Build Your Own Watercolor Set

I enjoy my watercolor pan sets, but many high end products only come in tubes of paint. Here's how I build my sets. See more below.
MY BLOG:
www.markdcampbell.com/the-9-li...
MUSIC:
“Deus Ex Vindicta” by M.D. Campbell
noisetrade.com/meandboristhebull
© 2017 M.D. Campbell (aka Me & Boris the Bull)
All rights reserved
GEAR:
• Watercolor Confections by Prima Marketing
• Windsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor tubes
• M. Graham Watercolor tubes (Cityscape & Landscape sets)
• Meeden empty watercolor tin with 12 full pans
• Exacto knife
• Altoids tins
• Windsor & Newton gouache paints
• Poland Springs seltzer bottle caps
• Da Vinci #3 pocket sable brush
• Canson cold pressed watercolor paper (for chart)
I hope this video was helpful in some way. Please "subscribe" to the channel, and feel free to leave comments, thoughts or questions below. Thank you and cheers!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

The M Grahams are second to none, they are better than Schminke in my opinion:) Also if your pans don't sit tight in the metal tins just remove them and push the prongs inward and then when you put the pans back put them in with one side against the rail and snap it in against the prong and it will grab them tight and you want need the putty. Welcome to watercolor set addicts anonymous:) (we meet every tuesday at the art store LOL!)

[@MDCampbell]

I enjoy the Schmincke, but find I rely more on the M. Graham, now that I've become accustomed. That you for the helpful tip with the pans! I'm somewhat persnickety when it comes to pans sliding around! lol! As for the Tuesday meetings at the art store... I'll be there Monday night with a tent. lol! Thank you so much for your kind thoughts, Lindsay! Means very much! Hope you're well! Cheers! :)

[@sparklylexi2159]

thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich it’s all your fault I have maybe 30 watercolor sets flying around my house.

[@nafordebi]

thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich ..... it’s all your fault , i’m addicted to art supplies in general as we all are but i watch your videos and marks and now i’m 10 watercolor brands and sets deep lol both of your videos have been deciding factors in my purchases so thank you both!!!!

[@martaescobar7625]

You can get those empty tins from E-Bay China for $5.00 free shipping. $1.39 for 10 x full or half pans to make your own sets with your fav watercolors. Hobby Lobby sells magnetic sheets with one sticky side, cut to fit pans and they stick to any metal pan. Enjoy:)

[@eirenmist2301]

Oh, no! You've caught the disease that plagues most watercolour artists-AMAAS! Art Materials Acquisition Addiction Syndrome....eek! As a fellow sufferer, I can tell you there's almost no hope of recovery. After you purchase the Schmincke set, you are eligible to sport the bumper sticker: "He who dies with the most paints wins!"

[@MDCampbell]

LOL! I admit, I've been diagnosed and it's true - I, too, suffer from AMAAS! For what it's worth, not long after saying how expensive the Schmincke paints are, I found a limited edition set at Wet Paint and ordered it. Under $70 for 12 colors, plus I ordered 6 more. This will be my introduction and should qualify me for that bumper sticker! lol! Funny, though, how each set brings a unique experience and different level of joy to addiction! Thank you for the comment, Eirenmist! Cheers!

[@comtessedelmar8302]

You know the cure is a simple remedy...you can donate to greedy..I mean 'needy' artists lol

[@kthybrown007]

Aha! THAT's what it is... count me in!

[@mamajenkins1981]

I’m so relieved that there is a name for my disease 😂

[@EveBolt]

Being a paint nerd, I have to mention that gum arabic is used in M.Graham paints as binder, honey is there to keep the paints soft (sticky) and easy to work. It also helps preserve the paint. Lovely new set and these are excellent paints :)

[@shadesofgray5476]

Paint the inner lid of your metal boxes with refrigerater touch up paint you can get at Walmart or a hardware store. Makes a nice surface for mixing. A can of this paint only costs 3-4 dollars. If you get it, be sure to spray it outside, fumes are intense.

[@marybirder5663]

Oh the sweet joy and sense of accomplishment when we figure out a way to make our own travel palette. Yes, this can be an expensive hobby, but you can't put a price tag on a pastime that can be so rewarding and satisfying. At the end of the day, there's such a calming effect and it soothes my soul. Now who could object or argue with that price tag??

[@patriciahogan829]

Have you tried Daniel Smith Watercolor paints? I started using student grade by Winsor Nuton. Then I moved to Seattle and learned about Daniel Smith. Love their paints. Their factory is also a store. Great classes offered. Such a wonderful plethora of supplies and equipment available to the public.

[@sensitiveone8305]

patricia hogan I absolutely adore DS paints 💕

[@mamajenkins1981]

Yessss I love Daniel Smith

[@pocketlighthouse]

I found it really useful seeing how you've built your different sets! The pace is great, and I very much appreciate the down to earth and honest approach. Thanks for posting!

[@MDCampbell]

I really appreciate your feedback, Moody Seagull! Thank you so much and glad you enjoyed this one! :)

[@InLiquidColor]

This was a fun one! I love that you put all the Primas together. I have to admit that I love the Decadent Pies set. It's funny that I still don't have one myself but I got to use my sister's during a visit last year. The colors are so pretty :)

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you so much, Denise! Coming from you, that means the world to me! :D

[@Geemeel1]

Wow you are SO handy and this nifty little chesterfield box is the bom , Wow. learned so much . love from Europe 💞

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you for sharing your kind words, Gee MeeL! I really appreciate that! ~ Mark

[@ifoundthisthing7954]

Your Palettes are great 👍 I’m sure they’re getting a lot of use- always enjoy you’re work when you share it.

[@naughtiasteffano9885]

I’m exactly the same about everything being even. It would drive me insane. 🤣🤣 thanks I have a few pallets. High and low end. I actually get my favorites from homemade colors from Etsy. I’m amazed at some of the pigments. Pricey, but worth it.

[@Chrystal_A]

Awe I wish I could have some of those colors. I’m a bit poor to own a set. Wonderful video it was nice to see you make your own travel size watercolor!

[@sketchingwithscot]

That's so smart, I am just getting into watercolor to color my drawings.

[@lyndasmith593]

Very helpful. I didn't know how to keep the pans solid. Your coffee breAk applAuse was the best. Have subscribed and will revisit this vid several more times...so helpful.thx

[@raquelalmeida9002]

loved the cap and 'blue tack' tip! thanks!

[@lindyashford7744]

Hi, I have just created a dream box myself, but think this is really a very addictive pursuit! There iss always something else to try! I guess if your are not in too much of a hurry you can pace yourself. I am in the UK so the Grahams colours are not really available, so if you are looking for economical alternatives that are not so sticky here are a couple. Jacksons own brand are lovely an pour really well, and come in big 21 ml tubes. Lukas 1864 are animal free and come in even bigger tubes, 24 ml, they have a large colour range and look really matt once in the pan but rewet beautifully. Also can be ordered from Jacksons. A very different feeling brand is Kremer pigmente, their boxed sets represent great value, I got myself a landscape set plus some and decanted them from the small tin similar to your Prima tins, but easily holds 14 half pans, which is how their small sets come. They have a US website, but be warned they are hand poured, and do not arrive looking pristine, nevertheless they are wonderful pigments, they do good customer care if there are any really flaky pans, and they really have some unique colours that paint out with real character. As you can see I am smitten by this disease! with W&N cotman and pro boxes too, and the tiniest schminke/sennelier set plus a fantastic Daler rowney 1/4 pan set, I think I am incurable but reaching the limit! I forgot the White Nights! If I continue which undoubtedly I will I will collect the Lukas 1864 one at a time, they are really lovely and barely get a mention. Good luck keeping your habit under control, I loved your cigarette tin, too, though I am also exploring minimal palette travel options. Oh well, at least it is harmless. 😉

[@Chill1332]

I LOVE making watercolor sets! I've found some super cool little tins to convert. Especially the Q-tip holders from the dollar store have disney and Pixar characters on them. Heh. I have one with Dory on it........figured it was an appropriate container for watercolors. I also add a take apart, mini waterbrush and a chopped in half ballpoint and a mini pencil.

[@kathrynsloan4694]

I love Jane Davenport Watercolor paints as well. If you like the Prima set you will love Jane Davenport as well. Thanks Mark., They probably don't have great light fastness but the color have great pigment and are fun.

[@amysamin]

This was great. Enjoy all of your beautiful paints!

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you so much, Amy! As always, your thoughts mean a lot to me! Have a great day! :)

[@amysamin]

M.D. Campbell You too!

[@msdeedee1808]

Just found your channel and I'm a subscriber now! You've opened my eyes to so many things. I didn't know you could create your own palette with tube paint! I thought the paint had to stay in the tube until you used it. Thanks for sharing.

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, Ms DeeDee! I'm really happy you found the channel and spent your time to check this out. But, even more, I'm grateful that you found it useful and can look at creating a palette in a new way! Thank you for commenting. It means a lot! Cheers! :)

[@maryalgar8779]

I agree with Lindsay. M. Grahams are lovely watercolours and with tubes you are getting your money's worth. Colours are so vibrant, you won't use them up very fast.

[@natasha7232]

Thanks for the tip about using the putty! That's a great idea for non-clip, non-magnetic palletes!

[@jeannetteantry1086]

Such an insightful video on creating your own travel watercolor sets. I recently did upgrade a lot of my paints and a tin similar to what you found for the full pans. I like the half pans. The new tin takes up half the space of my normal paint case. I can swap out paint pans to change out the colors. I like the idea of having smaller paint tins for specific larger painting that are only using some of my colors. I really like how you combined and made your own tin of the three tins. Very clever and fun as well as being a much easier way to have them all together when traveling about and painting. Thanks for sharing your experience and what you are learning. Great video.

[@MDCampbell]

I'm really happy you found this video enjoyable, Jeanette Antry! I really appreciate your time watching, but especially your thoughtful feedback. It sounds like your new setup is going to bring you some great fun! Enjoy!! Thank you, Mark

[@jodihigginsjh]

OMgoodness... great video! What great ideas for the palette. And thank goodness for you, and all the artists who commented below! I watch and follow most of you. I was starting to feel that there was something wrong with me and my insanity with buying palettes and paints! It seems like I've been a bit out of control. I keep saying OK... that's it - I don't need any more. Then I see a palette that holds more, or a color I really NEED... Happy painting!

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, so much, Jodi! I appreciate your time watching and your kind feedback. No, nothing wrong with you. It's an addiction many of us share! lol! Happy painting to you, as well! :)

[@BushcraftEurope]

In Germany there is store called Hornbach and there are these double side glued tapes but there is one transparent one, so so thin and holds excellent and I used it even om brand new W&N set as pans were rattling a bit. Also I used it on Meeden box as someone sells them in 14 half pans on Amazon, scam obviously, and worked great with some smaller mods also

[@LynnGalvanHippie-Chick]

I combined all my prima into two 48 half pan tins from meeden. I also moved all my Jane Davenport into a 48 half pan meeden tin

[@ElinT13]

Now, you really make nice and very informative videos. But the more I see your coffee break interlude, the more I crack up! :-))) Greetings from Germany!

[@kh884488]

The magnets on the back of the half pans are a brilliant idea!

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, kh884488! I have to say, they've worked out consistently even in the more recent sets I've put together in the past month or so. Thanks for checking this out! :)

[@RapiDEraZeR]

Great ideas!

[@TerrieJohnson731]

I love the decadent pies palette! It's the only one I own, I bought ift for it's unique layout, and the green is really pretty. I have all the tropical colors from a Shinhan 30 tube set, so I bought a business card holder in black damask and an Etsy seller sent me 14 tiny eye shadow pans and I made a brights palette from that. I have a warm primary Kuretake Gansai in an Altoids tin. 3 fit perfectly! I think I am set, and then I abandon my Van Gogh 20 set and buy the 36 White nights this month! A little bit addicted to water colors. I have also built a full 15 colors of Holbein Gouache. I like the Titanium white from M Graham, about to pick up another 2oz. I found you thru the Minders and Marty Owens. I love M Graham, and will start collecting those tube sets soon! I am getting a 40 half pan tin to start with. 6 DS paints going in next month. I haven't tried any as yet. I have to have the pyrotek set, is that it, you know, the Genuines, haha! Thanks for a fun video! I adore sepia! Its such a great mixing color for me!

[@MDCampbell]

Hi TerrieJ DimestoreDivaTV! Thank you for checking out the channel! Steve and Marty are incredible artists and super generous people, so I'm grateful that you are here from them. I think we may have the same "addiction" to watercolors! LOL! I had to stop, though, because I felt I was going over my budget! I did just order a dot card set of 24 colors from DaVinci for $6, which I felt was a fair price for me to try something new with spending too much. I really want to try the Daniel Smith, but I know - once I do, I'll want a large variety! lol! Thank you again and yes, I agree about Sepia, as well! ;) Cheers!

[@taylorjudi]

Just watched your Daniel Smith video. I am impressed you were able to stop at 14 colors! Thanks for all these very informative videos.

[@sobeksrecviem7275]

Hey Mark Wonderful video, cant wait to see more from you. Your voice is so smoothing and I love everything you talk about in these videos you make. Id be glad if you made more inspirational videos , maybe talking about your art journey?

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, Dante! I really appreciate your kind feedback and time watching. Definitely planning on more inspirational topics. Stay well! :)

[@swethakalluri2205]

thanks for the great video...super helpful

[@annsowers4591]

I purchased the Mijello Gold set and I love them. I wanted to start with a really good set and they haven't disappointed. They were easy on the budget as well.

[@MDCampbell]

Very happy to hear you found a set that makes your experience positive and happy! That's what it is all about! I've also heard very good things about Mijello, and have hovered over the "buy" button many times! You might have just given me a reason to press it! lol! Thank you, Ann Sowers! I appreciate your feedback and recommendation! ~ Mark

[@thedivinefemme5285]

New to all of this; very helpful. Thanks!

[@sallyreff2574]

I always spray paint my paint trays with White Rust-Oleum, to avoid rusting. Just the holding trays. Not the mixing area.

[@MDCampbell]

It's a wise idea, Sally Reffert, which I will definitely put into practice, myself! Thank you! :)

[@bellavita2005]

Please, why do you not spray the mixing area? I thought that part would be quite subject to rust. Thank you!

[@yvonneiversen8749]

Very nice, it answered questions I already had. Thank you

[@MDCampbell]

I really appreciate your thoughts, Yvonne, and I'm thrilled that it may have answered your questions! Cheers! ~ Mark

[@loreleibell6287]

I use Grumbacher. I remember using the pencils when I was in college, and maybe paper too.

[@leannesawtell1155]

Great video thank you new subbie here from Down Under, nice to meet you and thanks for the time n knowledgeable that you share 😊

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

I liked that cigarettbox, the primacolors I knew of as the crafter I also am. I think the tin they are in. The first set I bought was a W&N black box and I saved it cause it’s a comfort size if You travel or paint in the fields. I have a bigger studiopalette that I have at home.

[@MDCampbell]

Funny, too, since this video I've retooled that cigarette tin to hold my M. Graham full pans now. Love it! :)

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

Got decadent pies only for tin. You can put 1/2 pans in the middle which you can not in many of the other tins( including meeden) . Lso I love the size for travel kit.

[@jenniefrench1338]

Those trays are sold in many places in black. The paints in them are not lightfast. So I got one tin that would hold 48 halfpans or wholepans. Then another was a 24 halfpan. I sprayed them with porcelain paint and it works too. I use artist putty too. You will really enjoy them.

[@GodzHarleyGirlStudio]

I just happened upon your channel and I'm impressed! I've made a few tin sets but I'm just not happy with them. I love this video and I hope to learn more from ya! Hugz, Tree

[@deniseramirez9706]

This was very I foemative because I was wondering if I could fill my pans with tube paint. Thank you.

[@MDCampbell]

That's great to hear, Denise Ramirez! Thank you for watching and for letting me know. Best wishes! :)

[@sherrilltaylor1801]

Thank you, I’ve learned so much from you !

[@niteycat]

I am all about up cycling with my watercolors. My pans are usually water bottle caps or some medicine storage(tumors do that with its various medications). Since I am always at others desks helping them at work I tend to do mints most notably Newmans Own Mints that come in a tin similar to Altoids.

[@MDCampbell]

hi niteycat! thank you for watching and for your thoughtful comment! I recently discovered two cool ways to store watercolors: the daily medicine containers, like you mentioned, and also plastic egg containers that have folding wells - perfect for gouache! I'll have a look at the Newman's tins. I love those Altoid tins! Cheers! ;)

[@basrahg.250]

Looove this 👍👍👍❤❤❤❤

[@moosuki1]

Magnetic stickers are great and inexpensive and come in different shape

[@madureirajota]

Just a tip: You could use magnets instead power putty , I think it's easier... Good idea using Altoids though. I'll make one for me today.

[@ColleenM61]

Very nice! All of them! Brilliant on the cigarette tin. I have been having fun setting up travel tins as well, there's enjoyment in just doing that, in fact I just finished one I saw on Lindsay's channel, a little ouija tin, I set it up with colors I use mostly for Halloween doings. I'm going to have to make on of those master tins you made, it's a perfect idea, Your M Graham looks wonderful, those are on my "needs" list. Yes, my wants have now turned to need :).

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, Colleen M! I can totally relate to the wants list becoming the needs! lol! :)

[@MeganMcCar]

ahhhhh - 'want' ... 'need' ... (shakes head) .... 'want' .... 'wish-list' .... no ...... 'need' .... 'wish-list' ..... waaaaa..... 'want' ....'in the shopping cart' ... 'wait' .... 'want' .....'REALLY want' ......... NEED!!!! lol :)

[@ColleenM61]

Megan McCarthy lol...sounds more like a disorder. 😄

[@KateTheSleepyTeacher]

I have used beer bottle tops but I like this idea as well. I’m out of half pans so I need to come up with a different idea ;). Actually I don’t really need any more sets, lol

[@Rainedance1010]

Just found your channel now I'm binge watching! Enjoying your very upbeat approach to creating art! Thank you for taking time to share your talent, knowledge and craft with so many budding artist like me!! I know that this video is a year old or so, but I thought I would comment any how! As a fellow watercolor addict, thought that I would share a few tips that I've discovered while making my homemade tins. As a fix for your larger tins lack of mixing area, try using white butcher paper, attach it with double back tape, just be sure to have the shinny side up! Use a brand of tape where the paper stays on one side, this way you can prepare several sheets at a time, place the sticky side down, then when ready to use remove the paper and attach to your tin! For a portable water cup I use a lip balm pot or if I want a larger one an old face cream pot, test them first to ensure that the lids are still watertight! Hope these tips help someone! That's what art is all about...Sharing!!

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you for watching, Rainendance1010, and for both the kind words and generous tips! I love the butcher paper idea. We used to use a similar paper that came in pads back in the classroom. As you might imagine, I have all kinds of gidgets and gadgets I've collected over the years that have come in handy as makeshift tools. My favorite being my brush drying rack made from a tissue box... never knew how much I'd use that until I made it. lol! Stay well, and again, thank you! :)

[@Rainedance1010]

+M.D. Campbell (Art Nerd) YW MD!! I love the brush drying idea! As a mixed media artist (translation: I can't decide which medium is my favorite so I work with a lot of them!) I find it difficult to toss things out, everything has potential to be something else! I've used plastic milk jugs to make stencils, domed part on the bottom of soda cans as molds for my polymer clay jewelry, misc bottles and jars to either paint on, cover with polymer clay, make into lighted fairy jars, fruit bags as texture in some of my pieces the list goes on! One of my favorites is to use things like cereal boxes to create my own watercolor or mixed media travel books. I can make whatever size I need, by covering the cardboard from the box with card stock paper, cloth or even polymer clay, my book can reflect my Mad Hatterness as an artist! I would be happy to share how I make them with you, just pop me your email address! You know, one of these days I may have to start my own channel! Cheers! Raine 😃

[@glenisepearson7407]

It took my M.Graham watercolours over 2 weeks to dry, and I still have to keep the box flat when transporting it, because they don't dry completely and I've had mine for over a year. Good luck.

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, Glenise Pearson! Just when I thought mine were completely dried, I took them out with me and the heat in the car made them very tacky. My swatch chart stuck to the tops, which made me laugh! I'll probably just keep them in my studio from now on! Thank you!!! Cheers! :)

[@canislunaticus]

I learned a lot from this video btw! I didn't know you could make your own watercolour sets like this with tubes :'0 (I learned watercolour on my own so I don't know that much about all the supplies n stuff)

[@PuppetMaster8707]

I love mini palettes like this I use a Mario tin it holds 6 half pans and I use my hand as a mixing area

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

A very helpful!

[@cathiebaumgartner5783]

That's a good idea for your saving the money.

[@vanessamjackson]

Congratulations on getting the M Graham paints. Just a warning if you travel with the cerulean and your palette doesn't stay flat. It ran on me an made a minor mess in my palette. I will be switching my travel cerulean to another brand and keep the M Graham at home.

[@MDCampbell]

Hi Vanessa! Thank you so much - that's great advice. After two days sitting in the pans and they were still pretty loose & tacky, I got the idea that maybe they aren't going to travel well. In this video, I mentioned Schmincke paints were on my "someday" list, but I found a great deal on a set at WetPaint and made the leap. Because they come in pans, they'll be easy to take with me with little worry about a mess in my travel bag! lol! Like you, I think the M. Graham paints will have a happy place here at home! Thank you again and best wishes! :)

[@lilianshen]

Great video, Mark. =) Just so you know, the M. Graham paints are bound by gum arabic, but there's honey added to keep them moist and very, very easily re-wettable. All watercolor paints are made with gum arabic and possibly honey except for QoR; QoR uses Aquazol.

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, Lilian S! It's my understanding that they originally wanted to emulate the palettes of Dürer and Boucher when they created their formula, which is really really cool! I was just painting with my set last night and it never ceases to amaze me how vivid their colors are. Truly amazing. Cheers! :)

[@kathrynsloan4694]

I have all the Prima sets and I love them. I love the little tins, think they are so cute. I have been slowly accumulating my favorite colors of Daniel Smith. I love Coloring with them. Thanks for the informative Video. Mark, after I fill the pans and the colors dry, I have trouble with the colors popping out. How do I prevent this from happening.

[@lyndasmith593]

Just replayed vid.....again, so helpful in setting up my own small box sets. Love you humor. Will co out the grand paints too. Where did u get the box for the 12 pan? Where do u get empty pans...I can't find any. Thx again...I reAlly enjoyed your vid.

[@drawhanidraw]

4:33 That cigarette case sure is beautiful 🙌✨

[@MDCampbell]

Right? I was thrilled the day I received it. Still use it regularly, too! Glad you liked it! :)

[@tarabrowne3476]

Love this. I do this with makeup compacts :)

[@MDCampbell]

I can totally see the benefits in that, too! lol!

[@hellovicki6779]

I use inexpensive make up brushes to apply water and washes, the larger, softer ones work terrific and only cost a couple of dollars.

[@johndeluca230]

Laughing... My M Graham Prussian Blue made an audible POP when I first opened the tube and started dropping pigment immediately. Fortunately, it was directly over the appropriate empty pan. I thought it was funny that you had a similar experience. Thanks for sharing your experience and advice.

[@annak2575]

Hey there! Love your WC collection and the converted cigarette case is a Treasure Find!! My collection is similar, I use Schmincke Horadam and Daniel Smith in the same palette - they compliment each other. There's also Mission Gold pure pigments, White Knights, Kuratake Gansai, Prima Marketing and of course W&N :) However there is a trick to getting your pans to click in tightly without needing any sticky stuff to hold them in place... You have it almost right. Take the pans out and bend the prongs forward as you already do however, place the "front" of the pan in FIRST (into the front lip) and only then click the back of the pan down - so basically a reverse of what you're doing in this video. If done correctly, the pans will "snap" into place and they will not budge - no slipping, no sliding and no popping out - just like we all thought it should work but didn't ;-)

[@MDCampbell]

Hi Katz75! Thank you for taking your time to check the video out, but especially for such a thoughtful comment. I wish, sincerely, that I had more money and time to buy & try all the paints I've been hearing about for years. Mission Gold, White Knights, Gansai, and even QoR all look so amazing, I just want to indulge in them all! I have yet to make the Daniel Smith leap, and currently, my loves are M.Graham and the Schmincke set I got a few months ago (finally!). As for your pan fitting suggestion, I will definitely try that going forward! I had a heck of a time when I first started, but with your advice and a little practice, I'm getting pretty good! lol! Thank you again and best wishes! :)

[@annak2575]

I'm only new to watercolour myself (coming from a dry media background) but I've been obsessed with WC now for a few months and KZbin videos have sent me on many a bargain hunt! It's actually half the fun finding a great deal on WC supplies because nothing saps creativity like "buyers regret" when paying full retail prices! lol I love Schmincke however they have a couple of annoying gaps in their line. Their Burnt Sienna has black pigment in it and they no longer have a cool brown since Walnut Brown (still widely available) was discontinued and replaced with a nice but warmer Mahogany Brown. If you need a single pigment Burnt Sienna, Maroon Brown is perfect!

[@craftybeautydiva1]

Does the gouache dry out in the altoids tin? I'm working on one for myself. Liked your video very helpful.

[@TheBeverleyann]

Thank you so so so much !

[@paulage1art]

Nice video! Where did you get the palette with 12 full pans for $10? Steal of a deal!!! M. Grahams were my first artists grade paints (got started on them by Lindsay Wierich, the frugal crafter, and then Marty Owings got me hooked on his favorites, and Steve MItchell got me to buy the light pad, nice paint brushes, then searching around, had to have the porcelain Quiller palette and the the Mac Daddy 36 well porcelain palette)! It is such an addiction - gotta have em all - Schmincke, Senellier, Daniel Smith, Windsor and Newton, Qor, Mission Gold, etc, etc! Then gotta have the fun ones - Jane Davenport, Prima, student grades of the good ones, too! Somebody stop me! Lol!

[@MDCampbell]

oh my, a fellow addict! I completely agree. I have not tried the Sennelier or Kuretake sets, but really looking forward to next year and exploring them when I can save up a bit. I love Daniel Smith so much, but no one here carries them and they are a bit out of my range online, so again, once I can save up, I'll look to them, too. For me, it's good to have a brand to look forward to getting, so I have something to be excited about. Steve and Marty are just magnificent gentlemen and I owe a great deal of my own video musings to their influence. I wouldn't have bought Schmincke if not for Marty. As for the $10 set, it was an empty Meeden 12 full pan tin set for $10.99USD on Amazon. I just looked again and it sells for $13.99USD, now. It's my absolute favorite tin so far, as it's light, but extremely durable and the rounded edges are perfect! Anyhow, I could blather on all night! Cheers and thank you SO much for viewing, but mostly for your thoughtful comments! :)

[@ThomasWright_]

i am looking to make my own watercolour set i have the tin i want to use just not sure what colours i should get i think my tin will hold 6 half pans but not the brush what could i use to carry that thinking once wet from use

[@chedoodles]

ahh~ that's so cute

[@Dan.B.Artist]

cool, nice range of options, sadly M.Graham paints are crazy expensive in the UK, they do look nice though. My personal favourite is Old Holland.

[@MDCampbell]

Hi Dan! Thanks for checking out the video! I'm grateful for your feedback, as well! Much like Schmincke paints in the US, which are expensive, for me, I understand about the M. Graham, there. I've not heard of Old Holland, so that gives me something to look into (as if I don't have enough, already!). Like Eirenmist wrote below, I should have a bumper sticker that reads, "He who dies with the most paint wins!" lol! Thanks again, and cheers! :)

[@josephcollins6033]

Thank you! Again, I LOVE the applause! I have been researching prices and testing with swatches. Seems that D Smith and M Graham are always close to comparable in price- maybe sometimes varying between fifty cents and $1. So far they both seem to go on the paper beautifully and colors appear to look about the same quality. I like them both. I had no idea that Winsor Newton is always more expensive! As well, Winsor Newton cheats you out of 1 ml. And, I really don't find them better in any way than D Smith or M Graham. Whew! This paint thing can drive you nuts! So...two questions- What is the big deal with Schminke Holbein? And which of D Smith and M Graham do you prefer?! Thanks. And, yes, I do think I have AMAAS!

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

Very helpful , thank you just subbed !

[@lisaleone2296]

I'm one of those weird people who likes to mod their palettes. I always take off the flap, and then remove the rails that hold the paint and instead stick the pans to the tray with sticky-back magnet pieces. I do this both to give more room for pans in the palette and to make it easier to rearrange colors. I do put the pans on the tray rather than putting the pans in the bottom of the palette, because you can take the tray out and use the bottom for mixing as you pointed out.

[@itsyaboi3163]

By the way, the prima marketing tins hold up to 21 pans in them.

[@Dweck2002]

Great

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you!

[@puffyjo]

Prima is primarily a scrapbook company. they made these paints for card makers and scrapbookers to color in the stamped images but I have heard that the paint is really good .

[@MDCampbell]

Yeah, it's wonderful paint, especially for hobbyists and those not concerned with pigment and lightfast info, because there is none.

[@YossDillo]

I do have a question: what did you use to make the goache pan? My experience is that goache is difficult if not possible to reactivate once it's out of the tube.

[@zerocalvin]

I use holbein palm box not only to store my watercolor, it also store my drawing supplies since that box is capable to hold something around 48+ half pans, and i only uses 4 full pans and a half pans worth of paint...

[@MDCampbell]

I used to do that to, but then I got greedy for the colors and used up all the extra space! lol! :)

[@zapole]

Wont they dry if I use acrylic tubes to fill it in ?

[@canislunaticus]

Rn i have a winsor & newton watercolour set, a van gogh watercolour set and 4 very cheap watercolour set (like each cheap watercolour set cost like 8 dollars.)

[@katf3836]

You know this video has been VERY helpful to me. I like you have a little set of this and that. I really wanted to get some M Graham and by golly I've seen those 2 sets on Amazon and thought about getting them. I kept nixing the idea and now I realize how foolish I've been. Having those two sets really does fill in everything thing I need as are as the primaries and the neutrals. They are perfect together. Also, I've really wanted to try M Graham. Thanks so very much. Do you still use this set a lot? I notice it's been a year since you posted this. Although I have been watching your videos here and there, I'm basically a new subscriber. You got me hooked!! I'm very much a novice but I'm trying to play with good products and I have dabbled in the winsor newton and recently purchased some qors (insanely priced). I look forward to the M Graham.

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, Kat F! I have definitely added new colors and brands to my sets, and reconfigured some set ups, but every pan of paint in this video continues to be used on a regular basis. I adore M. Graham! I hope you do too! :)

[@bigboyanimation3799]

When the watercolor dry he dont became damaged? How you can still use it after he dry, i have old acrylik tubes i have them from 19 years ago and now they became solide like a stone i cannot scuise them out from the tubes

[@MDCampbell]

Once watercolor dries in the pans, they can be reactivated. In fact, paint dried in tubes can be removed by cutting the tube open, though it can be slightly dangerous.

[@sherrilltaylor1801]

Could you tell me again, what is the putty pack name ? Thanks

[@sunflowerasmr6606]

thank you I was wondering what you could use instead of like a half pan

[@MDCampbell]

I often use the caps of seltzer bottles. They work great, too! :)

[@DAYBROK3]

You know those chocolate ball chocolates? In the plastic containers? The tray that holds the chocolate? Well it makes a really nice pallet with lid holds the brushes too

[@luxiolooma]

This was an amazingly helpful video! I'm really new to paints that can be dried and reused, can you really do that with gouache?

[@MDCampbell]

Sure, Looma, gouache can be reactivated, though I prefer to use them right from the tube. Sometimes, it can be helpful to add some water to a dried pan of gouache and use an XActo blade or palette knife to gently stir up the wet gouache to get it reactivated. Best wishes in your painting adventures! :)

[@luxiolooma]

@@MDCampbell thank you so much!

[@srpskihayk]

After getting inspired by this VDO, I hopped over to Amazon to see if I could get a setup like this shipped to country (Taiwan). Well, the most bizarre thing occurred. The same company pans and tin shown in the VDO can be shipped to La Isla Formosa, individually. The set (tin and pans) cannot. WTF? Also, did I miss something? There were 10 tubes in each set, but you have 12 pans. What were the extra colors?

[@apocalypse_frau]

I’ll be building a new palette soon, so I feel like fortune brought you to my recommendations at the perfect time. I’m using mid-grade Jane Davenport and Prima, which are both private labeled in Korea by Mungyo; however, I am in love with Daniel Smith, Holbein, and the gargantuan Schmincke Horadam. How do you like M.Graham so far? I enjoy their gouache, but I have yet to use their watercolor, too. I look forward to your review.

[@MDCampbell]

Hi Apocalypse Frau and thank you for taking your time to watch and leave your thoughtful comments. I actually really enjoy the Prima products and use them on a fairly regular basis in one of my travel sets. The M. Grahams are a very unique paint and using them is, for me, a much more intimate experience than using other brands, mostly because the company is small, personable, and responds very well to customers. The consistency of their paint is also unlike Schmincke or Daniel Smith, in that the honey-base keeps them tacky and the pigment is... well, just SO lush. I want to expand my M. Graham set at some point, but don't really have the need right now, since they aren't good to travel with, especially if you leave them in a hot car for a short spell. Anyhow, that's my 2¢. Stay well! :)

[@apocalypse_frau]

M.D. Campbell Thanks for sharing your experience thus far with M. Graham. Given Lindsay’s endorsement of the brand, as well as your (and others’ reviews), I might add a handful of their watercolor tubes to compliment my small, but mighty M. Graham gouache collection before dropping a mint on more costly palettes. After all, my Prima/J.D./Mungyo are going strong for use in my art journal and when I’m on the go. PS, your Chesterfield tin is a handsome and practical alternative to clunking three mini travel tins around in your kit. Which reminds me-I have a few vintage tins that would make beautiful travel palettes. Isn’t upcycling a joy!?!! Take care and thanks again. :)

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

I’m embarrassed to say how many filled palettes 🎨 I have 🤪 . All the prema tins I had to have of course , they are a great deal !

[@hellovicki6779]

I thought I was the only one making pan sets by repurposing other items, like soda bottle caps. I only recently came across your channel and posted about this before watching this video where you are doing the same thing (great minds think alike). I really like the thread on this inside of bottle caps, the circular ridge creates a nice reservoir and the side ridges allow wiping off excess paint. I always feel really good about repurposing items that would otherwise end up in the bin. I might follow your example with tins though. Have you ever used the plastic medication dosettes for a palette? They are brilliant, especially for travelling.

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, Hello Vicki! I also enjoy the inside of the bottle cap, as well! As for the dosettes, it's funny because that was one of my very first palettes from about 30 years ago. I poured Windsor & Newton paints into a Sunday to Saturday box that held just seven colors. I loved it! In fact, I had completely forgotten about that until you mentioned it. I should definitely revisit that! Cheers!

[@andralopedesj5715]

This has actually been super helpful and answered a lot of questions i had about making my own watercolor set! Thank you!

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you so much for watching, Andra Lopedesj, but even more so for sharing your feedback with me! That means a lot!! Cheers! ~ Mark

[@tatylete]

Que opinas de las schmincke akademie?

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

The only problem with m.graham in a travel kit is that in use it gets soft again and can leak and make a mess. It is my favorite brand and is my studio palette. Either daVinci or Daniel Smith ( with 1 old. Holland golden red baroque ) is in travel kits,,,if i want something tiny i haave a daler rowney 1/4 pan proffessional palette or a wrist pallet i made myself....

[@MeganMcCar]

Great video again :) and oh dear .... I must have some high hopes, because I've collected about 200+ bottle caps and other little nifty things and tins for my own DIY watercolour set(ssssss) - just waiting to be filled - and unbelievable - my first set of tube watercolours I received - it had NO blooming YELLOW??!@!? (please do excuse!) - I mean, really? No yellow. Its a ..... primary colour! Oh well - clear justification for another 'set' :P Thanks for this - and yes, those pans really do need to be straight lol!

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you so much, Megan! Why there was no yellow is a mystery? Good grief! But yes, justifying more art supplies is something I'm very good at! lol! Stay well! :)

[@bellavita2005]

Thanks for all the info! I am just starting to create my first tin with paints. Please could you tell me what strength magnet tape will hold the pans in place? I understand many tapes are quite weak and that I need to be aware of the power of the tape. Thank you!

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, SRFinSLO, for reaching out, taking the time to watch, and for your feedback. As for what strength I've used, well, the magnetic strips I originally purchased were thick and fairly strong. I bought them at AC Moore a few years back. Being able to hold them and judge their strength was a guess, but at least I got to feel them in my hand - unlike purchasing blind on Amazon. I'd say if you can get stronger, then that's the way to go. I hope this was helpful! Stay well! ~ Mark

[@bellavita2005]

@@MDCampbell Thank you Mark. I appreciate your time!

[@bugeyedmonster2]

When I saw the velcro envelope, I thought you were going to say that you used velcro to stick them! Some velcro comes with sticky on it.

[@henryhunch1724]

I'm so jealous😂

[@FurorGale]

How are you liking M Graham watercolors? I've been thinking of trying some. If you don't mind ordering from the UK, Jackson's Art has schmincke and other brands of watercolor paints for quite a bit cheaper then you can find in the US/Canada region's. And the shipping is really reasonable. That where I got my first set of schmincke from.

[@MDCampbell]

Hi ejehhe Perez! Thank you so much for checking out the video and taking the time to leave a comment! To be honest, I didn't care for the "sticky" or "tacky" feel of the M. Graham paints, but I've been using them more and more and now, I can't imagine painting without them! I will definitely check out Jackson's Art, as I love to find new places to purchase from. For a long time I was stuck buying only local retail or Amazon. But thanks to folks like yourself, I'm finding lots of great places all over who I enjoy buying from! As for Schmincke, what's your take on them? I've only just begun using them for real and I'm starting to develop my appreciation for them (I admit, I was afraid to use them at first!). The colors are just amazing! Thank you again and cheers! :)

[@FurorGale]

M.D. Campbell I've heard/read that M Graham's can be pretty sticky and don't dry much I wonder if they have dried enough to stay in the in the pans or will they spill if tipped? I really like the set I got its one of the anniversary palettes the historical one based off of their 1929 palette. I find that the colors are rather brilliant, mix well and flow a bit more than other professional brands I own. I think they might add a bit more ox gall in their watercolors. I recently picked up a few of there new colors: Mars black, perylene violet and perylene green if you like darker colors those three are pretty brilliant and fun to mess around with.

[@C0raBr0wn]

I love my travel set made with M Graham watercolors. To avoid the tackiness, I only filled the pans a third of the way and let them dry completely before adding more paint. M Graham colors are mostly pure pigment and the colors are rich and saturated.

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, C0raBr0wn, for your thoughts. I will definitely try the 1/3 fill you suggested. I agree and love the richness of the colors! Amazing! Cheers!

[@terrymeechan2998]

Aloha, I have a question about how the M. Graham tube paints held up in the pans of your diy palette. Did they stay too moist for pans? I have heard that because of the honey they do and don't transport well in a pan palette. I have not seen M. Graham in anything but tubes. Mahalo!

[@MDCampbell]

Hi Terry Meechan! Thank you for checking this out and especially for your question. In my most recent video, _Things I Learned Teaching High School Art,_ I can be seen at 8:00 using the exact same M. Graham pans I filled in this video. I have since moved them to a different palette, as the one in this is going to have 1/2 pans, instead. The M. Graham pans will always remain very sticky and tacky in pans - they do not completely dry, like Schmincke, Windsor & Newton, or Daniel Smith. Because they are honey-based, the honey keeps them pliable and thick, so I would not recommend traveling with M. Graham in pans. But, for my use in my studio, they are perfect and work fantastic. I have built up a considerable collection of Daniel Smith colors, and I'm not looking to build up a set of M. Graham in the next year. I can't express how much enjoyment I get using them over other brands. I hope this was a helpful response. Cheers! :)

[@terrymeechan2998]

Hey there, thanks so much for your quick response and yes, a very helpful response! I am building palettes for sale of the best watercolor brands and thought that it wouldn't work out very well shipping the M. Grahams or even packing them for plein air but when I saw you put them in the pans I had to ask. I will certainly check out your latest video (big time difference for me). Again, Mahalo and Aloha!

[@nafordebi]

i’m curious what you thought of the prima decadent pies set... it seems like great skin colors and hair colors, but i see you bought different paints after that was that just to make a full pan set or because the prima were merely craft or student grade & quality

[@MDCampbell]

I continue to enjoy the Decadent Pies set of Prima Marketing Watercolor Confections paints. I also own several other sets of their paints, as well, like Tropicals and Basics. I buy lots of other brands because each has a unique quality that makes it different than any other. :)