Rating ALL of My Travel Watercolor PALETTES (the BEST and WORST)

In today's video I'll review and rate ALL of my travel watercolour palettes. I'll look at how portable each one is (looking at the dimensions and weight) as well as the good and the bad features of each (the number and quality of mixing wells, ability to connect to a travel easel, how many colours it can hold, etc). If you love one of the ones I have criticised let me know in the comments what you like about it and maybe you can change my mind. :)
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My Ultimate Tiny Palette Review: • ULTIMATE TINY PALETTE ...
Art Toolkit Palettes Setup & Review: • NEW Art Supplies you N...
Filling the Etchr Mini Palette: • Filling the ETCHR MINI...
Travel Watercolour Supplies: • ART SUPPPLIES FOR TRAV...
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Where to purchase the palettes in this video:
•Art Toolkit Palettes (US)
arttoolkit.com...
Enter the code LESLIE10 at checkout and I will get a small commission (it does not cost you anything).
Art Toolkit Palettes (U.K.)
www.rosemaryan...
Enter the code LESLIESTROZ24 at checkout and I will get a small commission (it does not cost you anything).
•Natsume Handmade Palettes: (Keep Calm & Watercolor Palette & Honeycomb Palette): www.etsy.com/u...
•Peg&Awl Tilda Palette: pegandawlbuilt...
•Cass Art Professional Quarter Pan Palette: www.cassart.co...
•Cornelissen Empty Enamelled Boxes: www.cornelisse...
•Schmincke Travel Box (US): a.co/d/03Hwl9S2
•Schmincke Watercolour Palette (US): a.co/d/0g8uQ0yF
•Schmincke Watercolour Palette (UK/EU): amzn.eu/d/0jlm...
•Winsor& Newton Pocket Box (US): a.co/d/0g8uQ0yF
•Winsor&Newton Pocket Box (UK/EU): a.co/d/0g8uQ0yF
•Winsor&Newton Field Box (US): a.co/d/0g8uQ0yF
•Winsor&Newton Field Box (UK/EU): amzn.eu/d/0feq...
•Pink Watercolour Tin (US): a.co/d/0eUSVXcF
•Meeden Watercolour Tin (UK/EU): amzn.eu/d/05fu...
•Portable Painter Micro (US): a.co/d/02PpYNcw
•Portable Painter Micro (UK/EU): a.co/d/02PpYNcw
•Etchr Mini (US): a.co/d/02PpYNcw
•Etchr Mini (UK/EU): amzn.eu/d/0iqd...
•GoDraw 15 well: en.pinkoi.com/...
•Whiskey Painters Scottie (US): a.co/d/09Exd0mQ
•Whiskey Painters Scottie (white): store.whiskeyp...
•••••••••••••••••••
Let's Connect!
•Website & Shop: lesliestroz.com
•Tiktok: tiktok/@lastroz
•Instagram: / lesliestroz
•Facebook: / lesliestrozart
•Patreon: / lesliestrozart
Thanks for visiting my channel!

[@ligli500]

A note in favour of the Meeden "chunky metal" palette over the Schminke and Winsor & Newton: the metal flap with the multiple ink wells may not fold all the way down to the table, BUT Meeden have thought to roll the metal around the edge so that it will be less likely to cut you. Meanwhile the Schminke and W&N palettes have a raw metal edge, and I know someone who has accidentally cut themselves quite badly on it.

[@UJB123]

Yep. Whoever is making those metal pallets for Schmincke, those edges are like razor blades.

[@pibarrante6901]

Thank you for heads up on schminke edges. Theyre a bit $, and im clutzy.

[@mechadebzilla]

I do love my old Meeden palette. The flap could be bent (carefully) to sit lower. I did that with one of mine. I also recommend a little tacky back on the underside of each pan and also under the main tray that holds the pans. Keeps everything from rattling around.

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

I really like the classic chunky tin palettes. Meeden does make a really nice one. I’ve got a large one that I put my Daniel Smith paints in. My small and large Rosa Gallery metal palettes are nice too. They are very well made.

[@Siiiiiiiiiiiiiigh]

Maybe the blood is like a bonus color.

[@fathimashares]

I really wanted the Winsor & newton field box but it was around £40. So, after doing some research I recently bought the new Winsor & Newton cotman pallet with the water brush but I took the water brush out and used my cat nail clippers to cut 5 different wooden brushes which all fit in perfectly. As for water I recycled an ordinary skin care dropper bottle which has a pipet so I can control the amount of water I need. I use a recycled elastic band to keep my a6 sketchbook, the paint pallet, dropper bottle, small mechanical pencil and a binder clip all together which fits perfectly in the palm of my hand!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

This was such an enjoyable video! My most often used palette for traveling is the portable painter classic with the additional slim pans. I dont want for anything when using that. But, i also enjoy collecting mini tra el palettes so it was fun to watch this. It goes to show that there is a lid for every pot (or palette for every artist 😂) and this video will help others.

[@LeslieStroz]

Thanks, Lindsay! I just got the OG Portable Palette today (found it on sale!) and I think I’m going to like it, in spite of all my snarky comments about plastic palettes. The Art Toolkits are so fab for travel. It’s always fun to see different options. I remember when that Winsor and Newton Field Box and the Whiskey Painters were the only “fancy” ones I knew about. 😊

[@dvmulligan]

Fascinating to see such a wide array of palettes and a good reminder of just how subjective it is to find supplies that suit your life. I use the Meedan "chunky" palette and have been using it for nearly two years for ALL of my local urban sketching as well as travel by both car and plane, bus and train, for hiking trips. You name it. I took out the inside tray and used double stick tape to add in my pans. Mine holds 21 half pans at a total weight of 131 grams, so not very heavy, and the flopped part of the palette has never bothered me at all. I am a committed carry-on only traveler and I have never once thought the palette took up too much room in my bag or was too heavy, but maybe that's because I never felt I could justify the high price of the Art Toolkit set up. Also, I'd be refilling those teeny shallow Art Toolkit pans way too often. On a long trip I think I'd be running out of colors, but I suppose if you do mostly line and wash it would be ok. The big thing here is cost! Those Whiskey Painter all-in-ones cost over $150! Yikes. Maybe when the Meedan one breaks (and I don't think the hinge will last forever, that's for sure), I'll spring for a fancier, thinner, cheaper one, but honestly, after a point, it's sort of splitting hairs on weight. 130 grams is pretty darn light when you get right down to it.

[@ladyhollman9534]

Yeah, ridiculous price.

[@gwenanderson1914]

I love the art toolkit palettes. I took them in my hand luggage for my 14day trip overseas and have used them for many camping trips or just sitting out in my back garden. Thanks for all the information you provided.

[@smgundlach]

Have a couple sizes, and the credit card version is my packable favorite!

[@LeslieStroz]

Yes, I love them so much too! They have been a real game changer for the travelling artist. 😊

[@carolinalaudon413]

I have hade issues with the magnetic rubber in the bottom. I am a messy painter, så my paint gets between the pans and the magnetic rubber and I can not get the pans off. When I was desperate I actually tore the magnetic rubber and I just bought new rubber, so hopefully I can replace it. Either way, I travel a lot with my paint and I would never take any other palette than the Art ToolKit.

[@mgeiser6951]

I bought the Winsor & Newton Cotman travel set and swapped out the Cotman pans for my favourite W&N professional pans and put a couple of ultra thin metal self stick tabs on the bottom to magnetise it - works a treat, and also my travel size 6 brush fits a treat! Not many slim palettes can store a brush, which is why I like this one so much. Very much enjoying your comparisons

[@LeslieStroz]

Great idea! As far as the chunky palettes go, it’s surprisingly portable and lighter than the others. I’ll always have a soft spot for that palette. 😊

[@pennycandyys]

That’s a good idea, I have one in a different shape, and even though it’s plastic, I still like it. But those darn little plastic pans don’t want to stay in properly, or the paint inside of them. I should see what I can MacGuyver.

[@cornishmama]

I did the same, managed to squeeze in a couple of extra colours too.

[@eileencollins3126]

I like to "travel" to the backyard to paint when possible, and also go into town to sit by the water and see the ferry boats, water and mountains. I have several of the palettes you have featured, and find your analysis interesting. I have an Art Toolkit and do like it for the compactness. It fits nicely into my art kit for "traveling"! Thanks for a great video. I am now a new subscriber.

[@stacyjens8256]

The timing of finding this .. I want a new travel palette.. something that I can tote around. The Art Toolkit looks like the winner to me!

[@dogstoryteller]

Yes would really enjoy a long video on travel setup and boxes…

[@lorenknowles1521]

I bought the Fraiser Price brass palette because it is so beautiful. It is definitely bulky and not practical for travel, but it’s functionality is very nice. The Windsor Newton you gave a coal is a redesign of the FP. I also have the Portable Painter original that is my go to for my urban sketchers kit. It fits into my 10x7x2” shoulder bag. I throw in a whiskey flask for water. Along with a few travel brushes, fine liners, mechanical pencil, and a cotton watercolor sketchbook, it is self contained and easy to carry.

[@moma-b]

39:49 _"the tiniest brush in the world that you're probably never going to actually practically use with this palette but it is nice that it's included"_ 🤣👌 So true. I ordered TWO W&N palettes for that brush! "So small and so nice to have". Never used them. Not even once. But carry them with me everywhere all around the world. 🤣

[@hannahthufvesson]

I love this! 😂

[@stellamaris9634]

I paint very small things and the brushes are actually quite nice for that😊

[@C0raBr0wn]

I use Meeden watercolor tins for travel, and have been very happy with them. I replace the metal insert with foam core, which makes it lighter, and gives room for an extra row of pans. For the big cost savings, I can ignore a little writing in the corner of the main mixing surface. Yes, I would rather have an Art Toolkit Folio palette, but it will be $50 instead of $17 ($10 for the palette, and $7 for a bag of extra empty pans.) Your video helped me decide to upgrade to an Art Toolkit palette for my next trip, but I think many cost-conscious artists would rather spend the extra dollars on a good brush or a few tubes of paint.

[@LeslieStroz]

I like to make videos like this one to help people make decisions because art supplies are soo expensive and online stores can only tell you so much. 😊

[@mechadebzilla]

You replaced the metal tray with foam core?! I must try this! The Meeden palette is great but there are variations in quality. I got a great one. Highly recommend!

[@C0raBr0wn]

@@mechadebzilla Seal the edges of the foam core with washi tape and add a little ribbon of doubled up washi tape on one end to make it easy to lift the foam core out of the palette. I use a little bit of poster putty to attach the pans of paint to the foam core.

[@zenlife1200]

I loved this comparison Leslie. Travel palettes are so much fun. I seem to have different tastes to you and quite a few of the other commentors on here but that just adds to the fun. I'm not a fan of metal palettes for travel purely because they don't always get a chance to dry out properly and so they tend to rust. So my metal palettes are used as storage (52 pan) or as a studio palette (12-20 pans). My first palette was the Cotman one you showed, and I loved it so much I bought a second one. I find it really handy to be able to change out colors by swapping pans out of my storage palette into my desk or travel ones. I bought a portable painter micro palette for an extremely limited travel palette and loved it so much I bought a second one and the extension pans. I could have up to 16 colors in one now but mostly use between 5 and 8 in my two micros. One is set up for urban/flowers and the other landscapes/seascapes so they're both very different color wise. The water tray has a hole in the end so I attached a small key loop and can attach either a carabiner or lanyard to them if I want. I also stuck a magnetic tape strip on the bottom for use on my board if I want. I haven't tried a wooden palette, they don't really appeal to me and I've noticed the cheaper ones don't always have a resin seal in the paint wells, which I think they should. I think the main reason they don't appeal is that you're stuck with whatever colors you put in them until they are used up. The micro pans are a different size to the normal ones but once you own a few you can still easily switch colors around on a whim or to suit your destination. The art toolkit would appeal to me more than a wooden palette for the same reason. If the Winsor and Newton palette with the water bottle had been slightly longer it would have tempted me to buy it. I'd have pulled out the water bottle, (I always carry drinking water anyway) and stored a small travel brush, pen, pencil and eraser in there instead for a complete sketching kit. Unfortunately it's a little too short, bummer.

[@LeslieStroz]

You have many great points and ideas here; thanks for sharing! I hear you about rust. I’m always really good about opening my palettes to dry when I get home, but I don’t think many people are. I totally agreed about metal palettes being too HEAVY for travel, with the exception of the Art Toolkit palettes, which are my current addiction. 😅

[@631959]

Valuable information Leslie. This video I think will save folks a lot of money and be helpful in making their choices for a travel kit. There’s nothing worse than having high expectations and being sorely disappointed when you get it in hand. Bravo.

[@LeslieStroz]

That’s so true. I like to show products in a way that people feel like they can almost touch it. These days with online shopping it’s often tricky to understand what you’re buying! 😊

[@GONZOFAM7]

I love my Whiskey Napolean Painters pallet. This is a great review to see what is next in the collection.

[@FountBandannas]

I've fell down a rabbit hole of travel palettes (bringing my watercolour kit abroad for the first time) and this was an excellent review that introduced me to a few alternatives!

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m so glad this helps introduce you to some of the options! I hope you have happy painting adventures ahead. 😊

[@TradIrishHarper]

I absolutely love my Art Toolkit pallette. I didn’t at first but now that I have used it plein air it’s very nice to use. I love their Art Toolkit case and I can fit absolutely almost everything I need in the pouch and a small ziplock bag.

[@joannephillips5991]

Loved The Travel Watercolor Palettes. I took a heavier, clunky palette on my Hawaiian cruise and would have chosen a lighter palette if I had seen this video first. Loved the variety you shared and showing the features was really a plus. Thank you for the video and all the information. It will help with my next purchase.

[@LeslieStroz]

Sounds like you just need to go on another cruise to try out the new palettes. 😉❤️

[@FaithAnnNB]

Love seeing travel palette reviews! I think Art Toolkit is probably my favourite. I have all 3 sizes and love how customizable they are; also perfect size to slip them into the smallest travel cases. I do like both size Portable Painter palettes as well for the convenience of having something to hold my water, but I only use the larger size for car travel and in my larger cases/bags. I have been tempted by that Schmincke palette in the past but the price has always prevented me from ordering it, now I don’t feel like I’m missing anything by skipping it!

[@LeslieStroz]

Definitely save your money! Sounds like you already have a few of the best. 😊

[@TracyEauClaire]

Thank you so much for this this thorough video. I have seen the Art Tool Kit palettes before but I ran to order after watching your video. My basic travel kit is just an art tackle box type kit to go from my art room to my couch without having a million bags and boxes. The Art Tool Kit will fit in the box perfectly!!! Thank you!!!

[@TheMaryWriter]

I actually purchased Etchr mini palette (19 wells) after watching your videos, though I don't use it for watercolor. I sculpt with air dry clay and paint them with acrylics, including inks. I love acrylic ink transparency, smoothness, and effects but when I mixed them in standard palettes they dried out too quickly. The Etchr palettes are the perfect depth to mix small bits of acrylic ink that give me just enough time to accomplish the detail work with those colors. It really changed the game for me. I would not, however, advise them for watercolor travel palettes, like you said. They are fragile and heavy, and certainly transport better than most other ceramic palettes, but unless you were planning an extended stay somewhere or did painting indoors they aren't that useful. Thanks for the thorough review!

[@LeslieStroz]

What an amazing discovery for the Etchr! I could see how that would be the perfect size. 😊

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

This is so fun Leslie! The Windsor and Newtown box was my first - I got it at Glasgow School of Art when I was going there long ago and JUST gave it to my boys (with many times refilled pans!) It is so yellowed and yukky at this point. It is nice to skip the plastic altogether and there are so many options! Thank you for sharing our Tilda Palette - so happy it made it onto your favourites list.

[@LeslieStroz]

Yes, my daughters Winsor and Newton also got really yellow and broken and awful. It’s one of the reasons I prefer metal or lovely wooden palettes like yours! ❤

[@maggiemardis1185]

What a thoughtful review of these palettes. Just wanted to add a historical note about the all in one like the Whiskey painter. I have a Winsor Newton all in one just like the Whiskey that I have had for about 30 years and it likely predates the Whiskey palette. I just mention it because one similar may come up on eBay at some point. It has all the same features and has no markings of the maker. If you reverse the orientation of this all in one Whiskey and lay the mixing palette on your thumb and the ring over you middle finger, the mixing palette is more stable.

[@LeslieStroz]

Oh my goodness, I would love to see photos of that palette! I’m always looking for the older “original” all-in-ones (Rowney, which predated Daler Rowney) also makes one. I’ve been looking for years, but they always go for much more than my budget on eBay! 😊

[@loramay21]

For any palettes that aren't magnetic you can buy metal self adhesive plates that you put on the back of your phone which I have done very successfully

[@EvaArt-ud6gwari]

Great idea.

[@gwenster]

Thank you for the thorough information! I have a three week trip coming up and I have everything sorted except the travel palette. The Art Toolkit looks perfect for my carry on bag.

[@accidentalfrenchfries]

This is SO helpful, thank you! I’m trying to get into urban sketching and watercolor, and I would’ve never considered things like the tilt of the lid or the walls on the mixing space or even details like the thumb ring or magnetism. I also SO appreciate all the details you gave about weight, measurement, and your own biases and needs. Thank you for this!!!

[@kromeriffic978]

This is so helpful! I'm just getting confident enough in my painting to try plein air (plus I have friends who live in a beautiful area a short plane flight away), so I've been eyeing up a lot of different palettes. Seeing them held in the hand is so useful, and then the detail you go into with weight when filled and other features is fantastic. Next time I feel the urge to treat myself to a new palette I will have this video bookmarked!

[@rightbrainrightlane5789]

Loved this video - I'm addicted to travel gear! I've just recently found and started using the art toolkit palette and love it (also made my own from a business card case). I have the micro painter and agree that while it's totally Gold for cuteness- it is quite cumbersome to actually use. I also quite like a cheap Honbay metal, 2 well travel palette- I took out the plastic pan insert and fit 18-21 pans of paint. I bring this one when I travel by car on summer trips of a couple months. My sentimental favorite is the Winsor Newton all-in-one! I used this one exclusively for probably 40 years of plein aire sketching! The folding mix areas are flimsy but mine have never broken (the hinge on the middle pan section has broken). Perhaps because mine is so old, I think the quality might be better - anyway, I don't have the problem closing it that you have with yours. And, yes, the micro brush was never used and eventually got lost. I still love it - but rarely use it now. For plein aire sketching, the business card thin palettes and a water brush suit my style perfectly(until the next great thing comes along).

[@LeslieStroz]

Yes, those Winsor and Newton field boxes are a classic! I can imagine the older ones are sturdier, like everything else built 50 year ago (except me, lol). The Art Toolkit are definitely going to be the classics of this era. 😊

[@puckettart5108]

I have a Koi water colors pocket field set, which is huge compared to what she has, but it does have a lot of colors and an included water brush. It also has lots of mixing space, and sponges to clean the brush. I really like it. Nice video btw

[@c.s.102]

W&N Cottman (plastic) still comes with a travelbrush ;-) Got mine half a year ago. Love it.

[@jvisser4848]

I am camping at the moment and that is exactly what I brought. Plus a water brush, pencil, kneadable eraser, and a. A5 sized clipboard. Added a small container for water that I once bought as camping gear. And a lid from a jar as as an extra mixing area. Used that today, so happy that I brought it.

[@c.s.102]

@@jvisser4848 perfect!

[@arlyhelm6219]

Yes, more videos on travel supplies, thank you!

[@LisabettaMedaglia]

I really like the Natsume honeycomb palettes, and the way you can bring multiple palettes or mixing trays with you and they all hold together with magnets! :) I'm loving the GoDraw mini palette that I got for myself, the one that's 2x2" when it's open, and has a matching-sized sketchbook. I put gouache in that one because I'm also experimenting on using gouache in different ways, and it's been pretty fun for me so far :) My first watercolour travel pan was the Winsor & Newton Cotman travel pan, and it comes with a water brush, and 12 colours, and the lid has 6 sectioned water mixing trays. It's plastic, but I don't mind it. It works pretty good for me :) I would love to see a video on small, portable plein air easels that could attach to a telescopic tripod. Sometimes, when I'm out painting, I use my cane to sit down at (my cane can fold out into a tripod seat!) and it's still very awkward holding everything in my hand, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on small travel easels that doesn't take up much space for carrying, since I'm using up one hand for my cane already.

[@suzisandpiper]

Hi Leslie. Thank you for taking the time to go through these travel palettes. Interesting comparisons. I just wanted to add that the JustGoSketching board you use does come with a metal plate to attach to a plastic palette. If that's the set up someone has that should be in an envelope in the kit. I've had my W&N cotman travel kit for over 30 years and it still looks great. So at least they used hard-wearing plastic on it. I'm sort of a big fan of the art toolkit now too. And at last, we have a Britsh stockist at Rosemary & Co. - yay!

[@sjohnson6607]

I have had the art toolkit (credit card size) for a couple years and had to make a couple modifications to make it easier to use with my plein air kit. It is also not very durable. It is my favorite when I travel (very compact) but have discovered it is more fun to make my own tiny palettes for plein air. I only need 4-5 colors when I am out and about.

[@SallyMoore1000]

I love the Cass Art tin, because it's so slim and elegant and has wells for so many colours. I do use the case to protect it in my bag from getting scratched. Only downside with this palette is the lack of pigment info for the colours - e.g. is the aliz crimson a lightfast hue or is it fugitive. The 'viridian' I think is actually PG7 I think so not labelling it a hue is misleading. So I would only use this palette for sketchbook work. But I really love the palette itself and will refill from tubes when I've used the quarter pans up. I love also the W&N field box and use it quite a lot. I put self-adhesive metal strip on the bottom so it attaches to a magnetic drawing board, which works well. I think the all-in-one design is great and I don't find the mixing areas flimsy, although more depth would be useful. The little brush is cute but useless so I leave it at home. I also like the cotman travel palette because it's slim and fits 12 colours, with 3 very decent mixing wells. I quite like the portable painter micro, and also have attached metal strip to the bottom of the water well, which allows for attachment of the whole palette to a magnetic board. Have also seen people attaching the palette to a sketchbook by clamping it on with the thumb ring or by sliding one of the mixing areas between pages and clamping it. Choosing 6 colours was a challenge but good for exploring colour mixing. Although when you're out you may like more colours so you can work quicker without having to work so hard at colour mixing. I have seen the extra wells on youtube but have so far not been able to find them in the UK. It would be a definite bonus to have those.

[@LeslieStroz]

Yes, I often use clips to attach my palettes to things, even sometimes the magnetic ones. I’m pretty confident that the Cass Art professional watercolours are Daler Rowney. I suspect this because DR used to make the EXACT same palette with the EXACT same colours, so I’d look there for the pigment codes. They possibly have a deal that they supply for Cass Art. Hope that helps! 😊

[@dees3179]

I have a couple of them and use them a lot. I like the way they feel in the hand. I refill from tubes or by chopping up watercolour sticks. Periodically they appear on offer. Also people sometimes sell them on eBay when they decide they don’t like them so you can sometimes pick them up for good prices. Particularly easy to use for me. I thought the quarter pans would be too small but actually you can get in sideways so it’s fine.

[@heatherdunbar421]

Love love love my Art Toolkit Palettes. Thanks for sharing!

[@chanamagoo]

I cant tell you how WHOLEHEARTEDLY I agree with your assessment of the Winsor and Newton Field Box...when I saw it, I wanted it DESPERATELY...and the absolute heartache I experienced when it just was not nearly as functional as I had hoped was deep! It's super clunky and awkward to use, I have found that the classic Shmeincke palette and the ArtToolkit have been more my go tos I just discovered your channel and I appreciate your insight on everything!

[@isabellalucia7820]

In defence of the WN Field palette, I’ve had the Cotman version for about 30 years. It’s travelled all over the world on aeroplanes and hiking trips with me and is still going strong. Gold rating from me. Bonus points for proper half pans rather than quarter or eighth pans in some of the tiny palettes, and for being able to move the paints around. When I got it, the tiny brush was innovative; nowadays it usually has a couple of travel brushes attached with an elastic band. That it’s hard to attach to Only downside is its chunkiness which makes it great to fish out of a side pocket, means the sketch pad is usually in a different place to the palette.

[@TamaraKane]

Thank you for sharing this info! I bought the WN Cotman version today and I am so excited to use it! I know that for my purposes, I don't need the hinges to always close perfectly, and I don't mind plastic because I keep everything very clean. If it becomes ugly over time, to me that will simply mean it is seeing a lot of use. I love its all in one capabilities. And while I might travel with it, I also love the idea of painting with it from the comfort of my bed with a little tray on my lap. It will be very handy for me. Usually I just use a plate as a palette, so I think this will be very useful for me!

[@stephanie.kilgast]

Through the years, I learned that for me, lightweight is the most important. My current travel palette is a handmade wooden one from a Korean guy (Charlie USK), and I like it because it has two large mixing wells and 4 smaller ones and holds 12 paints. I put the palette, two waterbrushes, and one ink pen in a washcloth and have a small homemade sketchbook (lightweight too!). I can throw that in my bag and I don't realize I carry it. So I don't have to ask myself every morning if I want/feel/plan to paint. That's been life-changing for me. I used the whiskey one in the past (without the reservoir) but this one I sometimes would not take with me because of the weight and regret not having it later in the day :( or carry it all day and feel the weight only to realize I could have done without >< Another, much cheaper option I like is a plastic one from Daler Rowner (Lukas have the same) I stripped it down and it's basically a folded palette where I attach 3 to 6 half pans. The plastic they used is great for mixing colors as there's no beading and there's a lot of space for mixing. This one is a very close second that I tend to bring with me when traveling. I like it less because it's plastic, but I do enjoy it when using it in terms of practicallity. Like you, I have used the chunkier metal palettes in the past and while I sometimes travel with them, they stay wherever I sleep, so I just bring them out in the evening. The art tool kits one are on my wish list though ^^

[@diannella]

Thank you for such a thorough comparison and clear arguments. This was one of the videos that helped me decide on the art toolkit demi and folio palettes. However, here in Sweden you only find them on one island and they are quite expensive. I wish art toolkit had more intention to expand here. I imagine you haven't talked in depth about the prices because it varies completely depending on the country and shipping costs. The Etchrlab ceramic palette is lovely, the material is great, but it is heavy and fragile and it doesn't fit tightly on the metal for some reason. But it’s a very cute one!

[@SquirrelInsights]

it would be great to learn about your pochade and travel setup! I am just getting into the world of Plein air painting and would love pointers.

[@karenkaren9526]

Great job. I do like plastic better than metal cause they don’t get rusty. 🎨

[@ashleybravin]

An absolutely fabulous review of all of these palettes, coming at the *perfect* time, because I'm going to be getting the Sendak roll, and my Winsor & Newton palette is officially "too chunky" for the roll, and I'm going to have to downsize. Couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you, Leslie, for your patient and thorough reviews!

[@LeslieStroz]

You’re so welcome! How fun, setting up a new painting system! 😊

[@janefan1216]

I really enjoyed this review of all your pallets. I've been wondering how they compare to each other.

[@virginasanchez3259]

Thanks, Leslie. This review is great and has made clear to me what should I purchase.

[@katienelsonartist]

I’m currently packing my travel supplies and so wish I had one of those art tool kits! 😍 great video with so much helpful information!

[@JosofaHarris]

Great reviews even if I disagree. I Have the schminke whiskey pallet and have had it for 8 years now and have used a lot. Never had the issues that are described in this video. I am wondering if perhaps it was sealed tight with water and frozen or taken on a plane with water in it and tightly sealed and that issue happened. That said mine has been on several flights and on top of peaks in Colorado and it's as solid as the day I got it. Certainly a thoughtful and good review of travel pallets and the comments you have certainly are valid. I am glad that so many options exist because I have learned everyone works differently.

[@bu8483]

Thank you! It saved my time of searching! Good job! Adri

[@utescharrer8018]

It’s interesting: I inherited the Windsor and Newton Cotman from my father many years ago. He used it a lot and I do, too, it closes nicely and my side palettes are working without a problem. I never had a problem with the small size of the mixing wells, because the wild mix of colors in there meant I couldn’t go overboard with tacky colours. It is the first small-ish palette I ever knew, before I got the tiny palette bug on your channel😅! Today I received the Whiskey painters Scottie per mail and am looking forward to testing it.

[@DanniGeee]

The biggest problem I’ve had with The Portable Painter Micro is I can’t find mine. 😂 But seriously, it’s been driving me mad for months now. I never used most of its “features,” but it fit everything from my smallest purse to tote bag. For me, its real value laid in forcing me to use limited palettes…often of the unconventional variety, as I’d toss whatever wasn’t in my regular rotation in there. It has also provided a secondary value: Keeping me from falling down an Art Toolkit rabbit hole, as I’ve forbidden myself that investment until/unless I can find the “Micro” that’s massive by comparison! 🤣

[@zenlife1200]

If you find it put a small key ring in the hole at the end of the water container/base. Then you can clip on a carabiner or lanyard and attach it to your keys or bag or jeans. That's how I remember where mine is 😂

[@LeslieStroz]

I hope you find it soon! Ask your guardian Angel to help- works every time! 😇

[@Frieda_Kamstra]

Maybe in a pocket of your coat of last season? And I know what you mean with the Art Toolkit rabbit hole😅

[@dees3179]

Mine vanished too! ( It turned up a year later in a side pocket of a ruck sack wrapped in something else in case you didn’t look there…..).

[@Aoibhes.Adventures]

I have the Daler Rowney version of the Cass Art Pro qrt pan palette & love it. I pulled out the dividers & replace them with eight full pans to make a wonderful, lightweight, mixing travel palette that I filled with my most used colours.

[@kstutz230]

Could you link the Daler Rowney palette? Can’t find.

[@PatriciaVoinescuArt]

Thank you for your thorough review! I am adding the whiskey palette to my Christmas wish list right now🎨

[@dianeyhb]

Thank you for these reviews! I’ve been looking at travel palettes but haven’t pulled the trigger because the small metal palettes that came with some of my watercolors worked well enough so far. But I would like to do more plein air painting, and it seems like the Art Toolkit palettes would work well for me.

[@Cheseafaith]

Can you do a video on the art board you were showing?

[@LeslieStroz]

Yes!! 😊

[@TheMessyDeskxyz]

@@LeslieStrozAgreed, I want to know what is it!

[@selenep1193]

Definitely would like to know what the green and yellow board is, thank you!

[@jaquelinedeponce5251]

Please?

[@janscott9151]

@@LeslieStroz Don't forget the supplier adds in the little metal stick ons that make the non-magnetic palettes stick too (Iike art toolkit).😁

[@Kriscee7]

I love the art toolkit palettes and the whiskey painters palette. Thank you ☺️

[@scribe_samples2309]

Ir rally enjoyed and will benefit from these comparisons. Thank you.

[@dianestrickland2685]

so helpful--thank you. Even your voice is calming.

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

that is so interesting that you choose based on weight. I have never in my life considered weighing my art supplies! lol! esp. not for a carry-on, especially not for the difference of a few ounces. Yes i do have overly heavy bags and aching shoulders but it's worth it to have what I want and need. to each their own.

[@stacys447]

I love the art toolkit and my Micro painters palette, which is perfect for work trips. If I have the space, I take a square version of the schmincke tin, which is packed. Fun video!

[@LeslieStroz]

Thanks! Those all sound like great choices. 😊

[@gardener3017]

I love my micro portable painter. It's lightweight, it holds a lot of paint for its size & it's got a lot of mixing room, especially if you use the water area as mixing space. Big plus with a travel palette. P.S. The plastic cleans up nicely with a Magic Eraser.

[@janscott9151]

My Schmincke palette with the water in did exactly the same as yours - so I kept the paint and threw the palette away. An expensive mistake. I too got the W&N plastic all in one but don't like mine either so don't use it. Love my art toolkit ones (thanks for the heads up that Rosemary&co sell them in the UK) but I have ordered the Cass Art one as well. But I still will often carry my chunkier Roman Szmal palette because I adore his paints but he doesn't do tubes and often only full pans. So I just take my faves when out and about and you can always pop the art toolkits in as well. I always end up carrying too much but I'm either walking from home of driving so it's just fine. This is a great video review. Thank you.

[@LeslieStroz]

Yes, the A Gallo paints are like that for me (only available in half pans). 😊

[@dees3179]

Mine rusted through. I think everything is made by the same people (frome) . I have loads and they all seem very similar. It’s just quality control and luck over the years. They always choose to self destruct after you lose the receipt or after it’s too long to go back to the seller to complain. Someone in the factory is pressing a remote self destruct button. But the ones that don’t die will last a lifetime.

[@hannahthufvesson]

With Roman Szmal paint I literally scoop paint out of their full pans into quarter or art toolkit pans, it's so worth it! ☺️

[@Sbeatrycze]

Great video!!! I only have one Winsor & Newton palette but it wasn't in your video with a round water tank and it's stable, hidden, slide-out palette but the water tank falls out and now I have problems closing it and I'm afraid I'll break something. The company has potential, but something else is not right. However, I still love it. However, I admit that I'm interested in the thin Cass Art Professional Quarter Pan Palette. It looks great

[@alejandromorales9516]

My favorite palette is housed in a black Meeden tin ... I actually love that the bottom flap remains horizontal to the table, My mixes don't travel as much because the surface is pretty flat. That said, I've had a mid sized Art Toolkit for years and this year I treated myself to a Folio and the Folio has become my "stays in my bag" palette. I have also taken the pocket palette out to paint on vacation or to figure drawing and it can hold it's own. My next vacation I'll probably just bring my Folio.

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m glad you like your Meeden. Isn’t it funny how we all prefer different features? 😊

[@simonettahelena986]

Thank you for a very informative video. I, too, wanted the W and N palette; and never use it once I got it, lol. I think the Funto green portable palette is much sturdier, more practical, and better designed, although it comes with paints I will probably never use. I also have the Schmincke Whisky painters palette, and I almost never use that one,…just too heavy and cumbersome. Perhaps the micro or smallest palettes I use most often are: Frazier Price brass portable, and a travel palette that I made myself by buying plastic honeycomb type well clusters, and gluing two sets of 12 inside my repurposed plastic case that comes with the Daniel Smith essential mixing set of 6 tubes. In that palette, I house tiny drops of my Qor paints, as a little of those goes a long way. I guess I should also buy another EM of DS and make another for my DS paints as well! The Frazier Price is a bit heavy, but it is so beautiful, luxurious, and can house either full pans, half pans, or both. It is one of my prized watercolor themed possessions, it just makes me feel good when I use it, as stupid as that probably sounds. The water reservoir and container are kind of flimsy, though.

[@leenb.7936]

Still need to watch almost the entire video but wanted to thank you in advance for adding both inches and centimeters. Everyone can do that but it is awesome that you took that necessary step a ay for a lot of us ❤ I would love to get the Art Toolkit one(s) and the Cass Art one. Not sure if shipping is doable from UK for me so need to research but if I lived in the US I would definitely already have bought at least 1 but probably 2 of the Art Toolkit ones. Didn’t know about the Cass Art palette yet so that was a nice surprise and maybe even an actual shopping list item. Enjoyed all the experience info added of not only yours but also friends and family’s experiences since all those are just 1 person’s opinions indeed

[@ina_lina]

It's my understanding that Rosemary & Co, UK, carries the Art Toolkit now.

[@Littlewings1211]

I am going to Croatia in 2wks and was basically doing this with the paints I have and I have one of the meeden ones and one that is very similar that I got in an Artful box that is longer and a bit thinner. I have a couple of cheap plastic, no brand ones too. After making this sort of list in my head I remembered that I have a couple of the Viviva coloursheets booklets (one regular, one metallic). I can literally put both of them, a mini sketchbook and a bunch of other supplies (paintbrushes, pencils, blending stumps, fineliners a few coloured pencils, eraser, sharpener, etc) all in my pencil case. I grabbed one of the Faber-Castell silicone water cups that folds down and I'm good to go 😊

[@eileengoldenberg270]

Just a tip. I tape my swatch card to the top of my Arttoolkit palettes, wrapped in clear packing tape. Then you don’t have a loose piece of paper to lose..

[@LeslieStroz]

Great idea! 😊

[@simonettahelena986]

Btw, yes: now that you mention it: I would like very much to see a video of your pochade boxes, and to hear your views about them. Thanks!

[@ralphherrick596]

Thank you for sharing your insight and experience.... very helpful indeed 😉

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m happy to help! 😊

[@Frieda_Kamstra]

I am going to travel for two months and are bringing several Art Toolkit palettes and take extra pre filled pans with me and put some mixing wells on a magnetic sheet al la Brenda Swenson (she made a video about it). I also bring an extra Herring palette with 16 big wells as a back up and for larger paintings. I have a Fome palette too but I find it too heavy. This afternoon I filled my Cotman travel box with 12 great colors because I just love filling palettes. It is very lightweight and I love it because it has 3 big wells. Nice for hiking. We are going by camper so the weight is not a problem.

[@Angie-pl3uw]

I loved watching this, it traveling is not in my stars anymore I do have the Etchr,so I’m off to see your video on that. Thank you. I truly enjoy your videos.

[@NishthaSingh5]

So well explained in detail. lovely video!

[@kazfarndon4990]

I love my portable painters, both regular and micro. The better is the regular, its sturdy, 2 mixing pallettes and having 2 water pots makes it good for both cleaning then rinsing the brush clean. The best feature though is it can be hands free when sitting, by placing it over your thigh, although it is free standing on uneven surfaces which is also great...would be interested in hearing your thoughts when your get yours

[@StClair008]

I have some of these pallets and I agree with your assessment. I too was disappointed in the W&N plastic all-in-one after wanting it so much. I did use it in a hotel room while sitting on the bed and painting what was out my window! It worked for that. I also have the Schminche palette--not the all in one--but mine also has a problem closing and the ring on the back came bent. I also agree with others who have said it has a very sharp edge which is dangerous. I do like the three mixing areas though. I also have the micro palette which I got with two mini water brushes and now they have a way to customize them and add more colors. However, it was tedious to open and close and I found out I hate water brushes. I have their other one which fits on a knee and I love the design on that one but the paint beads on the plastic--I'm hoping it breaks in soon as many plastic palettes eventually do. I have been wanting to try the Whisky Painters palette and the Art Tool kit so I'm glad to see this review. Finally, I have a pile of those Cotman sketch boxes which I love to give those as presents to people who want to try painting or to just throw in a bag to keep in the car. They are so cute.

[@lenandtannismoody9890]

I really enjoyed this video. I use the art tool kit and the portable painter. I like the water cup,on the pp and I find the art toolkit so easy to transport. I would like to know where you got your tool wrap? I love the way it’s put together. Can they be purchased somewhere ? Thank you for this comparison.

[@hessabinhuwaidn7525]

The art toolkit is definitely a favorite, the pocket size is the smallest I could go for and the folio is the most suitable size for me. They all fit basically anywhere !

[@LeslieStroz]

I love them too. 😊

[@DanGleebowls]

I use the two portable painters, I will clip the micro to my sketchbook for travel painting, and use it with a water brush and sweatband for cleaning, so the deep bowl portion is just another mixing surface for me, and the classic is my at home/dedicated painting trip palette and it is wonderful in my experience

[@lesleyegbert4807]

Super impressed with those Art Toolkit palettes. How had I never heard of those or seen one in use? Regardless, thanks for introducing me to those.

[@Nellie_Lovett]

First, I love your tutorials and take such delight in watching you create your tiny paintings. To me they're like, how does she fit so much interest and beauty on such a tiny space. I absolutely love them and think they would be an amazing and unique gift for friends. I just ordered my first Art Tool Kit palette and can't wait to get my hands on it! I also like your small olive green and gold/yellow small easel with the magnetic strip and wonder if it's possible to purchase those somewhere? For me, less equipment is more :) Thank you so much for your variety of tutorials that share so much helpful information!! 🖌✏🎨🏚🥀

[@LeslieStroz]

I saw that triad stencil- very cool! I hope you like your Art Toolkits as much as I do mine. 😊

[@kathyhackney7950]

I got the cotman picket box and filled it with professional watercolors. I also broke off one of the mixing spaces (the bottom one) to male it more compact as well as taking the sponge out for more colors so it holds 15 overall. I do love it but I love palettes so I'm here looking for a new one aswell😂

[@honeymcdonald9120]

I loved that Whisky Painters one, but by the time I added postage to Australia it was over $200

[@catbraunwell6450]

I also love the art tool kit, but I thought you should know that the larger version of the portable painter is excellent because if you’re sitting down which I generally do when I’m painting it balances on your thigh. I was in Bermuda for six weeks and it holds lots of paint And I found it great because I could just sit on a beach or on a hill or anywhere I wanted and it balanced on my leg so I didn’t need a table or an easel or anything. Thank you for your excellent review and I agreed with pretty much everything you said for the ones that I have tried myself.

[@MiMiChic]

These were super cute and mobile. My fave was definitely the octagon shaped one. and the white one that looked like a whiskey flask, lol😂

[@isabellalucia7820]

Which travel brush #6 are you using? Mine don’t fit, but I’d happily buy one that did.

[@ChantelleArts]

those magnetic palettes look really cool! 😮

[@LeslieStroz]

I love them so much ❤

[@RobDomeArt]

Nice video. I love my whiskey painters palette..it's so cute :P but i always end up going back to a standard metallic palette like the w&n or meeden one because of the mixing space. also not a fan of open water container. Thanks for sharing, always interesting to see other artists travel kits :)

[@k.b.1996]

Hi! Thanks for the video! I'm a HUGE travel watercolor palettes fan. My biggest disappointment, probably, was the Etchr ceramic palette. I've lusted over it for a really long amount of time and I paint with tiny brushes pretty often, but it's just somehow not very fun because it's just not working for me. I do want to love it however! I think what hinders me is how it's stored. There is someone on etsy who has designed another holder for it, shaped like a compact powder, which I found to be incredibly intriguing, but sadly they aren't shipping to Germany currently which is a bummer as I feel that this would be a game changer for me. My favorites are the Bijou Box, Art Toolkit pocket palette and both Pocket Painters - the small and the big one. Love them! Other than that, there's also the Cloverleaf Paintbox. It's plastic however, but I don't know, something just clicks with me when I see it.

[@madebylora]

I’ve never used a palette that has a water pot attached. I’d be worried about not holding it flat enough and I’d end up sloshing water everywhere!

[@twisteddyekitchenmyfiberjo4577]

Perfect timing of this travel watercolor palettes. We will be traveling soon, plane, trains and automobiles and any guidance is helpful. Thank you!

[@LeslieStroz]

Happy to help. I hope you find the perfect palette for your travels. 😊

[@ThePattersonHomeschoolAcademy]

Love your art + review videos. My daughter loves to paint and I've been looking for travel paints for her birthday. I was intrigued by the tiny Art Toolkit palette you have here so I looked it up and there is a wonderful little gift set that comes with watercolours from Greenleaf & Blueberry (a Boulder, CO. company and we go to Boulder every year) and an art book by the illustrator whose paintings are in the Gloria Steinem book that is literally sitting on my desk right now. Small world for sure! I think I will get the Art Toolkit set for her birthday. Do you use the Greenleaf & Blueberry paints? Thanks again!

[@redcar6694]

My favourite is the Portable Painter Micro as it holds a decent amount of paint and the wells are useable. I can put it into a small pencil case and be ready to paint. I’m a backpacker and find that it takes up very little space.

[@InnerMagpie]

There is a KZbinr Dust In My Eye, she has made a plein aire travel kit to rival Etchr standing set up. She made it a year ago and it is amazing. I have been playing around with different setup, but her’s is simplistically amazing.

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

I enjoyed your review. This is all very good information to know.

[@UJB123]

I like skinny pallets. My favorite is actually that 15 well plastic one Daniel Smith has for those 6 color sets. I simply mix on the top 'cause I'm not bougie. I also like the skinny Daler Rowny one (the first pallet I ever purchased) but those half pans are not standard, so one needs tube paint to make it refill useful. As for airplanes, none of those pallets shown are a "weight issue", they don't weigh anything, imho ... less than a bar of soap. I may give those Art ones a try. They look interesting. Thanks for the comparison, very useful. 👍

[@radmamadread]

this review was incredibly helpful! thank you!!!

[@cheryllapham6279]

I love Art Toolkit and Schmincke palettes, but find the Portable Painter (full size) and Qor Mini the most useful. I’m a Plein air painter and the fact that I stash Art Toolkit and Portable Painter (mini) kits in glove boxes and purses has saved my a$$ a couple of times. I loved your comparisons. Thanks.

[@LeslieStroz]

I just got the Portable Painter (full size). I think I’m really going to like it (ironically). You sound like me, with art kits everywhere. 😅

[@jaquelinedeponce5251]

I do my best sketches and mini paintings while waiting to be called for my doctor’s appointments. I particularly like mini portable palette. I had additionally added smaller 1/4 pans to fill with the odd earth colors I use just a touch of here and there. Takes me less than 25 seconds to put everything away and grab my cane when i am called into the patient’s rooms. 😁

[@Paperthumbtack]

I probably would travel more with my plastic white cotman watercolour palette but have found I want full pans in reach more often now. It was my go to for years tho. I had 3 sets. Currently I have a clear plastic case that once had a phone screen protector in it with 24 full pans that I filled with w&n and ds paints. I supplement with watercolour sticks and pencils after that. I’m hoping to try art toolkit palettes soon

[@miwagardner1353]

I love my portable painter. Use it all the time during my trips.

[@vermis8344]

I'm awful fond of portable art supplies, but only have two watercolour palettes because frankly, watercolour scares me a bit! First is the Cotman Field Travel Set, bought back when it was called the 'Field Plus'. (I had to go look it up to remind myself of the name. W&N make way too many variations of 'field' and 'travel' and 'pocket' and...!) It is a chunky boy, probably stretching the definition of portable, and makes your Field Pocket set look positively svelte! But on the other hand, I think that makes it a bit more robust too. Opens flat with a reassuring 'clunk'; folds and closes with a satisfying 'click'. I love the way it provides everything for outdoor painting, barring the sketchbook. Slots well enough into my art bag - an A4-ish satchel - alongside a pencil roll or a couple sets of Conté carres. The worst things about it are that my replacement Rosemary & Co travel brushes don't fit, and the connecting strip on the push-in bottle stopper broke, so yeah, that's a bit annoying. 😄 Also have the Art Toolkit pocket palette. Great little piece of kit. Sprayed the pans with 'white goods' enamel and good to go. I think mine must be an earlier version, when they used a different model of card holder, because it's more like those other brands of cardholder palettes - ledge hanging over the pans and no lip around the mixing area. (Oh, and if anyone dislikes the pan sizes in the Nomadic Artist palette, fret not: go to ebay or amazon and search for 'magnetic makeup pans', or variations thereof.)

[@lindahipple4817]

Thankyou Leslie, I'm always looking for improved travel wc pallets and your video was very informative. I agree with just about all your awards. My plastic Winsor Newton pallet years ago I put artist quality paints into it, and it has traveled well. I learned to allow wc to mix on the paper and I'm less than fond of plastic but when I fly, the metal pallets are too heavy..plus security at the bording areas tend to frown on metal in the carry on.. so I make do.

[@LeslieStroz]

That’s interesting about metal palettes and security; I’ve never had that problem. Yes, plastic is lighter… these days the Art Toolkit is my favourite for travel. The best thing is that there are so many options these days, unlike even a decade ago.

[@lindahipple4817]

@@LeslieStroz the Art Tool kit is on my wish list..