How good are Michael Harding watercolours? Review and thoughts

[@user-wk1mw9nj3i76]

Your paintings are beautiful. You’re a master artist and have a charming, witty personality. All good for us viewers! Thanks for your thoughtful review of the M Harding watercolors. From the state of Minnesota, USA. ❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you very much!

[@lenepedersen5506]

I love that lemon yellow 🤩

[@LizChadertonArt]

I always overlook lemon yellow and rediscover it evert so often…

[@suzisandpiper]

I got a set of these paints last Christmas. I found them incredibly rich and packed with pigment so they seem to last a lot longer than my W&N for instance. Probably even my Daniel Smith. There’s definitely differences in pigment load between the brands, and I’ve got sets across many brands. I also find M.Harding very vibrant. So good for artists who don’t want to have to glaze to achieve depth.

[@LizChadertonArt]

that’s good to hear. paints really vary even when they are artist quality

[@ladyhollman9534]

Thank you for the review And amen to burnt sienna!

[@LizChadertonArt]

glad you agree. I don’t know what it is about that colour…..

[@wimotten8353]

That sap green looks like a natural green. Very good! Your bunny painting was fantastic with that furry/hairy look from the ink lines 👍🏻

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you so much 😀 and I really like that green….

[@annewillis4673]

I treated myself to some Michael Harding watercolours and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them. Will be expanding my collection.

[@LizChadertonArt]

that’s good to hear!

[@kkswiss1902]

Thank you for the presentation. The Sap Green reminds me of green PG8, which is usually in some Ukrainian/Russian watercolour sets.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I have some Rosa, I’ll compare when I have a mo

[@annechandler2667]

Really love Michael Harding watercolors. Vibrant and rich. They, along with M Graham are my go-tos.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I was using them today and they are great

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for sharing Liz! Your artwork was lovely :D I personally found that a lot of the colours had quite a significant drying shift (though they looked amazing when wet) and thus wasn't blown away by M Harding watercolours. I also wouldn't recommend them for travel palettes, I forgot one of my palettes at an angle for a few hours (after having left them to dry for over a week) - and they completely ran all over each other >_< I think for their price point there is better (Daniel smith, Roman Szmal, Schmincke, I prefer Rosa Gallery though that is personal preference). Like you, I'd be curious by their specialty/unique colours but not the majority. Thank you for sharing, your art was truly inspiring. x x

[@LizChadertonArt]

That’s interesting! travel palettes are fascinating. I filled some for a workshop three years ago and I am re running it this year. A couple of colours still haven’t dried…..

[@debpaolucciojanomethreadar2357]

I took the plunge & I love these paints! I feel the evaluation is spot on!!❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

That’s good to know!

[@AA828]

Hi Liz! I just discovered your channel and I’m so happy that I did. I love your approach to painting and multimedia work, I love your way of looking at things and your humor. Watching your films make me smile.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you so much!

[@TheMindfulPainter]

Thanks Liz. I got several of them at Christmas. Orange sunset is a beautiful colour. So powerful. Aqua green is gorgeous too. Thanks for the nice comment on your facebook group this week 🥰

[@LizChadertonArt]

of course! thank you for the colour tips. I will look out for those

[@lynison9050]

Oh that hare is just stunning - I could look at that all day, lovely work

[@LizChadertonArt]

thank you! I’m doing a webinar on the hare later in the year if you want to join me

[@wendychampness1901]

That Sap Green looks very nice 😊

[@LizChadertonArt]

It does!

[@lightwavz]

I like that Sap Green! It looks like a Perylene to me which I have a soft spot for. I am a gardener as well so I love convenience greens and mixing up new concoctions of them.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I think gardens and art go hand in hand

[@vickiarn]

I love the sap green too. Thanks for the review. I don't feel so bad about my gardening hands, I look like that all spring.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Me too, and all summer…..

[@sherryfurr9115]

I have a set coming, so I was glad to see this review. I really wish they were not so expensive.

[@LizChadertonArt]

indeed! on the plus side they are really loaded with pigment, so a little will go far

[@M0odyBlue]

I am always interested in watercolor supplies. I am looking forward to trying these. Thank you!

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are so welcome!

[@shelleybezona1691]

Thank you for sharing. Love the bunny!

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are so welcome!

[@ralphherrick596]

Thank you for your review 😊

[@LizChadertonArt]

My pleasure 😊

[@RaeGalloway]

Oh! I don't have time to watch this right now, but this will be going on my watchlist. I have loved their paints ever since they came out. Even though I live in the states, I lucked out and was able to order a couple of sets from Jackson's when the Harding paints launched in late 2022, and I was a convert immediately. I think I have about a hundred of their colors right now. And they are literally very heavy on pigment. I know this because I isolate pigment and compare it to other brands as a percentage of their composition.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

That is so interesting Rae! I have no idea how you do that but it sounds cool. Out of curiousity, what is the composition like on other brands? x

[@LizChadertonArt]

that’s interesting! how do you isolate the pigment? have you got a full lab at home. You should made a YT film…..

[@LizChadertonArt]

same question here. It sounds very clever

[@RaeGalloway]

@SketchesnScrubs Read down a little bit farther. I answered both of you underneath Liz's last comment.

[@RaeGalloway]

@SketchesnScrubs I forgot to respond about some of the other brands. I don't wanna cause a big stink, but I think Winsor Newton has probably been going downhill for a while now. It's entirely possible that they are propped up by their reputation. I have been aghast at how little pigment and how many dyes are in their paints. MaimeriBlu has also been a surprising offender when it comes to hiding dyes. I am less surprised by some of the bargain brands (e.g. Kuretake, Mijello, etc.).

[@Winstonsmom]

The imperial purple is stunning… granulates and separates into an almost scminckiesk(?) way… has a lovely pink undertone

[@LizChadertonArt]

ooh, that sounds gorgeous

[@roswhitaker7732]

Thank you Liz - very helpful! I wish all brands had as much info on the tubes. Time to start my Xmas wish list I think….!

[@LizChadertonArt]

They are made by people who know colour and artists, I reckon

[@jude6752]

I adore his paints! I wish I had started with those, and not all Daniel Smith and other brands - my others are good, but I love Michael Harding!

[@LizChadertonArt]

that is good to know!

[@pennypenpen5371]

Thank you! 🤗 It's good to hear your thoughts on this brand and see some of your work - i particularly love the giraffes 😍

[@LizChadertonArt]

I enjoyed the paints!

[@dees3179]

Thank you for sharing a constructive perspective just another swatching video, much appreciated and very helpful.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ninakennedy5130]

That was very interesting! Your paintings are gorgeous! I loved the sap green as well. I also loved the brown you got with the gold and purple!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you so much!

[@isirat4268]

I love MH watercolours ❤ I have diffrent brands, but so far these I love the most.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I really enjoyed them

[@michelleinScotland]

Thank you, very interesting. I think I'm still at the stage of discovering waterpaints and how to use them so I'm happy with the cheaper brands - for now.

[@LizChadertonArt]

my advice would be to invest in finding the best paper for you, rather than the best paint!

[@michelleinScotland]

@@LizChadertonArt yes so true. Bought some recently that is really not good. If the price is too good to be true there's a reason 😂

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@michelleinScotland 100%

[@margdahl8226]

Hello🙋‍♀️ Your paintings are lovely😊 You are very talented👏

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@tracylamarca575]

First of all, I love, LOVE that first giraffe painting! (All of the paintings are wonderful, of course😄, but I like that one particularly!) I remember when these first came out and I saw a review of them - I order from Jackson's occasionally, but at the time they weren't shipping them to the US. Such unusual and tempting colors! Although, I think of sap green as an "ordinary" color - and this version is not ordinary..I agree with you - it is lovely! I have several different brands, each very different, but it is apparent that yellow pigment is used in the mix, unlike this one. I just had a look at the whole range on Jackson's website and yes, they are a bit pricey. But I'm on their mailing list and they have quite good sales...so I am going to hold out and wait for one. Then I can treat myself to a few tubes...it will definitely be hard to choose just a few...Belladonna? Caribbean Turquoise? Quin Bronze or Coral? Cosmic Blue? Forest Green? 🤔 It better be a GOOD sale! Thank you for your review, Liz! I know I can trust your opinion and it's good to know that these ARE quality!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Your comments always make me smile! Fingers crossed for a really, really good sale

[@tracylamarca575]

@@LizChadertonArt 🥰

[@pjpony1234]

Dick Blick now carries these paints in the US. I like them. If you consider the amount of paint you get in each tube they're not a bad value for money. It just costs a lot as an initial investment.

[@LizChadertonArt]

it would! I shudder when I look at my collection and think about the replacement cost!

[@cindybohl9593]

Hi Liz! I just discovered your videos. Love your art work! Thank you. I have wondered about these paints. I live in the US and have more paints than I can probably use in my lifetime…..but I still like buying new ones and trying them.😃 I mostly use Winsor Newton and Daniel Smith paints but I have lots of other brands. Daniel Smith is my favorite. There are some pretty colors in the Michael Harding set. I may have to try some of them. I love burnt sienna too and cannot live without it. Also I did not know about putting the gum Arabic back in the tube when it comes out like that. I also love that you have gardeners hands. I am a big gardener too and that dirt can really be hard to get out! Thanks for the info!

[@LizChadertonArt]

I really like DS, but Tgey are so expensive here

[@bevbenfield4828]

Love these colours, thanks for another great review. Do you have a tutorial for the bulldog painting? I’d love to paint this (or have a go 😂) for my son and his wife who have two British Bulldogs. Thanks again for your wonderful reviews.

[@LizChadertonArt]

it’s going to be a webinar in the autumn. Will share details when available!

[@katiemoore248]

Alizarin claret is exactly the same colour and transparency as alizarin crimson, but it is lightfast. Michael Harding uses exactly the same pigment in his oils as he does his watercolours. So I suggest swapping out the crimson for the claret to get an identical paint.

[@LizChadertonArt]

thank you, that’s really useful to know

[@sharonling-LetsArtToday]

Thank you. Enjoyed the video. Xx

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@arleighbarley]

I live at high altitude. Almost every tube paint I buy explodes, so I have half-pans ready at hand to catch the spillover when I first open new tubes.

[@LizChadertonArt]

What a good idea!

[@suel4269]

Daniel Smith paints explode from the tube also.

[@LizChadertonArt]

better than being under filled 😊

[@GarbauxM]

Thanks for being so honest and transparent with your thoughts. I think we got a lot of GOOD info in a not too long video. And i REALLY liked that you showed more than one painting made with the colors you tested, that is a RELLY GOOD thing o you to add. most people do not add that in these type of videos, which frankly makes it more boring to watch. This video was better than most of these videos I've seen so thanks! I am thinking about trying a finelinerpen, What did you do the linework with? :) Thanks!

[@LizChadertonArt]

glad you found it useful. I used ohuhu Fineliners, but most I’ve used have been great

[@scarlettHischild]

Liz, I’m so thankful to get to be apart of watching your channel. Thank you so much for making video and sharing your wisdom and knowledge in the expertise of all you have learned throughout the years of life. It is such a joy to watch every single video. Thank you.🙏🏻🥹

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are so welcome and thank you for such a lovely comment

[@scarlettHischild]

@@LizChadertonArt absolutely!🤗 I just now get to be apart of your fb page, as well as the group (Under the name “Willow Harper”).☺️

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@scarlettHischild see you there!

[@pesto12601]

Meh.. for the price in the US.. I'll stick with Daniel Smith... I think these are "ok" but not worth the money TBH. So many other brands to choose from.

[@LizChadertonArt]

of course, local pricing/availability has to play a big part in what you use. But i really like knowing what is available, even if I don’t use it longer term

[@anitadavidson1266]

In the UK, it’s Daniel Smith that is extremely expensive, and by many not worth the money. Paint, and basically all art supplies are very subjective, which is why there is a paint to complement every artist these days. This is what Liz meant by it truly depends on your location and paint availability. But always great to know what’s out there. Happy painting! 👩🏻‍🎨🎨🖌️

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@anitadavidson1266 exactly - thank you for putting it so clearly

[@AA828]

Hi Liz! I just discovered your channel and couldn’t be happier. I love your style and your approach and your attitude. Watching your shows makes me smile.

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Liz, thank you for sharing your opinions on these paints. I am aware that as a painting channel people are curious about what you think of new or new to viewers paints are all about! I have enjoyed testing out different brands myself, but we all must settle down and decide on what we want in/from a watercolor paint and start painting! I recently found myself being drawn in and I purchased a set of the “handmade” A.Gallo watercolors. The A.Gallo paints are amazing! I hope you and your viewers are happy with the paints in their palette. As wonderful as new paints are to play with, they are truly a time waster! It takes me a year or longer to “discover” the properties of a new brand, even watching all the reviews done by my favorite creators! You presented these Michael Harding paints so well, but I believe that they are a distraction and an expensive distraction that keeps me from working on my painting projects! I was recently(last November) given a collection of M.Graham watercolor paints. I am still making swatches and deciding on the colors I want to put into an M.Graham palette and do I want to add some to my studio palette? Will I want to replace a color/brand I have used for years ? I hope you are doing well and enjoying “playing” with these new paints. I believe that if I lived in the EU Schminke would be a brand I would use a bunch! They are a premium brand and expensive but very consistent for many years! I was introduced to DaVinci by Denise Soden and her channel “In Living Color” helped me when I came back to paper and paint! I am aware of other U.S. made brands as well as the cheaper brands out of China. I have found no true reason to switch my choices from DaVinci of California to another brand for the majority of the paints in my studio palettes! Yes, I have more than one that I use depending upon subject and mood. Several porcelain set-ups and a lovely 40 well sheet, even a new round carousel pallet that does rotate ! 62 wells with liners to make switching colors out so much easier!!! I seriously doubt that I am going to try these paints, yet I truly appreciate that you have shown us them and you might even create a new painting with them? I have plenty to do and “playing” or experimenting with new, even new to me paints is something that I truly don’t have time to do. Thank you for sharing and showing everyone what you think of them. NOW the biggest question, would you switch out your current paints for any of these? STOP using the paint you love and have used for years and “invest” in this newer brand? I am curious if you have any plans to address these questions? Maybe create a new painting or redo a painting that might benefit from these paints? I look forward to watching your next video, Michael Harding inspired or not.

[@RaeGalloway]

Why exactly do we need to settle? My education and training led me to into medicine. So i've taken a lot of science courses, have multiple degrees, and consider myself a scientist. I didn't start painting until about 2 years ago. I never attended art school and am entirely self-taught, but I probably have a more massive watercolor paint collection than most people who have been doing it their entire life (nearly 1600 pro-grade paints at this point). The science of pigments is fascinating to me. And I enjoy comparing professional paint brands. Simultaneously, I paint every day and am extremely productive. When I started painting within the first month alone, I read more than a dozen books on techniques and theories and probably know more about watercolor than many people who have been painting for decades. I had my first commission at 1 month. I was in a gallery show at five months. I was asked to start teaching at five months, although I wasn't comfortable doing that and waited until I was ten months into my journey before I started teaching. I 100% see and hear The Worst advice from people who have settled into a certain brand for their paper and/or their paint and do not experiment anymore. If I hear people say Arches is the best watercolor paper and Winsor Newton is the best watercolor paint, I know that they have given up and settled for products that were good twenty years ago. Or they only listen to a dinosaur and haven't even bothered to verify the veracity of their "mentor's" opinions for themselves. While I appreciate Denise Sodan, I don't take any of her opinions as fact. You shouldn't either. And what is an artist's job anyway? Aren't artists supposed to be creative? And the best way to be creative is to experiment and play. Art is a lot like science, actually, and if scientists gave up their curiosity and their desire to experiment, they aren't scientists anymore. Same thing with artists. If you aren't experimenting, then you are outmoded, outdated, and ill-suited for your profession. For what it's worth, A Gallo is a nice paint. However, they are trendy, limited, new ( which has some drawbacks), and have not yet withstood the test of time. And the gimmick of only opening shop once a month comes across as a gimmick and even slightly manipulative (because it creates a false scarcity). There are paints of equal or better value available. And so many that at least cone in tubes, for goodness sake. Michael Harding paints would be among those that are better, not in the least because their watercolor line was 20 years in development and launched with a staggering 135 colors. No one of the reasons they are so impressive is because of their decades-long track record with their very high quality top-shelf oil paints. All in all, I hope Liz never gives up on trying new things. And i'm fairly confident she won't.

[@RaeGalloway]

Oh, and for the record, a bunch of the M Graham paints smell like raw sewage. And there are so whole swaths of populations on this planet living in humid regions that are unable to use those paints because they simply will not dry. Unless they want to house, mold colonies in their paint, anyway.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I don’t think there is a right or wrong way of creating and exploring your own creativity. There is the right way for you and if that means deep diving into one palette and exploring every aspect, that’s fantastic. For me, I don’t want to do that and I am curious about possibilities and the new. On the whole, I do not use one set of paints, I grab what comes to hand, I mix and match. what I do with it, is more important than the paint. For me ‘what happens if…’ is an important question. And playing is the most important of all. I’m not saying this is better than your way, it’s just the way I am wired. it just wouldn’t occur to me to stick to a brand or redo a painting so it could ‘benefit’

[@LizChadertonArt]

really interesting perspective! I am endlessly curious, ‘what happens if’ is my favourite question and yes, I am a scientist by background. I think you are further along that education than me! But I recognise that for some that exploration is a distraction which would inhibit creativity rather than enhance. I love how we are all wired differently

[@LizChadertonArt]

What causes the smell? I’ve only come across one tube which stank years ago … I think it was Rembrandt. That was mold, but if it is a general manufacturing problem with M Graham, I’m amazed they are in business!