I've been using the Portable Painter Classic for several months and really like it. Bonus my Winsor & Newton Cotman palette fits into the cups for traveling with that palette if I want to change from my "go to" colors that I loaded into the Portable Painter. In fact before I filled up the pans in the PP I was using my NW Cotman in it.
This really is a versatile palette and one of the pros of a plastic palette is their weight. When I am traveling (especially by plane), I prefer plastic for that reason. Thank you for sharing.
It’s funny that you like metallic palettes, as I bought one to use instead of my first beginners plastic Winsor and Newton palette. Everyone else had one so I thought I would to. I didn’t like it haha. I don’t paint watercolour these days and my husband 3D printed a pocket size leak-resistant Gouache palette. It is obviously plastic, but he designed it to have magnets on the base of each palette and water pot. This means I can stick them to metal or other magnets. I get the best of both worlds. I think people don’t like how plastic can stain, but for me that isn’t an issue. I want light and portable. I hate lugging around heavy things. I think it depends on what you are use to and what suits your needs. So if I was doing watercolour again, this to me looks a good option.
I love the portable painter's pallet! I own several. This pallet is so compact and lightweight and so well thought out. You can also remove the brush and add customize pans to that area for more convenient colors! I hope you enjoy it too.
I am glad yours arrived. It is probably my favourite portable palette because of all the mixing wells. You can buy extra pans to fill up the spot for the brush if you want more colours of paint. I am known to dry a blob of various convenience colours in some of the small mixing wells too.
Love mine! I only wish that the company sold the sliding clip separately. Mines been lost for a year now. But I make it work by using a large rubber band going vertically on the outside to keep it together… thx Leslie!
I’ve been using this palette for over a year now and is the one I always take when I travel. I’ve used it on airplanes, cruise ships, in multiple countries. If you don’t have I would add to your Christmas wish list lol
I think I need your help. Don’t have a few colors and wondered if there are alternatives for Raw Umber & Van Dyke Brown ? Lastly, I want to thank you so much for your tutorials on painting smaller. Hope it’ll help me focus better on my drawing and water control. Leslie, you have a good eye & incredible artistic skills, but you also have the ability to simplify things as you teach so it’s easy to understand . That’s a rare gift and greatly appreciated. Leslie, once again thank you so much
I really love my portable painters, both this one and the Micro, and they are the only travel palettes I actually use. Initially I thought I would swap around the colours a lot but I’m now really comfortable with them and they will probably see little changes over time.
It’s nice that you have the option to change things. There are very definitely a lot of fans of these palettes. It seemed appropriate to see what all the accolades are about. 😊
I commented last time that this is the only portable palette I use or need. I paint outside all summer and I love it. All you need is it, some water and paper and you’re portable and it works very well. (I do bring a pencil and a gum eraser.)
Love this palette it is so versatile and if you don’t want to use the water containers you don’t have to, you could just use the pallet on its own with a water brush. I have the Sendak artist roll and it fits in perfectly as is and even more streamlined without the plastic cover if you choose to use it that way.
I have used it, I filled it with Mijello Mission Gold watercolors and used the small pans to be able to have 18 colors… it is a very complete and practical kit despite its size. 😊👍🏻 I want to use it again after watching your video 😂❤
Caught your earlier video on travel palettes and wondered at the absence of this one. Have yet to take the plunge and buy the Portable Classic, but have ordered the Cornelissen 8 pan metal palette after your earlier video! 🙂
You were saying in your previous video regarding the plastic portable mini not being magnetic 😀.. well I have just bought a ferrous self adhesive 0.5mm metal rubberised sheet from Amazon specifically for magnets which can be cut up and fixed to the plastic bottom of the mini and it works a treat 😀😀😀
That’s a great idea! It’s funny because I feel like the classic is so much easier to set up and put away than the mini, but I’m sure you get faster as you become more familiar with it.
I did the same. I have a small folding easel (attaches to tripod) that has magnets embedded and then with the self adhesive mag tape on the Portable Painter, it stays put. I also bought some mesh-metal pencil holders (small!) so they sit on the magnets and hold brushes, pencil, etc. That is my kit for painting from the back of my Jeep or short hike with a backpack. Still fairly compact while being comfortable [for me].
@@theroadhome_Liz_SummersI love customising 😊it means you get exactly what you want 😀, I have just made a portable easel out of a wooden chopping board, magnets and elastic 😀
I’m glad you got it! I really like it for painting in my garden. For walking and travelling I still prefer Art tooklit and having water in a smaller clipped container
The Art Toolkit is still my favourite for light travel, but sometimes I like to work a bit larger with travel brushes so I’m excited to try this one out. 😊
I use this pallette and I love it. It fits well in my Sendak art roll. I like to have loads of colours so bought the extension pans and also put some mini pans in the small mixing trays. I can’t put the metal bar across but the two water trays fit snugly.
Oh goodness now that you have gotten this one too along with many other of my favorite artists I might have to give it a try. 😁 I already have a favorite travel palette that I love 💕 using though. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this one. Have a great weekend!
If you have a favourite that works for you there’s probably no need to buy another. I’m still searching for the best “easy” palette for larger works and am excited to try this out. I convinced myself that if I made a video about it to show others who might be interested that I could justify the purchase. 😅
I am impressed with this palette. Like you said, they thought out the issues. Two brushes, two water containers, lots of mixing space, that elastic so you won't lose your clip.
I’m not usually a fan of plastic palettes either, but I will excuse the plastic in both the portable paint classic (and micro) because of the convenience of the water pot. I also love the amount of mixing space. I never do the “knee thing”, but I position it nearby on a stable surface. Along with Art Toolkit, it’s one of my go-to palettes. I haven’t used the brush very much because I added the little custom pans to the brush section. I used the included pans for the main 12, but it’s nice to know that others can squeeze in there too!
The portable painter was my very first travel palette and I still love it! I noticed that you have a bag from Peg and Awl. I have been on the fence about ordering their messenger bag because it’s rather pricey so I’m curious to see how you like yours. I ordered the Sendak based on your review and I absolutely love it.
I've been exclusively using my portable painter for the last year and it's served me really well. I did buy and art toolkit demi palette after you mentioned they were sold in the UK now so I'm excited to try that out as my everyday carry micro palette. Still, for anything bigger where I use my escoda travel brushes, the portable painter is the way to go. Also I found that brush to be surprisingly good. Not good enough to replace my precious escoda perla brushes but definitely usable.
Yes, for people on a budget that dual brush is a nice bonus! I can’t say I would prefer this over the Art Toolkit palettes, but it is definitely going to be a fun one to use! 😊
@@LeslieStroz I would agree if I had one of the bigger sizes from art toolkit but just the demi palette isn't enough for the scale I usually paint at. The bigger ones were sadly out of stock though. Same for all but the mini pans and all but the 2x4 mixing well. Actually if you wouldn't mind, I'd love your thoughts on something: while experimenting with a cyan magenta yellow black palette, I found out that even with the 4x2 mixing well and the normal mixing area, I just didn't have enough space. This only seemed to get worse when using a water brush. It makes sense that the less colors you have, the more mixing space you need but I've worked with split primary before and I don't think I needed this much mixing space. Could it be that the amount of mixing space you need almost goes up exponentially the less colors you have? And do you have any tips on how to work with less mixing space?
I love my portable pallet! The brush is not that great in my opinion, but I love using it to apply masking fluid. There are new insert to put where the brush goes for more paint. It’s great to test out colors or use specialty colors. I love your website, & I got the folio & pocket pallets from art toolkit because your& Mind of watercolor recommendations. I love all the pallets, &use them all. It just depends on what I’m doing (I have different colors in each). I use my pocket pocket palette as a mixing palette for everything, event with my studio palette. It’s great for test mixes & 2 spots for new colors I’m not sure about which pallet I should put the colors in.
Yes, that sounds a lot like me… different palettes for different occasions or types of painting. It’s nice to hear how many others also like this palette. 😊
I'm sold on the dual brush. I was frustrated with only a tiny brush being there in the Winsor and Newton field kit which doesn't help with large washes across a page and a kit like Sakura Koi comes with a water brush. I carry a separate Sennelier Raphael travel brush because of this. The dual water containers and the ridges to hold the brushes are a huge benefit too. Now I need to tell myself to continue using what's there for now and buy this later...
I was so excited to discover the hidden brush! If I’d read their instruction sheet more carefully I would have seen it, but I’m glad I figured it out before posting the video. Yes, it has many thoughtful features, and yes you should use what you already have and not feel slighted. 😊
Wow so handy and smart palette 😉 Even I'm not a huge fan of plastic honestly it's really cool and it could be a nice present for a outside painting beginner friend 😊👍 I wish a good Sunday 😘
It's nice one. I like the idea. And yes, the color preference and type of pallete is also subjective. For me metal pallete works, and I carry small random container for water, 1 round medium size brush. That's it. It works well😅 for me. I never gave so much thought to it. But I love your wooden bigger set up too. That's so cool.. the tiny one and bigger one.
I have different preferences for different types of painting. I love my tiny GoDraw and my Art Toolkit palettes, and everything Peg&Awl! But this one is definitely very easy to set up and sturdy too. I’ll have to do a comparison of different set ups soon. 😊
Great review Leslie, I watched loads of videos on this before I bought mine and this is the best 🤩 its reminded me of features I’m not doing, I used it this week and got horrible backache because I had it on the ground next to me and was twisting to use it, I hadn’t remembered to use my knee or that its designed to rest my brush 🥵 I’m out again this week so I’ll be a lot happier 😂. Ive got an etchr slate (have you seen) and I wanted to stand my palette on the working surface without it sliding off so I put Velcro on the ends of the water pots and this works really well.
Thanks for the compliments. I watched a few reviews of it last night after I uploaded my video and worried it might not be as good. 😅 Yes, the features are really clever. In spite of being plastic, they have considered all of the real life issues travel artists encounter. I normally use Aquash brushes for plein air, so I like my tiny palettes and the Art Toolkit palettes, but for using travel brushes with “larger” paintings this is really so practical. I’m glad I reminded you of some of the features! Have a fun week painting! 😊
I hope you will find the Portable painer as useful as I do! I have even bought two of them -one for watercolour one for gouache. Good luck w trying it out!
I'm fond of mine, although it has to compete with several other favorites. The pans are exactly the same as Winsor & Newton pans, if the poor fit of the other pans bothers you. The extras they offer through their website are actually the only way I've found to buy W&N sized pans without paint in them.
Hey.. New to your channel but I absolutely love your videos especially your mini paintings. Now I'm your top fan and I subscribed this channel as it became one of my favourites.. tons of love from India..🇮🇳❤
I bought one about 1/2 way through Pleinairpril and used it for my last several days. At the time, I did not have any of the small wood palettes or the Art Toolkit ... I do now. I like the Portable Painter for the all in one (water/brush/paint) and small-ish size. At my home desk I use ceramic palettes and I do like the mixing on ceramic, the GoDraw and the ArtToolkit vs Portable Painter plastic. Ultimately, trade-offs for each as usual :) ! I did "rough up" the mixing areas of PP which helped. Also, take me comments with the knowledge that I am a VERY beginner watercolor painter so ??? I look forward to seeing what you think after using it.
Sounds like we have all the same palettes! 😅 I do really appreciate the water pots on this and how sturdy it all is. For travel brushes and sketchbook or postcard sized paintings this will be exciting to explore. 😊
Hearing you talk about color lightfastness reminded me, do you have any recommendations for books or resources on the subject? While companies I purchase paints from are pretty clear about lightfast ratings I'm regularly hearing references to certain pigments being less lightfast than others, even if they are considered some of the better pigments.
Check out the Color Pigment Index that tells you everything you need to know about each pigment. I definitely need to make a long video on the subject. 😊
As you were choosing colors to go into your palette, I thought of my favorite British painter, David Howell, and his color palette. I collected the colors he uses and then realized they (as a whole) didn’t really work with the bright, warm colors of Texas. Have you found that you changed your palette upon moving to England?
I haven’t really changed my colours (I tend to go for the classic, one pigment paints), but the paint BRANDS and “extra” colours on my palette are definitely influenced by location. If I lived in Texas or the Southwest I would likely explore a few extra reds! And I’d probably prefer paint brands that are a bit more vibrant, like Schmincke, M Graham, or Sennelier in lieu of the “softer” Winsor Newton, Daniel Smith, A Gallo, etc. We are so lucky to have options these days! 😊 Edit - I just looked up David Howell’s colours and can see how they wouldn’t easily represent the Texas landscape. I would add a Phthalo blue (for vibrant skies) and try transparent red oxide instead of burnt sienna since it’s more vibrant. 😊
@@LeslieStroz That was kind of you to take a look at DH's colors and make suggestions for Texas changes. I'm new to your channel -- I got here from your "all my travel palettes" video because I'm addicted 🤭 I haven't tried this one yet, and am tempted. For now, the art toolkit folio with 15 big pans works for me. I also like sealable water cups so I can pack it in/pack it out. I use a stackable two-cup set that I think is a snack container for toddlers. 😂 [edit -- I googled: the brand is Re-Play and it's called Snack Stack w/ Travel Lid]
I like plastic palettes because they don’t rust and are lighter… And things kinda rust quite a bit because it’s so humid here :( The dual ended brush is pretty clever. I’m curious about how this palette works on the go. I see so many people using it! It doesn’t fit in my current outside painting routine though because I prefer minimal set up time and more likely than not I’m just standing. That also means it’s aqua brush for me for the foreseeable future!
I love my tiny paintings and tiny painting setups, but these water pots definitely enticed me for when I’m using brushes (instead of Aquash brushes) and painting larger paintings plein air. It’s definitely a quicker set up than my usual. I plan to explore all of my setups more this summer and then I’ll have a better idea of my favourites. But the tiny paintings are here to stay for me. 😊
I don't yet own this palette so I can't speak to it personally, but I did find this review on Blicks from "Lanie" (the most recent review for the item): "I was kind of skeptical about buying this but after using it a few times it is exactly what I needed!! I am a heavier set woman and this states that it can sit on your knee once assembled (which is why I was weary) but it fits over my knee just fine. I will say though, if I am wearing leggings it likes to slide around a lot but the water reservoirs also act as a stand which is really nice. The pans were glued in but with some tweezers and a bit of force I got them out! My regular pans don't fit as well as the ones that were supplied with the set but they fit well enough and the palette closes just fine." I know it's still kind of vague, but I wonder if it would help to consider the length of the palette (5 1/2 inches or 14 cm) in relation to your leg? Of course, the size of your leg ""changes"" (so to speak) sitting down, so... agh, honestly it's so tricky ): I hope you're able to find the answers you're looking for!
To be fair, I’m not sure if I’ll ever put it on my knee, but I like how STURDY the palette is all on its own with the water pots attached. I also like that it’s raised above the palettes; usually the water pots are taller. They show photos of it on fences, backpacks and even sofa arms, so there are plenty of options. 😊
I am looking at the Peg and Awl bags ..may I ask if your one is the finch satchel? … I am trying to choose between that and the tote bag to carry my art supplies 😊
I recently bought the tote and love it! Today I had the Sendak roll, my "wallet", my iPad Pro (11.9) and various other normal carry items. I typically carry an ArtTookkit "Pocket Toolkit" zippered bag, wallet, water bottle and normal carry items. I find the interior pockets plus exterior allow me to stow thinks like lotion, mints, small microfiber, eyeglass case, headphone case ... as well as my art supplies and as noted even my largish iPad. It is not heavy, even with all of that and the strap works for shoulder or crossbody. For me, the satchel was just a bit small if I wanted to take my iPad and/or laptop. I like the look of the satchel better, though ... always tough tradeoffs !!
Thanks for reviewing this amazing, very well thought through pallet! The only thing that would bother me is drying and cleaning the deep (which is perfect for painting) water tanks right after painting and before reassembling, i guess. Because they fit so well I think they need to be completely dry and clean. Is that an issue? Or does it just seem more inconvenient than it actually is?
I’ve wondered about that too. It definitely might be an issue, but I’m pretty careful with my palettes, so I’ll likely wipe it out with a tissue before packing it up and then opening it up as soon as I get home to properly dry out. For people who don’t want to bother with art chores after painting it might not be the best though.
@@LeslieStrozI'm pretty careful with my palettes, too and I don't mind the chores. I just need it to be simple to pack my stuff when I am in the field (and then take care of everything at home). Can you maybe report on this aspect after the first use? Because everything else seems quite convincing ❤
@@LeslieStroz btw...right now I am using a little Schmincke pallet for outside painting. Actually it looks exactly like your little enamelled Cornelissen. Often I use an aqua brush. When I want to use my other brushes I take two really tiny jam jars already filled with water with me. Downside: they are small and I need to put them somewhere on a stable surface. It's all just about the best compromise 😅
I don’t like that they are more prone to staining and in general look worn out after very little use. I also don’t usually think the mixing wells are as good. But maybe I’ll like this one. 😊
Hi, I don't know if you know, but the screenshot from your video with a small wooden pallet serves as an advertisement for it on a certain Chinese website starting with the letter T.
I also do not like a plastic pallet. When I'm mixing colors on a porcelain pallet, the water stays spread so I can see what's happening to the color, whereas with the plastic surface it beads up.
Not for me, it is too big and clumsy. I love the tiny paintings and tiny palettes. This palette is very popular I know but to me it is boring! There is nothing about it that makes me want to go paint! To each is own 🤗
Thanks for this. I join the two water cups with the silicone band (and secure the clip) rather than use it as described. I use it always on a table or easel and this is a more stable solution. I like the design overall. However, I am always anxious I will lose the aluminium clip or the silicone band. 😮 I use the space where the brush goes to carry some extra white gouache. PP launched some cool extension for that pace, but I cannot justify the £20 or them, when the palette itself is £27. I am sure you will like it. It is sturdy and functional. Let us know how you like it as you paint along.
I've been using the Portable Painter Classic for several months and really like it. Bonus my Winsor & Newton Cotman palette fits into the cups for traveling with that palette if I want to change from my "go to" colors that I loaded into the Portable Painter. In fact before I filled up the pans in the PP I was using my NW Cotman in it.
This really is a versatile palette and one of the pros of a plastic palette is their weight. When I am traveling (especially by plane), I prefer plastic for that reason. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, the weight is a definite bonus! 😊
They are also good because they don’t set off the metal detectors at the airport.
It’s funny that you like metallic palettes, as I bought one to use instead of my first beginners plastic Winsor and Newton palette. Everyone else had one so I thought I would to. I didn’t like it haha. I don’t paint watercolour these days and my husband 3D printed a pocket size leak-resistant Gouache palette. It is obviously plastic, but he designed it to have magnets on the base of each palette and water pot. This means I can stick them to metal or other magnets. I get the best of both worlds. I think people don’t like how plastic can stain, but for me that isn’t an issue. I want light and portable. I hate lugging around heavy things.
I think it depends on what you are use to and what suits your needs. So if I was doing watercolour again, this to me looks a good option.
I love the portable painter's pallet! I own several. This pallet is so compact and lightweight and so well thought out. You can also remove the brush and add customize pans to that area for more convenient colors! I hope you enjoy it too.
I am glad yours arrived. It is probably my favourite portable palette because of all the mixing wells. You can buy extra pans to fill up the spot for the brush if you want more colours of paint. I am known to dry a blob of various convenience colours in some of the small mixing wells too.
Twelve colours is a lot for me, but I do like that it is “expandable” in that sense! 😊
Hi Leslie
Have to admit. I bought one of these recently and I do like it. It’s nice having the water cups attached and just putting it over my knee.
Really appreciate the information you put in your videos - don’t have to buy & regret! Thank you🙏
I got this (prefilled) for a trip I took last week. I did not know about the second hidden brush. Like it even more!
Love mine! I only wish that the company sold the sliding clip separately. Mines been lost for a year now. But I make it work by using a large rubber band going vertically on the outside to keep it together… thx Leslie!
Oh no! That’s my greatest fear and why I put off buying one for so long. What a bummer they don’t sell them separately.
Lovely when people make such useful things. ❤️
I love mine. I use it all the time. I also love the micro palette. It's a handy little unit.
I’ve been using this palette for over a year now and is the one I always take when I travel. I’ve used it on airplanes, cruise ships, in multiple countries. If you don’t have I would add to your Christmas wish list lol
I can imagine it would be fun on airplanes. 😊
I just learned that if both side has a brush it’s called a paddle brush (cute)
Omg that’s so adorable! 😊
Thank you so much for showing me how this Pocket Painter works.
You’re so welcome. 😊
I think I need your help. Don’t have a few colors and wondered if there are alternatives for Raw Umber & Van Dyke Brown ?
Lastly, I want to thank you so much for your tutorials on painting smaller. Hope it’ll help me focus better on my drawing and water control.
Leslie, you have a good eye & incredible artistic skills, but you also have the ability to simplify things as you teach so it’s easy to understand . That’s a rare gift and greatly appreciated.
Leslie, once again thank you so much
I really love my portable painters, both this one and the Micro, and they are the only travel palettes I actually use. Initially I thought I would swap around the colours a lot but I’m now really comfortable with them and they will probably see little changes over time.
It’s nice that you have the option to change things. There are very definitely a lot of fans of these palettes. It seemed appropriate to see what all the accolades are about. 😊
I commented last time that this is the only portable palette I use or need. I paint outside all summer and I love it. All you need is it, some water and paper and you’re portable and it works very well. (I do bring a pencil and a gum eraser.)
I used it today! It was great, though I still don’t love the plastic mixing wells. 😅
@@LeslieStroz I avoid plastic mixing things too but I got used to these. Mine don’t even puddle up weird anymore from long term use.
making a new palette is always so fun 🥰
Love this palette it is so versatile and if you don’t want to use the water containers you don’t have to, you could just use the pallet on its own with a water brush. I have the Sendak artist roll and it fits in perfectly as is and even more streamlined without the plastic cover if you choose to use it that way.
Great ideas, thanks! 😊
I have this palette --- I have many, but you have inspired me to get this one out again .... Enjoyed the video. Thank you.
We are so lucky to have options these days. I still remember when there weren’t many choices easily available. Now, I am spoiled for choice. 😊
I have used it, I filled it with Mijello Mission Gold watercolors and used the small pans to be able to have 18 colors… it is a very complete and practical kit despite its size. 😊👍🏻 I want to use it again after watching your video 😂❤
Awww. Me too! 😊
Caught your earlier video on travel palettes and wondered at the absence of this one. Have yet to take the plunge and buy the Portable Classic, but have ordered the Cornelissen 8 pan metal palette after your earlier video! 🙂
I love love love my Cornellisen. I use it all the time in my studio. 😊
You were saying in your previous video regarding the plastic portable mini not being magnetic 😀.. well I have just bought a ferrous self adhesive 0.5mm metal rubberised sheet from Amazon specifically for magnets which can be cut up and fixed to the plastic bottom of the mini and it works a treat 😀😀😀
That’s a great idea! It’s funny because I feel like the classic is so much easier to set up and put away than the mini, but I’m sure you get faster as you become more familiar with it.
I did the same. I have a small folding easel (attaches to tripod) that has magnets embedded and then with the self adhesive mag tape on the Portable Painter, it stays put. I also bought some mesh-metal pencil holders (small!) so they sit on the magnets and hold brushes, pencil, etc. That is my kit for painting from the back of my Jeep or short hike with a backpack. Still fairly compact while being comfortable [for me].
@@theroadhome_Liz_Summers I have just made a magnetised board using a wooden chopping board, it works so well😀
@@theroadhome_Liz_SummersI love customising 😊it means you get exactly what you want 😀, I have just made a portable easel out of a wooden chopping board, magnets and elastic 😀
What a great idea! Thank you so much!
Yes I do have this and I really like it.
I've used and loved for a couple years. I use for dried gouache palette. Goes with me everywhere. I keep in my car travel pack
Keeping it in the car is a great idea. 😊
My big sis got me this for Christmas a few years back,and I’ve really enjoyed it so far! I’m so scooted to see your review on it!
Oh how nice! Do you like yours?
I’m glad you got it! I really like it for painting in my garden. For walking and travelling I still prefer Art tooklit and having water in a smaller clipped container
The Art Toolkit is still my favourite for light travel, but sometimes I like to work a bit larger with travel brushes so I’m excited to try this one out. 😊
The double ended brush was such a plot twist. I wonder if I can buy that separately?
I use this pallette and I love it. It fits well in my Sendak art roll. I like to have loads of colours so bought the extension pans and also put some mini pans in the small mixing trays. I can’t put the metal bar across but the two water trays fit snugly.
Those extension palettes are so clever! 😊
Oh goodness now that you have gotten this one too along with many other of my favorite artists I might have to give it a try. 😁 I already have a favorite travel palette that I love 💕 using though. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this one. Have a great weekend!
If you have a favourite that works for you there’s probably no need to buy another. I’m still searching for the best “easy” palette for larger works and am excited to try this out. I convinced myself that if I made a video about it to show others who might be interested that I could justify the purchase. 😅
Love this. They also sell little pans that fit in groove in the brush holder to give up to six more pans. Trying to figure out how to post a pic.
I’ve seen them!! How cool is that! 😊
Great review on this pallet. I also have it, but have never used it. I think I will try your color combinations for this palette and give it a go!
We can try it “together”! 😊
I am impressed with this palette. Like you said, they thought out the issues. Two brushes, two water containers, lots of mixing space, that elastic so you won't lose your clip.
Yes, none of the other all-in-one palettes are as thorough or easy to use in multiple scenarios.
I’m not usually a fan of plastic palettes either, but I will excuse the plastic in both the portable paint classic (and micro) because of the convenience of the water pot. I also love the amount of mixing space. I never do the “knee thing”, but I position it nearby on a stable surface. Along with Art Toolkit, it’s one of my go-to palettes. I haven’t used the brush very much because I added the little custom pans to the brush section. I used the included pans for the main 12, but it’s nice to know that others can squeeze in there too!
Yes, definitely! I’ll probably “get over” not liking the plastic mixing palette when I realise the practicality! 😊
The portable painter was my very first travel palette and I still love it! I noticed that you have a bag from Peg and Awl. I have been on the fence about ordering their messenger bag because it’s rather pricey so I’m curious to see how you like yours. I ordered the Sendak based on your review and I absolutely love it.
Omg I LOVE the bag! Now I need to save up for the tote bag so I can haul more art supplies. 😅
I have this pallet. I got it at the Meri artist in Mcminville Ore. I love it! The best travel pallet I have!
I love how everybody here seems to love it. 😊
I've been exclusively using my portable painter for the last year and it's served me really well. I did buy and art toolkit demi palette after you mentioned they were sold in the UK now so I'm excited to try that out as my everyday carry micro palette. Still, for anything bigger where I use my escoda travel brushes, the portable painter is the way to go. Also I found that brush to be surprisingly good. Not good enough to replace my precious escoda perla brushes but definitely usable.
Yes, for people on a budget that dual brush is a nice bonus! I can’t say I would prefer this over the Art Toolkit palettes, but it is definitely going to be a fun one to use! 😊
@@LeslieStroz I would agree if I had one of the bigger sizes from art toolkit but just the demi palette isn't enough for the scale I usually paint at. The bigger ones were sadly out of stock though. Same for all but the mini pans and all but the 2x4 mixing well.
Actually if you wouldn't mind, I'd love your thoughts on something: while experimenting with a cyan magenta yellow black palette, I found out that even with the 4x2 mixing well and the normal mixing area, I just didn't have enough space. This only seemed to get worse when using a water brush. It makes sense that the less colors you have, the more mixing space you need but I've worked with split primary before and I don't think I needed this much mixing space. Could it be that the amount of mixing space you need almost goes up exponentially the less colors you have? And do you have any tips on how to work with less mixing space?
I love my portable pallet! The brush is not that great in my opinion, but I love using it to apply masking fluid. There are new insert to put where the brush goes for more paint. It’s great to test out colors or use specialty colors. I love your website, & I got the folio & pocket pallets from art toolkit because your& Mind of watercolor recommendations. I love all the pallets, &use them all. It just depends on what I’m doing (I have different colors in each). I use my pocket pocket palette as a mixing palette for everything, event with my studio palette. It’s great for test mixes & 2 spots for new colors I’m not sure about which pallet I should put the colors in.
Yes, that sounds a lot like me… different palettes for different occasions or types of painting. It’s nice to hear how many others also like this palette. 😊
I'm sold on the dual brush. I was frustrated with only a tiny brush being there in the Winsor and Newton field kit which doesn't help with large washes across a page and a kit like Sakura Koi comes with a water brush. I carry a separate Sennelier Raphael travel brush because of this. The dual water containers and the ridges to hold the brushes are a huge benefit too.
Now I need to tell myself to continue using what's there for now and buy this later...
I was so excited to discover the hidden brush! If I’d read their instruction sheet more carefully I would have seen it, but I’m glad I figured it out before posting the video. Yes, it has many thoughtful features, and yes you should use what you already have and not feel slighted. 😊
Wow so handy and smart palette 😉 Even I'm not a huge fan of plastic honestly it's really cool and it could be a nice present for a outside painting beginner friend 😊👍
I wish a good Sunday 😘
I wouldn’t pick it over my other palettes, but I’m definitely impressed! I hope you have a lovely Sunday!! 😊
It's nice one. I like the idea. And yes, the color preference and type of pallete is also subjective. For me metal pallete works, and I carry small random container for water, 1 round medium size brush. That's it. It works well😅 for me. I never gave so much thought to it. But I love your wooden bigger set up too. That's so cool.. the tiny one and bigger one.
I have different preferences for different types of painting. I love my tiny GoDraw and my Art Toolkit palettes, and everything Peg&Awl! But this one is definitely very easy to set up and sturdy too. I’ll have to do a comparison of different set ups soon. 😊
@@LeslieStroz yes.. I'm looking forward to it .☺️
I bought one of those a while ago and haven’t used it. I think I will now! 😃
That’s great! 😊
Great review Leslie, I watched loads of videos on this before I bought mine and this is the best 🤩 its reminded me of features I’m not doing, I used it this week and got horrible backache because I had it on the ground next to me and was twisting to use it, I hadn’t remembered to use my knee or that its designed to rest my brush 🥵 I’m out again this week so I’ll be a lot happier 😂. Ive got an etchr slate (have you seen) and I wanted to stand my palette on the working surface without it sliding off so I put Velcro on the ends of the water pots and this works really well.
Thanks for the compliments. I watched a few reviews of it last night after I uploaded my video and worried it might not be as good. 😅 Yes, the features are really clever. In spite of being plastic, they have considered all of the real life issues travel artists encounter. I normally use Aquash brushes for plein air, so I like my tiny palettes and the Art Toolkit palettes, but for using travel brushes with “larger” paintings this is really so practical. I’m glad I reminded you of some of the features! Have a fun week painting! 😊
I hope you will find the Portable painer as useful as I do! I have even bought two of them -one for watercolour one for gouache. Good luck w trying it out!
I’m really looking forward to it!!😊
I'm fond of mine, although it has to compete with several other favorites. The pans are exactly the same as Winsor & Newton pans, if the poor fit of the other pans bothers you. The extras they offer through their website are actually the only way I've found to buy W&N sized pans without paint in them.
That’s a great tip, thanks! Maybe I’ll just make this my Winsor&Newton palette! 😊
I have one for dried squash, and I have one for watercolor.
I think this would be great for gouache! 😊
Hey.. New to your channel but I absolutely love your videos especially your mini paintings. Now I'm your top fan and I subscribed this channel as it became one of my favourites.. tons of love from India..🇮🇳❤
Oh thank you so much, and welcome! I have some fun painting adventures coming up soon. 😊
Very interesting!!!
I bought one about 1/2 way through Pleinairpril and used it for my last several days. At the time, I did not have any of the small wood palettes or the Art Toolkit ... I do now. I like the Portable Painter for the all in one (water/brush/paint) and small-ish size. At my home desk I use ceramic palettes and I do like the mixing on ceramic, the GoDraw and the ArtToolkit vs Portable Painter plastic. Ultimately, trade-offs for each as usual :) ! I did "rough up" the mixing areas of PP which helped. Also, take me comments with the knowledge that I am a VERY beginner watercolor painter so ??? I look forward to seeing what you think after using it.
Sounds like we have all the same palettes! 😅 I do really appreciate the water pots on this and how sturdy it all is. For travel brushes and sketchbook or postcard sized paintings this will be exciting to explore. 😊
I have it, its a great palette, plastic not a deal breaker. The design outweighs the issue some have with plastic vs metal.
I’ve not heard anyone who doesn’t like it yet, so that’s definitely a testament to the design. 😊
With a photographer's vest or cargo pants it's pocket sized.
True. More things to buy! 😅
Hearing you talk about color lightfastness reminded me, do you have any recommendations for books or resources on the subject? While companies I purchase paints from are pretty clear about lightfast ratings I'm regularly hearing references to certain pigments being less lightfast than others, even if they are considered some of the better pigments.
Check out the Color Pigment Index that tells you everything you need to know about each pigment. I definitely need to make a long video on the subject. 😊
As you were choosing colors to go into your palette, I thought of my favorite British painter, David Howell, and his color palette. I collected the colors he uses and then realized they (as a whole) didn’t really work with the bright, warm colors of Texas. Have you found that you changed your palette upon moving to England?
I haven’t really changed my colours (I tend to go for the classic, one pigment paints), but the paint BRANDS and “extra” colours on my palette are definitely influenced by location. If I lived in Texas or the Southwest I would likely explore a few extra reds! And I’d probably prefer paint brands that are a bit more vibrant, like Schmincke, M Graham, or Sennelier in lieu of the “softer” Winsor Newton, Daniel Smith, A Gallo, etc. We are so lucky to have options these days! 😊 Edit - I just looked up David Howell’s colours and can see how they wouldn’t easily represent the Texas landscape. I would add a Phthalo blue (for vibrant skies) and try transparent red oxide instead of burnt sienna since it’s more vibrant. 😊
@@LeslieStroz That was kind of you to take a look at DH's colors and make suggestions for Texas changes. I'm new to your channel -- I got here from your "all my travel palettes" video because I'm addicted 🤭 I haven't tried this one yet, and am tempted. For now, the art toolkit folio with 15 big pans works for me. I also like sealable water cups so I can pack it in/pack it out. I use a stackable two-cup set that I think is a snack container for toddlers. 😂 [edit -- I googled: the brand is Re-Play and it's called Snack Stack w/ Travel Lid]
I like plastic palettes because they don’t rust and are lighter… And things kinda rust quite a bit because it’s so humid here :( The dual ended brush is pretty clever. I’m curious about how this palette works on the go. I see so many people using it! It doesn’t fit in my current outside painting routine though because I prefer minimal set up time and more likely than not I’m just standing. That also means it’s aqua brush for me for the foreseeable future!
I love my tiny paintings and tiny painting setups, but these water pots definitely enticed me for when I’m using brushes (instead of Aquash brushes) and painting larger paintings plein air. It’s definitely a quicker set up than my usual. I plan to explore all of my setups more this summer and then I’ll have a better idea of my favourites. But the tiny paintings are here to stay for me. 😊
I am tempted by this but I've never seen a plus sized artist do a review and am not sure it will fit over my huge legs, lol.
I don't yet own this palette so I can't speak to it personally, but I did find this review on Blicks from "Lanie" (the most recent review for the item):
"I was kind of skeptical about buying this but after using it a few times it is exactly what I needed!! I am a heavier set woman and this states that it can sit on your knee once assembled (which is why I was weary) but it fits over my knee just fine. I will say though, if I am wearing leggings it likes to slide around a lot but the water reservoirs also act as a stand which is really nice. The pans were glued in but with some tweezers and a bit of force I got them out! My regular pans don't fit as well as the ones that were supplied with the set but they fit well enough and the palette closes just fine."
I know it's still kind of vague, but I wonder if it would help to consider the length of the palette (5 1/2 inches or 14 cm) in relation to your leg? Of course, the size of your leg ""changes"" (so to speak) sitting down, so... agh, honestly it's so tricky ): I hope you're able to find the answers you're looking for!
To be fair, I’m not sure if I’ll ever put it on my knee, but I like how STURDY the palette is all on its own with the water pots attached. I also like that it’s raised above the palettes; usually the water pots are taller. They show photos of it on fences, backpacks and even sofa arms, so there are plenty of options. 😊
I am looking at the Peg and Awl bags ..may I ask if your one is the finch satchel? … I am trying to choose between that and the tote bag to carry my art supplies 😊
It’s the Finch and I love it! I do plan to eventually get the tote for when I’m carrying a lot of supplies! 😅
I recently bought the tote and love it! Today I had the Sendak roll, my "wallet", my iPad Pro (11.9) and various other normal carry items. I typically carry an ArtTookkit "Pocket Toolkit" zippered bag, wallet, water bottle and normal carry items. I find the interior pockets plus exterior allow me to stow thinks like lotion, mints, small microfiber, eyeglass case, headphone case ... as well as my art supplies and as noted even my largish iPad. It is not heavy, even with all of that and the strap works for shoulder or crossbody. For me, the satchel was just a bit small if I wanted to take my iPad and/or laptop. I like the look of the satchel better, though ... always tough tradeoffs !!
Thanks for reviewing this amazing, very well thought through pallet! The only thing that would bother me is drying and cleaning the deep (which is perfect for painting) water tanks right after painting and before reassembling, i guess. Because they fit so well I think they need to be completely dry and clean. Is that an issue? Or does it just seem more inconvenient than it actually is?
I’ve wondered about that too. It definitely might be an issue, but I’m pretty careful with my palettes, so I’ll likely wipe it out with a tissue before packing it up and then opening it up as soon as I get home to properly dry out. For people who don’t want to bother with art chores after painting it might not be the best though.
@@LeslieStrozI'm pretty careful with my palettes, too and I don't mind the chores. I just need it to be simple to pack my stuff when I am in the field (and then take care of everything at home). Can you maybe report on this aspect after the first use? Because everything else seems quite convincing ❤
@@LeslieStroz btw...right now I am using a little Schmincke pallet for outside painting. Actually it looks exactly like your little enamelled Cornelissen. Often I use an aqua brush. When I want to use my other brushes I take two really tiny jam jars already filled with water with me. Downside: they are small and I need to put them somewhere on a stable surface. It's all just about the best compromise 😅
If you don't mind me asking, why don't you like plastic palettes? What are the cons have you found with them?
I don’t like that they are more prone to staining and in general look worn out after very little use. I also don’t usually think the mixing wells are as good. But maybe I’ll like this one. 😊
@LeslieStroz Oh, I see! Thanks for sharing your personal experience with them. I hope this one serves you well and lasts for many years to come. 🙏
😂 Ordered mine yesterday...
Ooh! We’ll be trying it “together.” 😊
Hi, I don't know if you know, but the screenshot from your video with a small wooden pallet serves as an advertisement for it on a certain Chinese website starting with the letter T.
Rhymes with schme-mu? (I don't know why that's the first word that popped into my head 😂)
Ugh, thank you for telling me. I am constantly having to chase people who steal my photos and videos for false advertising. 😢
These palettes are great but very expensive
I think I’m jaded because I thought it was affordable for what it offers. 😅
I also do not like a plastic pallet. When I'm mixing colors on a porcelain pallet, the water stays spread so I can see what's happening to the color, whereas with the plastic surface it beads up.
Not for me, it is too big and clumsy. I love the tiny paintings and tiny palettes. This palette is very popular I know but to me it is boring! There is nothing about it that makes me want to go paint! To each is own 🤗
I hear you. That’s exactly how I felt about it too… until I held it. But yes, the tiny palettes are always going to be my favourites.❤
Thanks for this. I join the two water cups with the silicone band (and secure the clip) rather than use it as described. I use it always on a table or easel and this is a more stable solution. I like the design overall. However, I am always anxious I will lose the aluminium clip or the silicone band. 😮 I use the space where the brush goes to carry some extra white gouache. PP launched some cool extension for that pace, but I cannot justify the £20 or them, when the palette itself is £27. I am sure you will like it. It is sturdy and functional. Let us know how you like it as you paint along.