I Tried All the Watercolors and These 7 Are the Best!

[@barbarastephens2890]

I was child of a mother who was a professional dress designer and a daddy who was a very talented musician. I so wanted to be an artist but seemed to have missed that gene. At 80 I still want to be an artist, but still can’t draw stick people. But your tutorials give me hope, encouragement, and guidance! Thank you for sharing yourself with us!

[@KristyRice]

You don’t need to draw anything! Just splash color see where it takes you!!

[@LoriF25403]

You need to read The Dot by Peter H Reynolds. You are an artist already

[@sculptor210]

Stick people are overrated anyway. Throw some color around like no one’s looking!

[@lyndawells4507]

I can’t draw either and I was told I couldn’t do watercolor unless I could draw! BS!! Play snd don’t let engine tell you that you are not an artist, cause you are!! I’m 71 and spent most of my life believing that lie. I colored my tulips black in first grade!!

[@Paperscrapper]

I knew a person who could sing, knit and crochet like nobody's business, but they never believed they were creative. I own a hand knit, without a pattern, sweater they made. But, you know, they weren't creative. You are an artist, but drawing is nit yours medium. You will find it.

[@jesstolley7193]

I once heard someone say "Schmincke is really good for their reds, Daniel Smith for their earth colors, and M Graham for their blues". I gotta say, so far I agree! I ADORE my M Graham blues. Intense, gorgeous shades. However, hands down D.S. has my favorite indigo. Schmincke's Purple Magenta is a unique color that I use quite a bit, and Holbein's marine blue is one of my favorite turquoise colors. All this to say... yes, definitely mix up your brands! :D

[@KristyRice]

Oh this is sooooo interesting. So insightful!!!

[@nou257]

it's true! daniel smith wins on the earth tone department especially if you love painting landscapes and cityscapes. schmincke is a lil cheaper so they are definitely great for reds and yellows thats dont need granulation.

[@BeanthePie]

Okklkkkoloookiookkkk

[@kathyhackney7950]

Dude m Graham isn't my favorite overall and imo def not for their blues. Actually my favorite (so far) French ultramarine comes from daniel smith and mt favorite pthalo blue believe it or not is BY FAR white nights HOWEVER, you want a transparent beautiful yellow ochre? M grhahams is my faaaaaavorite

[@exitedaardvark5480]

I love Winsor and Newton for my blues but I don’t think anything matches M. Graham’s Indanthrene blue (PB60)

[@gerade-aus]

Personally, i prefer the grittiness. The granulation adds to anti-reflectivity. I appreciate the opacity and not being distracted by the shine. Just me. (Edit: A very educational video from your lengthy years of experience, thank you for sharing your knowledge and personal preferences. It all helps in our artistic expression.)

[@CeruleanCzarina]

“Classic yet perky” is the PERFECT way to describe Winsor & Newton Professional watercolors which are, hands down, my favorite. They are bright, clean, and layer so beautifully. Pricey in the US but worth every penny. DaVinci are my close second in the favorite category because they are also, bright, clean, and very affordable. Loved this video, and thank you for sharing your favorites!

[@KristyRice]

DaVinci are lovely!

[@realfingertrouble]

Sadly W&N are getting more pricey in the UK here. They used to be enviously cheap here (although now made in China really). Basically in the UK Daniel Smith is like W&N is to you - really nice but not cheap....any US imports are ouch-price atm, or even before....Hence a lot of my paints are European-based companies, with a few South Taiwan and Russian makes thrown in for extra. The US brands look nice but can't afford to buy them in any massive quantity. And we literally cannot get DaVinci here...I have looked, it's not available in the UK at all, never found a seller. Even QoR is available, as is M. Graham if not exactly in the shops - you can get them online even if they aren't cheap - but never found a DaVinci stockist locally. A bit like Renesans, the whole import duty/VAT thing scares me off. It used to be a LOT easier to buy from abroad only a few years ago!

[@nomorejunkiebusiness1286]

I've been using winsor and Newton cottman brand the full four years of painting I have been thinking of upgrading to a professional grade paint and was.thinking about qor after seeing your videos I'm gonna do it and I'm gonna get a dagger brush I think your a.good influence

[@janine5296]

I am German and only know DaVinci as a manufacturer of THE watercolor brushes. Do you maybe have a link for me? I love trying out watercolors that I don't know.

[@irritatedlibrarian9057]

​@@janine5296Da Vinci watercolors is an American brand based in California. I don't know of any retailer outside of the US who sells.them.

[@catzenhouse]

My heart stopped at :18. My late cousin gave me that particular set of English paints when I was in grade school (she was 13 years older than me) in the early 1960's. I cherished that set forever then passed them on, regrettably, to my sister's sons to use at their grandparents' home. I was quite parsimonious with them. Wish I at least had the metal box... I kept it all pristine. Yes, Daniel Smith started out making his own printing inks out of his garage on Nickerson St., north side of Queen Anne Hill, in Seattle in the 1970's. His late lamented main Seattle store (and fabulous catalogs) was pure heaven to visit and take classes from the experts.

[@geslinam9703]

I got caught up in having to own every color, and as someone who has not and probably never will master watercolor, it was just too much. I decided to get the Daniel Smith essentials set, 6 tubes - a warm and cool of each primary, and I am learning all I can about these 6 colors. I have recently added cerulean, a few siennas, and burnt umber, and I just ordered cobalt blue and cobalt turquoise. Thinking about switching out Phthalo blue for Cobalt, I find Phthalo blue to be too bright, too strong, hard to work with. Anyway, limiting my working colors has made a huge difference in my more serious work…though I do love having all the convenience colors for when I am just fooling around.

[@lindafpiotrowski3510]

I took your advice about buying tubes and curing the colors in the little plastic tubs. I love this. Best idea I've learned about. I love you videos. Thanks.

[@KristyRice]

That is awesome!

[@Pinkstarpirate]

Sennelier is a very controlled paint, which is perfect for the thing it does best-- glazing. You do not want a misbehaving paint for glazing purposes. You want one with beautiful transparency that lies down in thin beautiful washes.

[@ladywhiskerfield]

Starting my watercolor journey at age 71 and not knowing a thing about it I managed to choose the Gen Craft set because of all the positive Amazon reviews. Nice to see it was a good choice. Thanks for your wonderfully encouraging videos.

[@KristyRice]

Yes good choice!!

[@mllesheldon]

I think I have watched this video seventeen times. I keep coming back to it as a master reference on how these paints will behave, and what I can expect when trying out new brands. I love it so much.

[@KristyRice]

Wow!!! I love this!!

[@cousinjesse4450]

Thank you for sharing your years of experience and thoughts on these brands. I have been learning to paint for roughly a year and a half so I am just a beginner. I use Daniel Smith and Winsor & Newton plus a brand from the UK Jackman’s. They all seem pretty good smooth and creamy. Being a beginner I do not want to close the door on lesser known brands.

[@KristyRice]

You made good choices!

[@elflordsjourneys]

Vintage watercolor tins, what a cool way to store your paints!!!!!😊

[@christinebravomom5711]

My #1 most favorite thing about Daniel Smith is the 238 color blobs on card stock. You get actual paint of everything they make to play with, not just printed swatches that tell you nothing about how they feel or granulate or blend or ... you get the idea. :)

[@KristyRice]

Yessss!!

[@marijkevv11]

yes love this, gonna try, thanks!😘

[@ktex4873]

Yep! My FAVE

[@Grateful999]

Thank you for your wonderful videos. I’m brand new to watercolour art and I LOVE your approach and message-so freeing! Play and experimentation first…then comes competency and control. Play is the key to a joyful life and you have brought so much joy to the world by freeing us all to play.❤🎉

[@KristyRice]

Thank you so much!

[@kelseywideman5130]

White Nights is one I absolutely love and come back to time and time again. It does not get the love it deserves.

[@penniecormier8770]

Thanks for helping me know more about all the different watercolors I’ve collected and why they work differently.

[@KristyRice]

You’re welcome!

[@medicinemadisonofficial]

I tried the following: Divolo - Italian honey based watercolor, very pigmented, beautiful colors, very wide range. Nila Colori - another Italian watercolor, handmade in the Emilia Romagna region with a focus on historical colors. Beautiful color range and it includes some very special and genuine gemstone, mineral, plant or other historical pigments like Lapis Lazuli, Cochineal, Malachite, Weld, Indigo, Maya Blue, Smalt Blue. Roman Szmal - Polish watercolors with a beautiful pigment variety especially the Aquarius set. Again you can find pigments made of minerals and even gemstones like Malachite and Lapis Lazuli. Rosa Gallery - Ukrainian watercolor, very affordable, with a mild sheen if applied with a minimal amount of water. In the pan they are more sticky than other watercolors but they are never sticky on paper. Very pigmented, beautiful colors, but I would have liked it if they had more color variety. Still, these paints are very nice and quite new so they will probably expand the range in the future. I must also mention I make my own watercolor and these were by far my favorite since most of them have single mineral pigments (gemstones) and zero filler. Making your own watercolor is the way you get to the watercolors of your dreams because you can customise everything. Also I believe Kremer watercolor is worth trying because they have an extraordiinary range of pigments. I haven't tried their watercolor BUT what I did was buy the pigment itself and make some of my watercolor from Kremer pigments and the results were great SO of course I highly recommend trying them.

[@KristyRice]

Awesome!! Thanks for this!! Cheers :)

[@TheRefinedBudget]

How do you make your own watercolor?

[@medicinemadisonofficial]

@@TheRefinedBudget There are two elements to any kind of paint. These are the pigment which provides the color and the binder which helps the pigment adhere to surfaces. To make watercolor paint, you crush the pigment in a mortar and pestle (skip this step if your pigment is already powdered finely, just place it in the mortar) and then you add a small amount of binder in the mortar. You mix the two with the pestle and test, and if it dried properly you are all set, if not, mix in more pigment or more binder. In watercolor paint the binder is water soluble. It is composed of gum arabic solution (Divolo has a good quality one), vegetal glycerin, acacia honey or preferably honey based watercolor medium or granulating watercolor medium (my two mediums are from the Polish brand Renesans), oxgall (mine is Daler Rowney), clove essential oil. You can also buy pre-made watercolor binder (such as the one from Schmincke) or mix your own. There are many recipes, each with its pros and cons. You can find my own recipe on my Instagram @medicine_madison in a reel where I explain how I made my malachite watercolor. When it comes to pigment it is best to use inorganic matter. Certain organic pigments like indigo or hybrids like Maya blue are durable but most organic pigments fade rather quickly in UV light. I used gemstones and minerals, colored stones or rocks I found (transparent or translucent found rocks won't produce great colors so you must look for vividly colored stones, no quartz for example), smalt (a special historical pigment made of cobalt-colored glass) and of course store bought powdered pigments. Kremer Pigmente is an excellent source of pigments and their site also provides safety information on each pigment they sell. Always make sure to research your pigments, stay safe since some pigments like those involving lead, mercury, cobalt and several other substances are extremely toxic and even poisonous, please use a dust mask to avoid breathing the dust. Once you mix the pigment in your binder it is less of a risk but to stay safe keep your mask on until you finish your paint making process, better safe than sorry, also if you use any toxic pigments wash your hands often so your skin doesnt absorb them. Making paint is amazing because you can customize everything to suit your needs. Making watercolor is quite an easy process and it can also save you lots of money in the long run, and in addition to this, you will have acces to higher quality paints compared to commercial ones which are generally mixed with fillers for cost reduction. Pigment is, after all, the most expensive component in any paint, and manufacturers cannot afford to sell paint without fillers at affordable prices. Which is why making your own is so much better. Hope this helps, happy paint making!

[@TheRefinedBudget]

@@medicinemadisonofficial thank you so much for taking the time to explain your process! I’ll definitely look into your method!

[@medicinemadisonofficial]

@@TheRefinedBudget you're very welcome, hope you enjoy working with the paints you will make!

[@annabarry7481]

Just landed in the watercolor world after mom passed away, leaving behind her old wooden art box from the 50's. Tubes are dried up but I learned how to resurrect them. I also LOVE vintage tins and keep my journaling supplies in them. Will BOLO for paint tin! I bought the cheapest watercolor palette and set of brushes I could find just so I could play. I was about to buy a W&N set but I thankfully stumbled onto your video first. Not so fast! is what I'm hearing. Thank you for teaching me a lot in a short time😊

[@audri.michelle]

Recently found your channel! I love my M.Graham paints for landscapes, so vibrant and they move in interesting ways for me. I’ve also collected a bunch of Daniel smith colors that I love for floral pieces 🥰

[@KristyRice]

Welcome welcome!! I seriously need to revisit my M. Graham!

[@theresamcavoy731]

Ditto here. I bought M.Graham first and created a palette that works so well for me whether I do landscapes or florals. Then I chose Daniel Smith colors for a second palette and I'm in heaven. ❤

[@gdstudios-fineartcreations2295]

W&N really is the gold standard, excellent pigment load and dependability. Bright, bold, just excellent paint. Daniel Smith, for me is just behind W&N.

[@ohbli_oh]

You just made me feel okay about my watercolour addiction. Like why not- it’s not a harmful obsession to have. I probably won’t ever use it all but waking up each day and deciding what to paint is like going to an art shop or sweet shop ☺️

[@KristyRice]

I’ll never use it all, but that’s okay!!!

[@nou257]

at least watercolors don't expire!! you can keep using them for more than a decade, especially artist grade paints. worth it.

[@enlightenme_nz]

I totally agree. It’s a new obsession for me - I don’t smoke or drink and the cost of watercolours is much cheaper than either of those addictions!!

[@karenannmcmillan2206]

@@nou257 that’s so true! Watercolors don’t expire. Even if a tube gets a hole in it and dries out you can cut the tube open and still use the pigment/ paint! I’ve had acrylic and oils in tubes that went bad due to a bad crimp or tiny accidental hole in the tube, then it’s just wasted money thrown in the trash!

[@barbararivera2380]

Everyone needs a vice!

[@roden70]

I love the Daniel Smith watercolours. I also enjoy the White Nights paints. They are a Russian honey based brand and very affordable.

[@KristyRice]

I need to dig out my white nights!!

[@joycesnodgrass7068]

My first watercolor paint was Holbein, and I love it!

[@KristyRice]

Now that’s the way to start watercolor!!

[@kimberlycorliss9616]

Thank you for taking us on a tour of your paints! It was nice to see how the different brands lay out.

[@KristyRice]

Glad you enjoyed this!!

[@raydillon4605]

I am in McSherrystown! Love knowing you are close as I learn from you. You have truly inspired this old lady to paint again after many years!

[@KristyRice]

Oh gosh, you are so kind :)

[@ladyhecate9450]

Great review. Due to lessons of one online class of strict botanical painting and whose instructor highly recommends Sennelier watercolor, I have been using that as my main watercolor and have a huge collection. Problem is I put them in pans and when I go to use them, they do not soften too quickly. I have a fine collection of Holbein and a few others due to their beautiful colors. I collect here and there. Suddenly I went back to Winsor Newton and if they do not have the color I am looking for, I go to Daniel Smith and both soften greatly and looks great on paper. So for now, I will use Winsor Newton Professional and when I need to, turn to Daniel Smith. I agree with you. I buy tubes only and then squeeze into pallets.. My pallets are different in that all Blues of WN or Daniel Smith goes in one pallette and so on. I also have my swatches in a three ring binder inside a protected sheet so that I can quickly get a bird's-eye view of each brand on each color on a separate sheet such as Holbein greens go in Holbein section of my binder. Lots of work in the beginning, but it surely comes in handy.

[@KristyRice]

It’s the satisfying work of a collector and enthusiast!! Love!!

[@jerniganswhimsicalart5625]

I started with Arteza to get me through the getting reacquainted phase. Now I'm picking up tubes of WN, Daniel Smith, etc.. I'm not a brand purist so I tend to find colors I love from all of them and mix and match. I just bought my first tin and it came with pans and magnets. Now it's time to build my mixed pallet from heaven.

[@KristyRice]

Oh I’m just like you. Feel like I’m on a lifelong mission to build my perfect cross-brand palette!!

[@drawing.world786]

kzbin.info/door/p5H9IfHtMhirGRZXGX5SIw

[@stephanie.kilgast]

I'm the opposite, more of a mono pigment only palette girl XD I find too many colors overwhelming and distracting ^^ as for brands, Schmincke without a doubt as first, M Graham and Sennelier as seconds.

[@bcoeinmo]

I started with a Wal-Mart set and quickly got frustrated then purchased Mission Gold. Loved those, then tried DS, then WN. I have since bought some M. Graham and schminke. I now have several palettes with mixed brands based on content. I have a beach palette, a landscape palette, a travel palette and I plan to use your palette as my floral palette as soon as I can get my chubby hands on it. Yes, I too have a watercolor addiction.

[@KristyRice]

Hahahah love it!!

[@evakozy6368]

So now you've tried them what would be a go to for someone who can't spend $100

[@bcoeinmo]

@@evakozy6368 I really think each person has there own likes and dislikes. The Mission Gold set I bought on Amazon was only $36 at the time. I really like my M. Graham, Schmincke and Mission Gold because they use honey as their binder and that makes it so easy to rewet and get the paint gushy as Kristy says. I think a lot of it depends on your subject matter too. If you like the more natural looking landscapes. I would suggest a primary Daniel Smith pallette. If you like vibrant florals, Kristy's new palette may be perfect for you. It is very easy to get addicted to just buying supplies. You see something on KZbin and think "I must have that!!"

[@cathysmetana1754]

@@evakozy6368 you’ve probably already made your choice since your question is 5 mos old, but if you’re in the US I’d really recommend DaVinci. You can get 15ml tubes for less than 5ml tubes of W&N or DS, and they’re professional quality. They were my first professional paint and I love them.

[@janine5296]

@@bcoeinmo Don't be angry with me, but I have to contradict you there. Schmincke is not a honey-based watercolor. Mijello Mission Gold and Sennelier use honey as a binder. Schmincke uses gum arabic.

[@denisespillane9242]

Have you used DaVinci paints I love them. I started with Daniel Smith I would love to know what you all think of DaVinci. I also love granulating colors. Thanks for sharing this review I am very new to watercolor and livingthem

[@KristyRice]

DaVinci is fantastic. Amazing quality AND price!

[@amandadolby189]

I LOVE your attitude to art. I am inspired by your joy of experimenting. So many artists are such stiff, self righteous individuals. Thank you for encouraging others in such a warm way to let go of the rules. Its art .... there are NO rules. I could rant on about this for some time and don't get me started on " you can only call yourself an artist if you have a degree" I call BS snobbery for that one. Thanks again for your channel 🥰🥰😘

[@KristyRice]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@jeanlanz2344]

I really appreciate your technical expertise and experience as you demonstrate the brands' qualities. Your descriptions are enlightening and done in an entertaining way. Thank you and God bless you.

[@scottprophoto4300]

Great video!! Love your style. And I like Daniel Smith!

[@dotellabelle]

I totally get it. I have the same problem. Thanks for sharing. Love the tips...and I agree with your tip on squeezing the paint out and letting it cure.

[@jasminlatifa5516]

My two years old is watching with me this video, as soon as she saw you swatching Daniel Smith, she shouted :waaaaw Alwan (meaning colors in Arabic. Love this channel❤️

[@KristyRice]

How sweet is that! :)

[@eriche8870]

You actually won me, i was using the Daniel Smith and thank for you for work to inform people like me. More power and more art!

[@KristyRice]

Awesome!

[@ZsuzsaKarolySmith]

The magnets are a great idea! Thanks for the tip! I'm beginning to develop a bit of an obsession for watercolours too!

[@KristyRice]

Wonderful!

[@TrueLoveX1027]

So much FUN!!! Loved this one! On a personal note, I started with Holbein for about 3 years and switched to Daniel Smith and fell in love with their huge range and number of single pigment colors and with the exception of a couple of Holbein faves like Mineral Violet and Bright Violet, I never looked back! ❤

[@aoutsky]

I adore your collection of tins!! 😍 Completely agree with you squeezing paint in a pan.

[@KristyRice]

Thanks!

[@KMercure]

I don’t own them yet (waiting for my birthday) but I’m about to purchase Mijello Mission Gold paints from South Korea. They are super bright and lose very little colour as they dry. I love rich, deep colour and these are spectacular. I started out with Daniel Smith, but have been using more Winsor Newton. All artist quality and currently very affordable compared to DS or WN. I’m glad I found your channel and I look forward to learning from you! I’m on a quest to print in a loose and fluid style.

[@KristyRice]

Oooh Mission Gold is one of my faves!!

[@sarahsilberman9519]

Love the way you describe these paints! How fun!

[@KristyRice]

Thank you so much!

[@michelel3372]

This made me feel a lot better about my need to continue to buy/try a bunch of different watercolors. Thanks so much for the great reviews. Not sure if someone already mentioned "Beam Watercolors?" I love them!!

[@KristyRice]

I have the Beam “Love” palette so fun!!

[@lindafpiotrowski3510]

I love Beam watercolors, too.

[@ludlow3d]

Great demo. I also really like Holbein. Your thoughts on squeezing tubes into pots is right on the button.

[@salemhailu11-11]

I am so happy I found you. I always struggled with watercolor. But I did a great job on painting Cartesian after watching one of your tutorials this morning. You’re the best!

[@Jay-ql4gp]

I've got a small ten color set of Daniel Smith. It is very nice. That cuddle remark makes a lot of sense!

[@KristyRice]

Very nice!

[@ggrahkat]

I love your channel Kristy! I just discovered it a few days ago and I'm hooked!! I started painting with watercolors a year and a half ago and I love it! I painted with oils and acrylic for 25 years and I haven't touched them since I found watercolor!! I'm saving for Daniel Smith, in the meantime I use Mission Gold and I really like it.😁

[@KristyRice]

Welcome!!

[@carolschedler3832]

I'm 72 and have always been wanted to try watercolor. Am collecting some basic stuff and already experienced the excitement of finding "cheap" watercolor paper. OYE! didn't know it mattered. And yesterday made a quick list of supplies as someone demanded a Christmas list. I landed on Windsor &Newton Professional (tubes) (based on Amazon reviews) and selected a 12 pack. I'm so excited, Thanks for this video. Even others' comments are helpful. I really want to paint that red barn across the street!

[@heartchitect1960]

Yes, I love that you have a compare and contrast opinion for them all and pleasantly surprised, there isn't one that is right or wrong. I'm like a Pokémon collector, I want to collect them ALL ! ❤️😇💝

[@KristyRice]

Yesss

[@sofiasamayoa5152]

Hi Kristy, thanks a lot for all you share with you. Where do you usually get your vintage watercolor tins? Thanks :)

[@KristyRice]

Etsy and Ebay

[@AuntieEm44]

I just received Qor paints. They came in a tin with latches and have 36 regular colors....9 uh...sparkle colors and 6 would you believe NEON colors. I haven't started using them yet, but I'm interested in how they will be. I got my start at the local senior center when the teacher quit and gave me a huge box of mixed tubes. To me it's worth a fortune all those tubes and me with my boxed sets. Love your enthusiasm and work don't go off KZbin...ever....chefs kiss .....mwaaah!💋❤❤much love, Auntie Em

[@isabelle.9]

This is the most useful and informative video of this kind I have ever come across

[@TMPbooks]

I’m exploring my first professional paints, so I was thrilled to see you comparisons. I just played with a Holbein sample card last night. I particularly loved their Perm Yellow Orange, but found the Ultramarine Deep to be especially grainy. I’m leaning toward WN or MissionGold at the moment. I’m enjoying your channel.

[@KristyRice]

Oh man that’s a rough choice, they’re sooo different but equally enticing and worthy of excitement!!

[@pumpkinguts5288]

I'm a novice to water colour but this is by far one of the most useful and informative videos I've come across, you manage to break everything down so clearly while still being technical and giving an insightful review! Thank you 😊

[@KristyRice]

You're so welcome!

[@conkrotwife]

When I first started learning to paint I had a little set of Cottman watercolors and I painted a lot of things with those. My first love is always Windsor and newton the professional series but I also really in love with the kuretake gansai and recently the Japanese color the Sumi Black, Boko-undo colors

[@KristyRice]

W&N my first love too, perfect way to describe them!!

[@UJB123]

Boko Undu set is awesome!

[@ArtsyAly94]

I’m glad I’m not the only one collecting watercolors. I’m not sure if my personal favorite brand is professional or student but I love love love beam watercolors I love what the company stands for what they mean for the environment and love the quality

[@evelynr7174]

So glad I found your channel, I’m a newbie watercolor learner and I love your style, you make it so fun and easy! I’m going to try some of your techniques today! Thank you kristy

[@KristyRice]

Oh yes please try and let me know how it goes!

[@jeanieferretti4203]

I like the granulation and bleeding into the other paints ❤ Thank you ❤ This is great for me, still learning how to watercolor ❤

[@lauriebochner6936]

In the studio I like Qor (the high chroma set) Sennelier and DS. I do a lot of en plein air painting and like the WN for that since I take a very limited pallette and they hold up well in all kinds of weather and travel conditions. Also just got some White Nights but haven't tried them yet. Each brand has it's own personality!

[@marshahostetler]

For my birthday coming up my husband bought me Rembrant Watercolor and for Christmas I was able to pick out all the colors for 57 full pan set of Roma Szmal Watercolor so I am like you. I also have all the top sets one of my favorite is Sennelier Watercolor they are a dream to use. I also just got Regina’s watercolor palette which is fun to us I am using it exclusively right now. So I so understand all the watercolor sets! Love and Light to you

[@KristyRice]

That is awesome! Thank you!

[@mayaws7339]

I have been using QoR watercolor and really like them! I like the intensity of the colors.

[@sfoss9470]

I just had to tell you, I ordered your large pallet on Amazon. It was packaged beautifully and it’s such a lovely special way to store and use my best paints. So happy with it and it would be such a beautiful gift for an artist. Thanks for such a pretty pallet.❤

[@KristyRice]

Wow, thank you!

[@jenniferwharton6696]

Yes I love collecting watercolors as well! And I just started picking up the Daniel Smith watercolor sticks which I don't think are being produced too much now. They are incredible! I didn't realize that they were even more concentrated than the tube paints and rewet so easily. 💖 Gotta have em all! Lol

[@KristyRice]

Oooh I need to get me some!!

[@jenniferwharton6696]

@@KristyRice I just got mine from Jerry's arterama. The prices were pretty good but they are still expensive

[@mmallow6481]

You mentioned that you can commingle colors from different brands. Have you mixed student watercolors with professional? I heard that is not a good idea? I have read it can sometimes happen when mixing too many different pigments (So let’s say you mix 2 tubes, but each one has 2 pigments in it). So if you do mix different brands it’s best to use single pigment tubes? Thanks for a great video! (I have had issues mixing QoR with other brands)

[@KristyRice]

Oh I mix brands and never worry about how many pigments I’m blending at any given time. If something falls flat and I suspect it was the combo of paint I try to make note and avoid that combo. But honestly I really don’t give it much more thought than that :)

[@mmallow6481]

@@KristyRice Thank you for the reply. I am a newbie and trying to learn.

[@sherrylee6719]

I love the bright colors of QOR since I first learned on it, especially quin magenta, but sometimes I have a hard time controlling them. Daniel Smith is probably my fav with WN being a close second/third. I love certain colors from many different brands and I don't have any problem creating a master palette with my favs. I can't live without DS's lavender, green gold, quin gold....oh there are so many DS colors that I love. I also love Indigo from Sennelier, and I'm in love with Mother Violet from DaVinci . I am looking forward to trying Renasance, but I'm on a strict art supply spending freeze. :)

[@KristyRice]

Ohhhh I need to try that DaVinci one!!

[@oldmtmama]

Hi Kristy, great video. Have you tried M. Graham? I’d like your opinion please.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Okay, I hit the Like button immediately when you showed your collection of watercolor palettes. I sometimes feel bad (yet oh so glad at the same time, lol) when I show my watercolor class all the palettes I own, but I just love them so much. I would love to get more vintage tins like you have; they're my absolute favorite. I think I may look around a bit and see what I can find. So glad you collect like I do. Whew! If I was forced to choose right at this moment today, QoR would be my favorite brand, followed by Roman Szmal. As I have a new brand of paint headed my way soon, that may change at any moment, LOL!

[@KristyRice]

Ooh never feel bad!! Do the shoe and bag collectors feel bad? No they’re proud!! And excited! As we all should be!! Okay that’s it, buying some Roman S pigments today… I’ve only heard the name like 50 times in the last week!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

@@KristyRice oh good, I can't wait to see them on your channel. More watercolors! Yea!

[@elaineremains]

i just ordered a schmincke floral set based on your review and 'if you like surprises'.... today i'm a little worried and think i should have gone for DS or W&N... but i do want to do 'loose' type work, so should be ok :) thanks for your wonderful video!

[@KristyRice]

I think you’ll love!!

[@gameon2000]

I love my 40 y.o. Schmincke Artist soft pastel chalks wooden set. It was ungodly expensive even back then and they are godly to this day.

[@a.humphries8678]

Oh, no! I'm about to binge buy!!! Love mission gold and the few DS I've used. I want all of these. :)

[@kiwimiwi5452]

I bought myself the 48 pan Schmincke Horadam set when I was 14, yes, 14!! Impusle decision, but I wouldn't change a thing. I since dipped into many brands with my favourite being my QoR 12 5ml tube introductory set, mainly three of their colors. If I had to pick what to use for the rest of my life, I'd be just fine with a selection of 4 of them. But through everything, my Schmincke palette has always been my comfort palette. When I think about the brand and my paints I get a warm, fuzzy feeling of familiarity and comfort. I know that I can trust the paints in their quality and the way they behave, I have access to a wide variety of colors and I have expanded my collection of their paints over the past 3 years, adding granulating paints, the 5 neon specials and little nic nacs here and there. In the future I'd just like to try out more Daniel Smiths (I own just a singular tube), M. Graham, Holbein, da Vinci, Mijello Mission Gold, all the good stuff. Love to mix my brands and see them interact (especially interesting with my Sennelier ones since they contain honey and have a different feel to them) Just gorgeous! Painting with watercolors on my beloved Arches paper makes me feel like I'm accomplishing the ultimate purpose of my existance!

[@janine5296]

I love what you wrote. 💕 I also started Schmincke because that is the main recommendation here in Germany. If you love honey-based paints (me too, by the way) then you have to try Mijello Mission Gold. Like Sennelier, they are also honey-based.

[@DebbiePereiraArt]

I also started with the 48 Schmincke and also bought the 40 Schmincke granulating set. Really love the quality

[@dianefrazier6704]

Love the way you swatched the W&N!

[@KristyRice]

Thanks!

[@Oceans1974]

I have Daniel Smith and Holbein and I love them. I also have a few Shinhan PWC and I was pleasantly surprised as well. However I will always go for Holbein and DS first.

[@KristyRice]

I’m right there with ya!!

[@nancynursenancyelainepeter89]

I am just starting. I have a small set of paints that are not from the tubes. I am not sure now if I should purchase the tubes. I would guess it is a matter of preference. I think I would like to start out trying the Daniel Smith.

[@KristyRice]

I’m a fan of make my own half pans from tubes :)

[@mentalmadness5402]

I use Old Holland, DS, W&N and M. Graham.... I can't choose a favorite!!! They are all so different! Loved your video. It was fun to hear your thoughts on each brand. Love it!

[@KristyRice]

Thanks for watching!! XO

[@barbarasalmi3103]

Loved your video!! My personal favorite is Daniel Smith. So many colors, so many options, i.e. granulation permatec, iridescent for example. Love them all!

[@KristyRice]

Thank you!!!

[@monkeyfrogsprinkles]

M. Graham is my favorite but I have been branching out. I've got quite a few of Daniel Smith and just a few Winsor and Newton Professional. I'm a lover of color and I always want more!! Thanks for the video! I definitely want to pick up some Qor and maybe some Holbein! My first ever palette was of the Winsor and Newton Cotman and man when I tried M Graham my world changed.

[@KristyRice]

Oh those both would be awesome next steps!

[@bobbiegraham7729]

M Graham started me on my self taught watercolor journey, and I still love them. They have pulled me out of some bad places by being so forgiving. I'm going to do a "master" swatch poster and swatch every example of the color in each brand I own. It'll be pretty regardless. This is a great video! Unabashed joy in each, enthusiasm for just existing, best pep talk ever. Just paint! ❤🎨

[@coletteernst7763]

thanks for this great video. Love your enthusiasm. I am a Daniel Smith fan, but have experimented with QoR, and Paul Rubens which have some neat granulating and duo coloured options. Have you ever looked into Beam Paints?

[@KristyRice]

I adore Beam paints! I actually offer them in my shop at kristyrice.com🥰

[@PlumFiggy]

Thank you for doing this video! You have answered so many questions I've had about the different brands for a while now. 💕

[@KristyRice]

Oh yay! I’m so glad!

[@anna-faycreations9509]

I started not too long ago to dabble with watercolor. Started with a very very cheap one that dried op chalky. Now using the Royal Talens Van Gogh pocket sets. Love them. No idea if they are good if a pro paints with them, but they make me happy.

[@KristyRice]

Oh those are highly pigmented, very nice!!

[@louiez.9748]

I really love Sennelier watercolor.

[@Megzamani]

Thank you very much. I need to try some of the ones you spoke of soon.

[@rosawolke2788]

I love these videos about watercolor brands 💕, however I’m a bit puzzled why Daniel Smith always gets these high ratings. In Europe these colors are way too expensive and at least the ones I tested appeared kinda grayish. My experience with QoR was similar. I got best results with a combination of mostly W&N and Schmincke. Also I experienced that paintings looked more coherent/harmonious when fewer colors were used and mixtures were only produced from this reduced color set.

[@KristyRice]

I’m obsessed with Schmincke !! I’m nearing 150 colors-so good!!

[@rosawolke2788]

@@KristyRice Thank you so much for your reply & for your video 💞This was inspiring - I actually got my paints out today (which I hadn’t touched in a year). Also I maybe was a bit harsh on DS & Qor, it really depends on which specific colors you try.

[@marthajacobo3519]

I'm a newbie watercolor enthusiast and I'm going to start with Daniel Smith & Windsor Newton, I had a Sakura Koi pallet never used and it may be for the hobbiest but the colors are pretty good. I'm at the beginning of this journey. Great video!

[@k-do6210]

Enjoyed this video! I'm just learning and love playing with color. I bought a set of 24 W&N tubes. I also bought a set of Mungyo (48 half pans). The colors are so much more vibrant, which I love, but am having difficulty controlling. I love your Holbein pallet! That may be my next purchase...it truly is addicting! Would you share the brand of your magnetic pans for customizing?

[@KristyRice]

Yay!! So I find vintage watercolor tins on Etsy and eBay. I then purchase very small magnets on Amazon plus plastic half pans. I pop the magnets inside the half pans and then squeeze the paint on top of them. This process allows me to turn pretty much any tin into a watercolor palette!

[@ladyhecate9450]

I have Mungyo watercolor as well. They get a shine to them if too many layers and have read that Japan or even China's paint are created for Eastern ways of painting than Western.

[@k-do6210]

@@ladyhecate9450 I have noticed that as well. I love how vibrant the colors are, and am learning to work with more water 😊

[@materialgirl338]

Hi my fellow artists can u show me were you get the plastic cube to put your paints in and do you review water paper I need practice paper and just want to fool around with it. Thk you

[@jenneke9763]

Like many of the other commenters, I have tubes from Daniel smith, winsor & Newton, Lukas, Van Gogh, m.graham, Holbein, sennelier, and Qor…but my all time favorite is DaVinci! Not given a mention here, but it’s great acting, reliable and a cost effective professional brand! Got to agree with you about squeezing tube paints into palettes as the best way to use the paint; in that way, I’m somewhat disappointed with my 12 pan DS colors of inspiration set. The amount in each seems so puny! What you spoke of and demonstrated with all your palettes though is the most important thing…enjoy them…use them!

[@KristyRice]

DaVinci is fantastic… this won’t be my last video on this topic!

[@So_salty]

Holbein looks so soft and pastel. Maybe those are the colors you chose? I love it!

[@karriedavis]

I started with White Nights pallet, they are honey based Russian brand. I've bought 2 of them now. DS is my go to, never fail AND plays so well with White Nights. I've never used anything else. This has made me wanna give some others a go.

[@KristyRice]

Be careful coming over to the dark side! Lol!

[@jillianbaer2667]

This was very helpful, thank you! I do a TON of research before buying because my budget is so limited, and this was very informative. I really like your swatching too.

[@KristyRice]

You are so welcome!

[@marlenejones6266]

I only have the watercolor sticks from DS. I did get moonglow in a tube tho. These colors blow your mind. So full of color. I watched these colors blending and flowing into one another here. Makes me feel all squishy inside. I'm sorry I shouldn't speak so intimately here but that's what happens to me with DS. Love your video. So spot on and your adjectives made me smile so much. Oh I'm almost 73 and started this crazy ride into color at beginning of pandemic. I began with mission gold...I like those a ton. They are bright and very transparent. Then I got Paul Ruben....like those too. Then my favorite next to DS is Van Gogh. Not any of what you have but I do need some of those sennelier and some shminke? Not until next social security check...I spend extra money on watercolor supplies, not food or household crap. Paper paints and brushes. Oh I wanna try those Holbein soon before the others. My husband will not be happy. Who needs a happy spouse. He's boring. Sits in his chair watching videos n playing slot games...what the hell fun is there in those games? They are for brain dead, sorry if I offend anyone here but that's my opinion.

[@KristyRice]

Hahaha I love this!!! You get your paints!!!

[@soupguru1]

Oh my, I sure can relate. I started watercolor in late 2020 at age 74, thank you Covid isolation to avoid getting it. Began with 3 tubes of WNC, ShinHan 30 Tube set and CansonXL paper. Well, I now use mostly DS interspersed with some Renesans, WN, M Graham,etc, etc, etc., mostly Arches cotton paper, have too many brushes! More than a life time of supplied, but who cares. Never dreamt that I might have any painting talent. Have progressed tremendously and love continuing to challenge myself and learn. And always adding to my collection of supplies and paintings. I also tend to be a convenience gal with colors though I do enjoy mixing too.

[@mangalaoak2738]

Wow!! Gives me hope as I am restarting at 67.....

[@eagrinstead1]

I wish I could find someone to split a set of sticks with me. Careful with moonglow. It fades quickly. You can mix your own with 3 colors and it's stable. There are videos on YT giving instruction. You sure didn't offend me. I love your spunk & spirit!!!

[@cindylouwhobohl6983]

I love Daniel Smith watercolors. I do have a lot also of Winsor Newton and a set of QOR. I love to collect watercolors too! Dick Blick has a discount warehouse attached to their store in Galesburg, Illinois and I love to go in there and find tubes of watercolor paint for just a few dollars. Great way to try different brands of paint.I have also gotten some nice brushes in their discount warehouse at great prices. I think it’s mainly art supplies people have returned for one reason or an other. Enjoyed your video.

[@KristyRice]

Omg a discount art supply warehouse???? I need to get on a plane, lol!!

[@cindylouwhobohl6983]

@@KristyRice you would go crazy! It’s wonderful.

[@mothymandibles]

OMG! I’m SO HAPPY this video popped into my feed! It was so fun!!!! I was a little panicked initially because I’m a new watercolor hoarder. I started with just 17 Windsor & Newton colors and recently splurged on a bunch of Daniel Smith….was relieved when I saw your swatching …..BUT NOW I NEED the Schmincke colors because I crave the unpredictable!!!!!😆😆😆 THANK YOU!🎨🤡💸

[@KristyRice]

Welcome to the dark side! 😂😂😘

[@ΔεαΚ]

it gave me anxiety so idk bout u

[@karenburns4106]

Try shinhan too. Lol

[@RainzzSplash]

dissecting this video for my English class and I'm very glad I chose you as an example despite not having been previously aware of your channel, a great video!

[@KristyRice]

Excellent!

[@victoriaconto8231]

i absolutely love Qor! They are my main brand and I think they will always be in my top favorites. Theres just nothing like them. I agree about the color range as I too like convenience colors but they are so vibrant and pretty that any color you mix ends up being gorgeous even when it would normally come out as mud its still beautiful with these paints. I love their unpredictability when theyre super wet and that amazig flow you wont get anywhere else but then when you take your time they are super predictable and do exactly what you ask of them. I dont think you could find another brand thats as versatile as Qor except maybe schmincke but im not too familiar with them yet

[@KristyRice]

Did you see a few others commenting about the pushy-ness of QoR? I was fascinated-how they really show off when you use them alongside other brands… I’m going to be experimenting with my QoR’s again this week!

[@MaineLiving]

During the Daniel Simth section, around the 9:53 mark, you started swatching an ivory color. Can you tell me the name of that color please? Thank you! I enjoy watching your swatch videos.

[@KristyRice]

Buff Titanium! One of my all time faves?

[@MaineLiving]

@@KristyRice Thank you, Kristy!

[@MaineLiving]

@@KristyRice I see that Daniel Smith has the Buff Titanium as a ground color as well. I have never used the ground colors, but I think it is pretty cool that it makes it so that you can use watercolor paints on any kind of surface. I will have to check your videos to see if you have reviewed that product yet.

[@MaineLiving]

Well, I watched three different videos on using the Daniel Smith grounds and Emma Jane Letebvre did the best video, in my opinion. She painted on tree rounds. Pretty cool!

[@Nickabod79]

QoR is really fun when you let them play with other brands. They really explode like crazy with Dan Smith. And they make my White Nights come to life when they don't want to travel across the page.

[@KristyRice]

Oooh fun, love this suggestion!!!

[@bonnietoney4200]

As I'm watching on my phone, because the power is out due to hurricane Ian, I'm so thankful to have you. You are calming and happily distracting me from the storm. Plus, I am a newby.

[@KristyRice]

Well I’m happy for that! Guess what? I’m stuck at Disney riding out this storm!! Small world. Praying for your continued safety!

[@bonnietoney4200]

And you as well. Was this your first (and hopefully last) hurricane? Hope you can stretch out your vacation.

[@lucyfielle]

Schmincke Akademie had been available for a really long time. In fact it was the first watercolour set I actually properly tried (about... 13? years ago) and I still love them dearly. Since then I tried W&N Cotman, DS, Koi, Van Gogh and even the Schminke Horadam and the supergranulating ones and I must say... somehow I still gravitate towards my Akademie set XD Would love to try M Graham, Mission gold , QoR and Holbein but they are just so expensive and/or hard to find in Europe.... I haven't tried the Sennelier watercolours but their half pastels are gorgeous!

[@KristyRice]

I’ve had the same Schmincke palette for years so had no idea! The icy palette I found out is what’s new, a limited edition I believe :)

[@WilmaVoermans]

QoR and Mission Gold : Gerstaecker germany

[@SareBekkah]

I love Winsor Newton & Daniel Smith as my favorites. I also really love mission gold.

[@ichirofakename]

Sad to see you eliminated my favorite brand, M. Graham. But to each their own. And I admit loving two particular Daniel Smith colors. Moonglow and Buff Titanium.

[@KristyRice]

Def didn’t eliminate, just didn’t include in the comparison :)