How to Begin Your First Daniel Smith Watercolor Collection

[@tlccreates]

I would recommend beginners not filling the wells so much. A small dab goes a long way and by the time you need more you may have changed your color choices or palette choice. Using half pans allow for rearranging when you buy more paints, or moving to a larger palette.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Great tip, thanks for watching!

[@pesto12601]

Just pull out the pans and move them to a new palette then... so simple... that is why half pans are so popular... fill, use, move, add, re-arrange...

[@lilianshelton2083]

Excellent idea!

[@sekkachigaming]

I have the same pallet and was thinking the same. Only a small drop in each lasts so long and it's easier to avoid colours mixing by accident :)

[@PortableXombie]

I make sure to have a list of the watercolors I have on my phone. You never know when the urge to buy art supplies will hit.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You definitely don't, so good idea!

[@magereina]

dreaming of getting my own DS watercolors and greatly appreciate having a good idea of what starter colors to get

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Hope you can get them, Jeanette!

[@nickythemermaid7949]

Ugh I haven’t been inside an art shop in over a year due to our lockdowns in the uk. Your footage of the Daniel Smith racks of colour are just making me drool 🤪🤪🤪

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Boo, I'm so sorry about that Nicky! I'm glad I could at least give you a little art eye candy!

[@lilianshelton2083]

Karen! I’m so happy that I’ve found you! I’m a beginner in love with Daniel Smith and whimsical Art, so when I saw what you do and, how organized you are I was delighted with your system, which is not overwhelming “”at all”! Yesterday I was close to get the fission palette but I wasn’t sure how to use it since is different. I can’t get enough how knowledgeable and talented you are. Thank you!!!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Aww, thanks Lilian! Glad to have you here!

[@INCWorks]

This was fun! It's so satisfying seeing these lovely colors, and I can't resist good paint-squeezing! I'm glad you shared that cool swatch-book and your thoughts on your favorites. 👍

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you so much for watching!!!

[@AaronKimmins]

For the Altoids pallets I like blue tack...stays pliable(my tin is probably 8-9 years old now and still soft), so I can take the pans out of the pallets, put in tin, and back after trip.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Great tip, Aaron!!!

[@staceyyoung7462]

I cannot thank you enough for the '"go-to's" of endless DS watercolors. A girl with art supply hoarding problems NEEDS a guide on how to shop because there are WAAAAY too many yummy colors! Will be completing my dot swatches in Feb. so by spring....watch out watercolor world!!! ;) :D

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Yay, I love this Stacey!!!!

[@gingerbryant2347]

I love my DS paints. I’m building my collection and just bought a handful of new colors. I’m at the store, standing in front of the DS paints, trying to decide which colors to buy and a store employee comes up and asks if they could help. I just looked at her and said “I have a problem. I want ALL the colors.” 😂 One day.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Hahaha, Ginger I know we can all relate to that problem!!!

[@mo-mo-p5t]

I put together my palette with your favorite 18-the colors are gorgeous! I was too heavy-handed with making the swatches so I'll try again tomorrow and use a light hand and wetter brush. I'm so happy right now my cheeks hurt from smiling!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

I love this so very much! Hope you enjoy it!

[@suzeaa]

The Daniel Smith Jean Haines Master Set is a great way to start out. The Opera Pink is a great mixer. She does a demo about it on KZbin. Also, a few Etsy shops sell DS half pans at a pretty good price if you'd like to try a color that only comes in a tube.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Awesome, thanks for watching!

[@katpaints]

Yummy Dan Smith!!! Years ago when I was first starting out, I saw the suggestion of putting out between a chocolates chip and a Hershey's kiss worth of paint to start. I was looking for rules, not realizing yet that there are no rules... but it gave me permission to try things out!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Yes, glad you realize that now, but it is totally a great way to start!

[@marygriswold4960]

Thank you for this video! I’m going to try H2O colors this year (I currently pint with acrylic & oil) I learned a couple inadvertent things from this :). The DS colors are to die for!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks for watching, Mary!

[@dianethoroughman9541]

I love Daniel Smith paints. I have been to their store in Seattle. I won't say how many of them I own. But, I have been collecting them for four years.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Oooh, I'll bet you have an amazing collection, Diane!

[@dianethoroughman9541]

@@KarenCampbellArtist I do. Grins.

[@nou257]

oh i feel you on that earthy feeling of daniel smith's granulation, this is why I'm obsessed with their paints despite the insane price

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Yessss, so worth it!

[@lisalatourette1602]

Ahh, thank you so much for this knowledge! I too have the dot card, as well as six 5 ml. tubes (very, very tiny tubes) of the Primatek colors but I wasn't sure where to go next. Your info is invaluable!! Thank you again! You rock. I adore your art, videos, and great practical advice!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You are so very welcome, Lisa! You rock as well!

[@Shenanigan1720]

I really want to pan and cure my own. I love videos like this bc I need all the help I can get!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching!!!

[@JamifranColors]

had to go see what colors i have. Moonglow, ultramarine blue, ultramarine turquoise, Jadeite genuine, Amethyst genuine, Quinacridone rose, Quinacridone coral and Indian yellow. and I love all of them!

[@JamifranColors]

and i can fit six more colors in my pallet so you know i will buying more.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

All wonderful colors!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Haha, I love it when there's space for more colors.

[@Bridgton1]

Not crazy. These are the absolute best for me too! Thanks this is a great video. Love sap green 💕

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks so much for watching! Sap green is great!

[@wulfseig1864]

Beautiful color choices. For beginners I would recommend the 6 color Watercolor Essentials pack. You get a split primary palette for less than 30 bucks. You can create ANY color you need with a split primary. I would also recommend the Primatek set.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks, great tips Jennifer!

[@kylabault8119]

I wasn’t impressed with that set, they were a little too dull. I love saturation so I went with the floral set instead, to begin my DS palette

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

@@kylabault8119 yeah I definitely think the choice is 100% subjective!! Pick what you love and you can’t go wrong!

[@serenityjewel]

Thanks for the video! I bought some of the colors, the palette, and the journal.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Awesome, hope you like them!

[@eleniphotos]

As a colour junkie too, I love love Sodalite Genuine but also love the Lunar Blue & Green Apatite Genuine...I gifted myself with the evolve watercolour from Rockwell- a Canadian co. Much granulation happening too.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Oooh, those all sound great! Thanks for watching, Helene!

[@LadyInTheTree]

I bought an empty 24 palette thinking that would be enough .... less then a year later I need to upgrade because I keep buying colors. I also really want to try different brands besides DS. I love how each branch can use the same pigment or a similar name but the color is different. (I also bought tons of mini magnets to put on my half pans so I can switch around colors on my smaller metal tins)

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Not a bad problem to have, lol!

[@babesmixedmedia]

Fantastic. I want DS watercolors badly. This is awesome video showing the colors and creating the faves palette...my poor husband.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you, Beth! And sorry for your husband, but new art supplies are SO worth it!

[@dianethoroughman9541]

If you have Amazon Prime you can get some Daniel Smith tubes of 15ml for about 13 dollars to about 25 dollars each. You can also get about 3 tubes together on Ebay for 25 dollars. You don't get to choose the colors. Daniel Smith's Anthraquinoid Scarlet has a pigment that is close to being gone and so paints across manufacturers are going to have come up with a new pigment or quit making that color.

[@BackroadsArtStudio]

Beautiful colors. Thanks for sharing.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks for watching!

[@barbistraut5635]

Gorgeous paints and love the romantic background music! It's interesting how we all have different favorite colors.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you, Barbi! It is really interesting how we all gravitate towards different colors.

[@dindinlagdameo6738]

I love your 18-color picks!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you!

[@Senrysa]

this is just what I needed. I bought two small starter sets but I was wondering if you had favs!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Super glad this video was helpful to you, Senrysa!

[@dayoffnow]

I love me some Daniel Smith Watercolors! On my palette: Hansa Yellow Light, Quin Gold, Quin Deep Gold, Quin Red, Quin Rose, PA Crimson, Permanent Green Light, Pthalo Green, Pthalo Blue (green shade), Ultramarine Blue, and my newest additions are Burnt Sienna and Payne's Gray. My primary favorites are the pthalo green and blue, quin rose, and the yellow/golds I mentioned. :)

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@koskey06]

You CAN FIT 6 half pans in those small altoids tins!!! Top middle up and down with 1 sideways on the right and 1 on the left....and all sideways on the bottom row. I put 5 colors plus a tint/ or some shade of black.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Ohh, great! Thanks, I love hearing how people get creative with their organization.

[@sofiam3011]

You are rigth...you want them all!!! Tomorrow I'm going to shop for my Xmas gift from my mum and the gift is Daniel Smith!!! So your video arrived kust in time😁

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Woohoo, happy shopping, Sofia!!!

[@gillinacook1477]

Have a look at a Robax pallet. You will fit all your colours in this one pallet plus more. That’s if you have the room for this pallet of course. They are all over KZbin. 😀

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks for the tip, Gillina!!!

[@kylabault8119]

Okay but which are your top 3?? lol I heard so many recs but couldn’t contemplate your top 3-5 exactly. I think you said a rose, phthalo blue, but then you said something about a turquoise? Are those the 3 to start with?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

I’d go for SAP Green!!

[@carolgehman6036]

Nice video. Just found out that moonglow is a fugitive color. Not a problem if painting in a sketchbook, but not good if you are hanging on a wall or selling your work. 😟. But I sure is beautiful.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks, Carol!

[@glumsulk]

In watercolor its actually rated the highest for lightfastness. In oils, it uses alizarin crimson instead of the anthraquinoid red (or however its spelled) so it is rated a lot lower.

[@carolgehman6036]

@@glumsulk Actually it is fugitive in watercolor according to professional artist Kimberly Crick. Check out her KZbin channel.

[@JacquelineJax]

I actually use the Strathmore long watercolour journals for us watching and they are amazing. Isn’t that Salo blue green just the prettiest colour?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

It's such a gorgeous color, Jacqueline!

[@VanmeterFL]

Very nice video! Thank you!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you so much, Becky! I appreciate that!

[@jennw6809]

I bought a bunch of Daniel Smith paints, filled half pans and immediately discovered I hate half pans. Not big enough for a lot of brushes. I wish I'd gone straight for something like the Mjello palettes you show. Or at least full pans! I love a lot of the colors you chose, but I'm not sure this is the most balanced beginner palette. No bright yellow or red orange? No phthalo green, just a convenience mix instead? No ultramarine or cobalt?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks for watching, Jenn! I appreciate the feedback.

[@Lalaland_lady]

I’m a sucker for beautiful DS watercolors. Thank you for making this video. But when someone is starting out, isn’t it better to buy some mixing colors? Daniel Smith has quite a few in this category, such as quinacradone rose, nickel quin gold, and cobalt teal blue. I am happy that the thalo blue, green stain made your list. It can be diluted down so finely and is awesome for sky. And why be a collector of paint? Why not be a creative who uses pigment and water to express her/himself? I do find all of Daniel Smiths colors intoxicatingly beautiful. BUT, When I die I hope I leave behind some good art, not a $500 box of paint tubes. sending ❤️

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Hey Mary, you definitely make some valid points. And I agree, his colors are gorgeous. These are just suggestions and of course subject to a beginning artist's budget and what they think they will use.

[@donnajasie3875]

What is the name of your swatch book and where is it available? Thanks for your videos and I think you’re a gem.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

It’s called the Fun Fab Swatch Pad! All my books are available on Amazon’s worldwide 🥰

[@yasminart40]

Thank you!!! I saw some of them are 5m"m and some of them 15 . There is a reason for that ?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Sometimes the small one is all that's in stock!

[@etienne7774]

I wonder how many colors are permanent? Moonglow, alizarin crimson, aurelian yellow for example are fugitive.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

If you purchase the sample dot card (Amazon, about $24) it gives you samples of each of the 320+ colors and has the lightfast rating for all of them.

[@elaine4415]

Thanks for sharing my friend😊

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You're so very welcome, Elaine!

[@tinamccann8344]

Do you think the D. Smith water colors are better than Winsor and Newton?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

They’re actually super different. Kinda like comparing apples and oranges! But yes, I do! Winsor and Newton are a top notch fine art watercolor. Best quality! But the unique and natural “from the earth” mineral qualities that are so distinct in Daniel Smiths are something that I just cannot resist!!!

[@tinamccann8344]

@@KarenCampbellArtist Thanks, I think I’ll slowly build up my Daniel Smith colors and thank you for the tips. Basically a couple different yellows, greens, blues, mauve to purple, then the umbers to brown and black , oh and we can’t forget white lol.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

@@tinamccann8344 yes perfect! I aim for tones I truly love!!

[@Horsewoman-pt2ku]

@@tinamccann8344 I have all the window & newton wc's and love them. You can find complete sets on Amazon & Ebay making them cheap per tube. I also have the Daniel Smith and have been buying them one at a time as they don't offer any large sets. They are awesome.

[@janweaver3112]

Very nice video Karen.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Glad you enjoyed it!!!

[@blondelebanese9922]

Thank you so much for this very informative video. I’m getting ready to make a big purchase of DS WCs and I’m too excited to just blindly pick out colors bc I’ve made the mistake of buying tubes of paint that I already owned. Considering that I’m kind of old now, maybe I should only purchase the .5ml tubes bc I’m not sure I’ll be around long enough to use the big ones. Ok not trying to be morbid but I do have a disease with no cure (COPD) and recently got infected with Covid while already having double pneumonia. But moving on, I’m looking forward to getting some new DS paints that will inspire new artwork. Thanks again, Karen. You’ve helped me more than you’ll ever know! 🥰❤️ Annie in Tennessee 💕

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Annie, I hope you are doing so much better! I'm so sorry you got Covid, but I'm glad you're ok!

[@kentperry513]

What is the tin box pallette you are using here?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Hi Kent, thanks for watching! Here you go: Empty watercolor palette amzn.to/3pzhyDr

[@kentperry513]

@@KarenCampbellArtist what about the tin box that holds the half pans?

[@jenr.2998]

New subscriber and I just purchased your book ❤️

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Yay, thank you so very much for your support, Jen!!! I hope you absolutely love it!

[@jenr.2998]

@@KarenCampbellArtist Your very welcome ! 😊

[@Madnessmakes]

All those colors are soooooooo yummy!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

They totally are, Maria!

[@glorioskiola]

I still want them all!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

They are SO GOOD

[@daniellecoulter1879]

I choose mine while I'm at home, and just take a list with me, with one or two alternates, in case they're out of a colour on my list.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Nice!

[@RaeGalloway]

Why would you recommend any of the fading paints to a beginner who had a limited budget?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

There are some pigments that are fugutive regardless of whether they are $1 or $1000. Sad but true! This isn't a video about beginners, its a video for those interested in beginning specifically a Daniel Smith collection :) Sorry if that wasn't made super clear!

[@belindawest3558]

Double sided tape works great

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Great tip, Belinda!

[@jenniferschooley5760]

I am a new subscriber and am enjoying your videos. I have to admit I was pretty surprised that you didn't go with color theory for your top must-have choices. I don't have any of these paints yet, but if given the chance to buy them, I would start with shades of cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and white.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Yeah I hate mixing! I’m a direct from the tube kinda girl!! 🤣

[@jenniferschooley5760]

@@KarenCampbellArtist oh, I get it. I love it. It's like art and science together. 😻

[@patgessner1853]

Wow! I want a Jerry’s Artarama!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You would love it, Pat!!!

[@Bridgton1]

Take the colors you have with you!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Definitely!

[@lindsayjayne2169]

Thankyou, Karen! This was super helpful in narrowing down my rather ᒪᗩᖇGᗴ Daniel Smith list of ..52! Lol😅 Down too (let's say) less than 10❣︎ Great video, I love your energy! 💖

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

So glad it was helpful, Lindsay!!!

[@1tlb0k61]

Maggie is such a sweetiempie!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you so very much, Antoinette!!!

[@jjsmakeupobsession323]

Are the DS Primatek granulated?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Yes!

[@karenjames5063]

Nice store carrying every Daniel Smith.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching, Karen!

[@GabrielStocktonWatercolors]

Have you tried the watercolor sticks?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

I haven’t but I’ve heard they are equally awesome! I can’t afford to hoard both 🤣

[@GabrielStocktonWatercolors]

@@KarenCampbellArtist and the US you can find them for nine dollars to $11 each. The other thing is you don’t use the watercolor sticks as pencils but it’s more like a pan in your hand.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

@@GabrielStocktonWatercolors oh yes! They sell them all at my local Jerrys - finding them is not an issue 🤣🤣 I have to resist them every time I go in there!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

@@GabrielStocktonWatercolors another reason I don’t buy them is that they are used like you said. Which is the same way I use neo colors II’s and I have ALL of those and never use them so I didn’t feel like it’d use the stick form either. Same reason 🤷‍♀️

[@rmbrazz]

Thank you!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You're so welcome, Rachel!!!

[@sandjune2753]

the thing is you need watercolours that are light fast if you are doing paintings to go on your wall. Are these all lightfast, have you tested them ? What colours are good for skin tones ??? Verona Gold and which others. I am struggling on a card at the moment ?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

All the lightfast information is on the cards and tubes themselves, just depends on the color!

[@debsalerno1915]

Is that an Arteza watercolor journal, what are the dimensions please ?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

It’s this one. 11 x 14 Strathmore Hardcover Watercolor Journal amzn.to/36cMPDc

[@beom2676]

ahh i wish you’d mentioned how lightfast each color is :/

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Oh sorry! I will keep that in mind for next time.

[@markdonovan1540]

Stop now! I already have way too many...🤣🤣🤣. They arw not so expensive if you go to the right art suppliers. Don't buy from Amazon! They also go much further, because you don't need to use so much paint to get string pigment. My advise is get a primary set first and learn how to mix your own colours from them. On the the channel Yong Chen, he uses 3 primaries (although they are Winsor & Newton brand) to achieve superb colours, shades and tones.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You bring up great points, Mark! Thanks for watching!

[@koskey06]

Holy addi.......

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

🤣

[@koriefrith7384]

I think Daniel smith has slipped in quality. Moonglow even fades in six months

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Oh gosh, that stinks. I wonder if it has anything to do with the supply chain issues across the world, I can imagine that could have an impact.

[@koriefrith7384]

​@@KarenCampbellArtist Yes it stinks a lot Karen. There are about 20 colours of Daniel smiths fades after 6 months. I won't buy his paints now knowing this. I will find the list I have to share with you if you would like. There is a lady on you tube that does only light fast test on nearly all brands of watercolour. There is even some student grade paints stack up better than the professional too .

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

@@koriefrith7384 well, to be fair, for professional grade watercolors it isn’t a brands fault if a color isn’t lightfast. That’s simply the nature of the mineral s that that pigment is compromised of. Opera Pink will never be lightfast in ANY brand because the natural pigments thay comprise it aren’t lightfast and never will be and there is no chemical that can be added to change that. And seeing that out of 328 colors only 20 aren’t lightfast! That actually seems amazing to me!!!

[@koriefrith7384]

Just do what makes you happy. Pitty there is 4 colours alone in your palette in this video will have trouble. I wouldn't use opera pink if you paid me a million dollars. Most companies are not making it any more for that reason. Good luck with your watercoloring. If you sell your work...don't hide what you use in your work to your customers about the lightfastness though. Take care x Oh and too. ....There is only around 268 colours in Daniels range. A lot have retired unfortunately.

[@pesto12601]

So you never even told us what the first watercolor collection colors SHOULD BE... LOL...

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

But I did, you watched me build it, from scratch!

[@pesto12601]

So, your BEGINNER collection is 18 colors that don't even include a basic yellow but instead includes LAMP BLACK?? I'm so confused....

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Yep. My basic lesson wasn’t to start with these colors exactly, but to start out with colors you love, as you’ll use them way more often! If you want a classic started set, then just purchase one off of Amazon. All the boring basics are always packaged up for you! This is more how to curate a set of personal faves to begin with. It’s just another perspective. You definitely don’t have to agree or like it. But as a student I hate those boring sets!

[@pesto12601]

@@KarenCampbellArtist I disagree .. As a beginner - it is important to learn how to use the basic triads to mix all these convenience colors you included in your set. Lunar blue is nothing more than Phthalo blue and lunar black... with phthalo blue in your palette and a good basic yellow (like hansa yellow) you can easily create an amazing green. Add in Pyrol Red and you have a stunning purple. No need for all these convenience mixes ESPECIALLY for a beginner who is just getting started.. boring basics are created for just that reason... on their own, they are boring... but, mix two or three together in varying strengths and you can create magic.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Definitely!! As a purist you are 100% right. I’m a mixed media fun artist tho and we are a bit crazier than that when it comes to painting with watercolors and everything else! But yep, you are correct!

[@Phandaco]

try to stop using ."like" every sentence. slow down you sound super hyper and difficult to listen to more than 1 minute.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

I will if you promise to stop leaving mean comments to you tubers who bring you free educational content.

[@angelay4213]

It's like telling someone to shut up cause thier annoying but you still want to take thier knowledge as well...entitled much?