Something funny, even as energetic as you usually are, it is so relaxing to watch your watercolor videos...I like to watch them even when I am not painting along, just kind of soothing to watch you paint and hear you talking. Thanks!
I really like the way you do the comparisons. It is very helpful for those who don't wish to spend a small fortune trying to find the best tool for the job at hand. You certainly helped me to make up my mind about this product. Thank you.
I actually just happened to pick up one of the smaller XL mixed media journals last night. It was a "it's on sale" buy. I recently got back into sketching and wanted a smaller book to take everywhere. I am also excited to start watercolor again. You have really inspired me and taught me a plethora of new things. So thank you and keep being amazing!
I got mine today, I got the travel set for $19.00 from amazon. it included 8 wn water color pens, sizes 0 and 6 wn round brushes, a water bottle, a collapsible water bucket, a small pad of wn watercolor paper. all in a nice zippered travel case.
I priced Winsor & Newton watercolor markers online and found that the best price is currently at Dick Blick. They are also having a discounted price for everything in your basket if you spend over $129 (I think) until midnight tonight. After putting the markers in my basket along with all the other stuff I have been collecting (I love that I can keep items in my basket for an indefinite period of time!), I spent over the minimum and got 15% off my order and free shipping (but I chose Fed Ex for only $4 so I can get my shipment a week sooner because I'm waiting for some white markers to finish a drawing). Thank you for helping me to decide to get the Winsor & Newton watercolor markers. They have excellent reviews on Dick Blick, so even if you hadn't already sold me on this new product, the reviews would have. I can't wait to start playing with them!
I love your videos so much! It's so soothing to just listen and watch you paint. I'm a high school student stressing out about college, and your videos really inspires to paint on the weekends. I may not be the most artistic person, but it is quite therapeutic and stress-relieving to create random paintings :) thank you for making these wonderful videos!
Hey, great review video, the W&N markers look very good! I use Letraset Aquamarkers a lot and find its all down to the paper you use. Some papers seem to stain with them and others are terrific with them, Bockingford 'St Cuthberts Mill' being a major favourite of mine 😀
thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with the different brands as well as demonstrating this particular brand. very interesting and informative. I like your personality too. I look forward to seeing more of your videos. Happy Easter to you and your family. God bless you. Linda Lee
Love your tip on buying just a few of one marker to try it out. I live in London, so craft supplies are scarce, but I recently went to hobbycraft for the first time (never been before because it's quite a long journey) and discovered that they had single copic markers. I have been wanting to invest in a 72 piece set, but thought I'd try them out. I adore the brush tip, it's so lovely to use. They blend beautifully, I think I'll have to get the set. Love the video, by now I have learnt to tone out the water pump and furnace noises, it's pretty much a normal noise to me now ;)
In the UK you can get them on Amazon for £34 plus shipping for a pack of 12 which I don't think is too bad a price. I love your pages in this video - the colours look so vivid and bright and the markers look like they blend really well. Definitely one worth considering in the future!
Wow I bought a couple of these at Michael's a few weeks ago and they were only about $1.40 per marker! I feel really lucky haha they were on clearance I suppose because alot of people seem to have trouble with them blending but I'm not entirely sure.
I would love to see you paint a Calla Lily, they are my favourite flower! I have been binge watching your tutorials and ordered some Winsor watercolour pans, Inktense pencils and watercolour paper, been years since I painted, but I am so excited to try my hand at it again! Thanks for all the information and inspiration
Will you please do a Jack-in-the-Pulpit. One of my spring favorites. I have the derwent intense and regular colors. I asked for this last spring so I hope you can fit it in this year. Great videos as always. Thanks
Thank,s for doing this review! I found them at Blick do you know a coupon code for Blick? I want to get the set of 12 and some of the extra colors. This will be my 1st full set of watercolor markers!
I found a 3 pack for 3 dollars w green and blues. can't wait to try them out. very new to water color so I ask if these will work well at all on Canson or Copic Marker Paper?
Oh no. I want these! I think I'd rather spring for a few of these (on sale of course) rather than purchase the spectrums initially. I have this habit of trying something out, loving it and eventually investing in a nicer line anyway. I have a nice collection of Cotman watercolors (my local Jerry's put them on clearance and isn't selling them anymore so I got a even better deal on them) but now I'm slowly purchasing artist quality when I see a good sale or as I run out of the cotman color. I can see such a difference! I don't think I would have appreciated the difference if I hadn't worked with the cotman to start tho. From this video, these markers look much more like actual watercolors than the other lines. Beautiful! Thank you for the review! And I'm with you on the distress markers. I have 3 sets from a joanns sale and I haven't been impressed. The best way I've found is to color the ink on a acrylic block and drop the ink in with a brush. Much less streaky looking. But I hardly reach for them.
Hi Lindsay. I just ran across your page. Watched the Windsor Newton demo on watercolour markers and also your Spectrum Noir Watercolour discussion. I live in Australia but will be coming to the US next week and want to buy a set but not sure which is best--the spectrum Noir or Windsor Newton. I'm not an artist but use the pens for cardmaking and scrapbooking. If I go for the Windsor Newton, what would be your suggestion for colour. I had planned to purchase the entire 48 pen range of the Spectrums. Any info would be much appreciated.
Pamela Fuda Honestly the WN are a better marker but the Spectrums are more than sufficient for cards and scrapbooks and you can get so much more for your money with the SNs. You would get more for your monet to buy a small set of pan watercolors rather than the markers. The WN markers are great but for scrapbooking the fine tips on the SNs will be much more useful and they are 1/3 the price.
Thank you for fiving us the opportunity to learn from your purchases before we make the investment. This was a great video. Btw I hope you do not worry too much about the water pump. It is a must and if some are bothered by it they must not have wnough in their own lives to worry about. Lol!! You are a special young lady to do all that you do.
I really enjoyed this video. I have a lot of watercolor markers and I never know which ones to use. I don't have Windsor & Newton yet. I do have Copics only they are not water color, are they? Also I thought Tombows were watercolors. Am I right? Thanks Shirah Penn
When the end came off the marker, revealing the core, do you get that with spectrum noir? I have been getting that loads with them (not the water colour ones but the regular ones) and the ink is quite leaky near the tips (maybe because I have such a hard time taking the lids off?) I'm curious whether it's a dodgy batch or how they are in general?
+The Craft Cuckoo I have not had that happen, I would email crafter's companion customer servise and tell them I said you should. I have talked to Bindi there, she is helpful, this should not happen. Send a photo of what is happening and the markers you have and I bet they will replace them.
Great review, Lindsay! I've had my eye on these markers for months. I heard they don't work quite as well on cotton rag watercolor paper, that once the color is drawn on, it's harder to get the color to move around with water. Could be why Winsor & Newton made a special paper pad just for these markers that's not 100% cotton. Maybe you try them out on cotton rag and let us know? Also, FYI, Michaels has several sets of 6 and 3 markers that would be a good deal with a coupon. Thanks for the great videos!
JessicaCinNY I think you want a paper with a lot of sizing so the markers ink doesn't absorb and 100% cotton can be very absorbent. A 25% cotton paper works well or one that is internally and externally sized like Canson Montville.
I have a had time blending watercolor pencils, are these more blendable? I usually work on small projects like watercolor cards. Thanks for the review!
Shelly Parchman those are nice pencils, try a waterbased blender pen for more control and better blending. Keep working with them, make a color chart, they are good ones!
Hi lindsay I have a question for you, you spoke a lot about getting coupons for these products and I wondered can you still get these coupons if you are overseas,and where would I find them please. Great vid once again. Xxxx
Kim Hi Kim, often these American companies offer a freight forwarding service. Usually you need to email them, at that time you can ask about using coupons. Or you can fill your basket with a coupon and screenshot it and email about the freight forwarding service so you can see then if they will take the price. You may be responsible for tarrifs, I'm not sure. Someone said Amazon UK had a good price on the 12 sets so be sure to compare what you can get locally with any taxes and shipping you might be subject to.
Hi Lindsay, Another great video, very informative and beautiful illustration. I've been looking to buy watercolor markers and trying to decide between the Spectrum Noir and now Windsor & Newton. Would you say there is a difference in quality of pigments between those two?
Princess Ross the spectrum Noir are alcohol so I think you mean spectrum Aqua, I think the W&N have pigments and the SA use dyes. The tips are nicer on the W&Ns but they are also much more expensive. The W&Ns are higher quality and have a good lightfast rating where as the SAs have no rating. There are more colors in the SA line, lots of good skin tones. I guess it boild down to what you want to use them for and budget.
Yes I meant SN Aqua, thank you for clarifying that. I just ordered the W&N with the coupon code you gave us and can't wait to try them. Thank you for that also, you are awesome. Eventually I'll probably buy the SN Aqua too, I'm bad that way.
Come to this video after watching your more recent review on w&n pigment marker pens. I think out of the two I'd be more inclined to buy these, but still unsure if I'd be buying cos of novelty rather than actual need. Mind you, that could be said of all my growing craft stash! Hehehe - ill look out for deals on amazon prime and if a good one comes along ill buy a basic colour set as they seem great at blending, do won't need more than six. Thanks for another honest review. X
+Michelle Collett these are a much better buy as you can use them on any watercolor or mixed media paper. I am very happy with them. Jerry's has a good price and coupon when I got these. I should have got more lol!
Hi Lindsay can you recommend a suitable watercolour paper for these I tried using WN 300 GSM cotton paper it's very rough and thick and seems to drink the paint and not lift or mix
Thank you. I like watching your tutorials. Quick question re: refilling (at my own risk, of course)....what would you use to refill with? Thanks in advance
thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich Thank you! I love finding out about new products like this. You can use the ink to fill the watercolor brushes, couldn't you?
Lindsay, Have you ever done a tutorial on the KOH-I- NOOR water soluble colored pencils. I just saw a set of 72 for $47.00 and no shipping. Is that a good price? Are these pencils any good? Thanks
Deirdre Powers I have not used them but a viewer recommended them highly to me, they other pencils are a good buy and that is a good price. Check reviews on Amazon and Blick to see what others say.
Thanks for your review, very informative as always. As I'm new at this 'world of watercolours' what's the difference between using a watercolour marker and a watercolour pencil? As I said I'm new, maybe it's a silly question so... be kind! Thanks a lot.
Miriam Pastori Mainly depends on how you want to apply it, I prefer paint for large paintings and pencils for rubber stamping or smaller projects. Markers are great for immediate work. Pencils are good for people who have to start and stop during the work. You can color in a few settings and wait intul you have time to add water. Once you lay markers and paint down you need to do your blending right away. I hope that helps! I enjoy all media.
Nichole Parker depends...Do you mean Spectrum Aqua, the watercolor kind? If I was creating artwork that I intended to frame I would pick W&N, life if I went on vacation and just brought my watercolor pad and markers I would bring my W&N because they could be framed like a watercolor without worring of faing, but if it was for cardmaking or scrapbooking or art journaling (thinkgs that will be closed in a book most of the time or a card that will be mailed and likely not kept) I would choose the SA because there are more colors and they are so much more cheaper. Also for scrapbookers and journerlers the had plastic nibs are better for writing. I have to also say I would honestly be more likely to bring a tiny paint palette and a waterbrush on vacation and not markers at all... The W&N are better quality BUT you have to consider the cost and if you need the extra lightfastness.
can dry markers, dried out markers be refreshed? mybe with Glycerin as you can do with inkpds? I have sserveral that have gotten ink in them, but dried out, and it doesn t come out from the unboxing, seeveral in a pack did great others never did it good enough or not at all, and make a very dry sound. :-(
Thank you thank you thank you XxXxX ive had a set of 12 for ages but was always upset with the result they just didn't blend with water unless i used yupo but you mentioned that you were using carson mixed media paper and i have some so tried it and just perfect Id tried 3 different watercolour papers heavy cartridge and printer paper (so just keep trying if anyone has the same problem)
I bought a set and had the same problem where the whole tip of the marker came off showing the center of the barrel. I found them to be dry-ish Since they are new do you think I can just add some water to the barrel and get a good result?
The Real Mythril no unless Letraset has changed, I found my Letraset markers pilled a tthe tip, they have a large and small bullet tip, Windsor & Newton have a brush and bullet tip.
Anyone know what kind of notebook she's using? I really want a sketchbook for watercolor but haven't had much luck with one hats more than 12 sheets -.-
I love these because they are like fast. Other markers are less expensive, but what's the point in using them if they are not light fast? In my opinion anyway... I was thrilled when you mentioned the refill potential. Have you sent tried this? Thank you love your videos as always Lindsay
Can I ask what paper you're using? I bought these and they do not blend as well as yours do, I have to work really fast for them to blend well. I'm using mont mart 300gsm rough watercolour paper. I hope you can reply bc I'm very sad that I can't use my markers properly ):
It's a water brush. You buy them in stores or online. It's a barrel that unscrews you out water inside and you can get varying width of brush tips from fine to wide. Great for using with watercolour pencils too.
Interesting. I saw another review where these did not blend at all. They were terrible. And I see some other commenters seem to have the same problem. Yours are blending great and the colors are great. I think for the price I might not risk it. Just my thought...
Beth Arcuri sometimes distributors get defect products through shipping you can always try your markers in the shop to see wether they blend or not I bought last year a huge set of copics and it was really dry and out of ink so believe me any product should be tested in the store first that's why her review is different now I use promarkers they work well for me but for the copics it was a waste of money
Beth Arcuri Some other reviewers use the wrong paper and leave them too long before blending with water. These are best blended as soon as colour goes down, or use a porcelain tinting saucer and rub the marker on it and use like watercolour.
This was great. I received the spectrum noire recently and they are good but these are nice and bright which works well for my style and seem very juicy and blend able which was somewhat of a problem with the spectrum noire. Shannon
I just bought these I now have 9 colors. I was shocked cause when I went to use them for the first time on my water color paper and then right away used my water brush pen over it. MINE DID NOT BLEND AT ALL! Your's are smooth and blend great. I don't understand what is going on! I am sad and freaking out! HELP! They act like regular markers and just stain! HELP
+Mrs. Mom Next Door I'm testing these right now so I can offer some suggestions: You need to use these on a good quality watercolor paper. Cheaper papers aren't sized as well and will absorb the pigment and not release it. I tried them on the first paper I had handy (some old Strathmore) and they absorbed instantly and wouldn't blend. You might need to test a few papers to find one that releases well for you. I'm using Arches and W&N watercolor marker paper at the moment and they release well. I do have to apply and blend quickly before the pigment is dry. Also, some colors are more staining than others. If you're having problems with a particular color leaving "marker marks" you can swipe the marker on a palette instead and pick the color up from there with your brush. Maybe one of those tips will help you.
+thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich I know right! I almost didn't pick them up. I did find that they ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT blend or spread in my dylusions journal.
yes i understand about them drying out. i picked up one of my tim holts ones. never used and it was completely dryed out totally. i wasn't happy. i must check all the other ones. i got the whole range in them thinking they would be good water based ones. now i wish i had got the stampin up ones.
***** I don't know, I wonder if maybe there were problems when they first came out, that is when I got mine. How long ago did you buy yours? I never bought more because they seemed so inconsistant. You could add reinker to the markers and a bit of glycerin to rejuice them. I don't think you should have to if they are new but hey, it is better than tossing them. I have not had a problem with other TH products either, just the markers.
I have had them for about 2 years! I bought the whole set which here in Australia was close to $140!!! But never used them until now! Isn't that terrible hehe. I just watched a Timmy vid and he dipped them into distress stain to make them more vibrant! Could try that I guess! Thanx for your quick response:) love your vids:))
i got mine at the end of last year. not long ago. so should be fine. i'm not buying anymore of his pens or inks now its really put me off. i got the whole set and it wasn't cheap. going to save for Stampin Up ones. at least they are refillable
Rookie question: I love your digital stamps, but I don't understand how to use them. I understand a lot about computers, digital downloads, etc. I'm just not sure how it works in the art world. I love you videos. I try to get one in each day. If I don't I binge and watch a few a day. They help calm me down so I can go to sleep. Not that you are boring. I mean that in the nicest way.
I have a friend who might be getting me some of these in the future. Thanks for the video (water pump and all). The tips and tricks were really quite useful for me. I use Copics too, and these remind me a bit of Copics. It will be a nice upgrade for my watercolor painting (I've just been using the cheap Koh-i-Noor watercolor pan) :)
Thanks for a great review. I like them because the colors are similar to the W&N tube watercolors I use and will mix with watercolor paints easily. However, it seems most of the colors I've used (I bought the basic six in a tin, then 6 more individual pens) are like the sap green: very vivid. I've used them on Arches watercolor paper for small projects or to fill in detail areas on larger projects. Love these markers for their lightfastness, too.
there £3.99 here in the uk that works out as 5.97 US Dollar or you said there were $2.95 that converts to 1.97 British Pound Sterling there cheaper in the USA than they are in the uk
Andy Coakes They retail for $5.99 USD but I got them on sale with a coupon on top so I paid $2.69 USD each. A few months ago Windsor & newton had free samples on their facebook page for UK residents. Maybe they will run it again. Shop around, if US stores are offering specail pricing maybe yours will to.
I too have a marker problem. I really want them all. But I did let my granddaughter s use my tombows and they held up pretty good. The markers are about 6mons old the grandkids almost 6 and 4 . They thought it was fun using grandmas special markers. We colored for hours. My daughter was worried and no she wouldn't have got to use moms special stuff when she was little.but im older and wiserl
C. Massey-Barber if they were all priced the same it would be Windsor & Newton, I feel the tips are higher quality and they will not fade for a long time. But the Best Value is Spectrum Aqua.
Thank you so much for this review, you are brutally honest and that's what everyone loves about you. I have 36 Whispers markers that I have had for years (really expensive even in the sale) and were too afraid to use them because of the cost. Since I found yr channel I blend with them everyday and they are still going strong. I have 3 questions - What do you use the alcohol ones for rather than the water based? What is the best alcohol based or water based markers? If I were to purchase some alcohol markers what is the best ones and what colours should I go for first? I really hope you can help me understand all this because I didn't know there were 2 types until I found yr videos Keep up the faboulous arty crafty things as I'm loving the video's. Dee x
arieswomandi Instead of best or worse I think that different markers have different features. If they were all priced the same I'd say Tria by Letraset and Copic Sketch were the best markers in the alcohol category. BUT a copic is $7 and a Promarker is $3 and I don't think a Copic is 2x better than a promarker. All alcohol markers will work together (and all watercolor markers will work together) so I recommend you buy a couple of each line before making a big investment and see what YOU like best. Keep in mind red and purples will not blend easily so make sure you try a color that is not a red or purple in each line to get a fair representation.
I believe the reason for the price is because they are true Watercolor markers as opposed to all the other ones which are dyes. If you think about how pigmented they are AND that they are watercolors AND intermixable with their watercolor tubes and pans, I think that $6 per marker is a bit more understandable. Also, remember Dick Blick has them for $3.70 everyday so I think they are def worth $4/marker (and even $6) for artists who may spend up to $40 for a color at times. Not crafters though. Crafters can basically do the same thing with dye based ones. The trouble is when you are an artist who crafts like you or myself. (sometimes I end up using professional materials in my crafts while cringing at the cost).
T Kim I do too but it is probably cheaper in the long run because the supplies should go farther. It is nice that there are so many options so everyone can afford to create;)
thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich Hi Lindsay - Great review and demo. Since I use these in my sketching work, I have to say these are really great. Though I prefer Copic's and I'm happy to pay the up front cost, because the overall cost of ownership is lower (I can refill the ink, replace the nibs/brush tips and save big money in the end), none of that would matter if the performance weren't there. These FC watercolors markers are different enough from Copics, that I tried to avoid a comparison, but I like that you stacked them all up and tried them out. Picking them up for $2.69 is a GREAT deal and I'd be happy to pay that and a bit more for these. The pigments are such that I end up using very little and they last longer. Anyway, I enjoyed the review as always and even the water pump segment. :-)
Owings Art That darn water-pump, it is going to give me an fit one of these days LOL! I love how easy these are to blend but I still think I would grab a small watercolor pan set and waterbrush for feild sketching but I really liked these markers and $2.69 is less than craft grade markers. I think I have a marker problem though LOL!
KCD Designs because that is the actual brand name"Windsor & Newton Water Colour Markers" they are a UK based company. I wanted people searching for a review to be able to find it:)
Something funny, even as energetic as you usually are, it is so relaxing to watch your watercolor videos...I like to watch them even when I am not painting along, just kind of soothing to watch you paint and hear you talking. Thanks!
I really like the way you do the comparisons. It is very helpful for those who don't wish to spend a small fortune trying to find the best tool for the job at hand. You certainly helped me to make up my mind about this product. Thank you.
I'm not an artist and I don't know how I got here but I actually liked the video, you kept me interested and I watched the whole thing
I actually just happened to pick up one of the smaller XL mixed media journals last night. It was a "it's on sale" buy. I recently got back into sketching and wanted a smaller book to take everywhere. I am also excited to start watercolor again. You have really inspired me and taught me a plethora of new things. So thank you and keep being amazing!
I got mine today, I got the travel set for $19.00 from amazon. it included 8 wn water color pens, sizes 0 and 6 wn round brushes, a water bottle, a collapsible water bucket, a small pad of wn watercolor paper. all in a nice zippered travel case.
Wow that sounds awesome !
I priced Winsor & Newton watercolor markers online and found that the best price is currently at Dick Blick. They are also having a discounted price for everything in your basket if you spend over $129 (I think) until midnight tonight. After putting the markers in my basket along with all the other stuff I have been collecting (I love that I can keep items in my basket for an indefinite period of time!), I spent over the minimum and got 15% off my order and free shipping (but I chose Fed Ex for only $4 so I can get my shipment a week sooner because I'm waiting for some white markers to finish a drawing). Thank you for helping me to decide to get the Winsor & Newton watercolor markers. They have excellent reviews on Dick Blick, so even if you hadn't already sold me on this new product, the reviews would have. I can't wait to start playing with them!
Very cool. I am a window painter by trade but I like checking out what other artists are doing, keep up the awesome work!
I love your videos so much! It's so soothing to just listen and watch you paint. I'm a high school student stressing out about college, and your videos really inspires to paint on the weekends. I may not be the most artistic person, but it is quite therapeutic and stress-relieving to create random paintings :) thank you for making these wonderful videos!
June Lin Don't stress, everything will fall into place. Good luck!
I love watching your reviews, it's nice to see someone use them before deciding to purchase or not.
Hey, great review video, the W&N markers look very good! I use Letraset Aquamarkers a lot and find its all down to the paper you use. Some papers seem to stain with them and others are terrific with them, Bockingford 'St Cuthberts Mill' being a major favourite of mine 😀
thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with the different brands as well as demonstrating this particular brand. very interesting and informative. I like your personality too. I look forward to seeing more of your videos. Happy Easter to you and your family. God bless you. Linda Lee
Thanks for the review. The colors seem to be very vivid...I like that.
Dick Blick sells them for $3.70.
Love your tip on buying just a few of one marker to try it out. I live in London, so craft supplies are scarce, but I recently went to hobbycraft for the first time (never been before because it's quite a long journey) and discovered that they had single copic markers. I have been wanting to invest in a 72 piece set, but thought I'd try them out. I adore the brush tip, it's so lovely to use. They blend beautifully, I think I'll have to get the set. Love the video, by now I have learnt to tone out the water pump and furnace noises, it's pretty much a normal noise to me now ;)
Niall White I usually buy my markers individually because there are colors in sets I will never use.
I might do that. There isn't a huge colour range in hobbycraft, but thanks for the idea :)
In the UK you can get them on Amazon for £34 plus shipping for a pack of 12 which I don't think is too bad a price. I love your pages in this video - the colours look so vivid and bright and the markers look like they blend really well. Definitely one worth considering in the future!
SherbertPipWish thanks for sharing that withthe UK viewers:)
I must know what that clear marker is at 7:20? What is it used for and where can I get it? Great video! Thanks for all the tips!
+Amanda Smith was it the stsmpin up blender pen or water brush?
the water brush
Wow I bought a couple of these at Michael's a few weeks ago and they were only about $1.40 per marker! I feel really lucky haha they were on clearance I suppose because alot of people seem to have trouble with them blending but I'm not entirely sure.
Thanks for the review lindsay😊. You are amazing!!!!! can you make other video using the Windsor and newton watercolor markers?
vanessa mendoza sure but you can use these in place of any watercolor markers in other videos too:)
I would love to see you paint a Calla Lily, they are my favourite flower! I have been binge watching your tutorials and ordered some Winsor watercolour pans, Inktense pencils and watercolour paper, been years since I painted, but I am so excited to try my hand at it again! Thanks for all the information and inspiration
Will you please do a Jack-in-the-Pulpit. One of my spring favorites. I have the derwent intense and regular colors. I asked for this last spring so I hope you can fit it in this year. Great videos as always. Thanks
I LOVE Windsor and Newton, I use them for drawing and typography :)
Thank,s for doing this review! I found them at Blick do you know a coupon code for Blick? I want to get the set of 12 and some of the extra colors. This will be my 1st full set of watercolor markers!
Can you try doing something abstract related with the markers plz plz?
Wonderful work Lindsay!!! Thank you for sharing. Can you please tell me which paper you ve used?
Katha Pe Canson XL Mixed Media journal
Great tutorial, love the W&N markers, they are a bit cheaper in my local art store here in Sweden, I might give them a try!
I found a 3 pack for 3 dollars w green and blues. can't wait to try them out. very new to water color so I ask if these will work well at all on Canson or Copic Marker Paper?
They might but I like to add water to these so I pick watercolor or mixed media paper. You got a great deal by the way!
Yet another fantastic review. Thank you!
what happens to the markerspoint,after blending> how doe you keep them clean and clear.How dow you refill ,and where do you purchase them???
M.E. Cornelis I got mine at Jerry's Artarama online, you can scribble off the marker is there is any color on it.
These are such beautiful markers! I would so love to get them one day.
Oh no. I want these!
I think I'd rather spring for a few of these (on sale of course) rather than purchase the spectrums initially. I have this habit of trying something out, loving it and eventually investing in a nicer line anyway. I have a nice collection of Cotman watercolors (my local Jerry's put them on clearance and isn't selling them anymore so I got a even better deal on them) but now I'm slowly purchasing artist quality when I see a good sale or as I run out of the cotman color. I can see such a difference! I don't think I would have appreciated the difference if I hadn't worked with the cotman to start tho. From this video, these markers look much more like actual watercolors than the other lines. Beautiful! Thank you for the review!
And I'm with you on the distress markers. I have 3 sets from a joanns sale and I haven't been impressed. The best way I've found is to color the ink on a acrylic block and drop the ink in with a brush. Much less streaky looking. But I hardly reach for them.
I love your'e videos so much! Thank you for everything that you do with your'e videos. I love them!
In my art store I can buy these for around 2.80 euros each, so is it worth buying them for that price?
Hi Lindsay. I just ran across your page. Watched the Windsor Newton demo on watercolour markers and also your Spectrum Noir Watercolour discussion. I live in Australia but will be coming to the US next week and want to buy a set but not sure which is best--the spectrum Noir or Windsor Newton. I'm not an artist but use the pens for cardmaking and scrapbooking. If I go for the Windsor Newton, what would be your suggestion for colour. I had planned to purchase the entire 48 pen range of the Spectrums. Any info would be much appreciated.
Pamela Fuda Honestly the WN are a better marker but the Spectrums are more than sufficient for cards and scrapbooks and you can get so much more for your money with the SNs. You would get more for your monet to buy a small set of pan watercolors rather than the markers. The WN markers are great but for scrapbooking the fine tips on the SNs will be much more useful and they are 1/3 the price.
can u do a video on drawing peace lily.. Please
Thank you for fiving us the opportunity to learn from your purchases before we make the investment. This was a great video. Btw I hope you do not worry too much about the water pump. It is a must and if some are bothered by it they must not have wnough in their own lives to worry about. Lol!! You are a special young lady to do all that you do.
I really enjoyed this video. I have a lot of watercolor markers and I never know which ones to use. I don't have Windsor & Newton yet. I do have Copics only they are not water color, are they? Also I thought Tombows were watercolors. Am I right? Thanks Shirah Penn
Shirah Penn correct, tombows are watercolor and Copic are not, they are alcohol based:)
When the end came off the marker, revealing the core, do you get that with spectrum noir? I have been getting that loads with them (not the water colour ones but the regular ones) and the ink is quite leaky near the tips (maybe because I have such a hard time taking the lids off?) I'm curious whether it's a dodgy batch or how they are in general?
+The Craft Cuckoo I have not had that happen, I would email crafter's companion customer servise and tell them I said you should. I have talked to Bindi there, she is helpful, this should not happen. Send a photo of what is happening and the markers you have and I bet they will replace them.
Great review, Lindsay! I've had my eye on these markers for months. I heard they don't work quite as well on cotton rag watercolor paper, that once the color is drawn on, it's harder to get the color to move around with water. Could be why Winsor & Newton made a special paper pad just for these markers that's not 100% cotton. Maybe you try them out on cotton rag and let us know? Also, FYI, Michaels has several sets of 6 and 3 markers that would be a good deal with a coupon. Thanks for the great videos!
JessicaCinNY I think you want a paper with a lot of sizing so the markers ink doesn't absorb and 100% cotton can be very absorbent. A 25% cotton paper works well or one that is internally and externally sized like Canson Montville.
I have a had time blending watercolor pencils, are these more blendable? I usually work on small projects like watercolor cards. Thanks for the review!
Shelly Parchman I think pencils are easier to blend, what brand are you using? that could be the problem.
I'm using Derwent's. Its not the pencils but my inexperience using them. Thanks for the help!
Shelly Parchman those are nice pencils, try a waterbased blender pen for more control and better blending. Keep working with them, make a color chart, they are good ones!
Fantastic work and informative video. Thank you kindly for the video!
Hi lindsay
I have a question for you, you spoke a lot about getting coupons for these products and I wondered can you still get these coupons if you are overseas,and where would I find them please. Great vid once again. Xxxx
Kim Hi Kim, often these American companies offer a freight forwarding service. Usually you need to email them, at that time you can ask about using coupons. Or you can fill your basket with a coupon and screenshot it and email about the freight forwarding service so you can see then if they will take the price. You may be responsible for tarrifs, I'm not sure.
Someone said Amazon UK had a good price on the 12 sets so be sure to compare what you can get locally with any taxes and shipping you might be subject to.
Hi Lindsay,
Another great video, very informative and beautiful illustration. I've been looking to buy watercolor markers and trying to decide between the Spectrum Noir and now Windsor & Newton. Would you say there is a difference in quality of pigments between those two?
Princess Ross the spectrum Noir are alcohol so I think you mean spectrum Aqua, I think the W&N have pigments and the SA use dyes. The tips are nicer on the W&Ns but they are also much more expensive. The W&Ns are higher quality and have a good lightfast rating where as the SAs have no rating. There are more colors in the SA line, lots of good skin tones. I guess it boild down to what you want to use them for and budget.
Yes I meant SN Aqua, thank you for clarifying that. I just ordered the W&N with the coupon code you gave us and can't wait to try them. Thank you for that also, you are awesome. Eventually I'll probably buy the SN Aqua too, I'm bad that way.
Princess Ross that's OK because the colors are different and you can use them together!
Come to this video after watching your more recent review on w&n pigment marker pens. I think out of the two I'd be more inclined to buy these, but still unsure if I'd be buying cos of novelty rather than actual need. Mind you, that could be said of all my growing craft stash! Hehehe - ill look out for deals on amazon prime and if a good one comes along ill buy a basic colour set as they seem great at blending, do won't need more than six. Thanks for another honest review. X
+Michelle Collett these are a much better buy as you can use them on any watercolor or mixed media paper. I am very happy with them. Jerry's has a good price and coupon when I got these. I should have got more lol!
Hi Lindsay can you recommend a suitable watercolour paper for these I tried using WN 300 GSM cotton paper it's very rough and thick and seems to drink the paint and not lift or mix
they work well in my canson XL mixed media book and those are cheap.
Ok will have to try get one on eBay
i have about 20 w/n water color makers and i bought
some spectrum aqua both excellent quality
Thank you. I like watching your tutorials.
Quick question re: refilling (at my own risk, of course)....what would you use to refill with?
Thanks in advance
Joyfulmomof6 probably liquid watercolor
thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich Do you mix it up yourself or purchase it in liquid form?
Joyfulmomof6 it comes liquid, I use the blick brand
thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich Thank you! I love finding out about new products like this. You can use the ink to fill the watercolor brushes, couldn't you?
Joyfulmomof6 sure:)
Lindsay, Have you ever done a tutorial on the KOH-I- NOOR water soluble colored pencils. I just saw a set of 72 for $47.00 and no shipping. Is that a good price? Are these pencils any good? Thanks
Deirdre Powers I have not used them but a viewer recommended them highly to me, they other pencils are a good buy and that is a good price. Check reviews on Amazon and Blick to see what others say.
Lindsay, Michael's carry these markers in the store. You can use your coupon!
Thanks for your review, very informative as always. As I'm new at this 'world of watercolours' what's the difference between using a watercolour marker and a watercolour pencil? As I said I'm new, maybe it's a silly question so... be kind! Thanks a lot.
Miriam Pastori Mainly depends on how you want to apply it, I prefer paint for large paintings and pencils for rubber stamping or smaller projects. Markers are great for immediate work. Pencils are good for people who have to start and stop during the work. You can color in a few settings and wait intul you have time to add water. Once you lay markers and paint down you need to do your blending right away. I hope that helps! I enjoy all media.
Thank you very much, now I know what to use... Very kind of you, as always!
Thanks for this review Lindsey. I was wondering what was the blend brush pen thing you used?
Have a lovely day.
Sadye Chester a water brush, you can also use a brush dipped in water. Choose a synthetic watercolor or acrylic brush, nothing too soft though.
I'm in England,uk Strood so where can I get the markers you used in the video It looks really good ! Love your videos 💘😍😍 xxxx
Shumera Tharmarajah another viwer said Amazon UK has the set of 12 for 34 pounds
W+N versus Spectrum Noir - which would you choose and why?
Nichole Parker depends...Do you mean Spectrum Aqua, the watercolor kind? If I was creating artwork that I intended to frame I would pick W&N, life if I went on vacation and just brought my watercolor pad and markers I would bring my W&N because they could be framed like a watercolor without worring of faing, but if it was for cardmaking or scrapbooking or art journaling (thinkgs that will be closed in a book most of the time or a card that will be mailed and likely not kept) I would choose the SA because there are more colors and they are so much more cheaper. Also for scrapbookers and journerlers the had plastic nibs are better for writing. I have to also say I would honestly be more likely to bring a tiny paint palette and a waterbrush on vacation and not markers at all... The W&N are better quality BUT you have to consider the cost and if you need the extra lightfastness.
I have been waiting for your review before I pulled the plug and got some. They are nice but I would rather just use paint. Thanks as always Lindsay.
they look very much like promarkers....are they refillable? i've seen a set for 42 dollars set of 12 in a tin on amazon
Maaike Uijthoven not per-se but I wi;ll refill mine if the niba are still in good shape:)
What brush did u use and where can j get them?
can dry markers, dried out markers be refreshed? mybe with Glycerin as you can do with inkpds? I have sserveral that have gotten ink in them, but dried out, and it doesn t come out from the unboxing, seeveral in a pack did great others never did it good enough or not at all, and make a very dry sound. :-(
+Janice James if they are dre inks you can use clycerin and water, f pigment try glycerin and a bit of alcohol
Thank you thank you thank you XxXxX ive had a set of 12 for ages but was always upset with the result they just didn't blend with water unless i used yupo but you mentioned that you were using carson mixed media paper and i have some so tried it and just perfect
Id tried 3 different watercolour papers heavy cartridge and printer paper (so just keep trying if anyone has the same problem)
I bought a set and had the same problem where the whole tip of the marker came off showing the center of the barrel. I found them to be dry-ish Since they are new do you think I can just add some water to the barrel and get a good result?
+K. Kay Byrnes can you return them? If not yes, some water should work
Can I use these in a colouring book? Do they bleed through?
Depends in the book. Thick pages are great with the watercolor markers.
Are the barrels and tips the same as the letraset aqua markers?
The Real Mythril no unless Letraset has changed, I found my Letraset markers pilled a tthe tip, they have a large and small bullet tip, Windsor & Newton have a brush and bullet tip.
Anyone know what kind of notebook she's using? I really want a sketchbook for watercolor but haven't had much luck with one hats more than 12 sheets -.-
Arrow Byrd Canson XL mixed media, 60 pages 90# for about $10-$20
What pen did you use to draw the flower, please?
Love your channel!
MsDanaGerous Pitt pen in Sepia, fine tip nib:)
I love these because they are like fast. Other markers are less expensive, but what's the point in using them if they are not light fast? In my opinion anyway... I was thrilled when you mentioned the refill potential. Have you sent tried this? Thank you love your videos as always Lindsay
I haven't cuz I have not run them dry.
I found these markets at Micheal's in sets 3,6, and 12. So with my 50% coupon got good deal. I find they to very mixable.You thank for review.:))
I trust your reviews, but will the paper tear with u do more than one layer?
depends on the paper, this mixed media paper is pretty robust, I have done paintings with several layers on it.
thanks for the review and the great video on how they work
Can I ask what paper you're using? I bought these and they do not blend as well as yours do, I have to work really fast for them to blend well. I'm using mont mart 300gsm rough watercolour paper. I hope you can reply bc I'm very sad that I can't use my markers properly ):
+ToreyTastic this is canson xl mixed media paper. It comes in a 9"x12" pad of 60 sheets for $6 and it is teriffic!
thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich thank youu!!
Whats the marker with water inside you used to brush the colours ??
It's a water brush. You buy them in stores or online. It's a barrel that unscrews you out water inside and you can get varying width of brush tips from fine to wide. Great for using with watercolour pencils too.
THANK YOU HAHA . i got them alrd !!
they are made in france
so they are pretty cheap in europe
ive checked my local store
normal price is 3.40 dollars or sth
Very useful! Thanks--I'm now going to go find a deal and buy some.
I love your picture. The Winsor Newton website says that these markers are pigment based unlike other waterbased markers that are dye based.
Jill Graf that is probably why they lift so will and don't stain the paper and why they are lightfast.
Oh wow. So they are truly "Watercolor" markers. Thanks for the research.
Interesting. I saw another review where these did not blend at all. They were terrible. And I see some other commenters seem to have the same problem. Yours are blending great and the colors are great. I think for the price I might not risk it. Just my thought...
Beth Arcuri sometimes distributors get defect products through shipping
you can always try your markers in the shop to see wether they blend or not
I bought last year a huge set of copics and it was really dry and out of ink so believe me any product should be tested in the store first
that's why her review is different
now I use promarkers they work well for me but for the copics it was a waste of money
Beth Arcuri Some other reviewers use the wrong paper and leave them too long before blending with water. These are best blended as soon as colour goes down, or use a porcelain tinting saucer and rub the marker on it and use like watercolour.
with the watercolor markers do you dip them in water?
Kori Howard no, that will push the color back into the barrell, use a wet brush to blend:)
Hey what is that name windsor
This was great. I received the spectrum noire recently and they are good but these are nice and bright which works well for my style and seem very juicy and blend able which was somewhat of a problem with the spectrum noire. Shannon
I just bought these I now have 9 colors. I was shocked cause when I went to use them for the first time on my water color paper and then right away used my water brush pen over it. MINE DID NOT BLEND AT ALL! Your's are smooth and blend great. I don't understand what is going on! I am sad and freaking out! HELP! They act like regular markers and just stain! HELP
I mentioned I did use my water brush. But thanks :) still having problems
+Mrs. Mom Next Door I'm testing these right now so I can offer some suggestions: You need to use these on a good quality watercolor paper. Cheaper papers aren't sized as well and will absorb the pigment and not release it. I tried them on the first paper I had handy (some old Strathmore) and they absorbed instantly and wouldn't blend. You might need to test a few papers to find one that releases well for you. I'm using Arches and W&N watercolor marker paper at the moment and they release well. I do have to apply and blend quickly before the pigment is dry. Also, some colors are more staining than others. If you're having problems with a particular color leaving "marker marks" you can swipe the marker on a palette instead and pick the color up from there with your brush. Maybe one of those tips will help you.
I just bout a 6 pack at micheals on clearance for 12.99. so about 2.10 a pen. I live them.
+maddhatterslover good deal!
+thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich I know right! I almost didn't pick them up. I did find that they ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT blend or spread in my dylusions journal.
+maddhatterslover They do need to be used on watercolor or mixed media paper I found.
What paper did you use on it? water color paper or marker paper?
+Kyung Lee Canson xl mixed media paper pad
yes i understand about them drying out. i picked up one of my tim holts ones. never used and it was completely dryed out totally. i wasn't happy. i must check all the other ones. i got the whole range in them thinking they would be good water based ones. now i wish i had got the stampin up ones.
Same thing happened to me! Not impressed at all! Normally I love all TH products:). Is there a solution I wonder?
***** I don't know, I wonder if maybe there were problems when they first came out, that is when I got mine. How long ago did you buy yours? I never bought more because they seemed so inconsistant. You could add reinker to the markers and a bit of glycerin to rejuice them. I don't think you should have to if they are new but hey, it is better than tossing them. I have not had a problem with other TH products either, just the markers.
I have had them for about 2 years! I bought the whole set which here in Australia was close to $140!!! But never used them until now! Isn't that terrible hehe. I just watched a Timmy vid and he dipped them into distress stain to make them more vibrant! Could try that I guess! Thanx for your quick response:) love your vids:))
i got mine at the end of last year. not long ago. so should be fine. i'm not buying anymore of his pens or inks now its really put me off. i got the whole set and it wasn't cheap. going to save for Stampin Up ones. at least they are refillable
Allaboutcraft Cool! Wonder if you can refill the markers with Distress Stains? Will have a perfect match and so economical!
Rookie question: I love your digital stamps, but I don't understand how to use them. I understand a lot about computers, digital downloads, etc. I'm just not sure how it works in the art world. I love you videos. I try to get one in each day. If I don't I binge and watch a few a day. They help calm me down so I can go to sleep. Not that you are boring. I mean that in the nicest way.
Pam Hammarlund I have an easy tutorial here: thefrugalcrafter.wordpress.com/2011/01/22/digistamping-for-dummies/
I have a friend who might be getting me some of these in the future. Thanks for the video (water pump and all). The tips and tricks were really quite useful for me. I use Copics too, and these remind me a bit of Copics. It will be a nice upgrade for my watercolor painting (I've just been using the cheap Koh-i-Noor watercolor pan) :)
Oh! And I LOVE Jerry's Artarama! It's so sad the owner just died a few weeks ago.
Thanks lindsay I will check it out.x
looks like we lose out again in the uk :(
Really useful demo, thank you.
Thanks for a great review. I like them because the colors are similar to the W&N tube watercolors I use and will mix with watercolor paints easily. However, it seems most of the colors I've used (I bought the basic six in a tin, then 6 more individual pens) are like the sap green: very vivid. I've used them on Arches watercolor paper for small projects or to fill in detail areas on larger projects. Love these markers for their lightfastness, too.
Was looking at them today .... maybe ..... THANKS so MUCH
there £3.99 here in the uk that works out as 5.97 US Dollar or you said there were $2.95 that converts to 1.97 British Pound Sterling there cheaper in the USA than they are in the uk
Andy Coakes They retail for $5.99 USD but I got them on sale with a coupon on top so I paid $2.69 USD each. A few months ago Windsor & newton had free samples on their facebook page for UK residents. Maybe they will run it again. Shop around, if US stores are offering specail pricing maybe yours will to.
I too have a marker problem. I really want them all. But I did let my granddaughter s use my tombows and they held up pretty good. The markers are about 6mons old the grandkids almost 6 and 4 . They thought it was fun using grandmas special markers. We colored for hours. My daughter was worried and no she wouldn't have got to use moms special stuff when she was little.but im older and wiserl
Anne Loder Children can learn to appreciate and respect good materials:)
What is your all-time favorite watercolor marker, price not withstanding?
C. Massey-Barber if they were all priced the same it would be Windsor & Newton, I feel the tips are higher quality and they will not fade for a long time. But the Best Value is Spectrum Aqua.
Thank you. I will see if our local art stores have them next time I go out. I buy most of my art supplies on Dick Blick. I helps save money.
Great review! I just can't keep up with all these Companies and the new products. Thank you :-}
Jeanie Gregory I know! I usually try to ignore it unless I get a lot of requests for reviews!
Very informative as usual. Thanks!
Thank you so much for this review, you are brutally honest and that's what everyone loves about you. I have 36 Whispers markers that I have had for years (really expensive even in the sale) and were too afraid to use them because of the cost. Since I found yr channel I blend with them everyday and they are still going strong.
I have 3 questions - What do you use the alcohol ones for rather than the water based? What is the best alcohol based or water based markers? If I were to purchase some alcohol markers what is the best ones and what colours should I go for first?
I really hope you can help me understand all this because I didn't know there were 2 types until I found yr videos
Keep up the faboulous arty crafty things as I'm loving the video's.
Dee x
arieswomandi Instead of best or worse I think that different markers have different features. If they were all priced the same I'd say Tria by Letraset and Copic Sketch were the best markers in the alcohol category. BUT a copic is $7 and a Promarker is $3 and I don't think a Copic is 2x better than a promarker. All alcohol markers will work together (and all watercolor markers will work together) so I recommend you buy a couple of each line before making a big investment and see what YOU like best. Keep in mind red and purples will not blend easily so make sure you try a color that is not a red or purple in each line to get a fair representation.
I picked mine up at Aaron brothers for $2.38 on clearance and an additional 20% off coupon 👍🏻
+Vanessa Garcia wow, good deal, thanks!
thanks for the info.....the picture is beautiful!
I believe the reason for the price is because they are true Watercolor markers as opposed to all the other ones which are dyes. If you think about how pigmented they are AND that they are watercolors AND intermixable with their watercolor tubes and pans, I think that $6 per marker is a bit more understandable. Also, remember Dick Blick has them for $3.70 everyday so I think they are def worth $4/marker (and even $6) for artists who may spend up to $40 for a color at times. Not crafters though. Crafters can basically do the same thing with dye based ones. The trouble is when you are an artist who crafts like you or myself. (sometimes I end up using professional materials in my crafts while cringing at the cost).
T Kim I do too but it is probably cheaper in the long run because the supplies should go farther. It is nice that there are so many options so everyone can afford to create;)
Just think of that water pump as white noise!
thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich Hi Lindsay - Great review and demo. Since I use these in my sketching work, I have to say these are really great. Though I prefer Copic's and I'm happy to pay the up front cost, because the overall cost of ownership is lower (I can refill the ink, replace the nibs/brush tips and save big money in the end), none of that would matter if the performance weren't there. These FC watercolors markers are different enough from Copics, that I tried to avoid a comparison, but I like that you stacked them all up and tried them out. Picking them up for $2.69 is a GREAT deal and I'd be happy to pay that and a bit more for these. The pigments are such that I end up using very little and they last longer. Anyway, I enjoyed the review as always and even the water pump segment. :-)
Owings Art That darn water-pump, it is going to give me an fit one of these days LOL! I love how easy these are to blend but I still think I would grab a small watercolor pan set and waterbrush for feild sketching but I really liked these markers and $2.69 is less than craft grade markers. I think I have a marker problem though LOL!
thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich LOL, there's no such thing as a marker problem, just a space to store them all problem. :-)
Lindsay, my husband caught me watching this video and got mad at me. He said he's not going to buy me watercolor markers. LOL Se la Vi!
Benny Chavez LOL! Hey, didn't you just tell me you ordered all the Qor sets are am I mistaken? Have fun!
Yeah, that's why he said no to the markers lol
Great review.
why did u spell color like colour? .. just curious..
KCD Designs because that is the actual brand name"Windsor & Newton Water Colour Markers" they are a UK based company. I wanted people searching for a review to be able to find it:)
ohhhh ok! lol thank you :)