I can completely see why these would be great for teaching. I have a buddy that teaches a class and ordered one of these sets for each of his students, as well. 👍
I've been using these 12 pan Cotman sketches boxes for years and have given loads away to family friends. They are a great starting point but also something that will stay with you as a no excuse portable palette. All my colours are now upgraded to an Artist grade mix of WN, DS and Sennelier. If you remove the pans you can increase the volume of paint to nearly 3/4 pan size in the moulded wells, allowing more room for bigger brushes. I have also now converted my 12 pan sketchers box to 18 colours, using the unused brush slot... I peeled the paper off some thin foam board and cut and shaped 5 spacers to fit the slot. I glue them temporarily in line with the other partitions using a blob of white PVA. Once filled and regularly topped up, the partitions will hold in place by their selves. I can now squeeze in 6 additional 1/4 ish pan size of my less used but must have colours like Naples yellow, Nickel Azo yellow, Green Gold, Perylene Green, Light Red and Cerulean. My modified sketchers palette is about 15 years old now, I love it, and it's pretty bombproof. I have got used to the small mixing areas but I do carry a small 6x4 glass from an old picture frame. I've stuck white sticky back Fablon to the back and taped the edges with masking tape. It makes a great additional little mixing palette, it's really thin and stores away safely in the pocket of my Moleskine. I have had no problems with breakage and the Fablon would prevent any loose glass fragments if it were to break... and glass makes a great mixing surface.
Thanks, Peter! All fantastic ideas!! I had thought about using the brush space as an additional mixing space but I like the idea of splitting it up and using it for additional colors much better. I always try to carry a small extra plastic mixing palette in my small kits (something cheap and about palm-sized) but I like the idea of using a piece of glass... much more compact. 👍
This box is what I started off with and is my favourite student box. I think it can outdo some lower end professional sets. I have a 24 half pan set of Cotman which I really dislike, but for different reasons. The 12 half pan is so practical that you forgive the paint for any shortcomings which are very few in the more limited range, the differences are much more noticeable in the larger set. Being a bit of a palette addict I also have the 24 (now around 32) half pan professional set. These two are both metal tin sets. All three date well over five years ago, so maybe they weren't even made in the same place as the current boxes, but theres no doubt the professional box feels a lot better. To learn with, though, this little set is a winner, and when you finish a half pan you can swap in a professional replacement, and gradually upgrade it. The box itself seems almost indestructible, mine has slightly yellowed on the outside but other than that hasn't got any wear and tear marks on it. It is the only plastic palette I have no complaints about! As usual your painting demo is great, as is your review, though a day is definitely not enough for a light test. The alazarin crimson will fade over time, but the professional one will too! Replace it with a permanent version and it will extend the usefulness of this set. There is a difference between older boxes and new one in that old ones have a prussian blue and the one you review has a pthalo blue. I swapped out the white for a Cotman Mauve, I could have chosen the usual Dioxazine but wanted something less heavy. The Mauve is such a nice colour that it will sit well in an artists grade palette, and mine now lives with my Senneliers. I guess the best thing about this palette is that you can slip it in your pocket with no trouble and if you did lose it (you'd have to take a hammer to it for it to break) it can be replaced very easily, and you will be back in the watercolour game without feeling you are financially crippled!
Hi Lindy! Thanks for your thoughts! I hadn't thought about the more extended range of colors offering some more problems. That's something I hadn't considered. Interesting. I totally agree about the box, itself... it's definitely a winner in the portable category. Sturdy and well-made. I'll never understand why art supply companies aren't making these little style of boxes for sale as "empties." There is such a huge market for these portable palettes that you can put your own (better) paint in. I get your point about the time in the sunlight. I was under the impression that the Cotmans would start fading very quickly (not sure where I got that notion and it was before checking the permanence and lightfastness on the WN site). So, I was just checking to see if they would start to fade. I probably should have been more clear about my intent and I realize my efforts were not a true test of lightfastness. Thanks, as always!! I appreciate your well-thought-out comments.
I've been using the Cotman watercolors for 45 years, professionally and for just for sketchbook fun, I have tried other "professional" brands that have different qualities here and there, but rely upon my Winsor and Newton Cotman paints day in and day out like a familiar and reliable friend.
Terrific review, Brian, and at $12 bucks, definitely a great deal for a beginner. More advanced artist's might be disappointed with the student grade quality of the paints. I do wonder how the lightfast would be after a month or two? Enjoyed watching the demo - great work, as always! Cheers!
You can find the lightfastness information on the Winsor and Newton website! In my opinion, that's one of the advantages of Cotman over other student grade brands.
Hey Mark! Yeah, I realize only a couple days in the sun was not a lot of time. I was just under the impression that the student-grade colors would start fading fast... even in short duration of sunlight. So, that's why I was impressed. ha, ha!! Thanks for watching, my friend!!
I can say that paintings I've done with them have lasted and the light fastness is great, I do protect my paintings under cold wax thought so that probably helps
I started to use watercolors and learned how to mix with this set too, and upgraded later to mijello paints, however, those didn't go with me even though they were well loved, and now I mainly use DS, Sennelier and Old Holland! Though, I just cannot abandon this portable cotman set and still use it from time to time. For a student range, I love how they behave albeit being a bit chalky and dull after drying. It's good to see it's also well liked in this video. 💚
I have the same Colman set and for whatever reason (I live in the UK) the colours vary slightly, in a good way. My pallet came with 2 reds, 2 yellows, 2 blues, (warm and cool) 2 greens, burnt umber, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, payne’s grey and no Chinese white. This is possibly the best choice of colours that I have seen in a pallet, including professional box sets. I’m relatively new to watercolours and one the hurdles of selecting colours for a blank pallet is what colours to select, but this Cotman pretty well has an ideal choice of colours, even if moving on to professional watercolours. By the way, great video, I’ve subscribed.
Thanks for the video. I have a few professional brands in my watercolor collection, but I couldn’t pass this up for $11 today at Joann’s. I used a 60% off coupon in the store. I can always use these for small sketch and put tube color in this. Very portable.
Another great review! I loved the piece you created with the limited colors in the Cotman set. Love that box. I was not a fan of the colors compared to pro lines like M. Graham and Daniel Smith. It’s simply a personal preference. Great entry level set perfect for Urban Sketching! I finally snagged a copy of your Batman book! The artwork is absolutely stunning!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks, Katie! Yes! Great entry level set but I'd rather being using "pro" colors, for sure. I was impressed, though. Maybe that says more about my low expectations than anything? Who knows. At any rate, I agree, this is a great little box for sketching away from the studio. Also, thanks so much for picking up a copy of the book!! Much appreciated!! Get your magnifying glass out. They really printed the text in the word balloons in a tiny font size. 😂👍
I found W&N colours when decluttering- my children’s stuff. And I am thinking of taking up painting as I have paper, pencils etc... just waiting to be used. So YouTubing stuff and came across your channel. You make it look so simple. I don’t know how to play with it yet...
This was my first palette, which I still use predominantly for mixing skin tones but also for travel. I've replaced the white with a more neutral red, though I may put that in a different palette and put a violet in its place. The purple hues achievable with this palette are limiting, I find.
These paints are so weirdly expensive in Asia so never got my hands on them, but I see why they have a good rep. I use the Van Gogh paints instead, they're also student grade btw. Love your review, and the outro lol so cute.
you are not missing out ;) inspite many good reviews testing them many times side by side VG are much easier to re-wet than cotmans and and really feel like they have a lot less binder. VG are pleasure to use .... lol thins makes me think of making a comparison review of my own :D
I’m a beginner artist and I wanted to try watercolor so I got this one for around 14 dollars I’m very excited I will edit when it arrives off amazon tomorrow
Not long ago I bought Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolors in tubes. I bought a specific set recommended as a good all around palette. Now I’ve stopped using them almost immediately because my DANIEL SMITH and M. Graham far exceed them, by light years. On the other hand, if palettes are a thing you desire you’ll find just a high quality empty tin or plastic cost as much as getting paint in them so you may as well get the best student grade paint you can when buying a half pan palette. Cotman are the finest student grade you can get I believe. I started with student grade EVERYTHING while practicing but as soon as you can move up to artist paint, brushes, and paper. You’ll be GLAD you did when all the techniques work for you.
Hi Catherine, I agree. There are other brands like Daniel Smith (my favorite) that are better than Cotman. No argument there! However, I wanted to do a review of some paints that someone looking for a small travel palette or just beginning in watercolor might like to know about since buying a range of some of the better brands might be cost prohibitive for someone that isn't "all in" on watercolor and are not sure that they will continue painting with the medium. With that being said, I found the Cotman colors completely capable of producing professional results despite there being better (but pricier) options out there. Thanks so much for watching and the thoughtful comment.
"words are hard" !!! Brilliant!! Loved the video! Made up my mind about this set, even though it's been a year and the current price at amazon is at around $18-$20, it's still a good deal! Tks!!
I got back to watercolor several years ago with this little set. I replaced the white with Daniel Smith’s Lunar Black and I love this set for portability. Great sketchers kit! And the Lunar Black does a lot of cool granulating affects with all the colors. 🎨🖌️
This was such a helpful review - I normally use oils and watercolours are all new to me - just ordered this little set after watching your really helpful video + that sketch blew me away, so cool! Thanks so much!
Awww... I still have my itty bitty cotman palette from the 60s. Colors long used up and the enamel paint has separated from the metal tin in some places. Only came with 6 pans back then. Might have to gift myself one of these just for old times sake, although I've been using the pro grades for years lol
they seem really nice, but here in Chile (or in my town at least) they crazy expensive... i honestly wonder if the store messed them up with something else lol
@@imbored4929 When you live in Latin America is another story, I have to pay the shiping to Miami and then the shipping to Honduras and I have to wait for a month to get the stuff.
I have several travel palettes, but this one is still one of my favs as it's simple and functional (when I replaced all the colors with artist quality paints). The Cotmans are very weak but okay, you managed to make some decent darks for your sketch. The only one I've used is the Lemon PY175 which I stuck in a travel palette when I ran out of professional PY3 and it performed fine in mixes. The Burnt Umber is a nice rich brown and mixes ok with Ultramarine for neutrals. Thanks for the lightfastness test, but as you said one day is probably not enough time to change colors :)
Right! Not enough time but I just kind of wanted to see if the Cotmans would at least start to fade during a short duration of sunlight. Thanks for your thoughts!
Exactly that one was my first watercolorset! Perfect for starting watercolor! And perfect to bring out and about. 😊 thanks for the review! Now im gonna check out your channel!
For me, the Cotman watercolors are the best among the student grade category. I have the Field box set which has the Cotman paints, one of the first sets I ever bought, and I find it very nice to use for my sketchbook until now! Another great product review! 👍
Thanks, Jacqui!! I agree. For student-grade paints, they are very nice. Plus, as a Palette Junkie, aren't you required to have at least one Cotman palette? 😉😂
Thank you! I am surprised by these. I NEVER would have tried them, because I thought they would be so below standards. But you’ve shown that not to be the case. Thanks, again.
You can see the size of the box compared to your hands. They're so tiny and cute, perfect for travel. In other videos the box looks deceivingly bigger.
Thank you for the review. They are very nice paints and I have used them for many years beside my artists grade paints. Lightfastness tests take months to do. Even the bad paints take a long time in the sun before they fade.
I agree, plus I think it's kinda cute! Easy to use out the door too. I replaced the white with diox purple, but I think Payne's Gray is probably a better choice! I like to soften with a drop or so of water for a few minutes to and I find they rewet nicely, contrary to popular opinion. Also, the better the paper, the more vibrant the color. ☺️
Hey there Brian, Great review on the paint box, and not a bad price at all for that kit. Very nice job on the short sketch, you are very talented indeed my friend. Take care Brian and enjoy your upcoming week . ~ Jeff
I was looking for a good student palette for my niece when she became interested in watercolor, and eventually settled on the Sennelier 24 color. I tried it myself and felt that it was pretty good quality. I decided against the Cotman one because I have a lot of their tube paint, and many of the colors seem wishy-washy.
My first Cotman experience was panning the tubes, and I really hated that line. They were extremely hard to rewet, I didn't know they weren't recommended for that. However, I really love this set. It's my favorite compact travel set, and even the plastic mixing surface is nice. As they get used up I will replace with the professional tubes since they rewet better than Cotman tubes. I also replaced the white with Payne's Gray, and it was a perfect addition. I honestly wish I could buy an empty palette just for my M.Graham too!
At only about $12.00 it's not too bad of a price just for the palette, itself. That's in line with buying an empty tin. Rewetting the Winsor and Newton tube colors (even the pro line) was one of the reasons I switched to Daniel Smith. M. Graham is also amazing for rewetting... of course you knew that! 😁
Winsor Newton says to not use tubes into pans as the formula isn't made for it. if you want pans buy the pans counts for professional as well. with other brands you can fill empty pans with tubes but not Winsor Newton 😉 didn't knew from beginning either.
@@soekieloekiekaassouffle5950 Thank you! I know it's the same for the professional line. I just prefer to save money with tubes and I think the Professional tubes rewet a bit easier than the Cotman tubes. I guess I'm just stubborn :)
I - sometimes ... go for a tea afternoon at my ex's house and big garden, and bring this palette there!!! It's my go to travel palette that I had for years, that, I almost gave to my Canadian sister, but I'm using it these days, to paint some "flowers" from my ex's huge garden!
Aprajita Tyagi to clarify these are student grade. They are not lightfast and are meant to have fun and learn with. Don’t sell art with this because the colors will fade.
Just got mine today from ebay . I'm a professional artist but an intermediate watercolorist and I wanted to upgrade from my KOI travel set and Kuretake 18 pan set. After researching I decided to price Holbein and Windsor Newton and found this for $7 on eBay (free shipping, four day turnaround.) I wasn't aware they are student grade but who cares. This is a great deal !!!! ( even at $12 from Amazon) Thanks for the informative tutorial.
They try to make the cotman set as lightfast and similar to the pro version as possible just more filler. They’re slightly chalkier and ya definitely use more of the paint to get what you want. The color selection is excellent. :). Wish you had taped that lightfast test to your window for a few months :)
I found your review truly helpful, I wasn't sure about buying a high end set of watercolor paint (for I am a begginer and I've painted only with Faber Castell basics) but this made me make up my mind. Thank you :)
This set is the only student grade set that I've kept over the years, even though I mostly use artist grade now. Apart from the stupid names (please just call phthalo green phthalo green!) I think these are fantastic for small sketches. I've recommended it to friends and they enjoyed it as an inexpensive intro to watercolors.
I really recommend the russian watercolours in artist's grade from nevskaya palitra/"white nights". They are made very traditionally with honey, ox gall and gummy arabicum and are just so smoooth and vibrant and even more affortable than the cotmans. I use them for years and they are my Schmincke substitute. Totally different drawing experience compared to the chalky cotmans. Only the earth tones are maybe a bit too light but that's no problem.
Congrats to the winners!!! Thanks for the Colman review. Boy at that price I think I need to buy some as gifts too. I also agree that when empty you could fill it with other paints. And yes I saw the end, you are so bad. LOL Take care
i’m a student and a kind of beginner and honestly i’m soo confused in Asia winsor and newtons are pretty expensive and not available everywhere, there are alotttt of other sets cheap and more colours but it’s just too overwhelming. The website where i found these watercolours these are 21 dollars but i think they are the full pans because it’s not really mentioned and i’m really confused there is another brand called mungyo watercolour and the 24 set is available for 23 dollars but obviously winsor and newtons is more known and i’m contemplating if i should get the w/n or the mungyo 😔
your sun test was a bit of a surprise most sun test by individuals involve taping the paper with covering to the inside of a window not sitting it outside .
My only issue with the Cotman series is that the quality appears to be a bit inconsistent. In some videos, they look pretty good (like in this one). In others, they look very washed out. But for $12 (to 14EUR), they're pretty good. But I would personally recommend the Royal Talens Van Gogh set, as the quality is more consistent, and it's about the same price. At least where I live. Great video!
The reviewers often don't tell you what paper they are using. Paint looks different on cheaper wood-pulp student paper than it does 100% cotton professional paper.
Here in the UK prices vary widely. I think it's likely that W&N sell this set a loss to encourage more people to get into watercolour and therefore buy more in the future. Certainly, buying just the 12 half pans separatelt without the pallate or brush would cost more. Cass Art sell a special version of this set with one colour, french ultramarine, replaced by the professional version. This is the only professional watercolour I have used, and I have to say that I can't really see any difference from the Cotman colours in the set.
Hey Brian thanks for responding for the particular set I was referring about see the link below www.amazon.com/Windsor-Newton-Cotman-Hafupan-Suihitsu/dp/B00OR2VO0W/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?keywords=winsor+and+newton+cotman+watercolor&qid=1557367480&s=gateway&sprefix=winsor+and+newton+co&sr=8-12
Hello, I’ve had this set for a couple years but just started seriously using them and was wondering how you got those dark colors? Like what colors did you mix, etc. I can’t seem to get much shade variation with these, although I’m sure it will require lots more practice! Any tips are greatly appreciated!
D Neel They did come out a bit more intense than the WN Pros. I’m not sure if I just mixed them more strongly or...🤷♂️ Nope, not a self-portrait. Just a photo I found on the Sktchy app. 👍
In my country they are ridiculously overpriced. One half pan of Cotman costs exactly the same as 15ml tube of shinhan watercolour or 2 10 ml tubes of White Nights. Still want to check them out in the future, but only on a big discount :D
I tried using a Winsor & Newton palette with regular half pans. They didn't fit! The W&N case uses a slightly smaller pan size. But when I used an older palette from the 90s, the half pans fitted.
Hello, what material did you use to make this video ? Aren't the Cotman watercolours too hard to rewet ? ----- Bonjour, avec quel matériel avez-vous réalisé cette vidéo ? Les aquarelles Cotman ne sont-elles pas trop dur à ré-humidifier ?
It was the only watercolor set available in my country. Spent my highschool with it and now after graduating art school wanted to be more professional so i bought a schmincke student grade set and it changed my view of watercolor. Now i don’t like winsor... I mean come on get a better quality... thank you for uploading. Great as always.
Is the schmincke student grade better? The price difference is BIG here in the Philippines :( torn between going straight for the artist grade or getting a slightly cheaper student grade
Farnaz Liravi Thanks!! Yes, I prefer Daniel Smith paints to W&N. Some of the W&N colors tend to crack and break up once dried in the palette. I’m not a fan of that. However, I was surprised at how good the Cotman paints are in comparison to W&N pro grade.
onemig00 schmincke’s Akademie ( student grade ) is much better than Winsor and Newton but if you wanna purchase Schmincke i suggest you to get schmincke’s Horadom ( artist grade ) price is different but the quality is amazing.
Brian Ashmore Studio ah yessss they crack in cotman set too. I had two before and my ochre was shattered. We don’t have Daniel Smith here and i would love to try them. Specially i love the vritey of colors.
Farnaz Liravi Each to their own. I’m not a schmicke fan and the price of these for a beginner at 12 dollars is unbeatable. My W&N pro paints are like my comfy slippers. However, Daniel Smith are my favourites (by far better than Schminke IMHO.)
Is this different paints than the W&N brush cotman set? It comes with a waterbrush. Not sure if the colors are different. This called Sketch so maybe different
Hey, Brian, First of all, thank you for making review of this item. It answers my question from your contest video. I agree with you; for $12, it is something I could easily try as a beginner. It seems like I could get this, brush set (Heartybay 10 Pieces Round Pointed Tip Nylon Hair Brush Set, Blue), and sketch pad for ~$25. Thanks always for the inspirational videos. Till your next video, take care and talk to you later. ~NammaN~ P.S. Congrat to the winners! :D
JOAMON Hey Namman!! I’m so sorry that I haven’t gotten back to you, yet!! Yes! This Cotman box would be a great set to start with. When it comes to watercolor, the quality of the supplies matters more than with some other mediums. Even an experienced watercolor artist will tend to have trouble getting good results on sub-par paper. Brushes and paint are also important. A lot of would-be watercolor painters give up before trying quality supplies due to frustration. The brush set you mentioned might be okay but I am skeptical that they would be much help. You can do a lot with just a couple of brushes. I would suggest investing a bit more and getting a synthetic Escoda watercolor brush or two. If you would like to discuss any of this more thoroughly, please feel free to email me at: brian@brianashmore.com Thanks for watching!!
That is just a stainless steel container I picked up at Hobby Lobby. I think its mainly made for working in oils but I like using it for water since it has a top that seals.
On the paint swatches, I really wanted to make sure every drop of paint was used and not left on tape that might have been around the edges. If you are referring to the small portrait, sometimes I just like to leave things kind of loose and unrefined. Thanks for watching!
That's the set I teach wirh. It's so reliable and affordable. A lot of artists poo-poo this set but I recommend it:)
I can completely see why these would be great for teaching. I have a buddy that teaches a class and ordered one of these sets for each of his students, as well. 👍
$50 in my country, when on sale.
So jealous of you folks in America, you’ve got such good prices.
Its $55 dollars here hahaha
@@s4098429 In turkey if you base turkish lira it is 85+ :') I am sad...
in indonesia they're around 200-300+ rupiahs :') ahh
I've been using these 12 pan Cotman sketches boxes for years and have given loads away to family friends. They are a great starting point but also something that will stay with you as a no excuse portable palette. All my colours are now upgraded to an Artist grade mix of WN, DS and Sennelier. If you remove the pans you can increase the volume of paint to nearly 3/4 pan size in the moulded wells, allowing more room for bigger brushes.
I have also now converted my 12 pan sketchers box to 18 colours, using the unused brush slot... I peeled the paper off some thin foam board and cut and shaped 5 spacers to fit the slot. I glue them temporarily in line with the other partitions using a blob of white PVA. Once filled and regularly topped up, the partitions will hold in place by their selves. I can now squeeze in 6 additional 1/4 ish pan size of my less used but must have colours like Naples yellow, Nickel Azo yellow, Green Gold, Perylene Green, Light Red and Cerulean. My modified sketchers palette is about 15 years old now, I love it, and it's pretty bombproof.
I have got used to the small mixing areas but I do carry a small 6x4 glass from an old picture frame. I've stuck white sticky back Fablon to the back and taped the edges with masking tape. It makes a great additional little mixing palette, it's really thin and stores away safely in the pocket of my Moleskine. I have had no problems with breakage and the Fablon would prevent any loose glass fragments if it were to break... and glass makes a great mixing surface.
Thanks, Peter! All fantastic ideas!! I had thought about using the brush space as an additional mixing space but I like the idea of splitting it up and using it for additional colors much better. I always try to carry a small extra plastic mixing palette in my small kits (something cheap and about palm-sized) but I like the idea of using a piece of glass... much more compact. 👍
Finally an artist who also loves the Cotman set !!! Thanks for your review ! Great channel here on UA-cam ! Love from belgium 💋
All my art teachers have hot dog fingers, yet they make amazing art
Ha ha ha!!!
😂😂🤣
😆
I love the brush it comes with. It's a great starter set.
This box is what I started off with and is my favourite student box. I think it can outdo some lower end professional sets. I have a 24 half pan set of Cotman which I really dislike, but for different reasons. The 12 half pan is so practical that you forgive the paint for any shortcomings which are very few in the more limited range, the differences are much more noticeable in the larger set. Being a bit of a palette addict I also have the 24 (now around 32) half pan professional set. These two are both metal tin sets. All three date well over five years ago, so maybe they weren't even made in the same place as the current boxes, but theres no doubt the professional box feels a lot better.
To learn with, though, this little set is a winner, and when you finish a half pan you can swap in a professional replacement, and gradually upgrade it. The box itself seems almost indestructible, mine has slightly yellowed on the outside but other than that hasn't got any wear and tear marks on it. It is the only plastic palette I have no complaints about!
As usual your painting demo is great, as is your review, though a day is definitely not enough for a light test. The alazarin crimson will fade over time, but the professional one will too! Replace it with a permanent version and it will extend the usefulness of this set. There is a difference between older boxes and new one in that old ones have a prussian blue and the one you review has a pthalo blue. I swapped out the white for a Cotman Mauve, I could have chosen the usual Dioxazine but wanted something less heavy. The Mauve is such a nice colour that it will sit well in an artists grade palette, and mine now lives with my Senneliers.
I guess the best thing about this palette is that you can slip it in your pocket with no trouble and if you did lose it (you'd have to take a hammer to it for it to break) it can be replaced very easily, and you will be back in the watercolour game without feeling you are financially crippled!
Hi Lindy! Thanks for your thoughts! I hadn't thought about the more extended range of colors offering some more problems. That's something I hadn't considered. Interesting. I totally agree about the box, itself... it's definitely a winner in the portable category. Sturdy and well-made. I'll never understand why art supply companies aren't making these little style of boxes for sale as "empties." There is such a huge market for these portable palettes that you can put your own (better) paint in. I get your point about the time in the sunlight. I was under the impression that the Cotmans would start fading very quickly (not sure where I got that notion and it was before checking the permanence and lightfastness on the WN site). So, I was just checking to see if they would start to fade. I probably should have been more clear about my intent and I realize my efforts were not a true test of lightfastness. Thanks, as always!! I appreciate your well-thought-out comments.
I've been using the Cotman watercolors for 45 years, professionally and for just for sketchbook fun, I have tried other "professional" brands that have different qualities here and there, but rely upon my Winsor and Newton Cotman paints day in and day out like a familiar and reliable friend.
Why is this channel underrated? Good quality videos!!! Thank you so much for the honest reviews 😌💯
Terrific review, Brian, and at $12 bucks, definitely a great deal for a beginner. More advanced artist's might be disappointed with the student grade quality of the paints. I do wonder how the lightfast would be after a month or two? Enjoyed watching the demo - great work, as always! Cheers!
You can find the lightfastness information on the Winsor and Newton website!
In my opinion, that's one of the advantages of Cotman over other student grade brands.
Hey Mark! Yeah, I realize only a couple days in the sun was not a lot of time. I was just under the impression that the student-grade colors would start fading fast... even in short duration of sunlight. So, that's why I was impressed. ha, ha!! Thanks for watching, my friend!!
I can say that paintings I've done with them have lasted and the light fastness is great, I do protect my paintings under cold wax thought so that probably helps
In Brazil 🇧🇷 this pallet is almos R$200 😅🙏🏻
@@jessykateles 😳😳😳😳😳😳, wow!
I started to use watercolors and learned how to mix with this set too, and upgraded later to mijello paints, however, those didn't go with me even though they were well loved, and now I mainly use DS, Sennelier and Old Holland! Though, I just cannot abandon this portable cotman set and still use it from time to time. For a student range, I love how they behave albeit being a bit chalky and dull after drying. It's good to see it's also well liked in this video. 💚
I have the same Colman set and for whatever reason (I live in the UK) the colours vary slightly, in a good way. My pallet came with 2 reds, 2 yellows, 2 blues, (warm and cool) 2 greens, burnt umber, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, payne’s grey and no Chinese white. This is possibly the best choice of colours that I have seen in a pallet, including professional box sets. I’m relatively new to watercolours and one the hurdles of selecting colours for a blank pallet is what colours to select, but this Cotman pretty well has an ideal choice of colours, even if moving on to professional watercolours. By the way, great video, I’ve subscribed.
Great video! So cool to see them side by side and in a practical. They turned out a lot better than I thought they would. Very cool.
Jared Loves to Draw Thanks, Dude! As we talked about, I was surprised with them. 😳
You’re an amazing painter! The lil portrait was lovely 😊
I replaced the white with Payne’s Grey
Great minds... 😂👍
I did with Ivory black.. haha.
I picked indigo.
Same. Saaaame. I actually got the PG of a local small brand, which is nice.
I did that too, I pretty much bought equivalent colors from the pro W&N line to replace the colors when I run out.
Thanks for the video. I have a few professional brands in my watercolor collection, but I couldn’t pass this up for $11 today at Joann’s. I used a 60% off coupon in the store. I can always use these for small sketch and put tube color in this. Very portable.
The Cotman colours looked better than the Pro in the swatches 😮
Another great review! I loved the piece you created with the limited colors in the Cotman set. Love that box. I was not a fan of the colors compared to pro lines like M. Graham and Daniel Smith. It’s simply a personal preference. Great entry level set perfect for Urban Sketching! I finally snagged a copy of your Batman book! The artwork is absolutely stunning!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks, Katie! Yes! Great entry level set but I'd rather being using "pro" colors, for sure. I was impressed, though. Maybe that says more about my low expectations than anything? Who knows. At any rate, I agree, this is a great little box for sketching away from the studio. Also, thanks so much for picking up a copy of the book!! Much appreciated!! Get your magnifying glass out. They really printed the text in the word balloons in a tiny font size. 😂👍
I found W&N colours when decluttering- my children’s stuff. And I am thinking of taking up painting as I have paper, pencils etc... just waiting to be used. So YouTubing stuff and came across your channel. You make it look so simple. I don’t know how to play with it yet...
Thanks for watching and best of luck with your new endeavor!
This was my first palette, which I still use predominantly for mixing skin tones but also for travel. I've replaced the white with a more neutral red, though I may put that in a different palette and put a violet in its place. The purple hues achievable with this palette are limiting, I find.
Yes. Purple hues are among the hardest to mix and tend to not have the brilliance of the "factory" colors. Good idea!
Love your videos, thanks for this review!! I think I’m going to buy them.. they have been on my list for so long. Keep it up!
sopita maruchan Thanks much!! This is a great set... especially for the price. 👍
These paints are so weirdly expensive in Asia so never got my hands on them, but I see why they have a good rep. I use the Van Gogh paints instead, they're also student grade btw. Love your review, and the outro lol so cute.
Thanks!! I’ve never tried Van Gogh. I’d like to, sometime.
you are not missing out ;) inspite many good reviews testing them many times side by side VG are much easier to re-wet than cotmans and and really feel like they have a lot less binder. VG are pleasure to use .... lol thins makes me think of making a comparison review of my own :D
i loveee van gogh!! they're so expensive where i am though ugh
Ikr it’s so expensive , idk everyone like $12-15 ?? In Asia it’s almost $25
In New Zealand it’s $50😬
I just bought these yesterday so excited to start playing with them!!!
I’m a beginner artist and I wanted to try watercolor so I got this one for around 14 dollars I’m very excited I will edit when it arrives off amazon tomorrow
Not long ago I bought Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolors in tubes. I bought a specific set recommended as a good all around palette. Now I’ve stopped using them almost immediately because my DANIEL SMITH and M. Graham far exceed them, by light years. On the other hand, if palettes are a thing you desire you’ll find just a high quality empty tin or plastic cost as much as getting paint in them so you may as well get the best student grade paint you can when buying a half pan palette. Cotman are the finest student grade you can get I believe. I started with student grade EVERYTHING while practicing but as soon as you can move up to artist paint, brushes, and paper. You’ll be GLAD you did when all the techniques work for you.
Hi Catherine, I agree. There are other brands like Daniel Smith (my favorite) that are better than Cotman. No argument there! However, I wanted to do a review of some paints that someone looking for a small travel palette or just beginning in watercolor might like to know about since buying a range of some of the better brands might be cost prohibitive for someone that isn't "all in" on watercolor and are not sure that they will continue painting with the medium. With that being said, I found the Cotman colors completely capable of producing professional results despite there being better (but pricier) options out there. Thanks so much for watching and the thoughtful comment.
"words are hard" !!! Brilliant!! Loved the video! Made up my mind about this set, even though it's been a year and the current price at amazon is at around $18-$20, it's still a good deal! Tks!!
I got back to watercolor several years ago with this little set. I replaced the white with Daniel Smith’s Lunar Black and I love this set for portability. Great sketchers kit! And the Lunar Black does a lot of cool granulating affects with all the colors. 🎨🖌️
This was such a helpful review - I normally use oils and watercolours are all new to me - just ordered this little set after watching your really helpful video + that sketch blew me away, so cool! Thanks so much!
Awww... I still have my itty bitty cotman palette from the 60s. Colors long used up and the enamel paint has separated from the metal tin in some places. Only came with 6 pans back then. Might have to gift myself one of these just for old times sake, although I've been using the pro grades for years lol
Its really hard to let go of old palettes, isn't it? They are like old friends.
Brian Ashmore Studio exactly! I have an old awful palate that I hate but I can’t get over them!!! Ugh!!
I would love to see the old palettes!!
Great review Brian .I use Cotman all the time now. And recommend to everyone.
Thanks men ! Great video !
This gives me memories of when u first started watercolour !
they seem really nice, but here in Chile (or in my town at least) they crazy expensive... i honestly wonder if the store messed them up with something else lol
That's too bad. Bummer. 😕
They are currently 17 dollars on amazon.... that 5 dollars too much! Lol 😂
Diego PM I live in Mexico and they are super expensive too. But much easier to find than brands like daniel smith so it’s something :(
@@imbored4929 When you live in Latin America is another story, I have to pay the shiping to Miami and then the shipping to Honduras and I have to wait for a month to get the stuff.
Same in Bangladesh 😢
You crack me up. I also loved your painting. Wow. Such talent! :)
I have several travel palettes, but this one is still one of my favs as it's simple and functional (when I replaced all the colors with artist quality paints). The Cotmans are very weak but okay, you managed to make some decent darks for your sketch. The only one I've used is the Lemon PY175 which I stuck in a travel palette when I ran out of professional PY3 and it performed fine in mixes. The Burnt Umber is a nice rich brown and mixes ok with Ultramarine for neutrals. Thanks for the lightfastness test, but as you said one day is probably not enough time to change colors :)
Right! Not enough time but I just kind of wanted to see if the Cotmans would at least start to fade during a short duration of sunlight. Thanks for your thoughts!
Thanks for a wonderful quick to the point review I love this set too
Exactly that one was my first watercolorset! Perfect for starting watercolor! And perfect to bring out and about. 😊 thanks for the review! Now im gonna check out your channel!
Thanks so much, Emelie!!
For me, the Cotman watercolors are the best among the student grade category. I have the Field box set which has the Cotman paints, one of the first sets I ever bought, and I find it very nice to use for my sketchbook until now! Another great product review! 👍
Thanks, Jacqui!! I agree. For student-grade paints, they are very nice. Plus, as a Palette Junkie, aren't you required to have at least one Cotman palette? 😉😂
Thank you! I am surprised by these. I NEVER would have tried them, because I thought they would be so below standards. But you’ve shown that not to be the case. Thanks, again.
You can see the size of the box compared to your hands. They're so tiny and cute, perfect for travel. In other videos the box looks deceivingly bigger.
Thank you for the review. They are very nice paints and I have used them for many years beside my artists grade paints.
Lightfastness tests take months to do. Even the bad paints take a long time in the sun before they fade.
I love this set...it was my first and I still enjoy using it. I exchanged the white for a pink to enable me to also mix a good purple.
Love my Cotman sketch box!
Rebecca Page It’s a great little kit!!👍
I agree, plus I think it's kinda cute! Easy to use out the door too. I replaced the white with diox purple, but I think Payne's Gray is probably a better choice! I like to soften with a drop or so of water for a few minutes to and I find they rewet nicely, contrary to popular opinion. Also, the better the paper, the more vibrant the color. ☺️
Great review! Thankyou! I'm ordering mine right now!
This is the set I'm starting with for water colors, next time I'll have to remember to order from Amazon. Thank you.
Now I feel stupid for paying $6 for 8 colors of Prang, haha
Great video! I love to watch videos these while I’m painting. I would get this set, but I already have the majority of these colors in tubes 😅
Thanks so much!!
GREAT vid , very useful , Wow you know so much about it all. Greetz from Europe 💞
Hey there Brian,
Great review on the paint box, and not a bad price at all for that kit.
Very nice job on the short sketch, you are very talented indeed my friend.
Take care Brian and enjoy your upcoming week . ~ Jeff
Jeffery Rusnock Thanks so much, Jeff!! I really appreciate you watching!
I was looking for a good student palette for my niece when she became interested in watercolor, and eventually settled on the Sennelier 24 color. I tried it myself and felt that it was pretty good quality. I decided against the Cotman one because I have a lot of their tube paint, and many of the colors seem wishy-washy.
My first Cotman experience was panning the tubes, and I really hated that line. They were extremely hard to rewet, I didn't know they weren't recommended for that. However, I really love this set. It's my favorite compact travel set, and even the plastic mixing surface is nice. As they get used up I will replace with the professional tubes since they rewet better than Cotman tubes. I also replaced the white with Payne's Gray, and it was a perfect addition. I honestly wish I could buy an empty palette just for my M.Graham too!
At only about $12.00 it's not too bad of a price just for the palette, itself. That's in line with buying an empty tin. Rewetting the Winsor and Newton tube colors (even the pro line) was one of the reasons I switched to Daniel Smith. M. Graham is also amazing for rewetting... of course you knew that! 😁
Winsor Newton says to not use tubes into pans as the formula isn't made for it. if you want pans buy the pans counts for professional as well. with other brands you can fill empty pans with tubes but not Winsor Newton 😉 didn't knew from beginning either.
@@soekieloekiekaassouffle5950 Thank you! I know it's the same for the professional line. I just prefer to save money with tubes and I think the Professional tubes rewet a bit easier than the Cotman tubes. I guess I'm just stubborn :)
I - sometimes ... go for a tea afternoon at my ex's house and big garden, and bring this palette there!!! It's my go to travel palette that I had for years, that, I almost gave to my Canadian sister, but I'm using it these days, to paint some "flowers" from my ex's huge garden!
Very fun to paint away from the studio. 👍
This was really helpful! Thank you!!! Especially for the light fastness test
Aprajita Tyagi to clarify these are student grade. They are not lightfast and are meant to have fun and learn with. Don’t sell art with this because the colors will fade.
@@DragonKnight401 Thanks! I appreciate you clarifying it ⚡
Just got mine today from ebay . I'm a professional artist but an intermediate watercolorist and I wanted to upgrade from my KOI travel set and Kuretake 18 pan set. After researching I decided to price Holbein and Windsor Newton and found this for $7 on eBay (free shipping, four day turnaround.) I wasn't aware they are student grade but who cares. This is a great deal !!!! ( even at $12 from Amazon) Thanks for the informative tutorial.
Great! Thanks for watching and commenting. Hope you enjoy them!!
They try to make the cotman set as lightfast and similar to the pro version as possible just more filler. They’re slightly chalkier and ya definitely use more of the paint to get what you want. The color selection is excellent. :). Wish you had taped that lightfast test to your window for a few months :)
I bought a set of these 30 years ago and the colours do not fade. I used them in holland.
Thanks for this review. I was on the fence about this but I think I’ll spluge😊 and get it!
I found your review truly helpful, I wasn't sure about buying a high end set of watercolor paint (for I am a begginer and I've painted only with Faber Castell basics) but this made me make up my mind. Thank you :)
This set is the only student grade set that I've kept over the years, even though I mostly use artist grade now.
Apart from the stupid names (please just call phthalo green phthalo green!) I think these are fantastic for small sketches.
I've recommended it to friends and they enjoyed it as an inexpensive intro to watercolors.
Absolutely! I agree on the names, too. 😂
This was my first small pallet & I still use it. Only been painting for 2 years
I really recommend the russian watercolours in artist's grade from nevskaya palitra/"white nights".
They are made very traditionally with honey, ox gall and gummy arabicum and are just so smoooth and vibrant and even more affortable than the cotmans. I use them for years and they are my Schmincke substitute. Totally different drawing experience compared to the chalky cotmans. Only the earth tones are maybe a bit too light but that's no problem.
Thanks very much for the info! I've heard that the White Nights watercolors are fantastic. 👍
But "White nights" costs 2x Winsor and Newton Cotman.
@@podrugiejstronie7006 But you get 12 full pans instead of half pans, and the quality is better.
This kit is $40 Canadian at Michaels. The price you got it for is amazing!
Wow!! I guess it's not cheap, everywhere.
It’s $29.99 here at the craft store. So similar. The trick is the coupon lol
Congrats to the winners!!! Thanks for the Colman review. Boy at that price I think I need to buy some as gifts too. I also agree that when empty you could fill it with other paints. And yes I saw the end, you are so bad. LOL Take care
Essie Tangle Thanks, Essie!! These would be great gifts! Great idea. Btw, believe me, he had it coming. 😂
Brian Ashmore Studio 🤨😏☹️🥺😫🤖
I immediately removed the white and replaced it with a prussian blue I'd ordered at the same time. PB is my favourite colour for mixing.
Very helpful..thank you.
I love your video! ❤
i’m a student and a kind of beginner and honestly i’m soo confused in Asia winsor and newtons are pretty expensive and not available everywhere, there are alotttt of other sets cheap and more colours but it’s just too overwhelming. The website where i found these watercolours these are 21 dollars but i think they are the full pans because it’s not really mentioned and i’m really confused there is another brand called mungyo watercolour and the 24 set is available for 23 dollars but obviously winsor and newtons is more known and i’m contemplating if i should get the w/n or the mungyo 😔
What did you get, I'm curious lol?
These are the ones i started with 😁 in belgium its even kind of hard to find anything else than w&n cotman 🤔 😅
Very interesting. I wonder why?
@@brianashmorestudio i just order my paints online. 😅 i'm kind of a collector. I think i've got about 5 or 6 brands now
your sun test was a bit of a surprise most sun test by individuals involve taping the paper with covering to the inside of a window not sitting it outside .
Yeah, I tend to do things either my own way or the wrong way. Most of the time, it's both. 😂
Ok that is a great deal just for the box!
First time in your channel, this is a terrific review. Just subscribed
Thanks!!
My only issue with the Cotman series is that the quality appears to be a bit inconsistent. In some videos, they look pretty good (like in this one). In others, they look very washed out. But for $12 (to 14EUR), they're pretty good. But I would personally recommend the Royal Talens Van Gogh set, as the quality is more consistent, and it's about the same price. At least where I live. Great video!
The reviewers often don't tell you what paper they are using. Paint looks different on cheaper wood-pulp student paper than it does 100% cotton professional paper.
I am very happy! I bought it today... Here in Brazil its very but very expensive ... But is a amazing watercolor
Here in the UK prices vary widely. I think it's likely that W&N sell this set a loss to encourage more people to get into watercolour and therefore buy more in the future. Certainly, buying just the 12 half pans separatelt without the pallate or brush would cost more.
Cass Art sell a special version of this set with one colour, french ultramarine, replaced by the professional version. This is the only professional watercolour I have used, and I have to say that I can't really see any difference from the Cotman colours in the set.
aye i use that winsor and newton set now and i love it :3
Which should I buy first...12 piece set or 24 or 48?
I’ll take the prize lol, love your videos 💜
RoseQuinzel Ha Ha! Thanks!
LOVE YOU'RE VIDEOS♡
Thanks so much!
Are you going to review the new Winsor and Newton Cotman set?
Alex Indiongco Perhaps. Which Cotman set are you referring to?
Hey Brian thanks for responding for the particular set I was referring about see the link below
www.amazon.com/Windsor-Newton-Cotman-Hafupan-Suihitsu/dp/B00OR2VO0W/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?keywords=winsor+and+newton+cotman+watercolor&qid=1557367480&s=gateway&sprefix=winsor+and+newton+co&sr=8-12
Thanks, Alex!! I'll check it out. 👍
This are really good.
Hello, I’ve had this set for a couple years but just started seriously using them and was wondering how you got those dark colors? Like what colors did you mix, etc. I can’t seem to get much shade variation with these, although I’m sure it will require lots more practice! Any tips are greatly appreciated!
Hi, I usually mix a warm and a cool together to get good darks. I think I used Burnt Sienna and Ultramarine blue.
The cotman colours look more vivid.
Wow,surprisingly good and I preferred the look of the cotman colors too.Just looked it up,$50.00 here haha.
Tyfs!
The cotman looked brighter. Nice review, thanks. Was that a self portrait?
D Neel They did come out a bit more intense than the WN Pros. I’m not sure if I just mixed them more strongly or...🤷♂️ Nope, not a self-portrait. Just a photo I found on the Sktchy app. 👍
In my country they are ridiculously overpriced. One half pan of Cotman costs exactly the same as 15ml tube of shinhan watercolour or 2 10 ml tubes of White Nights. Still want to check them out in the future, but only on a big discount :D
This is amazing! May I ask what's your color combination on the hair? Like it's bluegreen-ish? Thank you!
I tried using a Winsor & Newton palette with regular half pans. They didn't fit! The W&N case uses a slightly smaller pan size. But when I used an older palette from the 90s, the half pans fitted.
RHA
That's strange, my W&N are standard size. What brand were the ones that you were trying to fit in?
@@srfurley I don't remember right now. Maybe Van Gogh or Daniel Smith, because I like the larger palette design.
I use the corman I love it I just got a new set of 24 for 29.99
Hello, what material did you use to make this video ?
Aren't the Cotman watercolours too hard to rewet ?
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Bonjour, avec quel matériel avez-vous réalisé cette vidéo ?
Les aquarelles Cotman ne sont-elles pas trop dur à ré-humidifier ?
In Brazil 🇧🇷 this pallet is almos R$200 😅🙏🏻
i love it,got as a prize from college
Great prize. 👍
Is that a pentalic watercolor sketchbook?
It was the only watercolor set available in my country. Spent my highschool with it and now after graduating art school wanted to be more professional so i bought a schmincke student grade set and it changed my view of watercolor. Now i don’t like winsor... I mean come on get a better quality... thank you for uploading. Great as always.
Is the schmincke student grade better? The price difference is BIG here in the Philippines :( torn between going straight for the artist grade or getting a slightly cheaper student grade
Farnaz Liravi Thanks!! Yes, I prefer Daniel Smith paints to W&N. Some of the W&N colors tend to crack and break up once dried in the palette. I’m not a fan of that. However, I was surprised at how good the Cotman paints are in comparison to W&N pro grade.
onemig00 schmincke’s Akademie ( student grade ) is much better than Winsor and Newton but if you wanna purchase Schmincke i suggest you to get schmincke’s Horadom ( artist grade ) price is different but the quality is amazing.
Brian Ashmore Studio ah yessss they crack in cotman set too. I had two before and my ochre was shattered. We don’t have Daniel Smith here and i would love to try them. Specially i love the vritey of colors.
Farnaz Liravi Each to their own. I’m not a schmicke fan and the price of these for a beginner at 12 dollars is unbeatable. My W&N pro paints are like my comfy slippers. However, Daniel Smith are my favourites (by far better than Schminke IMHO.)
Is this different paints than the W&N brush cotman set? It comes with a waterbrush. Not sure if the colors are different. This called Sketch so maybe different
I think they are the same paints... not completely sure.
Hey, Brian,
First of all, thank you for making review of this item. It answers my question from your contest video. I agree with you; for $12, it is something I could easily try as a beginner. It seems like I could get this, brush set (Heartybay 10 Pieces Round Pointed Tip Nylon Hair Brush Set, Blue), and sketch pad for ~$25. Thanks always for the inspirational videos. Till your next video, take care and talk to you later. ~NammaN~
P.S. Congrat to the winners! :D
JOAMON Hey Namman!! I’m so sorry that I haven’t gotten back to you, yet!! Yes! This Cotman box would be a great set to start with. When it comes to watercolor, the quality of the supplies matters more than with some other mediums. Even an experienced watercolor artist will tend to have trouble getting good results on sub-par paper. Brushes and paint are also important. A lot of would-be watercolor painters give up before trying quality supplies due to frustration. The brush set you mentioned might be okay but I am skeptical that they would be much help. You can do a lot with just a couple of brushes. I would suggest investing a bit more and getting a synthetic Escoda watercolor brush or two. If you would like to discuss any of this more thoroughly, please feel free to email me at: brian@brianashmore.com Thanks for watching!!
What is the water container you are using? It looks pretty cool!
That is just a stainless steel container I picked up at Hobby Lobby. I think its mainly made for working in oils but I like using it for water since it has a top that seals.
@@brianashmorestudio Awesome, thanks!
Why aren’t you using tapes for clean borders though?
On the paint swatches, I really wanted to make sure every drop of paint was used and not left on tape that might have been around the edges. If you are referring to the small portrait, sometimes I just like to leave things kind of loose and unrefined. Thanks for watching!
Hello can someone share the dimensions of it this set? i just buy it but im not sure.
What sketchbook did you use to paint in?
Sorry if I missed in the video, but are these like chalky texture?
No, not really. They are pretty transparent when dry.