a Lord of the Rings fan since the 70’s and now live in a tree house (a log home, deep in the trees) in N Georgia. Love your videos and since of humor😃.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Ahh yess love the earthy tones of this set. My favorite is Shire Blue, I could live without the rest. My granulation palette now contains Shire Blue, Shire Green, Volcano Red, Volcano Yellow, Tundra Violet, Deep Sea Blue, Deep Sea Violet, Deep Sea Green.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Nice! Thanks for the input Sarah! I'm anxious to try some of the volcano. Have you messed around with Haze or Desert?

[@sarahinscotland]

@@mindofwatercolor No, I felt like those sets wouldn't really add much diversity to colors I already owned.

[@joefenech4527]

Thanks