I blew it all up. How I changed my entire watercolor game and organization

[@danag812]

I like to say some people spend their money on alcohol…I don’t…I buy art supplies 😅 Thanks for this entertaining and informative glimpse into your organization method ❤

[@danag812]

@@usenamenotallowed there you go! Problem solved 😂

[@GinaBadeaux]

i enjoyed this ,when my boys were young i started painting ,i waited till they went to bed to create .28 years later i live alone and paint every morning at my kitchen table ,i have my art supplies every where i just told my self my small 1 bedroom apt is my studio it works well for me ,thank you

[@gillinacook1477]

I think the card swatches are a great idea but on just one card colour, I would have the left side with the white boarder and the right side painted right to the end. So you the best of both. The painted side right to the edge is handy to hold against your reference to pick colours. I think I might do this for myself 😊

[@danag812]

Good idea! A win win!

[@bealaart]

Great idea!!

[@RumoHasIt]

I am the Everyone asking for this video 😂😂

[@Pointebrush]

I'm glad SOMEONE out there wanted this 🤣

[@cathyphegley7848]

Me too🤩

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Yes I agree with you that the white edges around the swatches is better. I can see how it will look on white paper. Definitely make a difference to me. I also am a watercolor collection artist. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information about organizing your watercolors.

[@macgurrl]

I don’t buy makeup at all or clothing very often so I am a watercolour collector too. I can’t resist a new palette or a new watercolour.

[@Jay-ql4gp]

Years ago I needed a compartmentalized box for my art supplies. The arts and crafts section of the store had them, but at a price I wasn't going to pay. But I found the same kind of box, that was not only better for what I wanted, but better quality, at less than half the price, in the fishing section...for lures! Since then I've looked in other places like you did. Thank you so much!

[@PaminaStormborn]

you are not at all chaotic, you are the best organized artist I know

[@junemordy2481]

You didn't even show your handmade watercolour collection 😊. Would like to see all the brands you have . 🎉. As always had a great time watching.

[@Pointebrush]

You know that's a great idea. Maybe I can do a walkthrough of all the brands and palettes I have. That's a whole other topic! I could go on for hours! ha!

[@rhondahennessy76]

Perfect timing. I really need this…NOT😂 I spend more time watching KZbin and collecting different paints etc than I do putting paint onto paper. I’m a learner who decided in March 2020 to learn watercolour, no lovely paintings but…do you want to see my Collection of paints. I’m enjoying your channel very much. 🎨🖌️🖼️

[@ilonavandertang-vos2198]

I also use a soapdish,, and I put little feet under one side, so they are faced a little down. Works great for my brushes

[@Queenread82]

Welp. All of my color cards are rubber banded together like an old deck of cards and I hardly ever (never) look at them. It was great to do them though because it helped me become more familiar with each hue and paint, how it diluted, if it granulated, was it smooth, etc. I did write notes. What good are the notes? I remember things better if I write them down.

[@RumoHasIt]

Re: michael harding I spent soooo much money on my Michael Harding tubes, made a custom palette and then a swatch card. LOW AND BEHOLD, all of the tubes that I thought would be very very unique and special ended up being VERY similar or perfectly duped by my roman szmall pans. Yep, you heard me. Im lookin at you Autum and Aquarius green! Since you are moving away from tubes anyway, just use that money to expand your RS collection instead.

[@lzal9204]

Love Roman Szmal! They just don’t offer tubes (yet) but I love the large full pans. And they are affordable.

[@blackpoppymagazine]

oMG Margot - I just LOVE the plastic biz card holders being used for swatches!!! That's an AMAZING IDEA - u can keep any pigment info there and have room for various intensity a of any one colour, one cud even do ones best colour combinations!!! Omg I'm gonna do that!!! Thanks, I adore your virgo organisation skills, and appreciate u sharing it with us all!!!

[@elisiataylor]

I love the binder of chip charts... and printing it on your own watercolor paper 👏

[@gingeredawn6764]

this year i switched from big palettes with mixing areas to smaller metal palettes, same size fully filled with magnetic pans, no mixing areas. my swatch 'cards' are a small 3x5 bound watercolor sketchbook...now my second one, better paints, new paints, new set up. i write the name in permanent black ink (obvee) and paint color over it. it's like a mini color shopping catalog.

[@sarakatharina2928]

I love your adorable organization-craziness. If you are up to it, I would love to see a tutorial again, maybe of your landscapes you showed or maybe some urban scenes, whatever you feel like would be so great. I feel stuck and don't really know how to move on in my art journey. Thank you and all the best!

[@annamacfarlane1941]

So get it I’m a Virgo too

[@lisaharner3720]

Love your organization! Collecting paints and using them are two different hobbies! I just ordered some A. Gallo. I may need an intervention. 😊

[@danag812]

Definitely!😂😂😂😂

[@vanessacastagnoli1126]

Did you get your A Gallo yet? Do you like them?

[@rnkim2564]

if i did all that, i would NEVER get around to creating anything. the best i can do is have each medium in relatively the same place and container bin, some are assorted to brands or fluidity because THAT tends to stick in my mind when i like a particular color or effect... but i have full wax and aqua colored pencils including graphite and conte, full on acrylics and watercolors, including multiple watercolor palettes of various types including old ice cube trays i grabbed filled with very expensive paints that never go bad, even 30 years ago.. this doesnt include MANY types of canvas and other surfaces and sporadic things like mediums, inks, endless brushes... i live in a small apt my only way to function is to have an organized mess having alot at hand close by and pull out what i need for a particular project and keep it in the same place for awhile.. my mind is bliwn by your organization. it would be a full time job for me to just do all those swatches and put them into books... i thought i was doing well 😂 i dont know how you do it all but great ideas❤

[@mrs.m.b.3630]

This was so fun to watch, because you let yourself laugh at your scatterbrained state of mind lol. I get this same way when I am super excited! 😂 Hope you can find some relaxing space for recuperating. Mommy here who understands. ❤ Thank you so much for all the great tips and sharing what works for you!

[@saral.1933]

White borders around colors: it is a known…what’s the word…phenomenon- in art education & visual effects- that you can see the color more readily by having that white border around it, and not up against other colors, which will influence your eyes into thinking it is warmer or cooler, based on what is surrounding it. I forget what you call it tho…

[@dmcdaniel2009]

WOW, OPEN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS TO POSSIBILITIES!

[@elenitucker3582]

From one organized Virgo to another…Thank You! You always inspire and have great ideas 😊

[@arguchik]

I love the Arts to Embers palettes! I'm new to watercolors, and I'm really glad I ran across his palettes early on. I have a tiny 6-half pan palette and I've filled the pans with my Daniel Smith Essential Mixing Set paints. One thing to mention about A to E's palettes: the mixing part of the palette is coated so that it is easier to mix colors without them beading up on the plastic surface.

[@rachelgetsitright632]

Really good way of personalizing palettes! I used your technique of using napkins with the smooth surface for painting, instead of paper towels. My (kinda) non art supplies supply item is, I use Lepage (brand) Fun Tak Poster Putty to hold my paint pans in place, in the palettes. Instead of magnets. The putty is firm, removable, non toxic. I’m in Canada, so I don’t know if it’s available internationally, there’s probably a good brand in each country.

[@suel4269]

I have my swatches organized like that. I wish I put a black ink line down first to see the opacity. I’ve been thinking of setting up seasonal color palettes .

[@clairbellatv]

When you mentioned Imelda, I had to look you up to check if you’re Filipino. Love your channel!

[@kachampagne]

Yay! A callout for Arts to Embers! Zach is so great and his palettes are so handy and fun.

[@freeandfabulous4310]

Thank you for this organization video! Would you consider making a video on being a professional artist? How did that happen, what type of work is done? What type of businesses hire professional artists? How to market one’s self as a professional artist? Thanks so much, your videos are fun and very helpful!

[@rosiepisatcky7877]

The white borders on the swatches are the best.

[@isarastudio9]

How cool that you mentioned Zak! I just received my first order from him and I just bought another set of templates from his shop today. He is a great guy indeed.

[@trinidiana]

You are super woman, I cannot even imagine having to little toddlers and working and being this organized. It’s unbelievable wow.

[@barbarabellm-rossetti8530]

I, too, prefer the swatches with the white surrounds. Who knew!

[@karinkburns]

I just ordered from Zac and he does have a palette that fits the Roman Smalz full pans. It's the 32 pan palette. Someone reviewed it on his Etsy site and said it worked so I bought it and it's perfect. Thanks for all you do Margot!!

[@rosatang]

I bought that soap dish because of another video where you mentioned it and I LOVE it! So great for holding my brushes to dry and/or while I’m painting

[@bealaart]

I love this video. Well, I also kinda don't because now I want to redo my whole system!! 😂 I have outgrown my current swatch book, so this video was perfect timing. Thanks for the great ideas! I'm not sure what I enjoy more, painting or organizing my paints & tools.😄You are a powerhouse of organization! And I totally agree with you about the white borders around swatches.

[@24get24give]

I've heard crafting is three hobbies, collecting, organizing, and using supplies

[@DjCapnWolf]

This video was beyond useful! My Mercury in Virgo was delighted to hear every single detail in as much depth as possible. And, being totally new to painting, I sense this information will save me years of headaches trying to figure these things out. Thank you, thank you, thank you. So glad I found your channel.

[@samjackson7270]

Bravo, another excellent video Margot! Thank you. I have learned so much from your channel in such a short time. One can really tell how passionate and funny you are! Great job as always.❤

[@patriciatolliver4057]

Patty-I saw your previous video on art supplies and loved the soap dish idea. The marble dish was a little out if my budget, but I did find a bronze dish that provided the same option. I love it, and thank you for suggesting that idea of the soap dish as a brush holder.

[@annelyle5474]

I love watching you get excited about organising your colours 😀 My watercolour collection is barely in triple figures, but I am the Imelda Marcos of coloured pencils - I've had to downsize my collection as it was just getting silly!

[@terririley186]

This was a very helpful video! I agree with you that the color shows up better against a white border, though I think the suggestion of one of your commenters t leave apwhite on one end and paint to the edge on the other for ease of color matching is a good one, too. I am so excited to hear about the Etsy company as I have been wanting to find a palette which doesn’t have the pans butted right up against each other. The business card holders, too, are perfect for the swatch cards. And I love your binder holding dot cards and color charts. You are a very smart lady! Thanks!!!

[@FatsquatchPNW]

You recently found your way into my recommendations, and at first I wasn't sure why I found you so relatable. I knew I enjoyed your videos because your presentation style is equal parts Kristy Rice, Jenna Rainey, and Lindsay Weirich. Kinda silly and fun, not afraid to include bloopers and be self deprecating. And then I found this video and you said the word Virgo. As a fellow Virgo, I not only Get It, but totally appreciate your level of detail and organization, and genuine excitement for things that simplify organization and make it at least feel a little less maddening. And I snorted at the Imelda Marcos reference...and then immediately wondered how many people were absolutely not going to get that one. You just earned yourself a shiny new subscriber. 😁 On a random side note, how often do you get told you look like Bebe Neuwirth circa 1992?

[@KlovesD_2015]

Hi you mentioned a paper punch for your swatches in the pans - did you have that link? Thanks so much love your videos!!

[@KlovesD_2015]

just found the link in another one of your videos, thanks so much - this is a great hack!!

[@brigitteitg]

Thanks for another great video! I have a very similar system to yours, from filing my swatch cards to keeping colours for projects separately in smaller tins 😊 I love the idea of the small swatch card puncher! I can see why you have a white frame around your swatches, the colour does stand out more. My swatches go to the edge as I find it easier to compare or combine colours that way.

[@ArianaIacono]

That binder is something out of my dreams ♡♡♡ I absolutely love it! Such a great idea, I will look into creating my own inspired in yours to put all my dot cards in one place ♡

[@lora9664]

I purchased this exact soap dish based on your other video and I love it. I use it while I am painting to rest my brush also when they are drying. Best tip this year.

[@trinaloucks3932]

I'm a Roman Szmal fan too, and would love a palette to fit a large amount of full pans in! I think there would be market for that!

[@PaulaScardamalia]

I really like the palettes from Arts to Embers, and I prefer that material of palette to the metal ones. Not sure why...they just feel...friendlier. 😁

[@sarahstevenson2384]

Thanks Margot, another great video. I absolutely agree with you about leaving a white border on your swatches, they are much easier to see and gauge the colour.

[@jerryaubill163]

I love your videos. Your so hilarious, you make art fun. Thanks for playing all these helpful videos

[@johnk3137]

That is allot of watercolor.

[@TheMessyDeskxyz]

The binder of swatches looks exactly like what I do for my fountain pen inks…. XD For me I would definitely have the white border too

[@Colorfullife2046]

I love your enthusiasm for watercolor I'm just a beginner and love them there's a few brands I don't have but someday since I have full set syndrome I will. Thank you for sharing your informative videos.

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

"I collect watercolours": Same GF - same! Love the card holder as I swatch on cards as well!

[@noralockspeed]

Loved the video! I am a beginner and love learning better ways to organize my supplies. I’m impressed with your endeavors with two little ones running about. Thank you for sharing this update. 😊

[@thebuzzybeehivestudios]

Absolutely love this video; your humor is spot on. Just be out Virgo OCD AR that we mesh well!!

[@nataliem2201]

You mentioned keeping M Graham in the fridge, can you say more about that? I live in a climate where bugs are an issue, and I've been concerned that watercolor made with honey may attract bugs. Valid concern, or no? Really enjoying your channel, thank you!

[@edus82]

Oh wow! Such great ideas! Thanks for sharing

[@Pointebrush]

You are so welcome!

[@WhiteDogGalleryByAmyJohnson]

I LOVE your videos! Thanks for sharing.

[@exhibitjean]

Yes, the margin around the swatches look clearer than without. Im going to make sure i do it like that from now on.

[@bonnieshapiro3511]

I didn’t get the name of that small white palette by Zac. Do you have a link. Enjoying this video. I always like to pick up tricks that might work for me. Thanks

[@RebekahSue]

I follow you because I love your color videos. You've given me ideas on organizing chips for my acrylics. Thank you!

[@milly_and_me]

I’m really missing your painting videos 😢

[@Barbara-fy8cs]

I love that soap dish. It's perfect! My husband was surprised by this purchase....

[@50andCountingcom]

I can vouch for the brush holder soapdish! I bought one after you recommended it in your other video and I absolutely love it. It is one of the best tips ever. My brush is no longer roll around my angle desktop. Thank you so much for all the great tips!

[@ChantelleArts]

this all looks so stunning, fantastic job ❤❤❤

[@alisoncross2399]

My God, Margo you ARE so organised! I've always been a solid watercolour gal, but saw so many people using tubes, I bought loads of tubes, but they are SO MESSY and don't harden up (difficult to carry) Am heading back to the pans :D

[@kellywicker8985]

Ohh, the tube water colors don't harden? Does it matter how much is put in the tray?? Interested in what you have to say.

[@alisoncross2399]

@@kellywicker8985 - mine don't harden and they are a mix of Sennelier (maybe honey keeps them too soft?) and W&N. I live in Scotland (ie permanently cold!) and if my closed palette slips onto its side during transportation, there is an ungodly Godfather-horse-head-in-the-bed mess to clear up lol!

[@patlizgailer681]

Thanks for this! I have started removable swatches for my palettes too. So much easier to move the colours around. Love the idea for business card swatches. Will see if I can do this. I couldn't find a soap dish like yours but did find a quick dry diaotomaceous Earth coaster with grooves to lay the brushes on. You have done great tips.

[@patriciaanderson4511]

Thank you so much for this video. I loved your binders. It helps to see how you've done this. Also I loved the best of palette video too. I had to watch it twice. Im having trouble getting colors that pop. Im using student grade supplies mostly now It helps seeing how you have done your organization on the palettes too.

[@Tasha_75]

Awesome as always, thanks you for the video.

[@sabrenazonneveld7431]

Thanks

[@LCLand]

Seems to me water can still sit in the ferrule horizontal, I hang my wet brushes in the springy slinky thingy if I switch brushes. Leave overnight. Dry in the morning. Back in jar.

[@joywhitley3141]

So much fun to watch! ❤

[@earthrooster1969]

Ha ha.. A Not so organised Gemini here, who is always fascinated by my Virgo sis and best friend ❤ Thank you for sharing this... I am sure I will pick up inspirations as I can get a bit lost and even end up ignoring some colours.. My art material is a miniscule as compared to your huge inventory, but still as a newbie, i get lost at times...

[@lej5055]

Thank you for this video! Its full of great ideas and I really appreciate you putting it together. I bet Zach gets a bunch of orders from this video, I know I’ll be placing an order! 😂 With respect & admiration from Austin 🎉

[@mhubertcfi]

I just watched this a second time to really digest it. Such a lot to chew on here😂. Thanks ❤

[@tinacookieleesanchez6850]

I love this idea 💕

[@jamiegossett]

do you ever use fluid acrylics/inks in watercolor techniques? maybe soft/hard pastels/pencils on top of w.c.'s. pen/ink, fountain pen/gel pen? any multimedia?

[@joaquimcosta786]

OMG I want one of Zac's pallette for my roman Szmal too .. mine looks exactly like yours .. lol

[@ReiKennex]

I love the idea of swappable swatch cards!! What would be the best way to make those re-attachable, does anyone have any advice?

[@Pointebrush]

I just use rolled up scotch tape (the “magic” one) but you could use double sided tape, glue dots, whatever you have handy

[@StealthyGypsy]

Hi, Margot. Zac is indeed awesome. I had him make me a mixing tray that fit into a vintage cigarette case that had rounded edges and a slight slope. I think yours would be easy in comparison! Also, I do like the white around the swatches. I agree with your reasoning. What do you use to make your little squares sticky?

[@pamfox2192]

Fantastic video. Thanks for sharing

[@McQuizzical]

I can't find the link to the hole punch you mentioned, can you direct me please?

[@VesperLane]

What is the music in the background? It sounds nice to paint by!

[@amypak]

Great helps, thank you Margot! QUESTION... why do you put the M.Grahams in the fridge?

[@elisabethseeger5837]

Amazing!

[@sognievita]

I love your videos, they are so useful and interesting! ❤❤ Please tell me if you have any video explaining de difference between warm and cold colours… if not… 😅 I was wondering if you could make a video explaining how to identify the cold colours of warm colours, because not all blues are the same, and reds are not the same either. I would love to be able to identify them, could you give us some tips? Thank you very much!

[@Pointebrush]

Help is coming! I’m working on it at the moment!

[@sognievita]

@@Pointebrush Oh! That’s great! Thanks so much for your effort !! ❤️👏🏻👏🏻

[@nancywillette8762]

I needed this!!! Thank you!! One question-how ate your swatches categorized on each page? In other words, are your pages color specific by each brand, like one page is for your different brands of cobalt blue, the next all Ultramarine, etc.?

[@sophiaemilia3868]

Dear Margot, thank you so much. I love your content and your unique art. One important question, as you have watercolour in tubes. Do you ever faced them to dry up in the tubes? I wonder how many years one tube will stay fresh. I have so many of them, but I am afraid them to dry up and then it will be a Desaster of wasting money…. 😢🎉 If you have any ideas or any of this great fellow artists here…. Let me know. Thank you.

[@ronnies462]

Cut open the tube and put it in a pan, will still work when activated with water

[@madelinegrudens]

You mentioned having to track a specific green for a customer but I have to ask how do you keep track of colors you use in your art especially if you're mixing in a little bit of another color??? Great video and very useful and helpful tips, especially brush care!!

[@Pointebrush]

Great Question! I put the name of every color I used on a post-it note while I'm working on the project to keep my different palettes organized. When the project is done I take a quick snapshot of the post-it with my phone and file it in my client's digital folder.

[@madelinegrudens]

Great idea! I make a swatch page with my tests on the actual paper until I get my color scheme and store it with my paperwork but taking a picture is a great idea!!! Thanks for letting me know 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@Pointebrush]

Sounds like you have a great system already! I like the digital copy because I've gone completely paperless with most things. As good as my organization is for art supplies, I'm notoriously bad at filing physical paperwork 🤣

[@madelinegrudens]

Thanks again 👍👍👍

[@lea51294]

Have you tried holbein’s palette with removable pans? It’s a dream of flexibility

[@Pointebrush]

No….. where can I find this magical palette??

[@hannahthufvesson]

I love it too! ☺️

[@Sevvin89]

I looked it up. I want it but to be honest I have way too many pallets. Lol but it looks gorgeous!!

[@TresCherie]

Ah, the music and those blues! Where’s me ouzo? 😅

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Margot, I enjoyed your video and I especially liked the 3-D printed pallets very interesting I will have to go check that store out I have found myself buying the metal ones from Meeden and not being entirely happy. Thanks for the heads up and did the kuratake pans ever fit? As I truly dislike the cardboard boxes they come in!

[@espinkar]

Margot, why you never speak about Schmincke? Am I missing something? It’s my favorite brand and I would love to hear your thoughts 😊

[@Pointebrush]

I'm too embarrassed to say it but.... I don't own any Schmincke. Just never got around to it 🫠

[@espinkar]

@@Pointebrushthanks for your honest answer ❤

[@patriciabeeck7478]

Thank you for your videos> I tried the link for the 72 pan palette and can not get thru. Can you tell me the name of the company please?

[@Pointebrush]

It's called Arts to Embers and I just added a corrected link in the description so it points to his store :)

[@pennywheeler2598]

Very helpful video. 💕🖌x

[@biancathomas7934]

Great video. I love the meeden pallete, I also have 1 of my own and they are very sturdy and the 48 pans are perfect for adding to my watercolour collection. I have the same idea of building several palletes with various ranges. I'm still new so it's a slow process, but I can't think of anything better to have an infatuation with. Like you said, some people are shoes, some are clothes, some are handbags, we are fans of watercolour paints 🎨😊 i'd rather spend my money on something that will make me happy. The arts to embers pallets also look very good, i also like the idea of having the white edge to stop the cross contamination and the ease of them popping out but in a flat secure pallete. Your organisational skills match my own way of thinking and approach to organising. No idea if i have any virgo in me as not sure of my exact birth chart but i'm a gemini, so logical and methodical approaches to absolutely everything really pleases me.😊 I tried swatching to the edge on my own individual swatch cards, back at the beginning of the year, i too found that the lack of the white edge makes it very difficult to see the vibrancy of the colour.

[@TaraDreams]

I think Roman Szmal larger pans are just standard full pan size. I only have 1 RS full pan, but it is exactly the same dimensions as my generic empty full pans. It looks like Arts to Embers has a 12 full pan palette if that helps? 😊

[@Pointebrush]

Hi Tara! It seems that the pans are boxier and thicker than the ones I commonly see in circulation in the US. Have you compared? Would love to know!

[@ilonavandertang-vos2198]

Hi, think you are right about the RSz full pans, I could use my normal palet for them

[@ilonavandertang-vos2198]

I bought them in Europe

[@TaraDreams]

I just measured them, and they are both 19mm x 30mm and 10mm deep. If you google "Wet canvas watercolour pan dimensions" a thread that has several half pan and a couple of full pan dimensions are listed. Schmincke and Kremer seem to be the same size with a tiny difference in height. Roman Szmal is the only full pan from a watercolour company I own, so I can't measure myself. 😆 Windsor and newton (artist and cotman) pans, are smaller than any other I've come across so don't compare anything to them! Jacksons watercolour full pans are 19mm x 30mm x 9mm, so just a fraction shorter.

[@pennyclark9079]

Do you really refer to these when you’re starting out on a professional commission? Do you rotateyoure collections so you’re using them evenly? Or are there favourites your using all the time

[@Pointebrush]

I think it depends on the project. I know a lot of the properties of my paints and colors from memory but generally speaking I will start with the “style” of the paint I want to use for a project first and then fine tune color selection from there. Do I want a high flow paint? Do I want something smooth? Or do I want it to granulate? Depending on that I’ll whittle it down to a brand and then choose colors from there 👍