What Did I Use?! Reviewing A Big Jackson's Watercolour Art Haul (Plus Other Products) 1 Year Later

[@RampantRoses]

I love this idea for a video 😊 I feel like I see a lot of art hauls in which I never see the artist use some of the products they've bought. Or they want to test stuff out and make a video about it and then never do (which is understandable). I just get disappointed when I see a product that I really want to see in action, but don't want to purchase myself until I see how it works, and never get to see it beyond the haul video.. 😅

[@helencryer]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@dee-ellencook763]

I often buy what is featured in art hauls and then move on to something else. Not disappointed in anything just distracted by a new purchase, I am inspired to do exactly this! What a great idea! Can hardly what to get things off the bottom shelf and onto my desk! Thank you.

[@helencryer]

I'm so glad! I think there's only so long you can keep moving from thing to thing before starting to feel overwhelmed by too much choice!

[@teekierudite5108]

I love seeing how you've used your Art Hauls from the past year. It is interesting to watch you discover what products you really enjoy and which you don't care for. Keep up the wonderful work!

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@donnad7373]

I'm enjoying your videos. Having updates on usefulness and quality is very helpful. I'm trying to narrow down my purchases for budget reasons. Thanks.

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much for the feed back!

[@jennchaseb]

I love this idea! I love the art hauls, but I love seeing what you used and didn’t use too. Very useful! Thank you!

[@helencryer]

Great - thanks!

[@janemcgrath9615]

It’s been really useful to me watching your genuine reviews on products, sometimes it saved me a lot of money….. and sometimes not! Ooops 😂😂. I think it would definitely be interesting and well worth doing further videos like this,a great idea.

[@helencryer]

Great, thank you!

[@jennifersjunkmail5935]

I am really interested to see videos of what supplies people used in the course of a week or month that they already own. Like a no spend alternative to a haul.

[@helencryer]

Oh that's a good idea! Thanks!

[@thatswhatshesaid.literally737]

A haul video is always great but it does leave one to wonder how the artist made out with all the new goodies, so thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences over the past year! 🙏☺️ The M. Graham Anthraquinoid Blue can mix many, many amazing greens with any yellow you put with it, from Lemon Yellow, to Cadmium Yellow, to Naples Yellow and even Quinacridone Gold. M. Graham paints are honey based though, so I've found them a bit too runny for a travel palette but it's a staple on my studio palette for sure. 😊 Thanks again!

[@helencryer]

Thank you for the nudge with my Anthraquinone Blue!

[@le2382]

Definitely an interesting concept, it’s always nice to know what people think of their supplies after they’ve used them for a while.

[@helencryer]

Great, thanks!

[@entropycop]

I find your approach to art (and your videos) so refreshing and uplifting- thanks (as ever 😉) ❤

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much!

[@akschauer]

Thank you for this video. It's really nice to here about what was actually used. Margot Hallac talked about how she uses the Aqua Bronze in her most recent video - I think she mixes it with a gold acrylic to make an extra metallic paint and it prevents any flaking off. I love the combo of it with the Sodalite Geniune!

[@helencryer]

Thanks! I will definitely get more creative with adding it to different things!

[@beejayem42]

Good to know what you have purchased (sometimes on a whim - which I am apt to do occasionally) have pretty well been used very well. This type of vlog is certainly worthwhile. Thanks again! 👍🐨

[@helencryer]

Thanks! I don't think some of my other hauls have been as well used though 😬

[@KilbyDelaney-jt1kw]

What a great follow up on the haul! Thank you for sharing that.

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@diannedupuis2960]

Love this concept!

[@madebylora]

A year seems a really good time period to look back over 4 seasons and see how much you’ve used different products and colours

[@helencryer]

Yes, I think so - I'm really looking forwards to it!

[@Paintspotsandpaper]

Brilliant idea Helen, would certainly love to see more of these! Thanks for sharing, take care xx

[@helencryer]

Lovely! Thanks!

[@terrilyon6825]

Always good to see insights into what's actually been used/useful.

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@eileenboffo6300]

Great idea to re-visit the items from previous hauls.

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@smgundlach]

Loved seeing more of your watercolor sketchbook. Please share more of your work as we go forward. Your landscapes are different than what I have in the Midwestern USA (Missouri).

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much! I do share most of my work in videos as I go along.

[@catherinefreese9310]

That is such a great idea, I really enjoyed your video. It is nice to see things used and also things that are not super practical.

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much!

[@sandraharris8386]

Yes I enjoyed your revisit of your art haul very much, and would love to see more, thank you Helen. Seeing what you have used, and why, is very helpful to my process as a 'buy everything but will I use it' type lol.

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much!

[@lisaharner3720]

Thanks for this follow up review Helen. It is interesting to see which items are favored. I look forward to whatever topic you post!

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much!

[@user-bk8qn9rh5k]

Thank you so much for this video! I definitely prefer your explanations if what you used most often & why rather than the big production art hauls I have seen elsewhere.

[@helencryer]

I definitely did my fair share of art haul videos last year, but it just doesn't feel right after a bit.

[@Carolyn750]

Definitely a good idea for a video, we very often see the hauls, but not so much on the satisfaction of the items. Hope to see more.

[@helencryer]

Great - thanks!

[@marielenamata2717]

Love this video! I feel like we have been acquiring similar items thru the year and I decided to do a no-buy for art supplies this year. I have so much stuff that I actually want to play with!

[@helencryer]

Thanks! Definitely time to enjoy our lovely things!

[@sineadkellyartist]

Really enjoyed seeing how you got on with these products and yes please more of these :😊

[@helencryer]

That's great - thank you!

[@thuntz29]

Oh wow that gouache painting is lovely! More gouache painting please! I want to get into it… 😊

[@helencryer]

Thank you! I always intend to paint more with gouache, because I really do love it, but then I get distracted by other lovely art materials!

[@annejameson3425]

Yes would love to see same sort of content. Thank you

[@helencryer]

Thank you very much!

[@rachelsmith7462]

Very interesting Helen, enjoyed hearing what you have/have not used and definitely keen to hear more about products you like most from other art hauls.

[@helencryer]

Great - thank you!

[@jude6752]

Great to go through your favourite supplies. I also enjoyed revisiting the sketchbook pieces, and thinking, "oh I remember that one" :)

[@helencryer]

Thank you! 🙂

[@sonja__k]

Very interesting insights, Helen! I've got the same issue with this (and only this) colour of the Schmincke Aqua Bronze. I've contacted Schmincke about it and have been told that you can improve the adhesion of the pigment to the paper by adding a drop of gum arabic to the diluted product. While this does indeed work, I'm a bit annoyed that one needs to add another quite pricey product to one that already costs quite a lot. (Schmincke by the way did not want to admit that this powder has an issue but rather suggested that I'm not using it properly...)

[@helencryer]

Oh, that's very interesting!! Thanks! I don't have any gum arabic, but I think I could get creative with adding the powder to other things!

[@jaycee4578]

You beat me to it! I came here to offer the very same tip 😊 I add a couple drops of Winsor & Newton gum arabic and it makes it a perfect consistency that lasts.. however, I did watch someone’s video a while back who said it’s not good at re-wetting if you make a lot up.. I tend to mix and use enough for the project I’m working on 😊

[@sonja__k]

​@@jaycee4578 Thanks for the warning! I've never yet had any leftovers either but over the last two days I tested the way the powder reacts and the person who mentioned the difficulties in re-wetting gummed Aqua Bronze is right. I'll definitely keep that in mind.

[@puppydood]

Another lovely video. It’s definitely useful to see what items you feel have been worth buying and which ones get used the most!

[@helencryer]

Great, thank you!

[@FaithAnnNB]

❤❤ Great video!! Loved seeing which products you’ve used the most since they were purchased (and that you used almost everything a lot and they weren’t just sitting on a shelf)! A revisited haul video is a lot more valuable than an unboxing video for myself personally. I’ve definitely purchased too much in the last couple of years since returning to my art practice and I now feel overwhelmed by choice and guilt that I haven’t had time to use everything. So, I’m firmly on the “use what I have” bandwagon in 2024! If I run out of something critical (unlikely) like a black fineliner or white gouache, I’ll buy a replacement, but I don’t want to be placing orders for new sets, new brands, new palettes, etc. That’s the goal/plan!!

[@helencryer]

I do think the overwhelm thing is real! I was approaching that a bit I think, which is why I'm saying broadly speaking, no more, and also why I'm now trying to do something every day. (Not to use things up, just to break through feeling too much choice.)

[@plove523]

I like for honest review after a year of testing.

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@claudinejones7894]

Yes very useful vidéo Helen ! I for one buy some products on a whim because they are advertised , use them a couple of times and then they take room on my shelf not being used any more ! I decided against that last year when I realised how much unused paint products I had 😮. I also want to paint more this year so you gave me the incentive to look closely into what I have used and not ,and declutter. Thank you . Loved it.

[@helencryer]

I'm so glad - thanks!

[@janinawiegratz8464]

Love this informative follow up - thank you 🎉🎉🎉

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@katyvashkevich2719]

Loved the video. Please do more 🙏 your art is wonderful!

[@helencryer]

Thank you very much!

[@JulieBromfield]

This was a great way to summarise your purchases and it's useful to see what you used and why. A great resource for all artists Helen, thank you x

[@helencryer]

That's super - thank you!

[@JessicaHessjessanotherhess]

This is a wonderful idea. I think revisiting your previous hauls will be interesting for the viewers and for yourself. ❤

[@helencryer]

Great, thank you!

[@zenlife1200]

It's interesting to see what you've used and enjoyed. I think it's probably a good idea for all of us to try a review like this yearly. I know I'm guilty of buying something to try and then not getting the use out of it because it just wasn't my thing. Pastels are like that for me, I bought some, didn't really like them and into storage they went. The pastel pencils, however, are far more appealing and I'm tempted by them. I've also got some cheap watercolor paper that is terrible for watercolor so I've been trying to repurpose it for a different medium. I don't have a lot of art supplies but it doesn't seem to take long for my space to be taken up by things I don't really like and won't use. I look forward to your next review 😃

[@helencryer]

Yes definitely - sometimes we go a bit blind to everything that's sitting there. I also had a clear out a while back and made myself part with some older craft stuff. Thanks!

[@deborahruth5072]

Love this video. I am right there with you. I really bought way too much but, I am loving all that I have and will be making an effort to play with anything I have not been using. I don't think I will need to purchase or replace anything in my studio for 2024. I still have two items that are on back order that I am waiting for.

[@helencryer]

Yes, I'm kind of hoping that doing these will reignite my enthusiasm for my more forgotten about materials too! I still have a couple of books on their way 😁

[@dianegibbs]

Definitely like seeing what you used more of . Next time show more of your work with it, definitely love seeing the Khadijah fat sketchbook and the gouache painting you had done.

[@helencryer]

Thank you!!

[@cindyfromsydney7693]

Very interesting about the Schmincke bronze! I’ve had that on my Wishlist for ages.

[@helencryer]

I'd say figure out what you actually want to use it for first!

[@Flora-v6u]

It’s definitely worth seeing what you’ve used and liked. I’m with you on the perylene green too, I love that in combination with his potter’s pink…I’ve almost finished mine up. 😀

[@ChantelleArts]

This looks amazing, I love it ☺☺

[@CastleMc]

Interesting review, Helen. I liked the work in your small "travel" sketchbook (done with the tiny palette) and I've found that my paintings turn out better when I use a limited palette and mix my own colors. My newest limited palette (12 colors) is Roman Szmal as well!

[@helencryer]

I'm torn between liking working with a limited palette, and using ALL the beautiful paints!!

[@Deedster56]

I very much enjoyed this video and am wondering why this is the first time your channel appeared to me. How fortuitous!! I have just subscribed to your channel and look forward to catching up on previous episodes! It looks like I’m going to be in for some fabulous viewing. Warmest regards from a snowy Pembroke, Ontario 🤗❤️🇨🇦✨

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate it!

[@valeriegehling4358]

Interesting, look forward to the next time you show us which oil pastels, watercoloured pencils & Inktense blocks you purchased & used. Thanks

[@helencryer]

I think I bought those later into last year, so it'll be a little while before those ones!

[@Tullyontheterrace]

This was really interesting. I don’t think I’ve seen another ‘art haul one year on’ video. Thanks for sharing.

[@helencryer]

Thanks! I haven't either, but I'm hoping it will get me using more of the things I bought and didn't use much, too.

[@margwong8416]

Actually, I just finished a 13 part one done by the Coloring Chemist. She re-visits a haul that she had for each month of the 2023 year with an overview of it all as the last part. She and Helen both have different styles of doing this, and both are interesting and entertaining. I, too, hope that more utubers do these kinds of videos, really helps the rest of us. :)

[@nadeaner.cowley513]

Super fun video! Please do more like this for sure!!! Thank you for sharing ❤

[@helencryer]

That's great - thanks!

[@lightwavz]

Definitely helpful! I think we all buy things on whim and then wonder why later on. I did the same with an iridescent powder that has a tendency to stick in my water pot and make all my watercolor glittery. Instant regret! 😂 That Quinacridone Burnt Scarlet is what I think of when I think I want Potter's Pink so thank you for that!

[@helencryer]

Haha, thanks!!

[@Ms_Ink]

The Schmincke bronze seems to stay on better if you mix it with Gum Arabic, I found. Otherwise, if mixed with water, I find that it starts to falls off as soon as it dries!

[@helencryer]

Thank you! Yes, a few people have mentioned that now - I might have to get some!

[@brittabeningfield3472]

This kind of review is probably more useful than the initial haul vids, though soooo fun to share in the discovery of new treasures when they're fresh and full of promise. Will you be continuing to mostly focus on landscapes this year ? Gum Arabic solves the aqua bronze issue for me; a wee bit in the water is all it takes. I assume you could use it to wet the other color, if you want to drop some powder on it. Thanks for a great year of videos, and happy anniversary!

[@helencryer]

Thank you! I don't have a plan for my art this coming year, really, but I expect I'll still enjoy doing a fair amount of landscapes.

[@elizabaum]

This was a great video! I really like the idea of revisiting hauls and seeing what happened with those supplies.

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@bleuvertetforetdepin7308]

i've been using Sennelier in my travel palette ,a small wood one wich is definitly not leak proof and i've never had issues . yes they stay soft , but they've never run on me . I even got two M.Graham colours in that palette , wich are even softer/liquidier then Sennelier , but again without Issues . Thanks for Sharing .

[@helencryer]

I've used a few other Senneliers in travel palettes too, and never had any problems except with my Lemon Yellow, which definitely did run everywhere!

[@HeyLauraVan]

This was very helpful to see! Plus enjoyable as usual, with your soothing voice and thoughtful comments along with the lovely art :)

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much!

[@Sanne24able]

Amazing paintings! Its awesome how you seem to get the landscapes "alive".

[@helencryer]

Thank you very much!

[@melissamartinart]

I think if I had to pick my all-time favourite watercolour colour it would also be Roman Szmal’s Aquarius Green!

[@helencryer]

It's definitely a corker!

[@GreenSharpieScience]

Helpful! Thanks! 😊

[@thompson_jules0]

I appear to be playing video catch up😬 Such a good idea revisiting things you've reviewed in the past and showing us what you've enjoyed, not enjoyed and why etc......very helpful🤓 Thank you🙏🏼

[@helencryer]

Thank you for watching!! Good to hear!

[@annelouise4639]

Great video.😊 What a good idea. I'd love to see more in the future. I really enjoyed seeing your marvellous sketchbook paintings in watercolour and gouache too.

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much!

[@deeanncross7674]

Nice video. I loved your Roman Szmal landscape paintings. I'm definitely interested to see what you really used and liked.

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@daradubinet]

Yess sooo worth it. Tyyy!! 🤗💕

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@artiskalai1970]

Your colour pencils look so beautiful and organised! May I ask what pencil sharpener you use to get such perfect points? I have tried so many and either they eat too much of the pigment or they shred the wood unevenly or something or other that doesn't work! Thanks 🙂

[@helencryer]

Thanks! I use a Kum double holed small metal one.

[@alisonbell3475]

Excellent 🎉😊

[@jadec2180]

It would be a great series. I enjoy your art haul videos, but it would be a nice change of pace to see how your supplies fared and whether it was a good purchase.

[@helencryer]

That's good to hear - thanks!

[@thuntz29]

I find switching palettes a bit confusing, it takes me some time to get used to a configuration. I have a few art toolkit palettes that I love, I just recently bought a palette from Rosa gallery but I haven’t touch it aside from swatching. But some of these watercolours are calling me 😊

[@helencryer]

I think it's good to figure out what works for us. I'm not quite there yet, with my ideal set up.

[@tdelphia1]

"I feel like I've got plenty now." Famous last words 😂😂😂😂

[@helencryer]

Highly likely!

[@impish22]

thanks for sharing Helen

[@gertietheduck]

Is that a Khadi fat book? If so is the paper sizing similar to that of the hardbound sketchbooks? I am curious because I recently bought a hardbound sketchbook and it is so absorbent sometimes the paint will soak through all the way to the other side. I even had this happen with Neocolor II wich are kind of thick compared to watercolour or ink (and I was using them pretty thickly too), so I was surprised! I had used the loose Khadi sheets for watercolour in the past and I didn't remember them being quite this absorbent, so I'd be curious to know if all Khadi products are like that, and how you deal with it. Are you ever able to paint on the back of existing pages in the sketchbook, or do you just skip the backs to avoid damaging the other side? I now tend to avoid using Western watercolours in my hardback Khadi sketchbook (they kind of just disappear and soak through) and tend instead o use gouache, acrylic, Pentel ink brush pens, Chinese and Japanese watercolours or Neocolor I and II (I love how hard wax pastel looks in the sketchbook because of the texture!). I'd be tempted to use oil pastels in there but I am worried that the paper would just soak up all the oils from the pastels and that this would ruin multiple pages. But I *looooove* the way the paper looks, feels, the texture... so I am doing my best to work with it. It's just so, so gorgeous and makes my heart sing!

[@helencryer]

I haven't had any paint come through the Khadi Fat Book, even though the paper is thin. It just seems so resilient! I don't tend to paint on the back of paintings though, but that's mainly because the paper does warp a little bit when it's been wet a lot, and so I tend to paint in the next smooth side.

[@lisathaviu1154]

I know they are expensive, but you might try the Qor paints, especially the Quin Magenta, Sap Green and Green Gold. Their Cobalt Turquoise is really good too. I like them for travel palettes because they dry in the pan but there is never a problem rewetting, even with colors like Viridian.

[@helencryer]

Thank you! Yes, I have the QoR 24 set, and have them dried out in a half pan palette! I also like those particular colours of theirs!

[@OmbresulLegno]

Did you try using gum Arabic with the gold powder? This type of powders usually need gum Arabic to make them actually stick to the paper, together with water.

[@helencryer]

I don't have any, but I remembered seeing someone mix some of this stuff with pigment powder, and it made a good kind of paint, so I tried it and it worked: Brush & Pencil's Colored Pencil Touch-Up Texture.

[@lisefulmer6355]

The bronze is interesting. Have you ever tried Brusho?

[@helencryer]

I've seen it about, but never tried it, no.

[@ellenruths]

What is the fat book and where did you get it?

[@helencryer]

It's quite thin paper (100gsm), but 100% cotton, and for some reason is just great fun! I bought it here: www.jacksonsart.com/khadi-fat-book-100gsm-rough-21x21cm-48-sheets?___store=jacksonsart_en&acc=4aecfbe5d21e3f7912bf8eb29124423a

[@twizzle1710]

Jackson’s paints are made by Sennelier.

[@helencryer]

Yes, although they are not exactly the same. Kim Crick has a really interesting blog post on this.

[@phillipstroll7385]

Cracks me up how every KZbinr is suddenly going to stop buying and start the "deep dive" into the products they already have. Lmmfao and they say social contagion isn't a real thing.

[@helencryer]

Really? That's great! Can't say I've seen many at all myself, but honestly, I've never heard anyone say social contagion isn't a real thing. That's what all fashions are, surely? Maybe I've subconsciously been influenced by others, but it also naturally feels where I've arrived at.