My Top 3 Watercolor Paint Brands

[@Drumaier]

Exactly dude!!👌 What you said at the end is so important!! I find myself worrying a lot about quality of materials but i realize that the most important thing is the quality of my own skills (being good and feeling confident with perspective, anatomy, composition, color choices, flow, etc etc). I guess is a lot easier to ask for quality outside us and to just "buy quality" rather than "be quality". As you said a master at drawing and painting can do great looking stuff with whatever. Cheers 👍

[@mikesamovarov4054]

Yes, well said! ❤

[@SwedePotato314]

What you said at the end is so true. I have 24+ sets from Daniel Smith, Sennelier, W&N, Mijello and I’m currently collecting more of my favorite brand- Holbein. But I think I get this “too precious/expensive to use” syndrome and I find it holds me back a lot when using my more expensive brands. I won’t try new mixes or experiment new techniques as much for fear of “wasting” them. I’m doing my best to get over that fear. I bought the paints to use them so I may as well. They last way longer than we think they do. And how will I grow as an artist if I’m not willing to let go of control a little bit? My absolute favorite paints are Holbein, Mijello Pure Pigment, Daniel Smith and White Nights. I’m very partial to White Nights. They were my first serious watercolor investment and I still find them a joy to use, easy, reliable and beautiful. I feel that I’ve used them for so long that it’s a relationship I have with them and we just work well together. I still use them VERY often for sketchbook work and studies. I also have a 48 set of Paul Rubens that use for thumbnails, sketchbook, studies, teaching others in a casual setting etc. I think they’re great quality student grade paints. When I use them and the White Nights I use them freely and to their fullest potential because of how inexpensive they are. I try to tell myself that I could die tomorrow and I would much rather leave behind a wealth of beautiful artwork than a shelf full of barely used expensive watercolor paint. Higher quality paper I think made the most difference for me. Hot or cold press is up to personal choice… but as long as it is at least 230gsm and 100% cotton then it makes all the difference in the world. I would get so frustrated and convince myself that I would never not be able to overwork my paintings. Turns out it was mostly the paper quality. It’s nice to have expensive paints but price isn’t always indicative of quality. Practice constantly to find out what you want from a paint, what characteristics you like and don’t, how you use them and what you’re willing to pay. Then go on to Etsy and buy hand poured sample palettes from expensive brands. And just because you find that your favorite is a mid-range priced paint, like White Nights or Rosa Gallery, doesn’t mean that it isn’t good quality. What works for you and makes you happy and let’s you work freely is what is best for you and makes you a better artist.

[@jendesign5537]

Great review and I agree with you. I also really like White Nights, they blend really nice. The biggest drawback for me with Winsor Newton is the paint falls out of the pans easily and it’s disappointing if you drop the pallet they fly all over the place.

[@LironYan]

Haha, I haven't played around with W&N enough to know that. Considering picking up 3 tubes and giving them another shot. Thank you 🙏🏼😊

[@adnil651]

I have also found this to be the case with preloaded Daniel Smith half pans.

[@greekveteran2715]

Those are indeed the best and in that order! We've got to add, the Van Gogh/Rembrandt,because either the Van Gogh Pocket set 12+3 or a choice of different individual Van Gogh and Rembrandt, make for THE best budget or beginners set!!!

[@rettain]

I’m new and price can be an issue. I have some Daniel Smith and a large set of the professional Winsor Newton. But my favorite so far has been the Mission Gold. The colors are fantastic. They come in larger tubes and offer a pretty good selection of single pigment paint. I was an oil painting artist. It was my love. But I had always wanted to try watercolor because of the drying time. The Mijello Mission Gold helps me love my watercolor a bit more due to their vibrancy and price point. Let me know what you think if you try them. ❤

[@SwedePotato314]

I ADORE Mission Mijello, gold class and the pure pigment lines. They’re absolutely beautiful paints. The colors are vibrant, even when dried into a pan they stay semi moist so rewet very easily. I really love Asian style watercolors. I really love Holbein watercolors too, they and Mijello are by far the most vibrant in my experience. For sketchbook and studies I use White Nights. I was able to put together a collection of almost all the colors before the war and I’m lucky because they’re harder to get now. They’re affordable, reliable, I never struggle with them to get them to do what I want, they have TONS of colors and again, they’re semi moist and the pans are huge for larger brush work. I fully agree about Mijello, and if you’ve not previously, give Holbein and White Nights a try as well. I think you would enjoy them. White Nights is super cheap by artist quality standards. If you want to try Holbein or other brands I would suggest going on to Etsy and buying the hand poured sample pans people make. I bought a Holbein one when I first tried them. It was affordable, I tried 24 colors and they surprisingly lasted longer than I thought. I hope you find more paints that make you and your wallet happy!

[@rettain]

@@SwedePotato314 thank you so much for your advice! I will keep trying others. Your help is appreciated!

[@wolfgangbenfattoum8137]

I never used Daniel Smith, but the most I use are Schmincke and Winsor Newton. And my third favourite due to price quality ratio is the Royal Talens Rembrandt (not the cheap Van Gogh). But even the cheap Van Gogh are amazing of which I bought almost every color when I started. And when I run out of my top stock I have always a backup with those.

[@kayemcdonald7489]

My favourite tube watercolor paints are Mission Gold (24 pure color tube set + black & white), M. Graham & Schmienke 🤗 I love there colour intensity, transparency, easily rewet when dry, strong pigment and beautiful to use. Mission Gold is my number one as it is also quite cheap compared to other quality paints. M.Graham paints also have honey in their binder like Schmienke.

[@LironYan]

I'm very curious to try out Mission Gold ever since I started seeing people reviewing them on KZbin. I love Mijello's other products so I have high expectations for these as well (:

[@blackbird7373]

Schmincke doesn’t use honey on their products, so you are probably confusing with Sennelier that does uses it

[@iknownothing-49]

I really loved your review. I’ve become aware, probably from watching too many KZbin reviews, that people have strong opinions without clearly explaining what matters to them in the watercolor. Which you did do. So thanks!

[@artistjoh]

Schmincke, Winsor & Newton are my favorites too. Many years ago I used to use Blockx and Linel, but unfortunately they used honey and I have had bad experience in the tropics of insects attacking watercolor paintings with honey in the paint, so I now avoid any brand that uses honey. However I would add a fourth to this list of favorites - Caran D'ache Museum Aquarelle pencils. The Museum pencils actually match the quality of tube and pan colors but the pencil form factors gives an extra creative choice while painting that makes them a valuable addition to my painting kit. W&N - best made paints, and have all the essential colors in a perfect hue but they are not adventurous with new colors. Conservative but reliable. DS - Excellent color range but annoying that they refuse to make cadmium yellows, orange, and red. and they have been a bit dishonest about lightfastness in their Primatek colors, some of which are untrustworthy. Schmincke - The only manufacturer that has never lied to me about any of their colors. They have always had a knack of making colors that perfectly suit me. And the Super Granulating ranges contain some absolutely wonderful colors. Caran D'ache Museum - I find them especially nice when figure and portrait painting. wonderfully rich, wettable and blend-able, compared to other watercolor pencil brands, plus unlike other pencil makers, they publish pigment data, and lightfastness is the same as other artist quality watercolor brands. A joy to use.

[@jerryaubill163]

Thank you, I love your videos. You explain so well. I have worked with Acrylic and oils for years. I fell in love with watercolors. I'm still trying to figure out tubes or pans, what brand of paints to buy. So much out there. Plus I'm on a budget. Thanks for the information. Keep making those videos!

[@valeriegehling4358]

I use as a beginner mainly Schmincke & like them a lot! Your info was helpful. Thanks

[@theapplechapel]

I'd like to add that it doesn't matter which brand as long as it's not super cheap! Really cheap off brand watercolor paints could put a beginner off the medium because they are very muddy and hard to work with.

[@suzeaa]

Same with paper.

[@marijkevv11]

True

[@Manara111111]

I totally agree with you.. I tried daniel smith, schmincke and QoR... all of them are great brands.. but as you siad I found D.S hard to rewet, QoR hard to control due to the binder .. and I lovvvved schminck it had this soft blending effect and it is easy to rewet it

[@softlanding138]

I agree! Schemincke is so soft and creamy and the colors are gorgeous! So plein aire with Daniel Smith!

[@RogerEhinger-tg1hv]

I have enjoyed all three, availability was an issue before I started shopping online. I try to patronize my local stores but the closest are national chains and selection is often limited. I have told them that I do prefer to support local businesses if they carry what I want. A good selection of all three is an hour or more away depending on traffic and special trips for paint are rare. I must admit that my wife does most of the driving and she has other commitments during the week. Currently Daniel Smith occupies most of my half pans but I still retain some Schminke in some pallets. I have an old Michael Wilcox on watercolors book that I reference pigments in. Many new color houses are not mentioned in that old book even some Modern pigments are not listed but there's some good information there.

[@LironYan]

I always try to purchase locally if I can! (: Here it works a little differently. There are a few main chains / major stores, and they hold the largest varieties. But every one will have a different combo 😅 One has White Nights and Winsore Newton (but only Cotmans...). Another has Daniel Smith and ShinHan PWC etc... It's a bit of a hassle indeed 😛

[@renmuffett]

Schmincke is my top favorite also and I have tried many brands. Mine dries just as fast as any that I have except for M Graham and Sennelier. I love Da Vinci too. However I have never tried Turners Yellow. It might be that on occasion you will get a tube that has too much gum at the top and most of the pigment has settled if they have been on a shelf too long before you get them. I have found dried Daniel Smith to re-wet better than Winser & Newton dried tubes paints. But not better than W&N sold in the pans. That is only because the pans of W&N have more glycerin added to the formula for easier re-wetting. Schmincke has the exact same amount of glycerin in the pans and tubes. The only Daniel Smith pigments that do not re-wet that easily when dried is their natural earth pigments. Those natural earth pigments of PBr7 and other minerals can be gummy and harder to re-wet and disperse after dried. Just a couple drops of Glycerin solves the problem. I like Daniel Smith earth pigments because they are made with single pigments. I do not like some of Schmincke earth pigments because a few are made with more than one pigment and heavily opaque. Thanks for sharing. Its interesting to hear what other water-colorists like and dislike and why.

[@MedaHalmaciu]

I really like the White Nights. The price is unbeatable and they are widely available in my country. But I do mix and match several brands. It also depends if I am doing illustration or fine art painting.

[@LironYan]

I have a few St. Petersburgs I need to try. So far I tried the French Ultramarine and loved it (: I'll try showing them soon here.

[@jessicajudge9326]

which do you prefer for illustration?

[@mikesamovarov4054]

Always remember that White Nights is a Russian brand. Do you really want to support that country? Think again and look for more ethical ways to paint. Russia also doesn't care about ecology and will destroy our nature with terrible pollution. Please, avoid supporting Russia! It's not ok now.

[@nicox3311]

Edit: The great rembrandt watercolors are the best in the rewet aspect! Simply awsome! Give it a try! (and aren't expensive)

[@xenoncs2141]

You can add few drops of honey or pure glycerin oil, few drops based on the amount you put, don’t over drop please, I used 2 drops in a pan mixing 2 mijello paints, mijello has honey in their binder, that half pan never dries even when I put in a very humid atmosphere, it did not dry so make sure to not my mistake lol.... have fun painting

[@chantelmcskimming6633]

I agree, skill is far more critical than brand of paint. Using good cotton paper will help, in my opinion. Thank you for your videos!!

[@halfabee]

A watercolour paint which wets easily . The issue is once applied to the painting will then pick up when another wash is placed over the top of.

[@LironYan]

I'm also worry of that at times, but I find it's not always the case. From my experience, there isn't a direct correlation between the two (which baffles me at times, as you would assume otherwise). I will say this - regardless of the paint - technique matters. We have to make sure to work fast and careful to not reactivate the previous layer. A good quality paper can also help a lot (:

[@evelyne7071]

A couple of examples of which you speak may have helped the comparison. I am trying the Shminckes for the first time now…….I’m in “love” ! After your recommendation, I purchased the Daniel Smith three primaries. They really are really, really vibrant…….

[@richardkeller3852]

I do watercolors as a hobby. Right now I use Van Gogh paints which I like better than Cottman, which I bought both on sale. To me there is a big difference in paper. I stock up on Arches when it is on sale.

[@LironYan]

I gotta soon stock up on paper too! (: And I also prefer Van Gogh to Cotmans, it's what I started with!

[@maryklassen9322]

I found this video at the perfect time. I am well into my first set of watercolors, a 12 1/2 pans Paul Rubens set, they have served me well, but I am ready to refill some of the pans and was thinking of what paint to buy. Was thinking of the exact 3 you mentioned, thank you so much. I travel, I'm a vagabond :) my paint must be travel ready at all times...so Schmincke is out, and Daniel Smith it is. Would not have known about the slow drying of Schmincke. Once again very helpful info.

[@Miserableplace]

Arches cotton watercolour paper seems to be very popular.

[@LironYan]

Indeed! To me Arches is a great #2, but my favorite is Saunders-Waterford (almost identical, but smells better and cheaper 😂).

[@Miserableplace]

@@LironYan 👍🤣

[@Miserableplace]

Have you tried Fabriano Artistico ? Many ppl say it is fab :D

[@renmuffett]

Arches is not what it used to be. The paper quality has declined over the years since it was sold to another paper company.

[@happybirthday2078]

@@LironYan Canson Heritage Watercolor paper is also good.

[@RogerEhinger-tg1hv]

Currently I am using Daniel Smith mostly, this is mostly a matter of convenience. At one time Schminke was my favorite but locally art supplies are only available from the big box craft stores a none of them stock it. Winsor -Newton is mostly the student grade, same with some other brands. I have a few Schminke half pans that I do still use but I can't always be sure what they are when that sticker on the bottom fades or peels away.

I totally agree with you about re-wetting issue about the Daniel Smith. Especially the Viridian Green makes me crazy once it dried on palette it will be harsh to resolve it again. It is related to the chemistry of the pigments. For example Daniel Smith's cobalt teal blue is so easy to resolve but mainly you' right

[@LironYan]

Yes, the one that really stood out for me is their Burnt Sienna and Sepia. These too also dry really hard, plus I don't like the brownish color of the Burnt Sienna. But some don't have that same issue, like you mentioned.

[@ulutiu]

Viridian is the most notorious pigment for being hard to rewet. It doesn't really depend on brand, it's the pigment itself. Got W&N full pan of Viridian and it's the same issue.

Yes It is definitely related to pigment as a factor but it is not the only thing. Manifacturers also go with their own recipients that makes huge changes. Please try Van Gogh's Viridian, you will definitely change your mind about the color. It melts rigth away once puttting the water.

[@Vermiliontea]

@baha boru. Sure. Except it's not genuine Viridian. :-/ That's the difference.

[@greekveteran2715]

You should check the Burnt Sienna from Rembrandt! That brand, is the opposite compared to Winsor & Newton, that I also like you, dodn't like how their colours look. Royal Talens Rembrandt and some colours from their Van Gogh line colours, are my favorite in terms of how they look,because they are closer than others, to how colours should look. Checko out for example, the original pantings of mr Paynes,who inventted the colour Payne's grey! Van Gogh and Rembrandt, are closer to the original, than most if not all brands. Same with Burnt Sienna and a lot of others! Happy new year people and happy painting!!

[@LironYan]

Cheers will look into that one 😁 Thank you, wishing a happy new year! 🥳

[@JoyDiPaola]

Phthalo green is an unnatural color on its own, but I have recently come to find out how invaluable it is as a mixing color. It totally blew my mind. Maybe give it another try. I love M Graham, DS, Schmincke, and W&N. Soft and rewettable, you would probably love M Graham. I enjoy your videos. Thank you.

[@LironYan]

My pleasure! I love the Phthalo green mixes. It really is a surprise how well it works for natural green mixes.

[@SandyDriggers]

Thank you for the video. It would be great to see examples of the difficulties you mention. Perhaps doing the same painting in each of the three for comparison or techniques in each of the three to compare? Thanks again.

[@lchristine3722]

M. Grahams are my favorite. Have you tried them yet?

[@LironYan]

Yes, just recently! I loved them - if you search the channel for M Graham you’ll find my review (:

[@ladyhollman9534]

Sennelier, Rembrandt, M Graham, Schmincke, Daniel Smith (particularly the Primateks), W&N, QoR, Mungyo … in that order for me I do majority Urban Sketching , so hands down Sennelier with the other brand colors mixed in my pallet from time to time. To be fair, Rembrandt (my precious 😂), M Graham, and Schmincke I tend to only use at home. At home, I’ll throw in White Nights granulating paints. It’s hard to pick a favorite as I like them all.

[@SoulKeever]

I haven't experienced difficulty rewetting D. Smitty, but I know what you mean about their Burnt Sienna. The color isn't so strong, and it's also so red that "neutrals" with Ultramarine are...rather violet. But Winny Newts, the worst thing I can say is that they don't iron out their pigments, so each color behaves a little differently on the rewetting front; Cobalt Yellow & Green, Rose Madder, and Cadmiums all rewet super well, but Cerulean, Viridian, and Raw Sienna are all crusty AF. Dunno what I'd consider third best. I use a lot of Mission Gold stuff, and Mijello does a solid job stabilizing honey-based colors, so I guess Mission Gold gets it.

[@LironYan]

I like the nicknames you give brands 😂 I should do that too.

[@SoulKeever]

lol, call them whatever feels right. I just started calling M. Graham "Graham Crackers," and QoR is a silly enough name by itself that I just say it like an ogre.

[@minalyons1]

Wow! This is such an old video but I totally agree with everything you said here. Same here nothing tops schmincke’s quality, then daniel smith is taking the second place with it’s great color selection but yes I also have issues with rewetting poured pans. Since I mostly go for schmincke and daniel smith I don’t see any need of winsor&newton. I tried some didn’t like them so the brand is a pass for me. My third would be white nights, it’s impossibly cheap compared to others so they are good for practice. I tried some other brands as well and maybe should mention Holbein but it just has so many multipigmented colors that it’s not as per with these. Thanks for the video even after 5 years!

[@LironYan]

Thank you! So happy to hear this resonated 😁🙏🏼 I have since also discovered White Nights and they are super affordable and of great quality! One more I'll add to the list is M. Grahams' & SAA (which is almost identical to Daniel Smith). Fantastic quality!

[@Donna_G]

There are so many brands of watercolor paints that I have not tried. Of the artist grade paints, these are the ones I like, from top to bottom: Daniel Smith, American Journey, and Holbein. Of course, these are the only artist grade paints I have tried. My reason for putting Daniel Smith first is that the pigment is really intense. A little goes a long way. I have not had any problems with the paints re-wetting. The only exception is Neutral Tint. The water soaks into the pigment really fast. I generally have to add more water than I think it will take. The main issue with Daniel Smith, in my opinion is that there are over 200 colors in the various lines. Some tubes contain the same pigment; but, are labeled with different names. I do not have Burnt Sienna. I use Quinacridone Burnt Orange in place of Burnt Sienna. If you look at the labels, they do have different pigments. When I purchased my three tubes of American Journey watercolors, I bought them from Cheap Joe's. These are really nice paints and the tubes I have seem to be creamier than the Daniel Smith paints. I think this brand is used as Joe's house brand. At the time I got my tubes, they were less expensive than the Daniel Smith brand. The one advantage that buying this brand from Cheap Joe's is that there are fewer colors in the line; but, plenty still to choose from. I have three tubes of Holbein watercolors. These were the ones that I could by locally and were the first artist grade paints I purchased before I joined Susie Short's watercolor group. I'm sure their are artists who have used this brand and really enjoy them. I thought the paints were really heavy bodied, if watercolor paints can be described in that way. Maybe the tubes I got were just old stock, or something; but, I found that the pigment and binder were separated when I opened the tubes. Two of the colors were cadmium colors, one red and one yellow. The pigment was not easy to mix with water. But, once mixed, they were okay to use. They are just not my favorites.

[@scottenosh4548]

In terms of materials, good paper (Baohong, Arches, and [my favorite] Saunders) is most important...along with practice.

[@nicox3311]

Greetings from Uruguay! I love w&n, but, like you said some paints are difficult to grade! Another issue is in the most expensive series (4), the tubes are filled at half!!!! I dont know if someone in the shop do that robbery, but the cobalt turquoise light or the cadmiums are always half empty. Rembrandt is another great brand. Burnt sienna, french ultramarine and madder lake deep are the most beautiful colors that I use almost everyday. I think you should like it! . I apologise for my bad english. Keep doing it great Liron!

[@LironYan]

Thank you - I'll definitely check Rembrandt then (: I love all the paints you mentioned, so I'm very interested in them now. And I had no idea some tubes were half full. Could also be a manufacturing defect? So weird!

[@chinthakafernando4611]

I recently came across with Holbein 18 tube set. I was honestly speechless about the quality of them. I have also tried, Windsor and newton, Van Gogh and Royal talents.

[@LironYan]

Interesting! I should definitely give Holbein a try, many have recommended them 😊🙏🏼

[@sandumaria4787]

I have a pallete with 16 pans from Maimeri blu tubes, it works for me, but they do stay wet in the pans also for a a long time.

[@LironYan]

Did you try other brands, how do the Maimeri Blue compare?

[@sandumaria4787]

I love them :) . I tried the w&n(cotman), schmincke horadam( they are comparable to Maimeri Blu, both of them are artist quality), van gogh, white nights(best price-value quality), lukas, renesans and sennelier la petite aquarelle. They are bright, transparent, pigmented and cheaper than schmincke, I can get them at my local art store for 2,5 to 5 euros a tube(15ml) depending on the color.

[@rolfingemundsen2949]

Maestro: When I looked at this video for my first time I heard you mentioned van Gogh as a solid studio quality an was happy with that because I myself was very impressed first time I tryed that brand. To day , just in this moment I looked at it again and could not avoid to hear that you said you have not tried Rembrant . Untiil this cristmas I myself had not tried this brand myself. As yoy certanly know comes it from the same producer as van Gogh , namely Thalens. van Gogh is their studio quality , Remnbrant is their proff-quality. Well , I will just telle you that if you are something like happy with the quality of van Gogh , I want you to try Rembrant , at least some colors. Espesially in the yellow "sector" for example the GAmboge and the Azo (deep) but foremost the Naples Yellow. For the blue scala: Lavender , French Ultramarine, and cerulean. I am for an amateur to be compared to you , even if someone are still buying my works. I must excuse my lack of express myself in the english language , you and for others who read what I am writing .

[@lesliesieler522]

Hi Liron.......I really appreciated the review. You may want to try Mijello Mission Gold. I just received my set a week ago and I find them wonderful. Creamy, dry nice, reactivate easily blend well and are vibrant. I purchased a set of 36 for $80.00 at Amazon and the selection they sent was well thought out. I really love these.

[@LironYan]

I really want to try these, hopefully in the near future (: Their sets look beautiful. I loved Steve's review in The Mind of Watercolor.

[@happymv5350]

Hi Liron - your choices are also similar to mine...but I draw toward specific pigments in each brand. I also love Sennelier for glazing, Old Holland for a couple of colors I simply can’t find replacements for and QOR for some of the crazy reactions I get when using it. Love your approach on your choices and look forward to catching up on the many videos...I’m behind!

[@LironYan]

Thank you so much 😊🙏🏼 Really happy to hear. I too have choices of specific colors for specific brands (: Maybe I'll do a vid on that one day.

[@peggywilliams8229]

I would love to know what your old Holland favorites are. I had been thinking about trying some

[@aviaja2008]

SPOT ON! My fav is Schmincke, D.Smith, Winsor, and Newton in that order. Each of these brands has their own strengths and through hard work and testing, I have found my pallet who is a mix of these three brands. My palette has a mixing power who gives me saturated useful secondary colors.

[@LironYan]

Amazing! I’m curious to hear what paints you have on it (: I recently discovered W&N’s Phthalo Blue and I now understand it really is a matter of the specific paint. I found it REALLY useful! 😁 Thank you 🙏🏼

[@aviaja2008]

I primary paint landscapes(Plain air), wildlife, and cityscapes, so what I paint reflects what palette I use. Feks my palette have high chroma colors from Qor for lights and billboards, for cityscapes and birds and fish or flowers etc. but not always. My primary colors are from Schmincke, like Permanent Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Finest, Lemon yellow and the earth tones, Transparent Orange, and another secondary color like May green. Often I use D. Smiths New Gamboge, Cobalt Blue, and Neutral tint, and Quinacridone purple. (W.N) Winsor Blue, Permanent Carmine, sap-green, olive, perm. green Olive, and cobalt violet and Winsor Yellow. Schminkes Sepia, Indigo, Naples yellow and phthalo green and blue, Transparent orange and D.smiths New Gamboge I often use for special effects like shadows and atmosphere. I switch between these colors often depending on what I paint. It is almost impossible to tell you what I use because it depends on what I paint. When I do Plain Air painting I of cause need my paints to rewet fast, that is where Schmincke Horadam comes in handy. And just like most, I too made a lot of bad choices back in the days, so I ended up with a lot of colors I rarely use. But I have to say, I find a use for all colors. All colors can be muted or more opaque if needed... f.eks what seems to be pop colors like Opera Rose and May green is very fun to mix with other colors. In my notion watercolor is often about being great at mixing colors, it comes very handy.

[@LironYan]

Thank you for sharing, it’s good to know. I have some similar colors 😊🙏🏼 I agree that even the less useful ones can be found a use for. Worst case you use them to mix grays (; Thank you for sharing!

[@karolinaeglyte9418]

Maybe one day you want to try White Nights watercolors? It would be an interesting video. Anyways, all of your videos are great, entertaining and not boring at all! Keep up the good work!

[@LironYan]

Thank you so much (: A friend recently gave me several St. Petersburg full pans. I'll show them soon. I really loved their French Ultramarine.

[@karolinaeglyte9418]

Yay!! Can't wait! ;)

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

Pps...I agree about sennelier...unless I am doing a studio floral painting I don't want to glaze something 7+ times...and them I usually seem to do 7 minimum.

[@sirreginalddoc3117]

Liron I have a small set of Schminke paints. I really want to like them but...I've found that a really high number of their colours are opaque...I just feel like opaque pigments feel really heavy on the page if they are used for anything other than your first layer. Would be keen to know your thoughts on this.

[@LironYan]

I think this is highly subjective, and I can understand where you're coming from (: I don't necessarily strive to full transparency in my paintings, so I don't mind that. But you may prefer that - in which case I'd get some more transparent paints!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Okay so I don’t feel so bad about my painting choices after watching this video. I started out with Sakura Koi 30 colors Field Set Watercolors (I still have that first palette of very vibrant colors), then I switched to Arteza 24 Tubes Set Watercolors, of which I have used up completely, before recently just a few months ago upgraded to my 45 studio set of Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolors. I am just going on my 3rd year of Watercolor Painting. Thanks for sharing your thoughts & opinions about your 3 top brands of watercolors.

[@sachab6098]

Sakura koi is soooo nice ☺️ but they fade quite fast and I'm looking for more lightfast paints for gifting my friends art

[@melissabridge5687]

I haven't tried DS watercolor yet. I have beem researching professional colors. I use W&N as of right now. DS is supposed to be perfect watercolor for floral painters. The reds and pinks are amazing looking.

[@LironYan]

Yes - they have an amazing selection of reds, and they look fantastic. That's one thing about Daniel Smith that I really like.

[@marmyyetter5674]

My favorite is Daniel Smith brand.

[@hannieshah4755]

Liron could you do a video on what the best lighting would be for when you are painting? (With artifical light - room without windows)

[@LironYan]

I find the best light is lightbulbs that mimic natural daylight. I’m not well-versed in this topic enough, but I may talk about it in the future (:

[@amygresl3691]

Good Austin.. my eyes hurt so bad after painting under the new florescent light bulbs. I think i may need a magnifying light also. 😪

[@dianapasley2182]

I totally agree....Schmincke are my 1st choice.

[@LironYan]

😁👍🏼

[@CoreFineArt]

I'm not sure if you have tried these yet but a nice affordable set are the Sonnet pans by Nevskaya Palitra. They are made in Russia and come in giant pans (not like huge massive ones but for sure bigger than the usual full pans). The pigment load in them is amazing and they reactivate sooo easily!! the 16 pan set cost me about $20 US on amazon and I recently bought the 25 set that ended up being $20 US also. Should really check them out!! They are my go to for sketching and I have Daniel Smith, Mission Gold + Silver, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Sennelier, QOR (also one I'd recommend checking out but for the quality more than the price). THey can take a while to get to you after ordering because 8 times out of 10 they are coming from Russia. I mean, I'm still waiting for the 25 pan set I got. They don't come in a palette but I use one of the medium sized metal watercolour palettes from China and just take the metal 'holders' from the insert and stick the pans directly onto it with some glue. That way I still have the extra mixing wells below the tray/ insert. Just an idea for you :) In the mean tine.. Paint pretty!!

[@LironYan]

Wow haven’t heard of them - but I’ll definitely do my research (already looking up the brand on google). I also really want to try Qors. I have many paints to test so haven’t gotten the chance to yet.

[@CoreFineArt]

QOR is nice if you want vibrant and staining colour. They are made by Liquitex, the company that makes acrylic paint. I recommend them for their vibrancy but not for the price. I bought 2 sets of the QOR ones only because I had the $ at the time to do it. They come in sets of 5 x 5ml tubes and a filmsy, not super portable tin. If you do go with the Sonnet ones, they are comparable to the White Knights line from the same company. The 24 set of the Sonnet ones arrived today and let me tell you... I don't think I'll need another set for a loooooooooong time.. these things are packed with paint!!! Totally the best value for money I've seen in a long time. Let me know what you think if you go with them :)

[@CoreFineArt]

Here's a good deal. The paints + palette ) www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XYGV8VS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@bobcat1097]

Sonnet- краски уровня студент и производятся они в Китае по заказу от Nevskaya Palitra, если и покупать продукцию данного производителя, то лучше White Nights.

[@michaellopez9673]

Any thoughts about M. Graham? Since it was not mentioned in your top 3 favorite watercolor.

[@LironYan]

It passed Schmincke for me 🤓 I like it A LOT. Not for everyone due to the softness, but for me it’s perfect.

[@majidkooklan5961]

Which brand is better❤

[@suzisandpiper]

Loving your watercolour videos Liron...I've recently been a convert to Daniel Smith and Schmincke.....I only have a limited palette of 13 DS....but of those i agree a few are hard to re-wet...I love the primatek amethyst, but took me ages to get the colour going again once dried. Also the ones you mentioned. I decanted about 1/4 tube just recently into pans and wondering if I've done the right thing. I think ill spray them 20 mins before I use them. The Schmincke are AmAZING! Especially now they've got the new colours. On W & N which i have, we were advised in an art shop that they changed their tube formula a few years back and its not recommended now for filling pans as they don't reset properly. I also love golden q'or....especially the earth set are excellent, but they are a bit pricey.For really smooth washes you might want to consider trying Daler Rowney, though their colour range isn't as exciting.

[@suzisandpiper]

Re-wet....not reset lol

[@LironYan]

Seems like we are on the same page. I've had similar experiences with almost all brands you mentioned (: About re-wetting - I think with time you learn which brands (and which specific colors) are harder to re-wet. Then you can use them in a more suitable manner (for some you may prefer to squeeze out a little every time, others can stay on the palette in larger quantities). Also, I find that spraying some water on the palette, a few minutes before you start to paint, can really help soften the dried colors. As you mention, the Primatek especially dry into a harder consistency.

[@joybean6955]

I read somewhere that Schmincke tends to create hard edges and is somewhat difficult to blur/soften the edges. Does it happen to you too?

[@magnoliabutterflystudio]

What do you think of Sennelier?

[@mindrawsstuff3562]

Thanks liron I was loooking for this :D

[@LironYan]

Happy to hear! Your profile pic always makes me smile 😄

[@mindrawsstuff3562]

Liron Yanconsky thanks liron :) made my day

[@lindathaxton1994]

I like d Smith, m graham, Holbein - like to try all & love so many colors. D Smith & m graham I use the most. Have not tries Schmenke

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

Liron, very good video with your opinions on the three different companies. I myself have always leaned torwards Winsor Newton. I've tried almost all others and do like the D.S very much. Right now I'm needing a few tubes so I'm thinking Daniel Smith. Why Not? One thing I've learned through the years is that the paper you use is very important. A good quality paper, minimum 140 lb. is best. Again , thanks for the review .

[@LironYan]

Yes, as someone else commented and I pretty much agree - the paper is really important, probably a little more than paint. My pleasure, and thank you (:

[@mariusvaiciulis5072]

And a brush is more important than paper. With good brush you can get away even with a very lousy paper, which i'm using currently for learning (basically because it is cheap, so i'm not afraid to spoil it en masse). So the brush is most important, or a set of brushes to be fair. :)

[@Bushy-73]

Try the SAA watercolour paint, these are the ones I use

[@LironYan]

Interesting, I think I heard about them once, a long time ago. I'll look into it, thanks!

[@peggywilliams8229]

What is SAA

[@milosmihajlovic1867]

Daniel Smith has strong marketing, one of the greatest watercolor masters Dusan Djukaric works with Schmicke paints and his live paintings look much better than the paintings of Branko Zbukvic (Joseph Zbukvic) and you only have to work with one producer because each color behaves differently and then confusion arises. the Germans bought the Royal Talens line: Rembrandt and Van Gogh and significantly improved the pigmentation of VG and introduced new colors so that I would not say that VG is student, there are old stocks that are still on sale and that are much worse than the new VG.

[@AlyonasWatercolourCreations]

Great video Liron! I totally agree about Sennelier, I found them great for botanical art but outside of it I don’t think I would reach for them :) White Nights, Schmincke and QOR are my top three!

[@LironYan]

Awesome! I like that trio (except for Qor thay I still haven’t tried, and can’t wait to!). And now I’m starting to also like PWC, my top three trio may change soon (at least the third place 😉).

[@markhumphrey8894]

Hey Liron, Is M.Graham still a good paint company. I was really impressed with them 15-20 years ago. thanks

[@Gwentheknitter]

Painting only a few months after years of textiles. I started with a koi set then got a Van Gogh. I was buying used local art supplies. Loved the Van Gogh until a lady sold me 10 tubes of Daniel Smith. I didn’t know what I was buying but when I painted with them I loved them. Turned out they were all heavy granulation pigments. I have tried some others and I have a Payne’s grey from Holbein I like better than Daniel Smith. I have a sample pack of qor coming and I am sending out dot sample artist card packs in my art swap groups hoping people will reciprocate. I love the idea of trading dot cards with a color scheme or a theme and then make a trading card from it. That way we can all try newpai to and products with no real investment but a few minutes and time. I have been wanting to try Schmincke but these are over seas to me here. All in time. I use M Graham gouache but I don’t care for that honey stickiness it has. I like my paints to dry out like a brick.

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

You mentioned Rembrandt nope, try da vinci first. M.graham verdian is a must for me as rewetting other brands can be a pain. White nights, holbein and old holland are all paints that I usually do not use much when I plan on multiple glazes. Qor really moves fast on especially wet on wet techniques. Mission gold is one you might like. Love watching your progress. I would love to be as focused as you .

[@XtianApi]

I have van gogh paints. I have a base set then added some okre yellow, umber, sap green and some blues. Im starting out. I feel like I wish I had paints with higher pigment contents, but I don't know if it's worth upgrading. I have a lot of learning to do. Since I'm starting it, would it be important to have good paints? I don't want issues with paints to discourage me.

[@milosmihajlovic1867]

1.Schmincke 2.Rembrant 3.Daniel Smith 4.Van Gogh (production from 2020) 5.Koh I Noor professional 6.Winsor & Newton 

[@adriannamarszal]

Thanks for the video! I you were to recommend one set of 24/36 (I’ve found both brands online in the same price) - would it be Rembrandt or Schmincke? 😊

[@LironYan]

Hmmm, unfortunately I don't have any experience with Rembrandt, but I can say Schmincke are great! So I suppose that's the answer (: But if you're more interested / considering in a smaller set, I'd look into M. Grahams. They are fantastic. Here's a good example: amzn.to/32gcJIY

[@zackm8399]

No Holbein? Holbein is nice in my opinion when I don’t want all the granulation.

[@2lmdi]

I actually don't have a favorite per se. I have a preferred paint for the paper I'm working on. For instance, if I'm using Arches #140 cold press block paper which is ridiculously absorbent, I wouldn't use Sennelier as the grind is far too fine for that absorbency unless I add sizing which is a drag or I'm using gouache. I don't lift or scrub much so it seems pointless to use Arches which I don't like due to absorbency. However, if I'm using Arches hot press or something with some cellulous in it, I will use Sennelier. I do, however, miss its "glow" when using other brands. So, that said, I use M Graham watercolor and gouache, Sennelier, Maimeri Blu and Venezia in the main with a few convenience Old Holland, Daniel Smith and Grumbacher Academy. I agree on digging to get DS which is hard on my brushes so its not a preferred for that reason in fact I won't use any but my waterbrushes with it. I also agree with you on Sennelier's "messiness" but I like that especially for landscape finding it adds "texture." I'm not really into smooth flat washes. For "everyday," I guess the one I reach for most often is the cheapy Prima that I bought for the palettes but find I actually like the paint and its open stock now. I've never used it on Arches though so don't know how it would act on that but on Montvale or Strathmore 400, for instance, it shines. Its easy to use wetting from dry pans and great for portability. It is also so highly pigmented that it lasts much longer than my "artist" paints. I paint a lot so like the economy. I just wish I knew what was in it. If the company would tell me that, I might use it on better paper. I've done my own lightfastness tests and it holds up but wouldn't use it on something I wanted to hang just in case. For quick journaling or studies, I use mainly Van Gogh because its cheap and easy to get or Prima.

[@LironYan]

+Pat Kin Thank for sharing! I love how specific / accurate you are in terms of matching the paint to the different paper types. I'm very curious about Prima (you refer to Prima Marketing, right?). I heard some mixed opinions, but I like the color selection of their sets, and so I really want to try one out. Perhaps the tropical one. It's good reading your experience with these.

[@2lmdi]

Yes, Liron, it is Prima marketing. I have Basics (think its called that), Tropical and Decadent Pie. I've merged them all into two palette boxes so really don't remember which is in which set... but that gave me an empty one for other paints. One of the sets has four metalics and I don't use those. I think its the Tropical set that is most transparent.. ugh not sure as I've mixed them all up. Check out Teoh Chi as he has done a review of each set individually... pretty sure of that... ugh I should do some sort of exercizes to improve my memory.

[@LironYan]

Haha thank you, will take a look (: I heard that regardless of their paints, the palettes are good quality.

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

Are they still.??? Mine have changed thru the years...now m.graham and da Vinci take first and second then daniel smith...these are all new paints but my choices 40 years ago were same as yours except instead of daniel smith. It was grumbacher artist....

[@suzanneboily5224]

Thanks so so much❤

[@chikaaaaaaaaooo]

Hello! What about rembrandt watercolor? Was thinking about purchasing a set

[@LironYan]

It's one of those brands I need to look into (: On my to-do list.

[@gulsah21-q6j]

Hi Liron. Thank you for advices. In my country horadam is very expensive. Have you tried schmincke akademi?its cheaper. Is that good? Or i should save money for horadam. If you can give me advice, i’ll be happy. Thank you

[@Jennifer-wr9si]

If you limit it to earth colours, would you still put Schmincke at the top? I use only Schmincke but haven't really bought into their earth colours - either the colour is not to my taste or they're opaque...Thinking DS but I'm not keen on lots of granulation.

[@LironYan]

I’m usually limiting myself to three primaries, so Schmincke works well for me. Plus - I love their Burnt Sienna. But Daniel Smith are excellent and are probably as good for my purposes.

[@Mumu_UwU]

This review was perfection 👌👌👌 thanks! Very useful 👍👍👍👍✨✨

[@LironYan]

Thank you 😊🙏🏼 Very happy this helped!

[@sorsofia]

where is the best place to buy schmicke online?

[@sorsofia]

btw I'mm in Spain so a european link would be best... I find amazon doesn't hold all the colours

[@LironYan]

That's a great question. I would probably end up buying on Amazon (even a set if I must). But they really have a limited selection there. I think Jerry's Artarama has a larger variety, and they do international shipping (but I never ordered from there, so maybe someone else can share their experience): www.jerrysartarama.com/schmincke-horadam-finest-artist-watercolors I hope this helps.

[@sorsofia]

Thanks.. I found Jackson's uk has a complete selection. :) www.jacksonsart.com/colour/watercolour/watercolour-paint/brand/schmincke

[@halfabee]

Cass Art UK is the cheapest for me. www.cassart.co.uk/painting/watercolour_paints/product_type_paint/horadam_aquarell_watercolour.htm

[@halfabee]

Cass Art is Cheaper www.cassart.co.uk/painting/watercolour_paints/product_type_paint/horadam_aquarell_watercolour.htm

[@kataramommy]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with these professional quality watercolors! And the advice about consistant practice over brand. My favorite is Schmincke Horadam . Perylene Green, and Cobalt Blue are my most used colors. ☺

[@LironYan]

Their Perylene green is STUNNING (:

[@KittyKarenpoo]

I give a nod to Daniel Smith and Schmincke, but Windsor Newton is not even on my list. I know it's POPULAR and AVAILABLE, but it's wimpy. And, compared to products like M. Graham, not even ballpark.

[@kathykolenda7517]

What made you put Daniel Smith 1st and Schmicke & M Grahm 3rd?

[@LoveYouBeTrue]

Thank you. Do you prefer or recommend cakes or tubes and why?

[@shader26]

If Liron or anyone else could respond, are the pan colors the same as the tube colors? Would the characteristics be the same, the color, ease of rewetting, mixing?

[@charliebaker1427]

i love schmincke, daniel smith, winsor and newton, and m graham

[@flyfisherman3649]

Nice explanations. One paint you don't hear much about but one I find much better than other artist grade paints is, Daler Rowney Artist's Watercolor.

[@LironYan]

I was recommended to check them out. I may in the future (:

[@drewbaccalala3356]

I was JUST looking at that D Smith intro kit… I think I’ll be ordering soon :) Thank you for sharing your thoughts here!

[@aslhankopar6413]

hey, have you tried Mijello Mission Gold? I am really wondering your opinion 💎

[@subhashnisarta3496]

Thank you so much for your opinion for colour choices and painting, in india these colours are not available, sometimes Winson and Netwon colours are available but it is very costly So here I have Camlin🐪, 2 Gallery are available.if you have addressed of your choice colour please send me in your 🎁 website. thanks for the first time that I contacted with you, I think I have seen your sketching video before two years ago. It's Okay well and good wishes from me to you 🎁 and where are you from ?

[@Nicawe]

Thank you, so helpful!

[@LironYan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@StrawberryLegacy]

Schmincke 💛💛💛

[@davidtrujillo993]

I used to have all of those as my favorite until I got more experience and learn to appreciate the need for a smooth brand like Graham that needs very little water to be runny.

[@ianjackson5834]

W & N would be in my top 6, the 1 & 2 you are spot on with, my 3 & 4 would be rembrandts and old holland senneilia 5

[@LironYan]

Nice! I def need to check Rembrandt (:

[@roseyswine]

I love your videos! They have helped my painting skills greatly. If you get a chance, can you try out the Paul Rubens watercolors? Thank you, and I look forward to your next video!😁

[@suzalasuzala1135]

1.Daniel SMith 2. Schmincke. Daniel smith slightly eeks out Schmincke mostly because it has so many granulating colors that I love, add to it that it Daniel Smith has a ton of single pigment colors, that it dries fairly quickly, most colors re-wet easily, and their range of colors is unbelievable, and it beats out everyone. Having said that I have a 48 full pan set of s Schmincke with I love and use often. Soo buttery and such rich colors! Love that transparent orange! Lastly I need to add that I have replaced my DS chromium cerrulean with that of Holbein's having decided that the former's is a little too grey-iee.

[@LironYan]

Great points! I have to agree on some of these. I guess some of it comes down to personal preference. For me the softness beats many other things :D

[@mikesamovarov4054]

Could you cover how spirituality or judaism help your art, please? I feel very connected to Hashem and it helps me to be my authentic self. Curious about your experience. A video would be awesome! Nobody seem to cover this interesting tooic.

[@LironYan]

It doesn't play a role / help my art (: So no point in a video. I do discuss a similar angle in some of my recent videos, such as this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWrSqWSAZ91ol9U

[@charliebaker1427]

winsor and newton have the best student brand aswell tbh, cotman is the best place to start with wc

[@nelsonong3125]

WnN claim that their tube paints are hard to rewet. so we should put a color when you need it. That disclaimer are false. I have made a lot of pan using tube paint and they are fine. Btw, can you make a review on daler rowney paints. I have the DR but I don't know what to say. I wanted to ask other artist about DR. DR are cheaper than WnN. that's why I have them. 😂

[@LironYan]

I found mine easy to re-wet too. I'll hopefully try out DR too in the near future (:

[@Mandocelt]

Liron Yanconsky Love the channel Lion. I'm in similar situation, I have W&N and DR artists paints. I would be happy to hear your review/comparisons of DR. I have searched many channels but, so far, nobody has reviewed DR Artists paint. Thanks

[@alrenefischer4481]

Thank you 😊🙏

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

P.s. I never loved old Holland..had some absolutely lovely colors but little transparency.

[@brendalogan7940]

Hello Liron. I really enjoy watching your channel. Your so talented. As I was watching this particular video, I had just discovered Van Gogh watercolor paints and fell in love with them. These paints came with a kit (they were like sample paints, enough to accomplish the paintings in the lessons. The kit entitled Watercolor Trip to Italy by Vitali Dets and Andrej Gerasimyuk. (If you type watercolor trip to Italy there are some KZbin videos of people doing a review - check out the art hive. This will give you an idea of what this is. And I kinda thought this may be up your alley if interested. Love to see a kit like this about how to paint faces. Eyes, ears, noses to complete portraits. That’s if your interested). I’m not anywhere near to you as an artist. But I do enjoy learning and painting. This kit is very enjoyable. The book has lesson plans. The sketch, done twice for 2nd go around and instructions on how to accomplish the look. The kit comes with the booklet, 2 brushes, paints on a washable/reusable palette and more sample paints in cute container for backup. Wax and royal talens 7ml mask. The kit cost $67.00. Now - getting back to the paint. Van Gogh is a nice student grade. I’ve found them to be creamy giving very pretty after affects. I’m not a professional painter. So I’m happy with these paints. Perhaps, in the future I’ll upgrade. Painting, right now for me is for my enjoyment and for learning. Watching your channel is helping me to learn about watercolor and sketching and having fun while painting. Wish you good luck and fortune. Keep doing what your doing. 👩‍🎨