Testing Paul Rubens 24-Set and Art-n-Fly Cotton Watercolor Paper!

Let's see what the Paul Rubens Emerald set of 24 paints looks like and also see how the 100% Cotton Art-n-Fly watercolor behaves. This video is part of the #SnowArtChallenge hosted by Dena Tollefson - so make sure you go check out all the other videos in the playlist as they get published today! ‪@DenaTollefson‬
Hi! I'm Miranda Watson and I create fun art videos on this channel twice a week. I do a fun art subscription box every month, plus many other fun art-related projects. My passion is watercolor and water-based media. Subscribe to my channel if this appeals to you, and hit the All Notifications on the Bell to be notified when I upload a new video. A Like on this video if you enjoyed it also helps me out. Thank you for spending your time with me today, I appreciate you!
Get extra ad-free videos and original and print artwork on my Patreon Site: / mirandawatson
SUPPLIES USED IN THIS VIDEO (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases):
Paul Rubens Watercolor Set of 24 w/Pretty Tin: amzn.to/3PgD1xI (the emerald one doesn't appear to be available right now, but here is a link to a pretty white one: amzn.to/3XIkWge)
Arches 16” x 20” Watercolor Block, 140-lb, Cold-Pressed: amzn.to/3qqC8af
Art-n-Fly 100% Cotton Watercolor Block: amzn.to/3IehHIT
FILMING SETUP:
Nikon Z30 Camera: amzn.to/3Wprv7b
Studio Lights: amzn.to/3GARrYd
Feel like buying me a Kofi? Here's that link: ko-fi.com/mira...
I am a Young Living Essential Oils Distributor! Check it out at www.youngliving.com and use either my name, Miranda Watson, or my Distributor number, 158111, when you place your order. Thank you!
DISCLAIMER: any product links above may be affiliate links.
Instagram: @alkalicreekart
Email: [e-mail]
I got a PO Box! Here it is:
Miranda Watson - Alkali Creek Art
P.O. Box 396
New Castle, CO 81647

[@DenaTollefson]

Hi Miranda! I love the painting you created for the challenge! So cute that your kitty Cheek was helping you unbox those beautiful Paul Rubens watercolors. What a great location to go snowmobiling. If I ever have a loose ferrule, I will remove the ferrule from the handle and put a dab of E6000 adhesive on the handle and replace the ferrule- have been able to save a lot of brushes that way. I am sorry you are feeling under the weather and honored you pressed on to do the challenge!! You are a trooper, Miranda!! The painting you made for the challenge came out beautifully, and that yellow tint gave such a warmth to your painting. I will be placing your wonderful video in the Official Snow Art Challenge Playlist today. I can't wait to see what you will create for the next challenge!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Aww, thank you for all the kind words, Dena - that just made my day a little brighter. Thank you for the tip on the brushes - I like the idea of the glue more than trying to squish them with pliers. I haven't touched them yet, so I can still try your suggestion first. Looking forward to seeing everyone else's entries in the challenge.

[@DenaTollefson]

@@MirandaWatsonArt Yes, that glue technique works really well. I have experimented with different adhesive types, be sure to pick one which is not water soluble, and ideally flexible as brushes get wet and a lot of motion/vibration which can affect your adhesive staying power. Take care Miranda!!!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

@@DenaTollefson okay, I'll look for the E6000. Thanks.

[@starr-starr]

Another brand is Gorilla Clear Grip, in a silver tube. Flexible and waterproof. Whichever one is easiest to find. I also had to fix a couple of my Craftamo brushes. Nice brushes, bad glue job. I’ve noticed this on a bunch of brushes in the past two years.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

@@starr-starr thank you!

[@simpleartideas]

Your artwork is amazing dear and the winter scene is beautifully captured. Love to be there and enjoy some cool time.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you. 🙂

[@MadebyDawn23]

Thank you for sharing your swatching and first impression of the paul ruben paints. i have the first version and i am very happy with it. thank you for sharing though, i love watching it but it would interested how it differs from the older set

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I've only ever had the 12-set previously, and I'm not even sure how it compares to that since it's been so long since I had used it. I would also be interested to know how it differs!

[@BeckyTregear]

The two-tone sky is very pretty! It’s hard painting when not feeling creative, or having a bad week and you did really well. I hope things are ok now and that next week will be a better one. That green tin is just the sparkliest thing ever, I love it!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thanks, Becky! Yes, the tin is just beautiful and makes the painting experience even more fun. The next week WAS better, thank goodness. Just jam-packed busy, lol.

[@DesignsbyCADPRO]

Amazing! watercolor!!! You did a great job!!! The scenes at the end are breathtaking of the mountains!!!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you, that's very kind.

[@costelandone5128]

Hi there! Very beautiful watercolour winter painting! Perfect for Dena’s challenge! I really love it, looks so realistic! Congrats

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@monalcreates]

Ohh some nice colors in that set!! For not feeling well and not being in the mood, you did very well! I think it is a beautiful painting!!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Ah, thanks, Mona. Appreciate it.

[@Davy.J.Y]

Really great watercolor painting from you for the Dena art challenge. Thats an amazing view from you window. Big thumbs up !

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you. 🙂

[@WeblightDreams]

Omg I love the cover of that watercolor pad. Very neat to learn about these materials and how they work together.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Isn't the cover gorgeous? It's one of the things that drew me to the paper in the first place. Thanks, Dora.

[@Megorium]

Bless your heart, I'm sorry you wasn't feeling so good this week. I loved your review and I think your painting turned out lovely! And I can't wait to see the second go! Seeing the first painting and second one side by side would be awesome!! 💛

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I should definitely try the painting again. Thank you!

[@KathrynWhiteford]

What a beautiful painting!! 😍 I loved your thorough explanation of the things you used and your thoughts on them. 💖

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you. 😊

[@INCWorks]

I needed a good watercolor video fix and this satisfied. 😊 Thanks, Miranda!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I'm so glad!

[@Megorium]

So wonderful to see a living healthy mil & dil relationship. I love my mil also 😊

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I love the girls in my boys' lives.

[@PaintinHiding]

oh i never thought about squishing the ferrules. in the past, i detached the ferrule and glued it back on haha~

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Detaching and re-gluing is probably a much safer option. I'm thinking squishing them might deteriorate the wood inside too much, so I need to go find some hefty glue now...

[@bercemecringic8937]

Süper paylaşım olmuş tebrikler 🙏🙏

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you

[@pieceofartbyrrayes]

So beautiful, well done 👍

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you.

[@denisefrawley6734]

I thought your painting looked great. I love the trees and sky!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you, Denise. ❤️

[@revondamehovic3132]

I hope you feel better soon! I really liked your snow painting! I think you might like it better when you've had some time away from it. It's hard when you don't really feel like creating.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you, Revonda. ❤️

[@shadowguard3578]

I love where you live! Such beautiful surroundings and your painting is lovely. I cannot see what is wrong with it.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thanks, Shadow. Yes, outside my house gives me such life every day. I really love it.

[@shadowguard3578]

@@MirandaWatsonArt 👍🤩

[@shadowguard3578]

@@MirandaWatsonArt forgot to say you’re welcome!

[@BaileytheIllustrator]

I love when artists test products so I don't have to 🤪 You made that painting look so easy... it's SO beautiful! It reminds me of back home in Canada😍

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you, Bailey!

[@LEILAARTSPACE]

Really beautiful watercolour paint set 🤩💜🖼️ I am a fellow artist at Dena’s snow art challenge. I really enjoyed your Color swatches. Your scenery painting is absolutely gorgeous. Love the sunlight feeling so much 💜👍🏼🖼️

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you, Leila!

[@Elvraie]

The painting is great even with its flaws. I hope you feel better now the weekend is here. I had a bit of a week and a half, especially yesterday (train breaking down to work. Boss acting weird...) I ordered some Rosa gallery and Van Gogh tube paints with full empty pans to comfort myself. Those Paul Rubens paints looks lush, too, especially the tin. Your place is absolutely stunning. In the UK, the mountains are pretty but not as majestic. Have a restorative weekend, Miranda.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I love that you ordered paint to comfort yourself - that's awesome, lol! Sorry you had a bad week, though. That's never fun. I do feel better now, thank you. Have a great weekend, Valerie.

[@FaithAnnNB]

What a gorgeous view you have!! (Kind of looking forward to May myself, we’ve had a lot of snow and freezing rain this past week!) I’ve never tried Paul Rubens paints, I feel like I have too many paints at the moment and don’t really want to open the door to any more brands (especially with my low-buy)… but I love that palette box the paints came in!! I have never used white watercolour paint. I don’t think I have any! I do add white gouache to a lot of pieces though, especially my winter ones. Hope you have a better week ahead!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you. It's been a while since I've used Paul Rubens and I noticed this time that it is a more firm paint than some of my other brands. Still enjoyable for sure.

[@SerenityStudioArt]

Hello! New to your channel. Great meeting you! Your painting is beautiful! I hope you’ll feel better soon🥰

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@dianethoroughman9541]

Hi, Miranda. I hope you have a better week this coming week. I like your picture, but I admit that the yellow snow reminds me of doggies in the snow. LOL After you showed us those paints I bought them, but I have yet to use them. Get well soon.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Hahaha, yes, I also thought of "yellow snow" when I did it, but I did it anyway. I was hoping to get away with it, lol.

[@danielleb.7055]

Thanks for sharing these with us. I have the older pink p.r palette. It's amazing to me that more affordable brands paper have better protective packaging than the much more expensive brands such as arches etc. I feel like the paper would bow since its not glued on the sides. I can't remember what brand i have as a small block and it givee me some problems. Hope it works out for you!Hopefully craftamo will send you another set. Have a great day

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thanks, Danielle. Craftamo gave me a $15 refund, which is fine. They did offer to send me 3 new brushes, but I was afraid they would have the same problem, so I'll just fix these myself. Does your pink palette have these same colors?

[@debsmith7050]

You live in a lovely location; inspiring. Your not so good painting is a creative interpretation and a pure delight for me; I'm glad you shared. But...take care of you first

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Aw, thanks, Deb. That's so sweet of you to say. You always say the nicest things!

[@istmirwunst]

One like for you great work

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you!

[@sueallen952]

Hi Miranda, sorry your not well. I was ill before christmas and all over Christmas with a virus, couldn't even look at my presents and didn't even have a cup of tea for three days, it's difficult when you live alone!!! Just starting this week to try out my goodies, I bought the green palette too. Lovely painting it looks like a photo!!!, I'm playing with gouche and loving it!!!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Oh no, what a bummer to be so sick that you weren't even able to drink your tea. And around Christmas time, too. Ugh. I do hope you're much better now. I'm glad you're enjoying gouache. I really want to play with mine again here soon.

[@art-alchemy]

Hi Miranda, I woke up and saw you first video then I got up and sat down with coffee and saw you posted this video..yay. I love having 2 videos. Happy you are somewhat getting to your art supplies. This is a beautiful pallet and nice watercolors..I have the 12 pink set but are not exactly my favorite they are super hard to re-wet. Nothing bad about them just my preference. Your painting is beautiful. I love the skies and I can see clearly the snow! I am looking forward to all of your videos on new art supplies! Bahong watercolor paper is my favorite..

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

After having used many other paint brands recently, I did notice these were a bit harder to re-wet than I remembered. It kind of surprised me because I didn't remember that about my 12-set, but I'm sure they are the same. I also love the Baohong paper.

[@jillwiswall5386]

Looks like a pretty nice paper! I hope things are much better soon and that you’re feeling better!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you. ❤️

[@whatlizziepresents]

New subbie friend here. Also in Dena's challenge. I absolutely love this piece.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Hi! Thank you and welcome here. I'm going to try to catch up on the challenge videos today and throughout this week. I can't wait to see them all!

[@hildybean]

Sorry you’re having a tough week. Hope you’re getting hugs from the ACDs ❤

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you. Is it bad if I don't know what ACDs are?

[@hildybean]

@@MirandaWatsonArt I thought your pups were Australian Cattle dogs, aka ACDs 🐶

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Oh, of course! I guess I just never used that abbreviation before. They totally are. ❤️

[@jennw6809]

I'm glad you did a painting and I hope it made you feel better - not every painting can be your best! I also liked the bi-color sky - it would be cool to mix the colors in the middle. I've had a horrible week too. I'm so sorry life is beating you up right now. I'd love to see those paper tests!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Oh, bummer that you were having a horrible week, too. Maybe it's something in the air, lol. Hope this week is treating you better. Yes, after I looked at the painting some more, I also wanted to mix the two blues in the middle, but I left it alone for now. I'd like to redo this painting anyway and see if I can improve it. Thanks, Jenn!

[@jennw6809]

@@MirandaWatsonArt This week is better. You? I'm pretty sure it WAS something in the air... or the moon and stars!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

@@jennw6809 yes, definitely better! Thank you and I'm glad yours was as well. Whew!

[@E4Alabbasy]

I just say another artist being very impressed with this paper but hers was glued from all sides so I don't know if the paper itself very different. I hope you week gets better 🌺

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I wish this one were glued on all four sides, but it dried fairly flat regardless. Although I did shut it and had some stuff on top of it for a while, so that's probably not the best test, lol. With the no-buy, I'm sure I'll get back into this paper pretty quickly. It'll be fun to do some more testing with it.

[@fuzzydragons]

loose ferrules are at least an easy fix 🙂 really pretty landscape🙂

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I contacted Craftamo just to let them know, but they still offered me a $15 refund for having to "fix" them myself. That was nice of them. I have yet to fix them, though. I left town too soon and was swamped with work trying to leave so last minute. Hopefully I can fix them next week, but I have a feeling it's going to be a crazy busy week as well. Thanks, Jen!

[@michaelbusby1802]

Hi Miranda, I can’t find the Paul Rubens Emerald 24 set on Amazon. Thanks, Kathy Busby PS - we moved from Texas to Westminster, CO - 2 years ago.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Hi, Kathy. My Amazon link used to bring you right to the emerald set, but it looks like it currently isn't available. Hopefully it'll come back really soon. Here is a link to a pretty white one if you're interested: amzn.to/3XIr73S

[@artonthecreek]

Hey there! I had the week you’re having last week😢 It’s no fun and yes, it does effect our art. BUT-this painting is great! You’re just too close to it still😊 Take a look at it in a few days. I bet you will appreciate it more❤ I’ve always enjoyed Paul Rubens paints. I really love their paper-and I’ve been curious about the Art & Fly. It almost looks like the Zen paper. Have you seen that one? It’s…ok, but to me, not as good as the Paul Rubens paper. Always love your videos-thanks for posting😁

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thanks, Ann. Sorry you also had a bad week previously. Ugh. I appreciate the comments about the painting - thank you. I have tried the Zen paper and I really liked it. I'd love to compare ALL my cotton papers again side-by-side. It's been a while since I've done that and now I have different brands that I can add in.

[@artonthecreek]

@@MirandaWatsonArt ❤️ looking forward to that comparison video!!

[@Bloomkyaaa]

I also like to remove that extra flap, it just takes up too much space!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

For sure!

[@elflordsjourneys]

Nice painting Miranda, your dark shadow made good boulders. I have just about used up a block of that paper and think it's really good stuff and affordable cotton paper.😀❄❄🧝‍♂️

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I'm glad to hear you've used this paper and liked it. I need to paint with it more for sure. Thank you.