Trying Daniel Smith watercolor sticks for the first time!

[@AutumnMoonArt]

Drop a little water at the bottom of each pan & rub the piece into it. When it dries the piece will stay put. Much easier to use without it moving about. ☺️🧡

[@starr-starr]

Been using the sticks in half pans for years, even John Cogley of DS says they are the best value, with highest pigment load. You easily get 3 half pans from each stick, they last forever. Great way to get some of the more expensive pigments, since they are all the same price. I never use them for drawing, because the marks don’t always blend out.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks for sharing!

[@lizadivine3785]

Half pans can wreck brushes. I’m a tube fan.

[@gloomycandy101]

@@lizadivine3785 Wait, how do they wreck a brush?

[@lizadivine3785]

@@gloomycandy101 the pan is too small for most brushes.

[@RamoArt]

@@lizadivine3785 you're not supposed to smash brushes tip first into the pan. Should be common sense though..

[@NancyTipton-u8e]

I already really enjoy using these watercolor sticks. They are great for travel and plein air painting. Thank you for sharing your trial uses of them.😊

[@nellkrams3698]

What a great idea! Thank you for giving us a demo on these sticks. I wasn’t sure you could get the same effect with them as you do with the tubes…now I’m convinced you can! I’ll be trying them next time I need a color…and we always seem to need a color..lol. BTW…you landscape came out really pretty even though it was an experiment. Many thanks!!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks, Nell!

[@heatherhughes2955]

I LOVE these!!!♥️♥️

[@mary.reynolds6391]

Thank you for this.

[@hamerray]

Are those similar to water soluble crayons.

[@susanfisher8944]

Do you know the diff between the Daniel Smith watercolor sticks and Caran d’Ache watercolor crayons? What about American Journey crayons/sticks? These look great but am so curious about all the other brands too. I might buy one of each brand I find to see if I, as a beginner, can tell the difference.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I haven’t tried those other two products but would be interested in comparing them!

[@paulinedrechsel7040]

What do you think of the sticks compared to watercolor pencils?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Very different--I think I would use watercolor pencils if I plan on "drawing" with them, vs the watercolor sticks I would use more like pan paints. Depends on your style of painting of course. :)

[@hoodstockreligiontv]

Looks like the colors are not fully soluble. Would be not my medium.

[@valasafantastic1055]

I prefer tubes because I make custom pre mixed ‘convenience’ mixes in empty pans. These are an interesting option however. They are not available from any of the Canadian sellers I buy from however so it’s not a reasonably priced option in Canada right now (as far as I know) however. I feel like making custom mixes in empty half pans is why tubes are my preferred version. I feel the need to point out the power tubes have that sticks and full/half pans it’s dried paint already in them lack. For me I adore the option of making custom mixes and so tubes are typically my preferred option.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Oh for sure, tubes are best if you plan on premixing--or even if you want to paint larger. For large flat washes you need to mix up large amounts of paints and tubes are still superior for this. :) Thanks for the comment!

[@kathrynjohnson3007]

I currently have five sticks. I found dipping them in water and drawing with them, along with using a brush, the most interesting way to use them.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Great tip!

[@hazimmusa2448]

Great info! Would you mind to compare the same color from the sticks, pan and tubes side by side? just to see the differences besides the form factor.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Great idea!

[@Goldi-Luc]

I'm interested in this too as I'm seeing several comments that say they leave a residue and feel different. and surely they have something different in the recipe?? i gotta do research now.

[@SuzWarren]

I am new to watercolor and decided the Daniel Smith sticks would be my best option. I love them so far. I also love the wealth of information shared by the company on KZbin and their site. Great news / in November they will add new colors to the sticks line. Not new colors to the company, but new colors available in stick form. I believe they said 11, but I don’t know which colors.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

That's so great! Thanks for sharing!

[@miaomiaochan]

That's good to know - I'll be on the lookout for the new sticks.

[@sallygreenfield6991]

I have these. They are fabulous and so affordable!

[@twycross3]

I use Rembrandt pastels as your using the watercolor sticks. When the pastel marks get wetted it moves just like watercolor. One thing I will say the pastel has the watercolor sticks beat at is the ease with which the pastel marks wet and move

[@GardeniaFair]

that is a great idea. I would add a drop of gum arabic to the pastels, so they stick to the paper after the water dries. I have lots of soft pastels I am not using, and your tip gave me a few ideas. I even have gum arabic at home. Thanks!

[@miaomiaochan]

I've amassed a decent collection of these sticks, and aside from having more paint than I could possibly use up in my lifetime, I have no regrets. How else can you get six fullpans' worth (two sticks) of a Primatek color for less than the price of a single 15mL tube, with little to no pigment wasted?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Hah hah! Love it! No regrets.

[@louiez.9748]

I believe that these sticks can be scraped on stone and mixed with water as if they were the ones used for Japanese sumi-e painting.

[@mlcs179]

The direct drawing is on dry is like neo colour sticks to me. Prefer these used on wet.

[@ArtandDiamondsWithEskies]

It is truly too bad that you cannot get Potter's pink in a stick

[@hellovicki6779]

I am surprised by this demo...I was not that impressed given they are Daniel Smith. The colours did not look very saturated and seemed to need a lot of work to activate. I am not keen on how permanent the marks are if drawn either. I am glad that I have been investing in the CARAN d ACHE Neocolor ll water soluble pastels, plus they are more affordable. Although I like the DS tubes, I will not be buying the crayons. Thank you for the demo.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes, if you want the marks to brush out smoothly, watercolor pencils are a better option. :)

[@sevresblue]

how about if you wet the paper first then draw with the sticks?

[@LoriF25403]

My favorite, the sticks are 2 pans worth

[@ArtBlueCrane]

I saw these at Blick! I’m so glad you’re reviewing them because I am piqued!

[@Brenilla]

I’ve heard of ink sticks, never watercolor sticks

[@suel4269]

I love Sodalite Genuine! I separated the plastic case sections because I have my paints organized by colors in drawers.

[@SnowS162]

That's the one I just purchased. I can't wait to try it when it arrives. 😅

[@vilvile]

Your “yay” (when the pans were filled) made me smile. Good review.

[@Tugboat-R-Us]

If you dip the top of the stick in water, set it aside for about a minute and then try it, you will absolutely love it.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Good tip! 👍

[@kristiw.1823]

Been using the sticks and love how completely portable and affordable they are! I cut pieces off and put them in half pans.

[@shancan6328]

That paper. STONEHENGE "Legion We are paper" . Strange. In Mark 5 it says "My name is Legion; for we are many". That was the answer from a demon. Read Mark chapter 5 in scripture.

[@Pebblesmas]

Thx so much 4 this amazing review! Just what i was looking for, and you tried a lot, super helpful, thx!!!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GabrielStocktonWatercolors]

Come hang out with the Daniel Smith Gang on Thursday LIVEs with CEO John Cogley and ask question, like how to use the Sticks... AKA "Pan in your hand"

[@RogerEhinger-tg1hv]

Emily, I really enjoyed this video about the watercolor sticks. I wish I had seen it earlier. I am going to have to try these.

[@priscillah.8660]

Looks like you have to scrub the brush a bit much, if you are using expensive Taj types. ???

[@Fabian_drop02]

Best way to buy series 2 and 3 in my opinion. Great video.

[@suzyqz837]

I love them. I hold them between my fingers, wet the ends with my brush. The colors are so vibrant. And great for traveling too.

[@prexytheartist]

Looks like an interesting art medium! It's like oil pastels and watercolors in one, which is two of my favorite medium to experiment with. Amazing!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes, definitely worth trying!

[@destresswithyoga]

Reminds me of the Neo color ll’s from Caron D’Ache.

[@lindawetzel9581]

Do your half pans fit in the plastic stick case? If so, it would provide a nice color palette if you ordered new colors.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

No, unfortunately--the plastic case is slightly too narrow for half pans.

[@selfscience]

I didn’t know those existed, that is fantastic and practical.

[@Saahrish]

Loved the Daniel Smith watercolor sticks. I had my eyes on them for a while. I have used oil pastels that activate with water and are supposed to look like watercolor but I found there was still a waxy sheen left which I didn’t like. Now you have tempted me to try these soon. Loving you trying new products. Looking forward to seeing more product reviews.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks so much! More videos coming. :)

[@ChristinaTodd1970]

That's a good selection for a cohesive color palette. But....... What I would have done is buy all series 5 colors since the sticks are all the same price and watercolor tubes are not.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Very smart! :)

[@jdschneider5858]

Your experimental landscape came out beautifully! Thanks for demonstrating; I think I'll use them on damp paper to do loose figure drawings so I don't get too tight!🙂

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

That sounds like a great use for these!

[@kendravanwesemael6863]

Thank your for sharing! Haven´t seen this yet. I think this is also nice for #urbansketching. Feelingg inspired❤🎉

[@candybourgeois6916]

Thank you for sharing the idea of filling a pan with the watercolor sticks!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure! 🙂

[@roxannerosecrans4441]

Wow awesome, never heard of the sticks!! Thanks so much.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure!

[@MoiAussie1]

I use them, I have some primatek sticks. I cut them and use in half pans. Drop a few dops of water over the cut stick, light wash goes to the bottom then you get to make as rich a colour as you need from the top.

[@Lauraisabelgonzalezart]

Wow that's absolutely amazing! TYSM for sharing these... I am definitely going to try some these versus paying so much more for those small tubes [almost $11 at my local Michaels!]...

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

So glad you enjoyed!

[@SnowS162]

What a coincidence!!!. I just bought one yesterday and one today before seeing your video. 😁 It was few dollars cheaper than getting the tube for those colors I picked. Thanks so much for the review. I will have to watch the whole video after work.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yay! Enjoy your new supplies!

[@glenda7921]

I guess depending on your art style, reactivating (opposed to using “fresh” from the tube) might be a drawback. The value is certainly there. Thanks for the review Emily.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes, if you prefer the "fresh out of the tube" paint, these won't work for that. I still definitely prefer tube paints for larger paintings.

[@stawberrydawn2181]

I bought a couple sticks but haven't used them much, probably because I prefer pans.. I never even thought to cut them and put them into pans. Thanks for the tip

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You are so welcome!

[@jmbosquesillo7203]

I have a few and love them. I admit I can’t bring myself to cut them, so I generally do the brush to back end thing or color a spot on the mixing well then wet it. 😊 Best thing? Great paint & they won’t dry out … they’re already dry👍 Sodalite is very very nice, btw. Nice review!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks for the nice comment!

[@scottmantooth8785]

*had been looking at adding some of these pigments and shades to my kit for a while now... appreciate the demo of their overall abilities and reactive qualities...mainly focused on the super granulating pigments and how they might react with other things such as fountain pen inks used for washes so your video is super helpful in that respect*

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

So glad!

[@lisaloveskirby]

Thank you for demonstrating these paint sticks. I've been wondering about them. They look cool!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure! They are great!

[@CAZZIEK321]

Daniel Smith products really are exception

[@ladyinblack3398]

I like those watercolor sticks. And I like the longevity of them.

[@ArtistRebeccaLS]

Hi Emily 😊 I’m looking to try a few of those too, but can’t find the travel case in France or on Jackson art supplies. I was thinking of trying the travel toothbrush holders…. What do you think?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

That could work, I think!

[@ArtistRebeccaLS]

@@EmilyOlsonArt wonderful ! Thank you - ☺️

[@moonlightgator]

I like the estetic of the sticks, but was doubt if they are any good. Thank you for clearibg this up for me.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Glad I could help!

[@ciannacoleman5125]

Are these a better price than getting tubes? I always buy tubes both for price and versatility instead of pans, but if these are better price it would be good for the more expensive paints as some have pointed out.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes! On Blick they are all priced the same, regardless of series.

[@morrisonwatercolors]

I’ve been curious about these sticks. Nice to see them in use. Could be worth trying. Thanks for posting this video. :)

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You bet!

[@Calme1918]

Nice colors. They are 20$ a stick in Canada. So might buy one only. What do you Suggest? I bought a graphite stick and love it. Great demo. Thanks

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yikes, yep--definitely not as affordable in Canada! If you're only buying one, I would just go with the color you use most often! For me that would be Burnt Sienna. :)

[@technoraptor7778]

Whaat?? When did they make these?

[@ladyflimflam]

2009

[@fuzzydragons]

Ive thought about giving those stick a try but figure I should use up the rast of my watercolours before buying more lol

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Hah hah, yep the supplies start to stack up!

[@sonyaoart]

Thanks for the demo, I’ve been wondering about these. I think I’ll pick up a handful to test them

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure!

[@Empoart]

Loved this review! I hadn't heard of this product but I love Daniel Smith. I will definitely take a look at these.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@agneshosni4787]

I’m sure by now you realise that drawing and activating , like watercolour pencils , takes build up of pigment and evenly .

[@lindathaxton1994]

I love the sticks & have several - thank you 🙏

[@nancygodwin2325]

How do they compare to watercolor pencils?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

They're quite different! While watercolor pencils blend out easily after drawing with them, the watercolor sticks leave a mark. I'm thinking a comparison video would be a good idea. :)

[@veystone2580]

So based on the piece you cut, how many half pans could you fill with one stick?!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

3 or 4 half pans!

[@slowbunny6920]

These look so handy for traveling! Thanks!

[@rosasadler1084]

Thanks for the thorough demo and experimenting with these sticks. Very intriguing.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure! Thanks for the nice comment!

[@sallyjoligocki5011]

This is first time seeing these. I must purchase some. Thank you for sharing.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@diflores3374]

Hello, Emily, I have problems to sign up and the help don´t arrive to my mail. I send a email to the Contact mail, but I have not a response set.

[@heidicook2395]

Thank you.

[@mary.reynolds6391]

Wondering if you spritz with water and let set a bit...what happens? Will they work the same as spritizing your dry water colors?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes! They reactivate exactly like pan paints or dry tube paint in a palette.

[@mary.reynolds6391]

@@EmilyOlsonArt Thank you very much. Have a blessed day.

[@DavZell]

Emily, do you recall what mixing palette that was? Thanks!

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Emily, thank you for sharing your experience with us, the only problem I have with these sticks is that they come from Dan Smith! Cheap Joes offers the American Journey watercolor sticks and they are just as good, quality professional grade watercolor paint and not as expensive either! I believe DS has abused the Art community and they simply do not live up to their own hype! Just my 2 cents. Stay safe and be well!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes, American Journey is great! I have tried some of their colors and you're right--the quality is just as good.

[@mazza21C]

If you’re gonna cut them into pans, then you’re not using them as sticks. Might as well buy pans and not have the, move about. If you use them essentially as a ‘pencil’ then watercolour pencils are better. Might not have the intensity, but watercolour pencils give a good deposit and intensity. And as for smudging… clearly you can see that the lot of the original smudge stays put and can’t be dissolved into the watered colour. It’s a ‘no’ from me… Pans, tubes and pencils do more than enough.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

It's not for everyone!

[@Shuvah2Him]

Great review!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks, Dolores!

[@barb865]

Have you tried putting them into full pans?

[@donnagoode6923]

nice video, i will probably try these soon.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Hope you enjoy!

[@kellyhalligan1328]

Interesting. Drawing on the paper didn’t appear to work so well. I would like to hear back from anyone how these pencils work in the half pans. Do they act like watercolor? Are the colors similar to a tube of paint? Thanks for this video

[@UTleochi]

They do not work well as drawing tools, but they are a perfect replacements for pan watercolours. And yes, they work as well as tube colours.

[@ladyflimflam]

They work perfectly well for drawing directly on paper. The question is whether or not you like the effect they give.

[@mrfredbasset]

Oh I’ve never seen people put them in half pans. That’s actually so clever! I think I will be purchasing these stick as my existing pans finish

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

🙌🙌🙌

[@ImaniTolliver]

Wow! Are they vegan and cruelty free?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes!

[@ImaniTolliver]

@@EmilyOlsonArt Beautiful news! Thank you so much!🥰

[@lizadivine3785]

I’m not sold.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

They're not for everyone! :)

[@lindathaxton1994]

Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure!

[@maryhazlett]

I've noticed - in the short time I've seen your videos - that you don't seem to work in sketchbooks? Do you? Also, do you have any idea why Arches doesn't produce sketchbooks?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I do use sketchbooks! And after you left this comment, I went down a research rabbit hole, and Arches JUST came out with a watercolor journal THIS year! Wahoo!

[@maryhazlett]

@@EmilyOlsonArt oh! Thanks!

[@simonemacandrew]

Thanks for the review.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure!

[@nikkihorn3852]

I'm excited to try these.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Have fun!