Holbein Palm Box | First Impressions + Swatching & Mixing

[@Renilou2]

I use a lot of watercolor brands and my Holbein is among the most transparent that I have. The only times I heard people claim they are opaque are those I noticed used the paint fresh from tube and laid on way too much body color in attempt to get more saturation. It’s not highly pigmented like MGraham or DS. But the colors are beautiful, clean and fresh looking and excellent for glazing.

[@TheGypsyChic1]

Thank you! I was pleasantly surprised, as I did not find them opaque either. They are lovely and I'm so happy I tried them. Thank you for sharing your experience! ;)

[@vincentmonet6172]

What a set. Exquisite design. These, along with Schmincke, Kremer and W&N are my overall favourites. Not just for pigmentation but usefulness and practical application for painting. Some brands push their paints as having such high pigment loads, yet having a balanced pigment to binder ratio is better for swift and direct painting. In my experience and with my preference. Then the hues sing for themselves, after the completion of the artwork. Thanks for your review.

[@TheGypsyChic1]

Thank you, Vincent. It is a beautifully designed palette. I'm a big fan of Schmincke, as they seem to never disappoint me. I enjoy many brands a bit though, and appreciate their differences. Thank you for sharing your favorites, I have not tried and Kremer paints yet. I agree and have the same preferences. Thanks so much for the comment.

[@ellingtonthorpe]

Enjoyed this Stephanie. I had a look on Jackson’s for it, and discovered the ceramic palette of 12 😍 it looks gorgeous

[@TheGypsyChic1]

Thank you, Caroline! Oh, that one tempted me for sure!! I had to wait two years for a sale for this one...that one would probably take ten years. Lol

[@djhadaverde]

First! I must be your nº 1 fan ;P Thank you very much!! I was waiting for this so much ;D Beautiful mixes.

[@TheGypsyChic1]

Haha, thanks so much for the request, and reminder! My pleasure-I hope you enjoy!! ;D

[@angiewright-artist8246]

My first watercolor set was the 30 tube set 4ish years ago. I always love them. I have many brands now but I enjoy them for controlled painting. They always rewet beautifully, I kept a half pan of each as a keepsake set. I love picking them up and using them exclusively in a painting. Their joy for me :)

[@TheGypsyChic1]

That's amazing! I think I love Schmincke so much, because they were one of my first watercolors. Yes, they rewet beautifully!! So far, they don't seem quite as flowy? if that makes sense, as other brands? But, they are lovely and I can't wait to try more colors. Love knowing you have a keepsake set!! I have a few of those of my favorites, they bring me so much joy! Thanks so much for sharing with me! ;)

[@angiewright-artist8246]

@@TheGypsyChic1 your absolutely correct! There's no Oxgall in Holbeins. I find makes them really good with a controlled painting. The Oxgall is what makes them flowy. I have a few Schminke sets and I'm so in love with schminke right now. They truly have a beautiful balance and I loooove the flow :) have a great day Stephanie! I always enjoy your thoughts beautiful lady :)

[@TheGypsyChic1]

Thank you! Yes, I read there was no oxgall and was surprised how well they performed without it. I'm happy to hear you are loving Schmincke, as well! The flow of Schmincke is perfection too me...just right! Thank you! Happy Holidays and thank you for your kindness!

[@melissaaldosari8024]

Those are really beautiful, clean colors!

[@TheGypsyChic1]

Thank you! They are beautiful! ;)

[@onemig00]

I don't know how many time I've watched unboxing videos of watercolor palettes I cannot afford. LOL. This one, I've read somewhere, is based off Japanese Bento (lunchboxes). The lids of those are loose and they have compartments to separate the rice from the viands and sides. So this palette is more of an homage to their culture than a budget palette for beginners (the 24 set of Holbein watercolor tubes are more affordable than these). . I think it's cool that they (Japanese brands in general) do those. Pilot pens have this beautiful sable brush pen that was made using traditional Japanese wood art and paint i forgot what it was called. But yeah, those pieces are more for collectors and pen enthusiasts than artists on a budget. . I'd still keep an eye out for this set if and when it goes on sale in my country

[@TheGypsyChic1]

Thank you for sharing! I was fortunate to get this on sale, and enjoyed it for the uniqueness. I would say now that the I enjoy the 36 half pan set more, as it is more practical. You might check Amazon Japan sometime. I was able to find the 36 half pan set for $113 USD. I do hope you are able to find one of them to enjoy sometime soon!

[@markdonovan1540]

Ooh, very nice. I've made a few DIY versions using souvenir mini-soap tins, but they don't look as nice as this! But I have to ask myself do I really NEED another paint palette? The clip-on features look handy, but how long will they last before the "lip" breaks? I prefer recycling materials I have at home to make my own version, to suit the paints I already have. I also find that half-pan sizes can be a bit inconvenient when using larger brushes. I would prefer a set up with less paints, but full-size pans. That way I learn to mix more and I can always swap out pans to suit what I'm going to paint. Holbein paints look wonderful. I don't have any so far. I mainly use Daniel Smith and Winsor & Newton Paints.

[@TheGypsyChic1]

Thank you! Your DIY tins sound lovely! This was definitely a splurge and the price is now so high, I think it is only for the true Holbein fans. Yes, that is always the question for everyone. I am still in the trying all the brands phase so my answer was YES! Lol I'm very happy I tried it... when I found it almost half price. It is very sturdy and well made, so I don't expect anything to break. Your DIY version is definitely best for money. I agree about full pans! I set up a Schmincke palette with full pans..much easier to mix and save my brushes. You might love to try Roman Szmal next, as they come in full pan size, are affordable and very lovely! I'm very happy I tried the Holbein paints, but they don't flow as well as Daniel Smith, to me. They are better for more controlled paintings. They are luminous though and fun to use occasionally. ;)

[@markdonovan1540]

@@TheGypsyChic1 after first diving into the watercolour rabbit hole about 3 years ago, I've some how ended up with over 150 paints, too many brushes and palettes! I'm putting it all (well, most of it) to good use just practising and learning how to paint watercolour pictures. In the last few months I've found myself using a smaller range of paints, slowly homing in on my preferred blues, yellows, reds, greens and earths - as well as some secondaries. I've also got into painting more loosely and mixing colours on the go - so I'm finding that the more familiar you are with a given paint (brand and colour) and type of paper, then the painting process starts to become a bit more consistent. I guess the old adage of "less is more" applies here.

[@TheGypsyChic1]

Omg, HELLO my new friend!! So nice to read your story! I fell in love with watercolors 2017, and have been racing to "catch up"! Trying to find my favorite colors and brands, as well. I'm so happy to hear someone else did the same! ;D I'm reaching for smaller palettes I have made, as well. Now that I have found my favorite colors, I know which to buy finally when I try new brands. Sadly, it's never there stock choices they put in the palette with their name on it. That's great you have learned to paint more loosely and on the go. I believe you are right, and I will get there eventually! I'm still so curious about which brand makes the best colors, etc. You have been much quicker to develop your art style. I'm sure I would be much further along if I did not have a KZbin channel. Design Teams and a products being sent to me for review, etc have slowed me down from developing my style. But, it's all an adventure I can learn for the rest of my life. Happy painting!!

[@patriciariddle2997]

I went and looked at the price because I am participating in an online event this weekend and need some watercolors and I gasped at the price. I am not a good water colorer. I am going to stick with my Gansai Tambi. I don't need something like this but I love how it is set up. Very cool!

[@TheGypsyChic1]

They were a splurge for sure!! I had them on my wish list for two years, and was lucky to find them on sale. When I posted this video, Jackson's had the box for $72 (which is what I paid ). Prices are going up so high on so many things ;( Gansai Tambi are lovely! They are the watercolors that made me fall in love with watercolors! I just used them with a kitchen plate with lots of water...and then I was hooked. Lol Thank you! There are so many palette's and brands, and I'm hoping to share more so people can see the difference to make an informed decision. I will treasure having this one in my collection. ;)

[@Cherryblossum101]

Ii might be making this up.. but there's a yellow that sounds similar to what you said that's 'replacing' hansa yellow d/t light fast issues.

[@TheGypsyChic1]

Really, from Holbein or other brands? Ha, I tend to try to keep out of the drama...so I haven't heard anything. Oh, Lord be a color I can pronounce! Lol

[@sueallen952]

Update, i Stephanie I'm sitting here after a bone graft on my foot Thurs, won't be going out for weeks and don't have family or friends so I'm coping on my own. I decided to take the plunge and order this I was cringing doing it, I found it on Jacksons for £75. I just wanted a treat after the op so I did it lol. It is beautiful and I've put it away for christmas. Still can't believe I did it lol

[@TheGypsyChic1]

Oh Sue, I'm so sorry you are going through this! Please keep me updated. I hope you love them!!! It is a very pretty set and I'm glad you waited for great price! I paid $72 USD... but I would not think they are worth the $127 at DickBlick. You definitely deserved a way to treat yourself after your surgery. I hope you they bring you a bit of happiness. Are you sure you want to wait?!?! Maybe you should enjoy them now, lol! Haha, Christmas is a long ways away! Lol, I hope they bring you joy to have them in your collection either way. I will try to post some painting videos for you to enjoy and not have to spend any money! What are your favorite watercolors you currently own? Sending hugs and prayers!

[@sueallen952]

I love schminke but just love videos on watercolours full stop. Update on my foot I've now got a biopsy on 24th (tue) there's a black mark on my heal they think might be skin cancer, SAME FOOT!!! So I will be stuck in even longer now!!!! I love all your videos and gentle voice

[@TheGypsyChic1]

@@sueallen952 I'm so sorry I never saw your follow up comment. It breaks my heart to read this and I knew you went through such a difficult time. I pray you are doing better now!! I hope you loved your Holbein set. I love the palette, but the color selection wasn't ideal for me...as usual with basic brand sets! :( If you leave a comment, please leave a brand new comment to make sure I see it. I only see new comments 99% of the time! 💗

[@sandjune2753]

a lot of people who have reviewed these have said the greens so not mix well with other colours. but the blues are good. These paints are not really for artists who do landscapes or like their paints to Blend. These were designed for illustrators and crafters. The actual watercolour palette though is great and does not mark at all .

[@TheGypsyChic1]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I have mixed feelings still, as I didn't like some of the colors in this palette. I still love the palette itself the most, and I'm glad I tried it while it was on sale. I agree, with many Holbein colors are multi-pigment so mixing can be more challenging. I'm still really happy I tried the brand. Yes, my palette still looks brand new! ;D

[@sandjune2753]

@@TheGypsyChic1 Just wondering can you fit Daniel Smith, A Gallo size pans into the Palette ?

[@TheGypsyChic1]

Yes, Daniel Smith and A Gallo half pans fit just fine.

[@sueallen952]

Gorgeous!!!!! But way out of my price range 😥 loved watching though I'm from the UK

[@TheGypsyChic1]

Thank you, Sue! It is quite a splurge!! I had it on my wish list for two years...and had to wait for a sale at Jackson's in the UK. Thanks for watching, I'm so happy to know you enjoyed!

[@jcsart5055]

ithink the palette is adorable, but not at all worth 120$

[@TheGypsyChic1]

It is lovely, but I'm really happy I found it on sale for $72. Prices are going up so high on so many things now ;(