What Did I Use?! Reviewing an A.Gallo Watercolour Paint Art Haul One Year Later (+ Etchr Sketchbook)

[@oliviaC-K]

Reviewing products a year after buying them is such a great and useful idea.

[@msfrehel8758]

That really is great!

[@helencryer]

Thanks! I'm glad!

[@dees3179]

Another vote for one year on reviews. Very helpful. Much better than the ubiquitous swatch and run that swamp KZbin.

[@helencryer]

Thanks, that's good to hear!

[@vesta_paints4255]

Says "I'm not a super experienced watercolourist...." goes on to produce an absolutely stunning piece 😍 Just subscribed and now off to scroll and find all your other real time pieces, that was mesmerising to watch. Thank you for sharing and I hope you feel better soon!

[@helencryer]

Haha - thanks so much! I was trying to give some context for my opinion on the paints - I'm not super familiar with watercolouring like some people are, so I don't want people to be put off the paints, just because they might have properties I don't like because I'm not very skilled. Hopefully that makes sense!

[@ladyamalthea85]

I love watching real time painting

[@janemcgrath9615]

The one year on reviews are really interesting. Thank yoooo for the real time painting,sooo helpful. ❤️ I’m learning that the unpainted areas are just as expressive at the painted areas. Really enjoyed this painting,will give this a go.😊x

[@helencryer]

Thank you! Yes, I'm still learning to try and not fill in all the page!

[@annaherlinger6316]

Wonderful video, love your painting. I treat my A Gallo paint like it’s gold and I shouldn’t. Your video reminded me how much I love them. I do appreciate the slow flow of them maybe I feel like I have a bit more control. Breaking the out tomorrow, thank you for the motivation! Harbor blue is one of my favorites in addition to many of your favorites!

[@helencryer]

Hurray! I'm glad you feel motivated to use them!

[@StudioChix]

Thanks for this comprehensive look at A. Gallo watercolors. I purchased six half pans several years ago & have been disappointed with the tinting strength & sluggish lay down of the Petra Rose, Zirconium Blue & Earth Green Light (accidentally bought two). I do use & enjoy the Morelione and the Antique Gold. I am now extra cautious before buying any expensive watercolors without looking at a variety of UTube and other online reviews. I appreciate your reviews and your paintings. So helpful!

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much! (I have the Morellone too, but forgot to pull it out!!) That was kind of the main reason I started doing KZbin videos - because I found other people's colour swatch videos useful too, for making choices, and I wanted to add to the online resources.

[@MultiPassionateCreator]

I love watching real time because it lets me know a painting can actually be finished in a reasonable amount of time. Your paintings are always so beautiful. I did a mountain scene in art class the other day. I spent over an hour on my watercolor painting and I’m still not done with it. I know I tend to over think things but goodness why can’t I finish a painting within class time (which is 2 hrs) and actually like it. I’m just about ready to quit. 😅

[@helencryer]

That's good - thanks! This is why my KZbin/art journey has been a lot about doing quicker art, because I'd get soooooo bored spending ages on things. I don't necessarily like what I produce, but at least it's getting faster!! What would happen if you set yourself say a half hour time limit?

[@phillipstroll7385]

You don't have to be experienced to show your art work. We are all here to encourage and feed off one another. Share your work without fear. No one is an expert. Evergreen the greats learned something with each new painting. Edit: lovely little painting. Thank you for sharing

[@helencryer]

Hello! Thanks ever so much! I said that in this case mainly because I wanted people to have context for my opinion about these paints. Other people might have different views on the paints, and there is definitely room for that, especially because I'm no expert on watercolours themselves.

[@catherinebrown9119]

I love A. Gallo paints. Copper Blue is one of my favorites!

[@amybandel1004]

I like how you mix mediums

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@mcdonaldfiona3314]

Thank you Helen. Very interesting to know your thoughts on A Gallo a year on. A lovely painting too.

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much!

[@ChantelleArts]

this is fantastic, such a gorgeous piece ☺☺☺

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much!

[@teekierudite5108]

Lovely painting and great video. I like seeing how you are able to use a year's worth of experience with A. Gallo paints to let us know how they've worked out for you, especially the feel of the paints. Still, even though the paint may not do what you want it to do, you are able to end up with a beautiful, serene painting. Keep up the wonderful work!

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@maggir8220]

Beautiful painting, your style is shining through.

[@helencryer]

Thank you!!

[@jacquiwilmot7802]

Always an informative and relaxing video. Thank you Helen

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much!

[@SN-sz7kw]

What a lovely video. Thank you for making it even though you’re under the weather. 💗 I have a small collection of A. Gallo & have mixed results with them. You’ve shown a couple more I’m tempted to try though. 😊

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much! The colours cheered me up!

[@Samantha_tookey197]

I have a few A Gallo paints in my wish list including the copper blue. You have a lovely selection, the fig green is really nice x

[@context_curated]

They are lovely, but you nailed- sometimes difficult to control. Unlike you, however, I find they spread all over the place. You make these landscapes look sooo effortless! Beautiful.

[@helencryer]

That's so interesting you find they spread so easily! I feel like I have to really push them into place! Thank you!

[@context_curated]

I know! I could see in your swatches. Maybe it’s the paper I’ve used. I also find them so pigmented (not a bad thing) I struggle to mix. There always seem to be one that dominates. *I think I have ‘muscle memory’ to W&N as the first proper paints I got in high school, so just always used them until recently. 😂

[@poppyllulu]

Thanks for this follow up review Helen, so usefuI! I also got swept up in the A Gallo ‘fever’ that seemed to sweep through social media about a year ago! I watched all the video reviews and thought long and hard before succumbing to the Naturale palette of 24 and although the colours were beautiful I found I needed to supplement with another 12 singles to make it more usable because of the low tinting strength. I also found that the pans are running down very quickly compared to my other professional watercolours, but they do re-wet excellently and some of the convenience colours are lovely.

[@helencryer]

I like your honesty! Thanks!

[@eviedivadoodles]

Gorgeous colours. I don’t have any A Gallo paints, but always been tempted. Love your final piece Helen. 😍

[@helencryer]

Thank you!!

[@catherinefreese9310]

I love your year after reviews. They are so useful. The product is not all shiny and new so I don't feel the urge to run out and buy them. It is just real use and feedback. I didn't buy them when they hit Jacksons as they were too dear and my variety of brands at home were plentiful but I saw some interesting colours that I was drawn to in your video and I might try to add a couple of colours. Thanks again.

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much for your feedback!!

[@WolfmanWoody]

VERY expensive! I'll stick to my Turner, Mission, Rosa (thanks to you), Van Gogh. I think everyone has their favourites in different makes, but I try and limit my palette to not so many colours even though what I have is too many. That painting turned out nice in the end.

[@helencryer]

My curiosity is my downfall!! You are very sensible! Thanks!

[@LCLand]

Yeah. I love them but the value is just not there imo. I enjoy many other professional paints a lot more. I don’t reach for my a gallo enough. Just because they aren’t as fun as my others

[@PatriciaVoinescuArt]

I am adding these paints to my wish list as rosemary is my favourite scent.

[@E4Alabbasy]

I was waiting for my a gallo palette to arrive vefore watching your video 😅 thank you for swatching them and your painting turned out so lovely! I enjoy watching your process as much as I enjoy the finished painting 🥰

[@helencryer]

Ooo - I hope you really love them! Thanks!

[@E4Alabbasy]

@@helencryer I did and I'm still enjoying them very much 🥰 the nuttorno truly surprised me, because it looked more reddish in the pan which I'm not into, but when I swatched it it really blew my mind. Which is something that hasn't happened to me in a while 😂

[@michaelinglis3566]

Hi Helen , today's vid was an a joy to watch . You stress that your comments are based on your own opinions , these are far more valued than opinions of suppliers or manufacturerers because their comments are made with one eye on their bottom line , so well done Helen . If its not too much to ask , real time , every time if poss. I hope this is not to demanding , I know our time is precious , many thanks for all your efforts . Mike in Exeter xx

[@helencryer]

Thank you Mike! I just don't want people thinking I'm commenting on paints as though I'm a paint expert - I was trying to give context for my comments, and allow room for people who have different opinions on them.

[@CastleMc]

Thanks, Helen-That bloom you got from the charcoal on the headland looks like a wave crashing into the rocks! Sploge and scribble is your jam. I have almost purchased A. Gallo several times but now I think I might only buy a few special colors (the same ones you prefer). Your catalogue books of pigments are very nice to have and so neatly done. I also need to stop avoiding my Etchr sketchbooks! Hope you feel better soon

[@helencryer]

Thanks! I like happy accidents! There are definitely some A.Gallos that are pretty special, and yes - enjoy using your Etchr!!

[@AlliListArt]

morning Helen, I too have magnets on all my paint pans and love them displayed altogether, like u x Then for each painting i pop the pans that i think i need and like for each painting into a seperate tin lid x I fill my spray water bottle will water and add 1-2 drops of oil...at the moment it's clove oil, sometimes rosemary and many other oil fragrance's i have for my oil burners, r used, depending on my mood! lol ...this keeps the spray bottle water from smelling stagnant and keep the paints fresher, in my opinion....the same with my gouache and acrylic paint too x love Alli and Bella XXX

[@helencryer]

This is such a nice idea!! I should add some essential oil to my spray bottle!

[@AlliListArt]

@@helencryer yey Helen, just 1 to 2 drops is all u need....makes my paining station smell lovely and doesn't affect the performance of my paints....let me know how it goes please x love Alli XXX

[@TheYellowsun76]

I have never tried A. Gallo paints, They look beautiful, maybe one day I will give a few a try. Thanks for swatching and sharing,

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@pamelaavery2483]

I’m obsessed with my A. Gallo paints. Lovelovelove❤

[@Angie-pl3uw]

This was certainly interesting. I paint almost exclusively with Daniel Smith paints as well as a small number of Holbein watercolors. I bought two sets of A Gallo 24 each palettes, so it was an investment. For my painting abilities I can say that they’re very beautiful to look at, but they’re difficult for me to work with. They’re heavy paints, and they don’t disperse well. However, they sell well which can only mean that for some A Gallo watercolors are great.

[@helencryer]

Yes, I enjoy a lot of Daniel Smith paints too, and agree.

[@Flora-v6u]

This was super useful, thank you. Like most people probably, I’ve coveted the A Gallo paints but this really helped me see that I might not necessarily love them. I’ve found I really love the transparency of the sennelie paints I bought last year in France so the opacity of a lot of the AG paints might not please me. I also love a bit of flow again, maybe they’re not all for me. That said, I did finally take the plunge and in the middle of my paper buying frenzy this weekend I also bought a couple of my favourite colours from the range (copper blue & harbour blue) . So, thanks again for this video - you’ve probably saved me some money & disappointment. 🤗

[@helencryer]

Yeah, I definitely think it's good to understand our personal preferences, and how we actually enjoy using paints!

[@thompson_jules0]

Really enjoying your 'One year review videos', its interesting to hear your thoughts and your final real time painting is lovely😍 I love my AGallo paints and enjoy Notturno, Fig Green, Sap, Olive Green Deep, Verdaccio, Indigo Genuine and Quin Chestnut but my Chromite Brown, Harbour Blue and Quin Violet pans have gone a little bit dry & grainy. Also been using my Etchr everyday sketchbooks more and more and absolutely love the paper.......decided it was time to stop saving things for best! Hope you are feeling a bit better❤️

[@helencryer]

Thank you! Mmmm... you have some lovely ones! Interesting to know a couple of yours went a bit weird too - a shame! It's such lovely paper isn't it?!

[@FaithAnnNB]

Loving the year-later reviews! Lovely painting! I ❤ my Etchr cold pressed sketchbooks. I have a couple of hot pressed Etchr sketchbooks that I bought for gouache, but haven’t tried them yet because I have other gouache books on the go. I also haven’t played with my A Gallo paints in a bit, this makes me want to get them out again. I have my A Gallo paints together and tend not to use them with other brands (not sure why), like you, there are some colours that I just love and others I have a more difficult time using because I haven’t used with them as much (I’m precious with them). As for favourites? I absolutely love the selection of colours in the Signature 1 12-half pan set.

[@helencryer]

I agree - the Signature 1 Set is a great intro to A.Gallo, and a bit different from your standard 12 set! We've definitely got to be less precious about art materials - otherwise I'll die having not used them!!

[@FaithAnnNB]

@@helencryer I always admire the fact that you seem to jump in and use EVERYTHING you get!! I always savour things for a while in their “new” state before using them 😂. There are a few items that I really need to just use and stop thinking about how much they cost. A Gallo is crazy expensive to get in Canada, so that’s always on the “precious” list and while I have no problem using my Etchr everyday sketchbooks, the “perfect” sketchbooks are just that much more costly that they hit “precious” status. However, if I have them already, there’s not really much point in thinking about the cost any longer… so they should be used and enjoyed!! (Month and a half into the year and I haven’t purchased a single art supply because I’m trying to actually use what I have.)

[@helencryer]

Haha! I'm just wayyyy too impatient!! I totally get it, but definitely want to enjoy my paper more. I've never tried the perfect sketchbook - haven't dared splash out that much (yet). Well done on your low/no spend!! I have a couple of things, but nowhere near like last year. It's just not needed. (BUT!!!! There are a couple of things I'd like to try - maybe next month, as a Mother's Day/Anniversary treat!)

[@louisebourne5779]

Wow loved this video and loved your painting you did at the end. xxx

[@helencryer]

Thank you!!

[@veystone2580]

I have found the Holbein Artists' Watercolor - Permanent Yellow Deep a perfect mixing yellow. At least for me, cause is a bright, cool but transparent yellow! I had the hardest time finding a truly transparent yellow!

[@helencryer]

Oh nice! Yes - I love my transparent mixing colours! I tend to use Sennelier Lemon Yellow, and DS Quin Gold Deep for mine.

[@shadowguard3578]

I have quite a few A. Gallo watercolors. I regularly use them. I haven’t noticed a problem with the flow of the paints. Some of the low tinting watercolors will improve with being pre-wet with a drop of water and being left to activate for a minute or so. My favorite ones are olive green deep, jarosite, zirconium blue, chromite brown, and transparent red oxide. I’m not keen on quinacridone gold. There is something about the color that I find to be off. It might be because I think it’s too yellow for my taste. I have Daniel Smith’s quinacridone gold as well. It’s too yellow for me too 😅. I enjoyed the swatching and the lovely painting! ❤

[@helencryer]

Thanks, yes - I sprayed all the paints before using them, so they'd be more active for the video. I just feel like I have to move them into place more than most other brands. I wouldn't call it a problem - just a difference. I know what you mean about Quin Gold. I like D.S. Quin Gold Deep better.

[@shadowguard3578]

@@helencryer last year I bought handmade quinacridone gold PO49. It’s lovely. I cannot compare it to the genuine Daniel Smith quin gold PO49, because I never tried it. I have DS quin gold hue PO48 and PY150. I just had a look and DS quin deep gold is better.

[@helencryer]

I haven't tried any others - I got the Quin Gold Deep in a bundle of 2nd hand paints I bought from eBay when I first got into watercolours a while back, and liked it so I never really tried others!

[@shadowguard3578]

@@helencryer finding a good deal on eBay is a dream. Whenever I have a look on eBay for art supplies they are always over priced. Even the new products sometimes cost more than in an art supply store. 🤯

[@helencryer]

Yes, I was so lucky - they were part used tubes of Daniel Smith and Schmincke, which I'd never have been able to try otherwise.

[@meldixon1918]

Your painting was such a good use of the specific colors!

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@Mirrigold]

My favourite colours would be Hokkaido Orange, Medici Red, Dragon's Blood, Notturno, Harbor Blue, Copper Blue, Forest Green, Indigo, plus everything in the Naturale 3 palette. I've got 54 A Gallo paints and I've never had any issues rewetting them. Obviously some of the colours are lower tinting strength, which makes sense given the pigments and I think paper makes a massive different on the performance of any watercolour. Mine perform beautifully on any high quality 100% cotton cold press or rough paper. I've never had any of these colours not moving or flowing well! It's interesting to see the differences. PS Beautiful painting ❤

[@helencryer]

They sound gorgeous! I've definitely used mine on good quality 100% cotton, but still find them comparatively slow flowing, so who knows what the difference is! I don't mind too much though.

[@Mirrigold]

@@helencryer it's so odd! Maybe it's water type, I'm in Yorkshire which has hard water in my area, and added chloride, who knows 😁

[@rogerboucher1913]

Try using demineralised water instead of tap water.

[@ericakauffman5786]

I bought the 48 pan set and added four more. Unfortunately, for me and my style of painting, I don't like them. I really wish I knew more about pigments and things like granulation before I took such an expensive plunge. I plan to use them for playing around.

[@helencryer]

Oh dear, that's such a shame! There's a lot to get your head around with watercolours, definitely. What is it about them that doesn't suit you so well?

[@LCLand]

I love this review. I love A Gallo but it’s not my favorite for some of the reasons you mention. Low tinting strength or hard to rewet. Arancione is spectacular and copper blue but that color is fairly easy to mix yourself. Imo they are worth getting if you can afford it but if I saved up for something special my personal preference is DaVinci or Daniel smith or Holbein I love a creamy paint. Which A Gallo has but some disappoint and are not my go to Kristy Rice has a nice unique palette too for less significant splurge and amazing value.

[@LCLand]

Holbein leaf green is one of my favorites. Grumbacher my fave color but a bit lower quality

[@helencryer]

Thanks! Yes, I agree, they have some special colours, but I lean more towards Daniel Smith and others. I like the look of the Kristy Rice palette, but it's sooooo expensive to get it shipped here.

[@deborahdana3057]

nice sketch!

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@priscillawarren9979]

I love the smell too.

[@insertaghere]

What tins are you using? I'd like to have something to just stick everything in with magnets, theres so much wasted space in the pan holder trays on most watercolor palletes

[@helencryer]

They are Derwent Lightfast and Derwent Inktense pencil tins.

[@lyndamorrill5687]

I really have to get the ones I ordered out and swatched to see if they react the same way. I saw on another channel someone had the same problem and they sent her replacements as they shouldn't have been so stiff so to speak where they wouldn't spread in the washes.

[@helencryer]

Oh, that's really interesting to hear! I'm interested to know how you get on with yours!

[@marigoldwood8494]

Personally, I usually prefer real time painting demonstrations as I think it's easier to understand exactly what the artist is doing. Some of the A. Gallo colours are lovely but I am not sure they are worth the extra cost given they don't disperse or mix as well as others. I realise the price reflects the fact they are handmade in small batches, but ... not sure they are for me.

[@helencryer]

I think it's wise to recognise what might not be for you!

[@micheleromola7266]

May I ask, where did you get that metal palette?

[@helencryer]

The two large ones are empty Derwent pencil tins.

[@moshoswirls5863]

i cant believe its been a year!

[@PaulaScardamalia]

I took a small palette of 12 A Gallo colors with me last summer when we went to Scotland/Ireland. For me, they wet easily and were luscious to use in my Stillman & Bern Beta sketchbook. I had Azo Yellow, Quin. Gold, Medici Red, Indanthrone Blue, Tyrian Purple, Pietra Rosa, Ruby Red, Transparent Cerulean, Copper Blue (I love it, too), Forest Green and Morellone. I have about 40 of their colors. They are one of my favorites along with Daniel Smith. :)

[@annaherlinger6316]

I love my A Gallo sets. I admit I went overboard with them. I also use Daniel Smith, which are excellent.

[@PaulaScardamalia]

@@annaherlinger6316 It's easy to go overboard with them. I buy a few at a time to add to my collection. I just had to buy a new palette to hold my growing collection. 😄

[@shadowguard3578]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who collects A. Gallo watercolors! I’m not going to count how many I have 😂! I collect them and I use them.

[@PaulaScardamalia]

@@shadowguard3578 I've almost reached 40. Started with a set of 12. I love some of their new colors, and will probably start collecting the full pans of some of my favorites. Kinda like having a box of chocolates. 😂

[@Mirrigold]

I've got 54 A Gallo paints and I've never had any issues rewetting them, I'm another who uses them all the time as well. They, and Roman Szmal, are definitely my favourite - and most used paints - even more than my former top slot Schmincke! Favourite colours would be Hokkaido Orange, Medici Red, Dragon's Blood, Notturno, Harbor Blue, Copper Blue, Forest Green, Indigo, plus everything in the Naturale 3 palette.

[@alexserra9605]

Thank you for the video some really good input. Some advice though this video was very dark for some reason I had to turn my brightness all the way up on my phone and it was still dark. It was almost hard for me to see I don't know how to explain it other than dark

[@helencryer]

Oh, sorry about that! My lighting wasn't ideal (electric light), but it's not showing up all that dark on my screens, so I'm not sure what's happened!

[@alinatr2693]

Thank God,I thought All of them were A gallo and my only thought was ,,I hope you got sponsered"😂🤑 I own 12 colors of them and I like them a lot,but I have the feeling they get empty very fast! I only swatched them, made a mixing chart and one painting and there is already a noticeable trough in a few🫤 I bought genuiene Indigo and mineral violet and I have to say,I don't use them. I'm more into earthy colors now and I have no clue what to do with them😅

[@helencryer]

🤣 No, definitely not!! I think the paints are just thicker/denser somehow, which would also explain them going down more quickly. Maybe you could use them as shadow colours? I've using using purples more lately, in shadows and skies.

[@LCLand]

Paint some dry summer California hills. Haha. Our hills are beautiful right now but they soon turn to muted earthy tones. I’m going to do some hill studies as this video gave me more ideas on painting hills 😊

[@LCLand]

Things don’t have to be correct colors just have fun 😊