Mont Marte Signature Review

[@TouchoftheClouds]

Oooh! Another Aussie - it's so nice to see these brands reviewed :). I would be very interested to see how the mont marte professional range goes. I learnt on a secondary trio of riot's professional eraldo line, and a primary trio of Cotman's. I found the eraldo handled much better, but they're only found online now (unless you're in Vic), and I've never tried their primaries. It'd be nice if mont marte worked well and I could recommend it, as I think Cotman is extremely over-priced for a beginner set.

[@artbycatfitz]

Thanks for that lovely comment. Since we are so limited with art supplies on the shelf in Oz, thought reviewing a product like this might be helpful. Absolutely agree that Cotman is very overpriced here. Hopefully I can source a set of the professional Mont Marte paint soon. The good news is, I've started a lightfastness test on these paint too, look out for the preliminary results in a month or two. The other problem I have with a lot of the "beginner" sets here is the complete lack of pigment information available, even sets sold in art supplies shops!

[@ScreamerXremaercS]

I find the Mont Marte premium set is really nice

[@artbycatfitz]

I still haven’t been able to get my hands on a set. Hoping to do a review one that happens.

[@kylerathdesign]

I wonder what your thoughts are on the Van Gogh 13+3 pan set as a student/beginner palette? It’s a good price but I have heard from friends that this is what they recommend to young artists or beginners. The W&N Cotman (student range) is still quite pricy (and for a reason I’m sure) so I wonder if the Van Gogh is comparable in your view? Or perhaps even the DR?

[@artbycatfitz]

Hi Kyle, I have no personal experience with Van Gogh or DR, for a really good brand comparison review check out Irit Landgraf channel, she has done an incredible job of comparing most of the commercial brands available. My impression is that they are probably better than Cotman's and, depending on what price you can get them for in Australia, may be a good alternative. I've just started teaching a watercolour class and one of my students had the Van Gogh tube paints. They seem to be just fine. Hopefully, I will get the opportunity to try out more brands over time.