The 10 BEST Daniel Smith watercolor colors

[@margueritemitchell1829]

I love cascade green, living among the fir and pines

[@sharonrazmzan4777]

I’m a new subscriber as of today. So, I may be doing a bit of binge watching 😂. I am loving these chats ! For a new watercolorist want-to-be, this is making the art of watercolor so relatable. Thank you.

[@susanweber6861]

I too am a new subscriber today. Grateful for this insightful video

[@jessbutterfly1934]

If you could Create a Daniel Smith drain pallet of 24 colours. What would they be? Could you do a video on that like this? I’d be absolutely excited to see it. I would love to see your pallet. Collection of Daniel Smith switched out also, and here you go through the individual colours and your thoughts it would be lovely, even all your pallets if you so felt up to it.

[@nancyloomis3046]

Aussie Red Gold is amazing….I think it’s my favorite orange. It truly dazzles.

[@Pointebrush]

It’s wonderful! Another orange I love is Sennelier’s Chinese Orange if you’re ever on the lookout for another unique orange 🧡

[@Grandma_Jizzzzzzzard]

@@PointebrushHave you tried M. Graham’s Scarlet Pyrrole? It is a truly magical, unique coral-ish orange that I have never found in other brands. And because of its saturation, it lasts years. Highly recommend! ❤🎨

[@jessbutterfly1934]

I think the descriptions given by Daniel Smith are really over the top and ridiculous but I love the descriptions that you gave to each colour because you related to things we can actually paint items objects, life drawing landscapes. It was very informative with also practical applications. I think Daniel Smith could learn a thing or two from you, instead of just romanticising their colours, and that’s it. From you, we got the beauty of what the colour invokes its personality and it’s practical application.

[@azzuparis]

I totally agree with you !

[@deborahgoodwin3426]

I couldn't agree more!!😊

[@caseyclay5019]

Same here. Great job!

[@Grandma_Jizzzzzzzard]

I appreciate your accurate punctuation ❤

[@charlotteb.derrick5117]

I simply love that everyone is talking about color……I have learned so much and bottom line we can do as we wish with whatever the brand and color!!!…so exciting….i have been painting for 50 years….long time coming! I must say Daniel Smith is amazing…..💛💙💚🩵🧡🤎🖤

[@leanngoodall7602]

I love Daniel Smith paints. My top two favourites are Moonglow and Quinacridone Deep Gold.

[@Pointebrush]

Great choices!

[@douglasls]

Definitely agree DS is a very unique brand of watercolor that I love to use. Wish it wasn't so gosh darn expensive. I think you missed Serpentine, Violet Hematite, Shadow Violet and Cascade Green and Pthalo Turquoise. Mixing Pthalo Turquoise with Quin Gold Deep makes the absolute darkest transparent green. Just my opinion. I enjoyed your DS descriptions and will be investing in some of these.

[@prodigaldaughter5978]

If you ever shop at Michaels, they currently have a 20% off coupon plus you can you a voucher if you have any. Hope that helps!

[@pesto12601]

@@prodigaldaughter5978 Michaels prices on their in store DS tubes are 40% over Amazon/Dick BLick.. so you are still getting ripped off over 20% after the "coupon" is applied.

[@trinidiana]

I am addicted to your channel. You are the best. So professional and such useful info. And you’re funny, so talented, thank you so much for what you offer!

[@mickeykyker4837]

Under sea green and buff titanium are my favorite, so natural looking.

[@denisespillane9242]

I have to agree on aussie red gold. The instant Pot saw it I had to have it. Good choice for #1. Loved this video and the our descriptions!

[@lisamessina5952]

I have and love then all except Imperial Purple. I do have Rose of Ultamarine, which is made from the same pigments, in different proportions, so more pinky. I also am a fan of Cascade Green, Moonglow (yes, I know it has Opera Pink in it), Quin Coral, Quin Burnt Scarlett, and Quin Burnt Orange (also great for skin tones). Great video, I enjoyed seeing what you do with these colors.

[@mariansmartt]

I love all of my Daniel Smith paints. I have never had one disappoint.

[@Pointebrush]

There are a handful that have been lackluster for me but the majority of them are amazing and out of over 200+ colors, I’d say that’s a pretty good record 😜

[@mzdravomarijo]

I'm not a professional watercolorist however fell in love with this brand and bought almost all the available colours. AMAZING ❤

[@ohsfer11820]

Omg! Well, passion is passion. So how many paints you own?

[@catzenhouse]

I remember when Daniel Smith (the man) started his enterprise from the garage of his house off Nickerson on the north side of Queen Anne Hill in Seattle. Mixing his own printing inks. Going to his eventual store in Seattle, getting his catalogs, and taking classes at the stores (Seattle and Bellevue) was like Christmas to me. Better, even!

[@selinahan2205]

I am envious😊

[@kathylong1900]

What a fabulous memory! That would have been amazing.

[@MsLynnie2]

Yes, yes, yes! And try Quin Coral! My very favorite! ❤

[@privatename8228]

Loved this video. I have only been doing watercolor painting for 3 weeks. I bought my first tube of Daniel Smith paint yesterday and it was a tube of sap green.

[@somanymagpies]

As a newbie, I swooned over your descriptions. And love your humor.

[@TuggerAbbey]

Aussie Red Gold is my number one as well. I love that color for almost everything I paint.

[@maryfiona7641]

Agree. I have six of the ten you mentioned and they are all great.

[@Mamaisawake]

I was just searching for Daniel Smith swatches and your video popped up and I’m so glad that you covered this because I love your videos about other brands like Roman Szmal , etc.

[@KeepBeautyReal1]

Thank you for this list!!! I’m just getting into watercolor and have loved the few Daniel Smith shades I’ve picked up but I’ve felt overwhelmed with the options!

[@blyth3349]

Woww! I've been waiting for this top 10 best Daniel Smith watercolors from you! I love how you describe each colors ❤️ Btw, fangirl here 😁💞

[@Pointebrush]

Awww thank you!! And glad you enjoyed it!

[@E4Alabbasy]

My first artist grade watercolors was a daniel smith buff titanium, I got because I saw a great sale on it and it has been one of my favorites ever since. And omg yes lunar blue, literally when I'm feeling down I just Love painting with it and watch the color separate and move on it's own 💙

[@Pointebrush]

If you’re having a bad day, just getting out your lunar blue and playing with it should give you a fresh start 😝

[@erikaleighart]

Thank you for sharing your favorites! I enjoyed your vivid descriptions (you’re so well-spoken!), as well as examples from your paintings of how you like to use each color.

[@Pointebrush]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!

[@NicoleLan622]

I love my green apatite, and you've made me want to order aussie red gold & piemontite.

[@rebeccamontague9811]

Happy to say I have all of your top 10 .... hadn't thought of it before but can't wait to try mixing 1 and 2 to see what I get!

[@awatercolourist]

I’d really like to try Buff Titanium. I think it would make a natural sand colour, for clouds, and for desert scapes.

[@nancyloomis3046]

Yes…I have it and it’s great!

[@Mlefebre]

It’s PERFECT for sand! I love seascapes and buff titanium is a must have in my palette!

[@thestitchwitch680]

It is SO GORGEOUS! I’m going to try substituting it for Daveys Gray by Winsor Newton.

[@awatercolourist]

@@thestitchwitch680 Davey’s Grey sounds interesting.

[@annfuller8859]

Yes, I am new to Daniel Smith. Love your recommendations. Your descriptions are amazing and right on. Thanks!

[@PatLove3360]

These are my top 10 as well!

[@azzuparis]

I loved the description you gave to each colors, it was like I was listening to a beautiful audio book ❤ I’d love to get some of those beautiful granulating greens

[@Pointebrush]

Thank you so much! 💚

[@PaintChronicles]

I love and adore Daniel Smith. That doesn't mean I do not enjoy W&N, M Graham, Sennelier and etc... but Daniel Smith was my first professional paints love. Imperial Purple is amazing! Also, Aussie Red Gold has such a strong personality, and like you said, landscaping and when painting fall leaves is one of my favorites.

[@lorijones9579]

I love your choices. I had them all except the French Ultramarine, as I love my Sennelier version, but you've sold me on getting a tube of the Daniel Smith too. If I were to add an 11th color, I suggest Isoindoline Yellow. It's a warm yellow that sheers down to a lovely delicate peach. I talk about this color a lot. It could be my #1.

[@privatewino]

thank you for your interesting and entertaining videos... you have a great teaching voice... i had only four of the colors you like.... so now I'm headed online to buy the other SIX!!

[@carolefreeman2544]

I have 6 of the 10 you picked which makes me happy. It’s the first 4 colours you mentioned that I don’t have. I will have to go shopping again for the other 4. I’m a big fan of Daniel Smith paints even though I started painting quite recently. Your paints are lovely ❤. Thank you for sharing 🤗🇨🇦

[@shirleyping7058]

I am a novice but I use DS paints and have a fairly large collection but your recommendations gives me some more options to put on my wish list

[@mariansmartt]

Daniel Smith is my go to watercolor. I have all but one that you mentioned. I have a sprinkling of Windsor Newton, Sennelier, MGraham and more, I love my DS colors. Thank you for an excellent review.

[@SquishyChameleon]

Thank you for this! I appreciate the swatches and the use suggestions! I am going to try the Nickel Azo Yellow and the Buff Titanium for sure in the future. I almost grabbed the yellow on my last shopping trip, but went with something else. Maybe on the Aussie Red Gold. I love the Quinacridone Gold, and that Aussie Red Gold might be fun to experiment with too. We'll see how I feel whenever I am ready for my next order. 😁

[@grafmatheus]

Try the Aussie Red Gold. I never imagined that I’d particularly like a yellow/orange like that and now I find a way to sneak it into anything I’m painting.

[@SquishyChameleon]

@@grafmatheus I did end up picking up the Aussie Red Gold recently, and it is wild! Thank you for giving me that extra little push.

[@RedQueenCoder]

I was also confused for a while about why everyone liked buff titanium but I started painting portraits of my pugs and the buff titanium is the perfect base color for their fur.

[@redparrot53]

I love all ten of your choices, I have all of these, beautiful colors!❤

[@PaulaScardamalia]

Well, I have three out of your ten, French Ultramarine, Buff Titanium, and Quin Rose. Made a list of the other seven for future shopping. Particularly the Lunar Blue and Aussie Red Gold. I love the colors you get using Buff Titanium to mix with. Thank you.

[@Pointebrush]

Ah you have three great ingredients to make some pretty amazing mixes! Thanks for watching Paula!

[@andreagriffiths3512]

Jayne’s Grey, I really love that one…even more than my fave WN Payne’s Grey.

[@shadowguard3578]

You’re advice on when to use the colors was very useful. Once again, many thanks! ☺️

[@Pointebrush]

So glad it was helpful! ps. hope you enjoyed the coffee and cookie 🍪

[@shadowguard3578]

@@Pointebrush I did, thank you, and I made a second cup. 😊

[@pgmetalnmetal]

I love your humor!! :) ...and the colors you picked

[@Pointebrush]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@annelyle5474]

I love Daniel Smith watercolours for their granulation and subtle tones. I have most of the paints you feature and love them all, but especially Quinacridone Rose which is such a workhorse colour - I don't bother with any reds or purples in my palette, as it's so easy to mix them using Quin Rose and either Transparent Pyrrol Orange or one of my blues, respectively. I am planning on getting Lunar Blue, though, on your recommendation!

[@janetshaffer423]

I love your videos…You are well spoken. I love the largish swatches you use! Thinking of jumping into the watercolor stick world. And DS is USA based.

[@barbariska757]

I loved seeing the cut-ins you chose as visual examples of each Daniel Smith color! Excellent and "tight" video! I'll be watching it again this evening.

[@Pointebrush]

Thank you Barbara! 💕

[@flutterbydragonfly]

I’ve just ordered all the colors you recommended here. I’m a brand new watercolor painter and look forward to many years of creative work. I’m also a photographer who loves to capture landscapes and flowers. I’d love to see your studio setup and how you organize. I’m an organize freak and suddenly I have paints and paper everywhere. I need to set up a space just for this. I do have some studio lights and I’m wondering if the diffuser you featured in another video will work on my lights. I see light quality in your videos and appreciate that very much. Thanks for these valuable videos. I appreciate your time, recommendations and talent. ❤

[@priscillawarren9979]

I have all these paints and have learned even more about how to use them. Thank you SO much, Margot!

[@supermom-nocape9831]

I have 5 of the 10; Lunar Blue, Imperial Purple, Aussie red gold, French Ultramarine and quinacridone rose. And you're right they're very useful to have in your palette.

[@leeannsolice7473]

Love your poetic descriptions which are also practical and clear.

[@heisenberg6921]

Margot, as always is a pleasure to see your videos!…congratulations and thanks again for your insights!…🤗👍🏻

[@nou257]

the way you describe these paints is the reason why im obsessed with the brand. their mixes are so unique and they create such beautiful texture with those granulations. so expensive but so unique.

[@patgessner1853]

I have all those colors except Imperial purple - I could add that moonglow, cascade green and janes grey are really exceptional colors too!!

[@everartokelli]

I agree that most of your picks are some of the most unique DS colors. I also love Piemontite, Undersea Green, Quinacridone Rose, Buff Titanium, Aussie Red Gold and Imperial Purple. Nickel Azo Yellow and French Ultramarine are such versatile colors and tend to be great from most artist brands. Thanks so much for giving us so many different ways to use these colors, I tend to get into ruts and forget to use more unusual colors for shadows, et cetera. Always love hearing your thoughts on products, techniques, ballet, whatever :)

[@Pointebrush]

So happy it was useful Everart! Thanks for "stopping by" 💕

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Okay another set of Top 10 that have some very new & different color choices for me. I am definitely enjoying your choices which are so different from many of the artists that I watch on KZbin. I am definitely going to subscribe to your channel. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information with us.

[@KaterinaGundar]

Oh, the colours you've described are my go to as well 💝 Lunar Blue I use literally everywhere: landscapes, flowers, portraits. It is the most convenient for me. Undersea green - also I would never buy it but I've seen one of my favourite artist use it and I decided to give it a try. Now I can't live without it. French Ultramarine - just love at the first sight))) Quinacridone rose I've received in a set and I've been using it ever since. Genuinely love all quinacridones and this one wasn't an exception) Green apatite genuine and Aussie red gold - love love love 😍

[@JLB0880]

I’m just starting out painting and I’m buying a few tubes from different brands here and there to see what I like. Two of the three Daniel smith tubes I have are on this list - lunar blue and green apatite. I see a few more in this list I may have to check out.

[@Soapartisan875]

I wanted to let you know that your signature red lippie always looks so beautiful on you ❤ love your videos 😊

[@betsybirge7934]

Just found you here and subscribed! I've been using Daniel Smith watercolors for a long time. One of my favorite colors from their line is Cascade Green. So lovely and very granulating! I, too love the Aussie Red Gold!

[@Pointebrush]

Welcome Betsy! Cascade green is another big hit with me and it was definitely on my list of contenders!

[@girijal8853]

I love your way with words, great for imagery. Quin burnt orange is one of my favorites in DS. So is their recent addition PBr 24 .

[@SheriMiller-lw9xu]

I have a couple of these. I also have Daniel Dmith's Moonglow. It's great for shadows.

[@Katie-jc1dq]

What do you think of Carbazole Violet from the Daniel Smith line? I've really enjoyed this purple.

[@susanweber6861]

Fascinating video! Good to know I stumbled into having a few of these in my palette already.

[@gloriamargolis581]

Thank you, I watched your Video the other day and came back to write everything down so I can pic them up and try them so I will let you know what transpires 😊🙏

[@lizlunch7066]

I just got the green apatite- wow! Love your channel - I just subscribed!

[@valeriesmith9408]

So glad you made this video. DS paint just went on sale at my local store. I'm a beginner and want to invest in a few special colors. Your list is very helpful.

[@zarinacraft]

I've Azo Yellow, Imperial Purple, buff titanium - and yes, I love these colors too

[@sandysanzenbacher7313]

Loved every minute of your choices and opinions.

[@Pointebrush]

Aww thank you Sandy! That means a lot 🥺🥰

[@sherrylee6719]

I can't live without DS Lavender. I also loooove Quin Gold and Opera Pink. Opera Pink mixes beautifully with so many colors.

[@Alignedwithmyself]

Thank goodness I only had to add three to my 'wanted' list. The rest are already nesting in my palette x

[@Pointebrush]

😝😂🤣

[@traceyelliott6891]

ABSOLUTELY wonderful review. Thank you. I have some new paints now to try. My favourite colour is Payne’s gray. Even though gray can be mixed, i just love this one by itself and used with other colours to provide a contrast.

[@Pointebrush]

Thank you! And I agree with you! Payne’s Grey can be mixed but there’s a lot of nuance (even in greys) so you’re not alone to have your own preferences here too 😉

[@shirleyf21916]

thank you for this countdown!! i'd say my favorite from ds is definitely buff titanium, i feel like it antiques a color if your going for that muted look, and french ultramarine comes in 2nd. i do like your number one choice but it reminds me a lot of wn gold ochre 😮

[@CristinaArriolaart]

Gorgeous choice of colors

[@jdane2277]

The Nickel Azo (it's A as in Able) Yellow is a good replacement for the lost Gamboge Genuine. It's warm in masstone but cooler in dilution While there are Gamboge hues, if you want a single pigment replacement then it's the best. It is a tad more opaque.

[@eileencollins3126]

I am not sure I could just pick 10 Daniel Smith Colors..... Each one speaks to me when I play with it! You have picked some of my favorites.

[@susanyoung6632]

Green Apatite Genuine reminds me of the colour i imagine an old landed meteor to be

[@ssadvweld1]

I have all of these colors except the Piemontite Genuine which I just ordered. I love Daniel Smith watercolors!!

[@Pointebrush]

Well what can I say except genius minds think alike 😜

[@maerbg]

Fantastic informative video! Thank you.

[@phillipstroll7385]

Agreed, nickel azo yellow is the only yellow on my palette

[@Pointebrush]

The Swiss Army knife of yellows 😉

[@muruvvetucrkshbulbul2354]

This video is so useful for me because I do watercolor for hobby and because of high prices of the Daniel Smith I can only buy a few, to see the differences between of the other brands

[@laurieadams2549]

I really loved your descriptions of these colors!

[@Harkart59]

I have Green Gold, Lunar black and Duochrome Cabo blue I added to some Old Hollands I had. I am definitely going for this 10. Daniel Smith paints make it hard to breathe trying to choose colors😄 Thank you, this is so helpful.

[@francesmaguire4351]

I adore using Daniel Smith colours, as you say there are so many how does an amateur like me choose? Thanks for this video, it's a great guide.

[@Tracy_Catchpole_Art]

I find Daniel Smith paints are like the 'Lady in Red'. Stunning...I often find myself using these more and more. I like mixing from primes, but then I treat myself to the blues for sure.

[@Pointebrush]

Lady in red is such a more succinct way to say it 😂 completely agree and yes their blues are some of the highlights in the range!

[@peggydid]

Daniel Smith is my fave!!! Hugs! Peggy I'm wondering if I need new gamboge. I have all the ones on your list except piedmontite genuine.

[@suzisandpiper]

I really enjoy their new Gamboge hue, it’s got a gorgeous glow. I know PY65 is a single pigment, but I just prefer the new Gamboge. I have it as my warm yellow. Incredibly useful in mixes too. Piedmontite has a fabulous granulation. I hope that helps.

[@priscillawarren9979]

Aussie red gold is my next purchase. Somehow I don't think I have it in my DS pallette and it's a stunning color.

[@Audacitie]

Fascinating! I actually have quite a few of these & love them. Buff titanium,hmmm. I have it & never use it. I know several people highly recommend it. I guess I’ll have to try harder!

[@loveandlife4222]

I love Daniel Smith the most. They outshine the rest. I have all of the colors that were your favorites except for Aussie red gold, nickel azo yellow, and imperial purple. I’m thinking I may need to get them 😮too. I especially love love the primateks and think they are magical. They have something that other brands just can’t duplicate. I believe that is because they contain real minerals. I believe that if those making the claims against Daniel Smith were true they would have had and still have a lot more to say about it. I have decided to give Daniel Smith the benefit of any doubt and carry on using the most beautiful paints. I loved this video and your paintings during it are so beautiful! Thank you!

[@Neorhim]

Beautiful french. Where are you from? Discovered all the quinacridone tones lately. What a blast.

[@bevalbrecht6015]

Very well done thank you 🎉

[@SarahAndBoston]

Great video! Love Daniel Smith. I loved hearing your suggestions for all the colors. I have them all except Undersea Green! Gotta get that one. Now I'm gonna go watch your W&N one so I can see which new paints I need to get. ;) Thanks.

[@Pointebrush]

You can get to a similar green by mixing an ultramarine with a Quin Gold or Aussie Red Gold so if you have any of those ingredients you can “demo” it at home!

[@SarahAndBoston]

@@Pointebrush thanks! I'll try that :)

[@connielester1641]

The colors are exciting. ❣️

[@shadowguard3578]

Hello Margot! Lovely to see you again. Going to watch this whilst drinking coffee (decaf) and eating a cookie. ❤

[@awatercolourist]

Cooooooookiiiiiiiie 🤤

[@shadowguard3578]

@@awatercolourist I’m going to bake a cake over the weekend…. caaaaaake! 🍰

[@awatercolourist]

@@shadowguard3578 Twinsies! It’s already the weekend here and my sister is already baking a cake as I type 😂. I have no idea why she felt like baking a cake 😄.

[@shadowguard3578]

@@awatercolourist she must have telepathically read my mind! I’m baking a Japanese strawberry shortbread. I’ve made it already and now I’m making it again. It’s a light sponge cake filled with strawberries and whipped cream. I found the recipe right here on YT. 😃☺️

[@awatercolourist]

@@shadowguard3578 Make me hungry, why don’t you! I just brushed my teeth 😄. But, yeah, the Japanese take western deserts to a whole new level! My sister is baking an apple cake.

[@TracyIndy]

Was that ballerina you? 👏👏👏 😊 Thank you for another exciting video. 👑 I enjoy hearing about your favorite DS colors and why you enjoy them so much.Your editing and presentation are superb as usual. I think I'll mix my own Lunar Blue, but there are so many Primateks that are must haves.

[@Pointebrush]

It sure was 😜 and Thank you so much! A lot goes into these so I’m glad the details are noticed ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TracyIndy]

@@Pointebrush 🥰😍

[@tmsouth1]

Very helpful video. I'm enjoying watching all of your videos.

[@samjackson7270]

Thank you for your delicious delivery of your top 10 DS watercolours. As a newbie I’m beginning to feel like a bloated sea sponge🤣 LOL I have paper taped down, paint laid out, fresh water and brushes at the ready. Now I need a push off of the cliff! Isn’t that silly? I’m off to watch one more of your series on swatching and I WILL BEGIN.🎉❤ Oh yes and I love your choice in lipstick. So glam! 💄

[@Pointebrush]

Oh I so feel you Sam. I so feel you! Fear not! Help is on the way. I’m preparing a studio series where we’ll start from 0 and build up watercolor technique while having fun doing it! Hang in there! Or better yet, drive off that darn cliff!

[@samjackson7270]

@@Pointebrush Thank you Margo! Full steam ahead as they say! I’m so ready for a deep dive❣️They don’t call me “bad granny” for no reason!🫶🏻🤪

[@lindyartforfun]

Thank you very much for sharing. I think I definitely will be adding some of these gorgeous colours to my collection!

[@fhcreates]

Loved this.Many colours I love and use

[@deborahgoodwin3426]

I was so excited to see this posting and am feeling so validated in my choices as I continue to add to my collection during my learning watercolor journey! I actually have 8 of your selections....amazing! Sadly, I am missing the Buff Titanium and the Piamonte (sp) green. Of course, I will be adding them to my shopping cart....uuugghhhh, lol. Thanks ever so much for sharing your knowledge and with such dynamic energy. Also, for sharing the many ways that these vibrant pigments might be used and/or mixed for so many genres. Superb job!!! Daniel Smith could not have done a better job!!😉

[@Apeperkorrel]

You mean piemonte brown😂

[@patriciamcpherson4667]

I love your sense of humor.