My Favorite Watercolor Brands

[@dianethoroughman9541]

I love Daniel Smith paints. I was able to go the Daniel Smith Art Supply store recently. Talk about love! I could have moved in.

[@arleebean]

If you move in, I'll totalyl be your roomate. ;] I would LOVE to see that store!

[@maryrichardson9026]

It's not the materials that make a masterpiece. It is the artist.

[@sayangkahpadaku]

Mary Richardson agree but sometimes quality of the materials make difference :)

[@queerartperson5397]

Yes but some supplies can make the art more enjoyable and trying to work with lower quality art materials can be a chore as they often don't do what you want them to do

[@jenniefrench1338]

Yes we could just all stick to pencils and charcoal. I paint in charcoal and draw but have 2 wc palettes mixed name brands or preferences. The paper is always the most important then what goes on it. And if one is able to get artist quality then it is appreciated. We could be doing silver point sketching like DaVinci but it doesn’t excite me but I bet he would have been amazed to see the products that exist. If having a couple items is your thing it doesn’t have to be how the world sees it. And materials actually do make the masterpiece with the one who knows how to use them. I haven’t seen any cave masterpieces lately and they had the ochre colors, charcoal but bummer no decent paint brushes. Enjoy whatcha got:)

[@MeowMeowKapow]

DANIELLLSMIIIIIITTTTHHHHH. They were my first true, head over heels LOVE in watercolors. Between the texture and the POW colors? They were love at first swipe. Sennelier has been creeping up higher and higher in my brand love though, and that’s entirely because I accidentally forced myself to use them when I made a weird Daniel smith mini palette and a weird sennelier mini palette and started carrying them both around constantly to do oot and aboot doodles. I kept having to dip into my sennelier set to supplement my Daniel smith set....and then I started using just the sennelier set and supplementing with Daniel smith and before I knew it....sennelier had gone from a paint that I didn’t really like to one I desperately love. Oh! One important thing to know about Kuretake is that they are DEFINITELY not lightfast, so if you plan on selling an original painting they’re not a great choice as the paints color shift pretty drastically within just a few months if exposed to light! They do have fabulous colors though, and I also really really love them. =^.^=

[@arleebean]

Ohhh, that's great to know about the lightfastness, thank you!! As far as Sennelier goes, I definitely have a struggle. They're beautiful, and the quality is so fine and luxurious. I just find myself grabbing them less and less. Obviously, my massive palette can seem a little daunting, but I also have a few of them in my more recently made custom palette. I really like them there! I dunno, they're probably #4, if my list had gone that far.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

arleebean hahahaha. Well, like I said....they only crept up my list because I accidentally forced myself to use them. =>..

[@Kyomiibrown]

Meow Meow Kapow Interesting what you say about Kuratake, as a few tests I have seen done have shown they have excellent lightfastness, with only a very few usual suspects being fugitive. Here’s a 3 month test on the 12 set for example, placed in a window, all colours remained true except for blue but the difference was barely visible, not even worth mentioning www.marialenasarris.com/?p=2860 Is there any specific reason why you feel they are not lightfast?

[@SadieSavestheDay]

It’s always interesting to see different artists’ brand ranking! I was surprised to see Kuretake so high up there!

[@LadyVerii]

Ahhhhh watching videos like this always makes me want to buy new art supplies hehe! :) (sadly my pocket is a black whole) It´s super intresting, now i´ve heard several people saying that the kuretake watercolor are unique and different from the "western watercolors", which makes me so curious! Also the honey ingredient of the M.Graham watercolor strikes my interest, i wonder if i could spot a difference. Maybe i should just try out one tube of these brands, i really like to discover new watercolors. :) So thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!!

[@arleebean]

I hesitate sometimes about making videos like this because I don't want to just encourage others (and myself) to just buy a bunch of stuff. xD If you can get ahold of single tubes of some of these, I would totally recommend that! It's always fun to experiment and see how things are different. ♥♥

[@chasingchrome]

I haven't tried as many brands as you, but I am REALLY surprised Sennelier didn't make your top 3!!! I think it was your Sennelier vid that inspired me to try a few tubes.

[@jcrafthouse]

I was given Marmeri Blu solid half-pan palette for my graduation from SCAD and have used them for years. Sometimes a personal connection also helps. I love love love them. I can not find any budget-friendly colors that compare. But definitely going to try the D.Smiths. Thank you!

[@InLiquidColor]

Oh my god, the ending cracked me up 😂😂😂 love it! Thanks for sharing your favs :)

[@Cherrybl_29]

I love how all you guys are are so active in the art community. Love your videos 😊

[@arleebean]

I agree with you guys 100% :D It means so much to me that artists can connect with each other! For me, people like Denise (In Liquid Color) feel like celebrities! I'm so honored to be a part of this community.

[@arleebean]

Gotta show some love to the best color in existence. xD Even though mine isn't the original formula... *sniff*

[@deejcarter2003]

I totally stocked up on quin gold and told Dennis where she could fine more. I have like 6 or 7 tubes no lie😂

[@insxmniacraven8184]

Holbein got Mah heart. Isn't too expensive and some are pretty opaque which I LOVE FOR

[@adalikl943]

You should try white nights watercolors. I love my set. They are just so vibrant and smooth and beautiful. Though I do also love the brands you chose :)

[@arleebean]

I would really love to try White Nights!! I just haven't had the chance yet. Thanks so much for mentioning them.

[@adalikl943]

arleebean Of course! I look forward to you trying them.

[@mirtki8749]

Gosh I really wish I had money😂 I know I don't really need them, since I already got my own (but rather small) watercolor set but it always looks so satisfying to see youtubers with these huge watercolor collections ahh I'm jealous lmao

[@mjpete27]

I am in a minority as I believe Dan Smith to be overrated and yes, they are a professional brand but I cannot get goo goo eyed over their products. I had a really bad customer support experience so perhaps my opinion is skewed, but I am a convert to DaVinci paints and I have bought so many colors and I cannot brag about them enough! I even bought some of the premade sets and Denise’s Earth Friendly palette is a joy to use! I know that this review is an older one but just wanted to comment on the over-hypeness of the DS brand. When people look up what paints to buy they do see this video and read comments too! I would encourage anyone in the United States to look up Da Vinci paints, a California company and if you’re an international customer it might be worth the shipping if you want really great professional paint that will not break your bank!

[@StrawberryLegacy]

My favorite brands are Schmincke and Sennelier but I go for Daniel Smith for certain pigments that these brands don't offer

[@homeschooledaroundtheworld4660]

I love you wooden box❤️

[@LanaGoesArt]

Thanks for sharing your favorites! I'm using Schmincke mostly, because they are easier to get, along with Winsor&Newton and Sennelier, but now have ordered some Daniel Smith. The DS Sap Green is just the prettiest. :) That may be the start of a collection :D

[@arleebean]

I totally agree about the sap green! It's such a gorgeous color! I really need to work with my Schmincke paints more.

[@LanaGoesArt]

I'd love to see you use Schmincke, but don't pressure yourself. It's fine, if you don't like them. :)

[@cluelesswreck9481]

I love you soooooooo much and I appreciate all your opinions and they help me with my disitions

[@arleebean]

That is so very sweet, THANK YOU!!! Sending love back at you. ♥♥

[@evenmegan]

Was JUST on my way to your channel to see if the new video was up yet ;) Right on time! xx

[@arleebean]

Awww, thanks so much for checking!

[@orkidbox]

I am curious about where Sennelier would fall on your scale. The M Grahams look like such a good value for high quality though.

[@catherinelevison3310]

~~~~WOW~~~~you helped me! I use that Japanese set a lot. I have also been using some other brand in tubes but you have convinced me to buy some of the DANIEL SMITH. Thank you.

[@NuraysArt]

Basically after all of this, quinacridone gold is the best XD Such a good video, very helpful!! it makes me appreciate my kuretakes even more, and i have been bonding with them a lot more recently too! :) yeas i only have the dot charts but Daniel Smiths is one to eventually invest in, they are insane! although I'm definitely a simple palette type of girl too many colours and brands will just confuse me!

[@arleebean]

I totally agree that too many colors can be confusing. I think that's why I don't grab my Sennelier palette as often? Maybe I should put together a smaller palette with some of my favorites from that brand..

[@dorothywhisler8525]

My Sennelier paints have never dried :( It must be a regional humidity thing.

[@deepfriedcelery._.4668]

I’m so happy to see that the kuretake Gansai Tambi paints are in your top 3 favorites. I am getting the 36 color set soon and I really can’t wait to try them out.

[@arleebean]

Ohhh, I hope you like them! They're just really fun to work with.

[@trexsty7736]

The 6 Daniel Smith color set, I guess it comes with a warm and cool version of red, blue, and yellow. That sounds like the perfect set for someone who is new to mixing colors especially

[@betsyzelinger]

Sennelier and Schmincke.are my favorites. I also have a KISSOH Gansai 72-Color set I got from Amazon that I really enjoy.

[@JenniferCharleeArt]

I really liked how this video is edited where you can see the pieces you have created with each brand :) I'd love to collect more M Graham paints but have a few samples Ive been playing around with and love how bright they are ^_^

[@jengoodwyn2715]

I love M. Graham paints!!

[@ushaanand4940]

Thanks for your advice.

[@valasafantastic1055]

Good of you to say it depends on the individual as our painting styles and preferences all fairy by individuals. Good to mention HOW the paints work and what is different about them. And I have heard the Gansi tambi is built for larger and calligraphy brushes intentionally. Good to know this information in order to make more informed potential purchases so that we can see what is best for ourselves. Also does anyone else find Indian red and Indian yellow a bit opaque? Also you can always remove intensity and vibrancy either by watering down or mixing in complements, etc. But you can’t make a pale paint more vibrant unless you layer and layer.... so I prefer highly vibrant pigmented. All my teaser has makes me want the Daniel Smith, for having some granulating options; I think the granulation varies by colour. May I also suggest dr.ph. Martins hydrus liquid concentrated watercolours. They however can’t be dried in a palette and reused later you use them fresh from the bottle which comes with an eye dropper. If you have extra out it can be reactivated and used fine for a few days but after a while many of the colours won’t re wet very well; however they are SUPER VIBRANT. And they require very little and it goes a looooong way. You can also mix and match brands. I have also had success mixing Hydrus in with other watercolours and gouache to make my own paints. I used all the mixed paints up quickly however so I’m not sure how well they would re wet in the long run. Anyway nice video and great job explaining how each works and what you love about them!

[@SathishKumar-pw9fu]

I've used almost all brands of wc right from W&N ,MG ,DS, Schmincke,White Nights,Mission Gold ,Grumbacher Finest,Blockx ,Sennelier etc out of the bunch i Absolutely Love M.Graham it so fantastic and heavy Pigment Load stands out better than DS and others.DS is good because it has wide range of colour selection.out of the schlolastic brands i Like Talens Vangogh and W&N Cotman

[@thetwelfthhourartist5980]

My sennelier paints don’t dry at all! They remain sticky still it’s been more than a month since I squeezed them out in my palette.

[@cluelesswreck9481]

Yay I have been waiting for this

[@alliestrauss]

Watching this in 2020. You've come so far!

[@mochi.maoo_]

I watch through all your ads to support you as much as i can :)

[@EveBolt]

The sticky M.Graham is such an accurate portrayal of these lovely watercolors. I keep putting my fingers in it and it makes a mess!

[@FayeWulf]

Kuretake and Dan smith are also on top of my list and like you... I love the granulations but theyre just way too expensive for me to buy (~$32 USD for series 1). I do want to try M.Graham... everyone have sold it so well to me but everytime I order tube paints off amazon, they get sent back and I never get to hold them in my hands :(

[@pembesaclidayi]

What about Mijello mission gold set ( tube) watercolor ..?

[@kuvira44]

I agree on the list! I love the gansai. I thought you were going to say sennelier cause i know you spent a lot of money on the big set :-)

[@chasingchrome]

Lourdes Ortega right? That's what I said! I almost bought that set bc of her vid, then they sold out. Saved me some money, I guess. I really don't need 90 tubes 😂

[@kuvira44]

chasing chrome i know, nobody does 😅

[@constellation51]

Your really selling me on those M.Graham paints. The colors looked gorgeous! The only paints I have that are in tubes and are more student grade are the Grumbacher paints. I love them and am almost out of each color. I think I'll have to check out the M. Graham.

[@constellation51]

I also have the same gansai paints and love using them to highlight certain areas of my pieces since theyre so opaque

[@juanelgarte3447]

Muchas gracias por tu trabajo.

[@Idellle]

I'm a beginner but a snob. I have maybe 4 Maimeri and 6 Schmincke pans and rest W&N and a small palette of Yasutomo Sumie and 6 old unopened Leningrad

[@nerdieone1]

Can you do a video on your favorite watercolor paper brands to use? :)

[@arleebean]

The next time I make a favorites video, it will definitely be about paper! :D

[@nerdieone1]

Oooh thank you so much! ^_^

[@Lemu_with_a_shirt]

I haven't been able to find 5ml Daniel Smith tubes anywhere in the whole country. I really want to try them, but my goodness, I'm not paying €100 for 4 tubes of paints I'm unfamiliar with at this point in time! Really hope they get 5ml ones here somewhere in the near future.

[@creationslandscapedesigns]

Blick Art Materials is currently selling Daniel Smith 15 mL tubes, at 40% off. I just bought a bunch today.

[@randomunicorn-artsandcreat3460]

*Laughs in Artists Loft and my 1 W&N Cotman*

[@unitymomentum]

I thought that was moonglow. I FUCKING LOVE MOONGLOW! It's actually the first and only dan Smith color tube I own^^ it separates into the three pigments like hell tho :ooo

[@mentalmadness5402]

Have you tried Old Holland paints since making this video? If so, what are your thoughts?

[@assortedlives92]

Is there a noticable difference of "flow" on the page between daniel smith and m graham? Trying to decide between an introductory set of either m graham or daniel smith to try. I have only ever used holbein. i think I would enjoy a set with a nice amount of flow and of course rich saturated colors.

[@Amy4000]

Those Daniel Smith swatches you did woa. @_@

[@susielove333]

I haven’t purchased anything yet & thought I’d love the Daniel Smith, but I prefer highly pigmented, transparent consistency & don’t really like granulation. Would you recommend M Graham for someone like me?

[@XxMyvxRocksx382xX]

M Graham paints are soooo nice for the cost... strong pigment and easy movement on paper. The only drawback is they never dry so be careful! They will spill if your palette or pans are stored tilted or upside down ..also some of them seem to stain the paper/difficult to remove a mistake, but it might only be a few colors 🙂

[@kamparksss5945]

This helped me so much thank you for sharing Edit: What brushes do you use for your paintings I've been trying to look into more brush types

[@arleebean]

I use a lot of calligraphy brushes these days. :] I get them from blueheronarts.com and I've made a video about my favorites recently. :]

[@joycemaureroriginal8563]

Ok you sold me! Daniel Smith in my cart.

[@onemooreperson13]

Have you enjoyed them? They are by far my favorites! I started with them about a year or so go and am about to need to repurchas some of the primaries. Shadow Violet and Moonglow are by far my fav!

[@milknight5181]

what palette did you use for your M Graham watercolors? It looks so nice and handy!

[@partialartsblackbelt8384]

milknight looks like the ones I’ve gotten at hobby lobby

[@zari.9237]

I really like to try Daniel Smith but it’s a bit expensive for me. 😭😞

[@XxMyvxRocksx382xX]

if you can save up, you really only need 3-5 paints, red,yellow, and blue ... with black and white being optional, and you can mix most colors with that set , and less cost than spending 100+ on a set 🙂 some online stores also have a small tube options for cheaper

[@zari.9237]

I’m still a beginner so i think i need a bit cheaper paints to start with. It will be so intimidating to start with a bit pricey brand i think. But thank you! I’d consider saving for it and buy a few colors if i gain confidence on my arts 😊😇🤗

[@XxMyvxRocksx382xX]

@@zari.9237 thats understandable, if you didn't get any yet then winsor and newton cotman sets are affordable and really good , also kuretake gansai tambi

[@CosmicKaori]

Anyone know what the pallets called that her Daniel Smith paints are in? I love that design.

[@partialartsblackbelt8384]

CosmicKaori looks like mijello 33 well

[@h.b.71c43]

Ha! I have to say that's the first painting I've ever seen shake its booty

[@SathishKumar-pw9fu]

in terms of Pigment Load none come close to M Graham not even Daniel smith.However Daniel smith is more workable like a charm and transparent.But i certainly love my M.Graham,This gansai Tambi is good works like traditional japanese sumi inks.but White nights are far better than Gansai Tambi

[@cadmiumred3]

White Nights

[@grayez3523]

does anyone know the palettes she uses? i would really like one for my gouache paints!

[@graceillustrates1281]

The Daniel Smith palette looks like the Martin Mijello Airtight Leak Proof Fusion 33-well palette and the M Graham one looks like a basic folding plastic palette you can get on Amazon for under $10

[@bonniegarson80]

Hi. What do u think of Turner artist watercolor paint? Thanks

[@arleebean]

I haven't tried them yet. :]

[@georgek5737]

are you a Danica Sills fan?

[@geckonia]

That’s why they call it Sap Green 😂

[@bonniegarson80]

How come u use hot press w watercolor?

[@arleebean]

I really like how vibrant colors dry on some hot pressed papers. It's also really great when you want to have smaller details because the paper texture doesn't get in the way.

[@salvatore7994]

You have to try new Maimeri Blu! 🇮🇹

[@Artstronaut]

For some reasons it looks like your voice is cracking with commotion and I thought that even if yours is not the case and it's just my impression, I would love that because I get so emotional when I talk about art stuff haha (I only have kuretake because poverty doesn't allow me to follow my dreams lol)

[@mindakahn9964]

If you’re going to get rid of art supplies take them to your nearest elementary school. The teacher and kids will love you to bits.

[@arleebean]

I love donating supplies to schools! My local schools have definitely been putting a few sets to good use. ❤️

[@UConceptPublishing]

the granulation is exactly what i dont like about daniel smith :-(