Best Way to FILL HALF PANS 🎨 (DIY Hack)

[@bonnieg4076]

Clever idea, pre-mixing favorites in the pans. I will try this for my backgrounds with birds on greeting cards. Thank you.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Go for it and please let me know how you get on. 😀

[@thatswhatshesaid.literally737]

🙆‍♀️ Finally, (a year after upload) I find someone else that mixes their own colors beforehand and not from scratch (meaning, mulling gum arabic and pigment together). I've been mixing my own for years and I'm surprised it hasn't caught on yet on KZbin. You can always mix it from two different half pans while you're painting but I find that when you mix certain colors in a certain ratio so often, it just makes sense to have it at hand and ready to go. I use a piece of glass from an old small picture frame and a metal palette knife to mix the colors up, then swipe the bottom of the knife with your brush to get some of the color to test before you pan it. This way you can be rest assured the entire pan is homogenous and you won't be surprised while oainting with a brush load of just one of the hues. Lol 😅 One of my favorite mixes is Cotman's Cerulean Blue Hue with Sennelier's Burnt Umber. The light shade of PB15 with the dark earthy PBr7 makes a wonderful softly granulating and muted, stony blue-grey-green that works wonderfully for dusky skies, a calm sea, and so much else. Thanks for this video! I think I'm going to try your brown-blue mix and have my own black on hand. 🙏☺️

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much for your excellent explanation about colour mixing, very helpful indeed. 😊

[@eirenmist12]

Just thought I would share my method of stirring the paint about in the pan. I open up one end of a paper clip and straighten it out to make the stirring stick. Then the other end of the paper clip gives sort of a handle which is much easier to grip than the head of a pin. You can clean the clip tip off and use it over and over again.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thanks for sharing, what an excellent idea!

[@Lacroix999]

I make my own colors both from pre existing color tubes and also from scratch. I will mix my colors on a glass slab with a palette knife and a muller if needed. It makes for a smoother consistency and you know for sure that the colors are mixed throughout the whole pan before it goes into the pan with no surprises when you work your way through the pan as time goes on. Meaning-just because it’s more blue on top, doesn’t mean it will be also just as blue on the bottom of the pan by the time you get down there and use up the paint if you’re mixing it in the pan with a pin/toothpick. I also will use the tubes to fill the pan, but instead of waiting forever (days) for them to dry, I will add a tiny drop of gum Arabic to them to keep them from cracking and mix thoroughly, fill up the whole pan as much as it can hold, with a tad bit more mounded on the top in the middle (the colors will sink down in the middle and this technique evens out the whole pan more), and then pop the whole pallet/pan straight into the dehydrator on the lowest setting which is about 95 degrees F for about 8hrs, walk away and be done with the whole process. No refills/layers needed, no cracked pans, no wait days on end to refill and wait just as long for a second or third layer…. and they rewet just the same just fine! In most cases, it will be done a lot sooner than the intended 8hrs-usually about 5-6ish, but that’s just what I set it on just to be safe or when I get busy and don’t want to babysit them. The tubes are made a little differently than the pans are in the factory. They add more watercolor medium to the mix to keep them wetter with is why they crack when you allow them to dry in the pans in larger quantities because there’s so much of it in the mixture. Pans on the other hand, are not made with the same consistency as the tubes even if they’re using the same pigments. They’re a lot dryer and why they’re not cracked when you purchase them and/or after you wet and re wet them several times in the palette. The added gum Arabic in this case acts as agent to keep them from drying all the way out. If you add too much, you’ll know it because your pans will remain slightly tacky and will become slightly glossy on the paper which may/may not be an effect you’re going for, but doesn’t effect the quality of the paints any either way, but remember that a little bit goes a long way and you don’t need much added to the mix-literally only a single drop or two per half pan of paint ratio-just to keep your paints from cracking. Gum Arabic is also good to use as a ‘glue’ for pans that tend to fall out of the palette in traveling so your colors don’t get mixed up. Just add a small dab of the gum Arabic to the back of your color block, pop it back in the pan and set it aside or in the dehydrator for about a half an hour to dry and you’re good to go!

[@TheDevonArtist]

This is amazing advice, thank you so much for taking the time to explain your personal processes, very interesting reading and excellent advice. Paul 🎨

[@creativecolours2022]

Hi Paul! I understand the reasoning behind filling half pans in two or three layers in order to get the most of their capacity, but I personally prefer to half fill them at an angle/slope shape. I half fill the pan then I wait for the paint to become a little bit dried and then I use a painting knife to mold the paint in a slope shape. I do that because it is easier this way to load my brush with the paint without having to dig and spoil this way the point of the brush. I can load paint with the sides of the brush if the paint has a slope shape into the pan and it is also very useful when I prewet the paints ( spray them ) with water. Then the dissolved paint runs downwards and I can load the brush from the other side of the pan. I don't know if you can visualize how it looks like. It is a bit hard to describe it. lol

[@TheDevonArtist]

I can certainly see the idea and one I would never have thought of, so a big thank you for that. Yes, allowing the loose colour to go into the empty half of the pan, is certainly one I will try. Paul 🎨

[@creativecolours2022]

@@TheDevonArtist I'm glad that I was helpful but more glad that you understood it because it was a bit difficult to put it into ( accurate) words. I mean to describe the concept and make sense. It doesn't have to be completely empty, I mean measure it to make the slope in the middle of such a small pan. Just to have the slope shape in order to be able to slide the brush on top of the paint or pick up diluted colour with the tip of the brush.

[@TheDevonArtist]

@@creativecolours2022 You explained it perfectly, even for my tiny braincells! LOL

[@creativecolours2022]

@@TheDevonArtist Your braincells are ok. My English are rusty. :D

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

I started out with a pre-filled pans beginning then switched to filling up my own half & full pans of paint from the tubes.. I can fill my half pans full with paint 3 times with each tube of paint compared to the price of the ready made pans. Thanks for sharing this the different ways of filling up the pans. Never realized that there was a huge difference in how they dry. The toothpick & pin 📍trick is pretty neat. Thanks again!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you Colleen for letting me know your personal method. Yes, you can really make a good saving making your own. I know, they never come out quite as neat but hey, who cares! LOL As long as you get most of those little air bubbles out first you should be fine. Paul 🎨

[@robertweinblatt2018]

Your idea of filling pans with mixtures is so simple yet so very brilliant and saves so much time ! You kind of premix your custom palette and can paint straight away with all your favorite mixtures, I plan to get started tomorrow and mix all my favorite color Thank you🥇🥇🥇🙏🏻👍🏻

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Robert, thank you very much. There are other ways as well, so worth experimenting with your own ideas and see what you come up with. You could also pre-mix the colours you like within a well, then transfer them to the empty half pan as well. Paul 🎨

[@Eibmozluver]

This video is absolutely what I needed! Wonderful tutorial!!!

[@TheDevonArtist]

I'm glad it was helpful to you. 😀

[@petragunther4439]

I'm still at the beginner stage of watercolor. The first ones I bought were pans but quickly switched to tubes, filling my one pans. Apart from the pros you mentioned: Sometimes it's nice to use paint fresh off the tube. To not waste any paint, I squeeze a tiny bit in the dried pan and leftovers can dry without waste. Never thought of fill a pan with a mix. 🤔 Will try that. Thank you 🙏

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Petra, thank you. Yes, filling your own pans can be very handy, especially if you want the paint to be a little softer. However, some tube paints do still dry to a very hard cake, so please bear this in mind. Paul 🎨

[@Lacroix999]

I have a dehydrator. I set it on low, pop my whole palette in there when I’m done using it or filling it and it usually dries everything overnight.

[@TheDevonArtist]

What a brilliant idea CL, thank you for the suggestion.

[@Ceoltoir755]

You are a genius!

[@mycreativeescape]

I just started filling my own pans. Thank you for this detailed explanation.

[@TheDevonArtist]

I'm glad I've been able to give you a few ideas. 😊

[@paperplanenomad]

Thank you so much for sharing your method. I particularly appreciate that you've taken us through a few different ways to reach the one that works best for you. The section about mixing is also gold, as I've not seen many videos that cover filling pans with a custom mix. I have just recently bought my first watercolour tubes and I'm really excited to try filling my own pans! This is now going to be my go-to video for this (and I've watched quite a few!). Thanks again!

[@TheDevonArtist]

You are so welcome! Just remember that it can be a messy business filling half pans, good job it's watercolour paints. Paul 🎨

[@windywednesday4166]

Wow, thank you for going over this. It's a good thing to know how to do correctly. Also, i love the custom color you created! That is a beautiful green.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching. 😀

[@DanielMounter0478]

When I fill mine from tube colours, I give them a little buzz underneath with an engraver (no tip). That rids them of air bubbles without splattering everywhere! Experience from concrete engineering :)

[@TheDevonArtist]

That's a brilliant tip Daniel, thank you for that. 😀

[@Abhiraj-gy4ex]

I loved the DIY,me a beginner to watercolor is considering to fill my own pans from just getting primary colors(red,blue,yellow)from winsor and newton and try to copy the shades winsor and newton offers as it is more economical. As i said I'm a newbie wanted some councilling on how should I do it and is it practically possible.Thank you

[@TheDevonArtist]

I do hope my video was of use to you Abhiraj. Have fun with those colours. 🎨

[@MegaAwesomeAnnie]

When pouring tubes into half pans or full pans, I use a toothpick to add one drop of glycerin to my harder paints and then mix it into the paint whilst wet, then the toothpick again to push the paint out to the edges and get it all nice and tidy. Easier to re-wet due to the glycerin and looks nice too :)

[@TheDevonArtist]

What're a lovely idea with using glycerine, thank you. 👌😀

[@ineke_beenke]

I love your tricks thank you

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you as well. 😊

[@75Butterflyangel]

Always looking for the best... and the most favourable for my wallet! Your tips and tricks are so honest.. so welcome!!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you, as you know I do like to keep very honest, not just in life but also product reviews. 😀

[@TheDevonArtist]

Do you refill your empty half pans? *Leave me a comment* , I would be interested to know, and for more of my money saving watercolour hacks, check out this playlist next: bit.ly/3qpSgbr

[@artatjules]

Will try that first thank you 😀

[@colorsmith659]

I started watercoloring with half pans but switched to filling from tubes. And then mixing my own convenient colors in the pan comes quite naturally. Greens and grays mostly. Lately I started to use porcelain palettes which demands using tubes. I found half height empty half pans which I put into a card tin as mini palette. Need to be filled. Tubes are just more versatile.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Tube are certainly more versatile and for me, I use them mostly for filling in empty half pans, or occasionally painting large backgrounds. I suppose it also depends on the type of painting one does, with mine, I much prefer fine detail work. 😀

[@spasticpanda8933]

Ive heard windsor and newton is hard to reactivate once dried and alot of people suggest a drop of glycerin in the pan, have you tried that before?

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi, I've never tried that, but it is a good suggestion. I don't normally have any issues reactivating my half pans, as I normally give them a light misting of water ten or so minutes before I start a painting. Some colours are slightly harder to reactivate than others, but not to the degree that it proves an issue for me. 😀

[@1toshi32]

This was very informative. Thank you for the information. Not being very confident with mixing colours, I would be very reluctant to mix paint right in the half pans being that the price of the paint is quite expensive. I buy the tubes now, though I started out buying the half pans not knowing how I would go with watercolours,which very challenging as a beginner. I do fill the half pans myself but watching how you do it makes so much sense. You are very knowledgeable and I know I really appreciate all your tips and tricks about how to get the best results.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much. Yes, as you know, I also fill my half pans with the tubed versions as well. But bear in mind that a shop bought half pan normally consists of a much more pigmented block (cake) of colour, so in 'theory' it should last longer......🤔

[@1toshi32]

@@TheDevonArtist OK right. Thank you for this reply. I did not know that. I do have pans that I have had for a long time and when I do refill my pans, I did notice they don't last as long. Now it makes sense to me. Thank you again for a very informative video. I watched the other ones you mentioned as well. You are full of great tips. 😊

[@TheDevonArtist]

@@1toshi32 Thank you. 😊

[@33Jenesis]

I like tubes. I can make different palettes with different color combo. I just bought some tubes from Holbein and Daniel Smith. They are shades I don’t have and can’t mix well. Buying tubes on its own is expensive. Love your idea of pre mixing in the pan. I want Mission Gold’s melon green but $18 is a lot so I may try to create and pan it.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you Jenesis, yes I also believe that it's less expensive working with pans compared to tube paints, and as we know the more pigment, less binder within the paints, the more expensive they can get. I very often purchase the student grade paints just to save a few pounds, and I do like using them, even though they are not always as rich. Mind you, the pro ones do last much longer due to the increased amount of pigment, so it's one of those weighing scales moments for which do you buy? 🤔 😁

[@cherylj.harris4967]

Wonderfully informative! I needed this information.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much Cheryl. 🙂

[@patriciabaxter3391]

A revelation! Thank you.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much 😊

[@lisathaviu1154]

One reason I like Schmincke watercolors is that their pans are identical to their tubes, so if you have a set of pans, you can easily refill them from the tubes. Because I’m from the US, the difficult part is being able to afford Schmincke paints! My favorite though, is Qor. The paint from the tubes sets up quickly, but rewets really easily.

[@TheDevonArtist]

I know of both makes you use but have never had the opportunity of trying them out, it's usually down to cost more than anything. But hey, who knows, I may put them on my next Christmas gift list for myself. 😁

[@sabrinamirao621]

I have just been gifted watercolour in tubes and I want to put them into pans. Sorry if this is a silly question - with the 2 layer method, when you apply and stir the second layer, are you stirring down into the first dry layer? So essentially stirring first and second layer together? Or are you just stirring that top second layer? Also, what tin pan do you use?Thanks. Great video btw. You have an excellent teaching voice and narrative. 👍🏽

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Sabrina, good questions! 😊 With the two layer mix, I make sure that the first layer is dry, before I add the second layer over the top. I don't mix the two layers together. Doing it this way ensure that the final result is just roughly flat once the top layer is dry. I tend to mostly use Winsor & Newton half pans and tubes. I do have a page on my website showing the materials I use if it helps. devonartist.co.uk/materials-i-use-or-recommend-for-realistic-watercolour/ Paul

[@sabrinamirao621]

@@TheDevonArtist thanks for replying. That makes sense - I’m sure when mixing the second layer you can feel the hardened/dry first layer underneath. Those are the paints I’ve been gifted, I’m excited to start getting to grips with watercolour.

[@hansendesigns]

Be fun to make chromatic black mixes but don’t completely stir it in the pan to get variation. Maybe 😊

[@TheDevonArtist]

That's a good idea, what lovely effects you could make with them as well. 😀

[@CherryBlossomHill]

I do fill my own half pans but had never thought of creating custom mixes! I recently purchased half pan singles from DS on sale, the pigment pops out, and the pans are difficult to remove from the palette box) new set of six series). I always think of half pans as useful for smaller size brush work in particular. So many teachers recommended working straight from the tube encouraging you to place a lot of paint for a given project in a mixing tray ( don’t be afraid…..) which is so wasteful.

[@TheDevonArtist]

I'm like you Scottish Bunny, I hate wasting paint. You can however reactivate paint you have previously used that's dried up within a palette. 😀 I do prefer half pans for my detail work, handy and certainly not wasteful. Paul 🎨

[@miriamgillham6701]

This is fabulous. So much to learn from this. I have a question, where do you actually get the empty half pans? Did you buy them empty or they from an old used up (washed and cleaned out) watercolour set? Really intrigued. Also I did something similar with a drying out set of tube watercolours, cheap ones… I emptied the tubes into a washed waterproof sealable palette, mixed them with fresh distilled water and then used them for a good week however we had lots of rain over many weeks afterwards and the ochre went mouldy. Is there a tip or hack for preventing this outcome as I want to use my existing tube watercolours and not waste them. Paint is expensive and even cheap but good paints are worth using. Thank you for this very interesting video.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Miriam, I buy my empty new half pans from Amazon, so worth shopping around. 😁 The sealed palette is a tricky one, as this depends on how well sealed it is. I personally don't have any issues with paint going mouldy, this may also vary with different brands. You can also buy empty watercolour tins, again on Amazon, and fill these up with new empty half pans. 😀

[@miriamgillham6701]

@@TheDevonArtist Thank you. I will look into the pans. I am wondering since posting this query if the ochre went mouldy because it is more opaque and has more binder. I don’t know, it was quite intense a black mould. All other colours unaffected. The brand is MontMarte 12 tube student set. Some years old now. Anyway, I appreciate your reply. Thank you.

[@ladyhollman9534]

I have a couple pan sets but I also have tubes. I like to fill pans (from tubes) so I can take the colors & amounts I want out and about. Only problem now is the biggest makers trying to push the sale of 5mL tubes for the price of 15mL tubes. So, I now fill my on the go pans half way from tubes using your method these days.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Yes, unfortunately the prices do seem to be rising for the cost of paint, so any way to economise with them is good. Saving the used paint within your mixing palette after completing a painting is also a good idea, after all you need to do is re-wet it and use it again for another painting. 😉

[@jadejago7664]

I fill my pans from tubes thanks for the pin trick! Seems to have stopped the cracking. :)

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad to help Jade. 😊

[@anthonykoeslag]

I put a little rare-earth magnet in the bottom of the pan, it then attaches to my metal tray and it's easy to move about for cleaning it just to put it somewhere else

[@TheDevonArtist]

Magnetic pans are great, I had some from @ReginasWatercolor, and they were ideal, so I quite agree. 👍

[@mheredge]

This was so useful! Now I know what I have been doing wrong.

[@TheDevonArtist]

I'm glad to have given you some ideas. 😊

[@nicoleperron3315]

I used tubes for decades but recently I tried pans which are fun. I like the tin and it's less messy, but I dug out my tubes looking for a specific color and I have been watching videos on what to do with hardened paint in the tube. So I was thinking of filling some half pans with the paint that is fine and make my own palette but my paints are Windsor and Newton and three videos I watched said I have to add glycerin or honey if I want to put it in pans so now I'm not sure what to do. Because I'm not pleased with the tubes that have hardened up.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Nicole, most of my colours are Winsor & Newton as well, and I have never added anything extra to the colours when squeezing tubed paints into my empty half pans, and never had any issues. Yes, as you know with half pans we have to work them up as they are obviously a dried up block of paint, or 'cakes' if we wish to be correct. But I've never had any issues with them that way. Some will dry harder than others, but that will most likely be down to the pigments within those paints. Regarding hardened tubed paints, these can be carefully cut open, and the paint sliced into half pan block sizes and placed into some empty wells, obviously never throw away hardened tubes. Paul 😀

[@nicoleperron3315]

@@TheDevonArtist thank you

[@giugiu3447]

Very good, I've just started, and I like the idea of remixing two different colours to get the colours you want

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much 😊

[@alicehi2211]

Do you recommend Winsor & Newton for a beginner? kinda, I want to fill out my first own palette and im wondering which paint is the best for it. Is it still as pigmented after drying it? And does it dry completely or not?

[@TheDevonArtist]

Yes, definitely, Winsor & Newton are a mid-price range brand depending on whether you go for the student (Cotman) range or the professional range. I personally use both, so for you, try the Cotman range first, then go from there. I do have a list of the materials I use if it helps. Paul 🎨 devonartist.co.uk/materials-i-use-or-recommend-for-realistic-watercolour/

[@debpaolucciojanomethreadar2357]

Very interesting!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad you think so Deb 😃

[@appleknocker56]

Could I do same process using (cleaned out acrylic pots) as long as filled well at the bottom? Did it w a lemon yellow but not like you did so now looking for a pin! Tyvm!!

[@TheDevonArtist]

It certainly is a possibility and a good way for an experiment as well. 😀

[@appleknocker56]

I just poured my Koi water colors into the paint pots & used the pin to fully cover the bottom. They say wait 24 hours & then add lil more? My concern is once bottom layer is dry then last top can’t be mixed but probably won’t matter after add water! Tysm as had put a lil (professional W & N) into one but didn’t do above! When checked it had wetter paint near bottom & when got tube out found a tiny crack! Tysvm as if hadn’t done the W & Newton the tube would have gone dry & other just get diluted w water!!!!

[@TheDevonArtist]

@@appleknocker56 I can imagine different paints work in different ways, and this will also depend on the quality of those paints. Traditionally, adding the paint into the empty pans in layers is the best way to avoid too much shrinkage. 😀

[@robertweinblatt2018]

I’m going to try watercolor and gouache mixtures! I definitely fill my own pans, who doesn’t?🤪

[@TheDevonArtist]

Yes, give it a go Robert, any medium really that can be re-wetted. 😀

[@karenfinneganart2480]

When you mix your own colours what do you do about naming them on the bottom?

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Karen, all I do is write on the side or bottom of the half pan with a pencil. That way, I can easily remove the writing if I want to change the mix at some point. 😀

[@Horsewoman-pt2ku]

Got idea using a pin for mixing. I was using a small eyeglass metal screwdriver tip and I was wasting more paint.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Yes, I always try to get most of the paint off the cocktail stick as well. 😀

[@lizcharalambous9150]

Mine wont dry despite leaving them for weeks now in an airtight box with rice and silica gel. Do you think i should try the freezer?

[@TheDevonArtist]

I would leave them without the lid on rather than an airtight box if you want the pans to dry, just to let the air get to them and help them air dry. I'm not sure what a freezer would do to the paints, but certainly something I wouldn't try. But to be honest with you, I quite like the idea of the paints still being wet if stored in an airtight container, it does stop the issue with needing to work up a half pan before painting with it. You could only store them wet like this though if you are solely painting from home and the paints are not tipped up or moved.

[@lizcharalambous9150]

@@TheDevonArtist thank you, I don't think they'll ever dry. No matter they're still usable :)

[@noorallawati5390]

I got a small wooden magnet tiny palletee. Filled it from the tube and didnt use toothpick .. oops! Its been 24hrs only! I cant wait to use it!

[@TheDevonArtist]

I know what you mean, it may sag a little in the middle once dry, but I find that works well when picking up paint with the brushes anyway.

[@noorallawati5390]

@@TheDevonArtist good to know ^^. It doesn't feel 100% dry yet. There is a certain feel to it yet still. How should it feel?

[@TheDevonArtist]

@@noorallawati5390 It should be solid, so I would normally leave it for a few days first.

[@noorallawati5390]

@@TheDevonArtist many thanks!

[@ian1957ruth]

I have just recently filled some pans with Winsor Newton Cotman water color. They are still tacky after 3 days. Am I being impatient?

[@TheDevonArtist]

I think you are Ian, mine took a good full week to fully set last time I filled an empty half pan. This obviously depends on how warm it is where you are, but yes, it is certainly a matter of patience. 😁

[@ian1957ruth]

@@TheDevonArtist Yes I live in Florida. Should I put them in the fridge? ;-)

[@TheDevonArtist]

@@ian1957ruth Actually, that's a good idea. If you have made more than one, just put the one in the fridge overnight and see what it's like tomorrow. I've never tried that, but it will be an interesting test. If your paints were honey based which they are not, they don't always dry fully, mind you, they smell great! LOL

[@diannaa5631]

I like the use a tooth pic to move my paint in the half pan when filling or refilling

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thanks Dianna, yes I do the same here, it certainly saves those messy fingers. 😃

[@artatjules]

I fill my pallette with tubes, I started out with a cotman pan set and as I've used colours I've made a new pallette with professional tubes in my used colours so it's custom to me and what I use. I never thought about prefixing from the tubes into the pallette to dry, will definitely be doing this with my most used mixes especially grey and my favourite tweaked green

[@TheDevonArtist]

You could also make your favourite mix within a small mixing well first, then brush lift it into an empty half pan. 😉

[@MargaretMulligan-v6y]

informative discussion but many views of what you are doing are below the camera lens and not seen.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you, I do try and keep everything on screen, but sometimes it's tricky to see the camera screen while chatting and demonstrating. I will try to be a little more aware for future videos.

[@c8Lorraine1]

Why do you put tube paints into the empty pans ? Does this method save wastage of time or paint?

[@TheDevonArtist]

It saves time, I find the paint is a slightly different consistency, so a little looser and easier to wet up, so therefore won't last as long as a half pan version (they are more concentrated). I often do this to saved lots of wetting and working up a pan colour, and needs topping up. 😃