58 Cents a Tube?!? Can These Watercolors Be Any Good? Phoenix Artist Watercolor Review
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- Опубліковано 26 сер 2024
- I've been asked about this set and I've been curious about these tube watercolors so when the price dropped I had to give them a try! They are the Phoenix Artist watercolor tube set: amzn.to/3PIhkqd
This is a set of 24, 8ml tubes of artist-grade watercolor. Let's see how they preform!
Pros:
Price (for now anyway)
Good color selection
Decent glazing ability
Pigment and lightfast info included on tube
Mixes well if you stick to the strongest colors
Paint drys down well and rewet nicely.
Cons:
This set includes a few weak colors that could put you off watercolors such as Verdi Blue and Cereluean hue.
The phthalo green and Emerald are too samey and the hookers green dark is lifeless. I recommend mixing the emerald with cadmium orange hue for a beautiful "sap green" because oddly it is difficult to get a natural-looking green with this set otherwise.
Bottom line: despite the weak colors I mentioned in the cons I think that the set is a good buy. The paint is identical to Cotman so much that I think it is the same paint relabeled. If you stick to a limited palette of the strong colors (and maybe mix up a pan of Sap Green from Emerald and Cad orange hue) you will have a nice set to work with at a good price. You are getting Cotman quality paint so as long as you are good with that you are safe to try these. For the price it is worth it for the good colors in the kit.
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We've mentioned before how much we love the level of knowledge and research invested in these videos! Using CII numbers to compare products is such a valuable skill. Even when the code just gives something very general like Pbr7 (natural iron oxide) or PR101 (synthetic iron oxide) it gives the artist at least some information about the source and likely performance of the pigment. We are seeing more brands replacing terrestrially mined earth colors with synthetics, because the man-made versions are much more consistent, and often intense and potent. Some of the mines that are the sources for traditional earth colors have become played out, and in the late stage of production, there's just too much variation in color from batch to batch. That's one reason it's so important to become familiar with these codes. Videos like this are great for learning these details!
Thanks for the kind words!
Interesting to know about the mines running out!
@@jennw6809 It's not "breaking news" but it is an interesting topic, for sure. Certain pigments have become scarce through the history of art- but modern artists aren't very aware of this because so many colors are manufactured in abundance. More often, scarcity happens today because one manufacturing source for a pigment changes a formula or stops making it. We may have mentioned that happened about a decade ago with a popular color and there was a scramble to replace it.
@@Blick_Art I'm also a mineral collector -- and those mines run out, and it makes the minerals that came from them very valuable! Definitely parallels to artists -- but also to the materials. Very interesting!
Lindsey, I’m gonna start thinking of you as a paint detective! I did learn about pigment numbers from you. I think I will buy these to use exclusively for cards and crafts, and save my more (ahem) precious pigments for paintings. Thank you dear, for all your hard work. ❤️❤️❤️❤️🦋
My pleasure!
@@lucykeiko2339 it was for the 24 but they also had a 12 set you could choose. I bet they sold out.
@@lucykeiko2339 I double checked. The 24 sold out and they jacked up the price. Cotman prices have gone up apt too! The phoenix pans will probably be your best bet. The 12 color tin is on sale but the larger sets have gone up but are still a better price than cotman sets for the same quality. www.amazon.com/dp/B088NKKFS5/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_apa_gl_i_dl_RZJHERSJJYEPVMK4TNAF?linkCode=ml2&tag=frugalcrafter-20
Detective Lindsay Weirich is on the case! I adore all these paint comparisons, They’re really helpful. Thank you!
Thank you Lindsay. I appreciate your reviews, because I know you have really put them through some study. This one was especially good, for the color information you provided. I have learned a great deal about color from you over the year. The painting of the water reminded me of something: A couple of years ago my dog and I went camping at a lake not too far from home. On the first afternoon/evening I was sitting in my chair and enjoying the great view of the lake and sunset I had. And, it hit me! I was looking at it like a potential painting with the different colors of water and the refection of the sun on the water and the surrounding hills.
Royan & Langnickel was my 'starter' brand. I still use them a lot.
To stop the cracking, I added a drop or 2 of glycerin.
You know so much about paint and pigments, I love listening to you talk about it. I also trust when you say a set is a good deal, I always feel good about purchases you recommend
Another great review! I have stopped purchasing less than artist grade, with some exceptions. My big exception is Van Gogh wc by Royal Talens who also make the artist grade Rembrandt wc. Van Gogh wc is what is considered by many to be“semi-professional”or “semi-artist” grade. Maybe Cotman by W & N is too? I don’t know…I haven’t purchased any. But I’ve been very impressed with Van Gogh. Dick Blick sells their sets AND open stock. (So does Jackson’s.) Amazon sells their sets and SOME open stock. I purchased a 12 color Van Gogh Pinks & Violets set from Amazon for like $22.00, but it’s now selling for $33.28, but I am in-love ❤️ with it. Most of the pigments they used are very good…but of course for those colors, some are on the weaker side, but overall it’s a fab set for pink, magenta, violet & pinky-red lovers like me.
I have that set but rarely use it. I need to put it in a box with my other van gogh colors I think.
Your reviews are outstanding. The details and information is so helpful. I watch all your reviews because I learn something new every time.
You made me chuckle with "I'll keep this short" at the end.😂😂😂
Thank you lyndsey for all the work you do to help us be more well rounded as artist, i quite enjoy learning about the way each paint has compounds that make up its beautiful colors,i sometomes get overwhelmed from all my learning but its good to have these videos to go back and reference..thank you again your a treasure to those of us who want to learn everything we can about art and different products but never had the money or availability of classes within our area..mikelle art mom👩🎨✍🎨
I love your paint brand sleuthing, you detective you 💚
Thank you! 😊
Thank you so much for this review. I just swatched my new set of 36 and look forward to having fun with them.
Have fun!
I bought these (yes, these very paints, the 24 set, "artist" grade) for $5 last July. Last year, I found amazing deals on many things, not so much this year. At that price, curiosity won ;-). Not very impressed at all. Dried out, they have a rubbery feel when I re-wet them a year later. I'm wondering if they use different binders from batch to batch. You could make great art with black mud, so no doubt these were fine for you ;-). I can relate to how you like your Cotman palette. I put all my favorite paints into a 48 pan palette and when I look at it, I can feel my stress melting away. It's funny how a palette can be so therapeutic. Thank you for reminding me that this set has a lamp black. I've been wanting some for lining things, mostly. And thank you for figuring out a decent green mix with this set.
I love love love the longer reviews and comparisons. I know some people are impatient but forreals the amount of info here is great!
And so often, the abbbreviated reviews overlook those minor points which really make-or-break how much someone likes the set.
Thank you for doing these ❤️
ah, another episode of CSI watercolour - I always enjoy those even when I’m not interested in the paint itself
😆 that sould be a new series!
As a former nail technician.....always remember, Lindsay....your nails are your jewels, not your tools.....so, yes, use scissors or other implement to open things....
Our clients at work love watercolors and blew through my last prepared pallets. Getting these for them is a no brainer. Thank you for sharing this information!
Happy to help:)
I think you need to come out with Lindsey's Perfect Paller...that would be one I would buy fast...I am still practicing with student grade...right now it is Daler Rowney. I am a little afraid to buy better paints.. The ones I want are expensive. I am rambling...another GREAT video...I learn so much and generally take notes....Hugs from MUGGY Nova Scotia
It's muggy in Maine too!
Your paint reviews provide such useful information. I really wish I had known about your reviews a few years ago when I bought all my Cotman paints. In Canada, Cotman paints are fairly expensive and I now realize are very overpriced! Thanks for all the research and testing you do!
Thank you:) well, the paints are bought and paid for so enjoy them and when you need to replace them you can choose alternatives if you wish.
Same in NZ.... this whole set is the same price as ONE tube of 8ml Cotmans for me!
Lindsay thanks for the recommendation! I bought a 24 set of them on Amazon for $12.74! Great price and seems as vibrant as my W&N Cotman set - and a lot cheaper! I will use them for my 'practice' paintings, holiday cards and working with friends that don't have watercolors - yet! I've already swatched them in my art journal!
I think you might call yourself The Frugal Crafter & Paint Detective as Mary McCarthy said she was going to start thinking of you. What a lot of effort you put into a review for a cheap set of paints! I was fascinated by your video.
I have been watching your videos for a few years now, especially anything to do with painting. I have been so impressed with the time you put into your reviews and the fact that you don’t just show the physical objects but try things out before offering your opinion. That makes a lot of difference as often art supplies can look just fine in the package but the real test is how they perform on the appropriate surface.
Thank you for all your efforts.
PS: I tried pottery too and loved it though I never managed to do anything nearly as nice as the green ware pieces you showed. In retrospect, I should have spent less time using the wheel and more with slabs of clay making tiles and trying surface effects. Good luck to you!
Hullo Lindsay! I enjoy watching your paint review videos! I was so tempted by the Art Whale set for an inexpensive set of watercolors. I hope that it is ok to say that you are so enthusiastic about the cheaper discount paints! I start to put them into my cart and then I go to the DaVinci website and check my paint drawer to see if I am low or on need of a tube of paint, I seldom do. I have been so converted to the DaVinci of California paint company and since they are made in the USA I am just trying to buy from local companies and US based companies! I am just trying not to buy paint just because you make it look beyond desirable! I guess that getting my “fix” from your videos is so much better than going out and buying! Thank you! Please keep creating and sharing, I hope you enjoy the rest of your day!
DaVinci is soooo much better, I always recommend them instead of craft or student grade paints!
PS that water looks soooo fabulous, and so do the flowers, but that water 👌🥳wow, you are such a brilliant artist👍
Thank you so much 😀
Gonna buy these to refill my cotman watercolor whenever I run out! 😂
I always enjoy these videos. You have taught me so much about pigments and have made me much more curious about pigments and I have been looking up tons and tons of different pigment numbers and the handprint website is awesome! They provide some colors that work well with the particular pigments your looking up. It's just awesome to learn. I thought it was annoying and frustrating and you had made me curious about pigments and now I'm on a mission to learn about as many pigments as possible ( used in art supplies mostly watercolors but I have looked into pigments used in other products but try to focus on watercolor pigments) . Thank you for an awesome video ! I enjoy the longer videos as well. Have a great day
Thank you for this review. When it stated artist paint I was ready to buy. So glad I waited.
Got a set on order! Thank you for all of the information. I enjoy these journeys with you so much.
😆
You have perfect timing! I’m looking for a set of colours to play with- to add mica powders to make chameleon colours. My kids effectively used up most of anything I let them get their hands on, and I’m not using my Daniel Smith genuine, or my Mijello. Was about to buy a boring set of 12 Cotman, but these fit the bill so much better!
And not to mention, in Canada there’s a set of 12 for $6.99. It also says “With the introduction of British Craft and formula of centuries…”, which bolsters your cotman thinking.
Wow! Do you have a link to that listing?
Thanks Lindsay. Always nice to hear what you have to say about what's out there. I think I'll stick to my Doodle Hog and Paul Rubens. I know I had a set of the Royal Langnickel Watercolors in my stash, but when I went to get them, I must have donated them to a family friend who homeschools "cause they were not there. I do have a set of gouache by RL that is, well, not the quality of paint that I would ever recommend. And I "ain't a professional!" :)
Thanks for all the work it takes to do this! And we benefit for free!
Im happy to! I love a paint mystery!
Thanks for the review, I'm just starting out playing with watercolour so bought a set of these for a massive deal of £7 :) can't wait to play around with them and practise some techniques! Thanks for the great review as always :)
Thank you! You saved me from ordering the student one, and even though the price is much higher in Canada, Cotman's is as well. I just got the Pheonix today and hope they will be decent. I got the Chinese Cotman's and was not happy with the results- the ten pack did not have very nice colors and there were big air bubbles in most of the 5 ml tubes so I maybe ended up with 3 ml of most of them. for ten dollars more than the Cotmans I was able to get 24 colors.
Lindsey thank you so much for all your hard work to help us ❤️❤️
Lindsay! MORE Phoenix?! At this point, I swear you have their entire line already. They should be giving you stock options, you’re their best salesperson! Lol.
You got my interest in watercolors when you made the chameleon and mica handmade, which I decided I needed to do. But after thinking it through I decided I need a regular set of watercolors to go with them so I chose these since I don’t need professional ones! They were still 12.99 so a great price and great info for a newbie! Thanks as always!
Wow! You have some incredible mixing skills! 💖🔥
Gurl, if things had worked out differently I would have happily hired you as an consultant to enter ALL THOSE FACTORIES expose em and make better products from true knowledge artists. Quality for my marketplace.
Absolutely.
I also dislike Hooker's Green. I made the error of buying Hooker's Green Dark and Hooker's Green Light. There was virtually no difference between them and I found the colour to be unusable. I didn't want to waste them so I mixed them with other colours to create a range of greens that I could use and put them into pans to dry. I'm not sure I've even used these mixes! Other artists may have great results with Hooker's green, but not me! :)
Thanks for the review! I'm going to have a good time using these for working out concepts and generally playing around, pre-final piece.
I have had this for a couple weeks but haven't opened it yet. I just knew you would check these out....LOL. I figured I would wait on your review to determine if I would use these myself or give them as a gift.
Thank you for the great reviews. I've been wanting to get some watercolors to try but have not wanted to waste money on cheaper brands that won't give me a decent result. I just placed my order on Amazon for these. Can't wait to play!
This was a great review & comparison. Thanks for taking the time to do it for us. I've been using my Phoenix set and so far I really like them. Like you, I love my AC Moore Nicole watercolors. (I really miss AC Moore.) I've ordered some of the Marie's Master watercolors open stock from Jerry's but haven't used them yet. Glad to hear you think they're comparable to Cotman. Again, thanks for the in-depth review.
My pleasure!
I was so stunned that I was the first person to see the video 58 seconds after it posted. That won't happen again. lol I didn't get to finish it but will try to now. Your knowledge of watercolor is amazing. Experience is a great teacher and I could only hope to know an 1/8th of what you have exspecially what letter(s) and number(s) of paints. I am so enjoying my brushes! I hope no one will hesitate to purchase them if they are able. As always, thank you so much!
Thanks!
I have a theory that these sets are being closed out because the pigment used in the Permanent Alizarin Crimson (PR206) is discontinued, and they are clearing their stock before Christmas. It’s a fantastic price!
Good point!
i got my new 20 well pallette out and filled them .im going to paint when they dry .i think its a better deal to buy tubes ,i filled my wells full and still have enough to fill another one .i have the 24 pan set ,thank you for this ,i love your videos .
Hi, Lindsay; I enjoyed your very informative video and the brand comparisons. I recently bought a pan set of Paul Rubens from Amazon in a sparkly turquoise tin with 24 colors. I was taking it on a trip and figured if the paint wasn’t much good I’d have a nice tin. However, to my pleased surprise the paints are very good and I’m finding myself reaching for them often. How do the Paul Rubens compare to the paint by Phoenix in your review?
I prefer Paul Rubens, I have the ones in the pink tin and i
Really like them!
Now, Amazon is selling these are a little over $1/tube, but I will look for a "used" (packaging damage) set in Warehouse Deals. I love made-up word, like your "unuseful-est!" I was interested also to hear about the pigment numbers, as I am learning - slowly.
Great tip!
Lindsay,you can turn bad paint into a masterpiece ❤️
Such a great detective! I can replace my Cotman with these for such a low price! Wish they had used a different pigment for that Scarlet Lake! I think the Verdi Blue is their version of Verditer Blue. The Holbein Verditer is PB28 & PW6. I don't think W&N professional has a Verditer Blue. I like that they keep the same quality as Cotman, bonus for us. Have you ever tried their Master paints? I believe it's their professional line. It's on their website but I don't think available in the states (yet). I won't order from Allie Express or similar. I have 2 tubes of PV14 Cotman Cobalt Violet from the late 90s believe it or not, made in the UK. Thanks for sussing all this out, invaluable! 🙏🌹
Do mean the ones sold under the "Marie's master" line? They are very similar but a touch better/more pigmented? They felt like a Phoenix product but better than these but a bit. Can't prove it's them but I think it is. Jerrys artarama sells them under the Marie's brand and they are miles better than the standard Marie's paint.
@@thefrugalcrafter hmmm, that might be it! It will take some more CSI work! I just saw on the Phoenix website that they have a professional line called "Master", but didn't know if it was available in the states. Maybe Marie's Masters, but the sets and tubes look different on the Phoenix website. I put an inquiry in to see if they're sold here. 🤔☺️
I bought 3 tubes at Ocean State Job Lot, hoping . . . but thinking the price was too good to be true. It was and I was glad I hadn't bought more! I don't do a lot of watercoloring, so I'll just stick to the WN Cotman and a few Daniel Smith tubes & pans I have. Thanks for a fun review. ~marilee
Sadly our OSJL doesn't carry the better quality version of this paint.
I ordered a set! Not sure if I'm keeping them or gifting. Hopefully gifting, because I have my own favorites but Geez too good of a deal to let "squeeze" by! Thank you and your paintings are gorgeous!!!!
😆 I know! They would be a great gift!
Hi Lindsay. I bought the set a couple of months ago to practice coloring mixing. Instead of Burnt Sienna, my set has two Indian Red ( one with a Burnt Sienna sticker but it’s PR101 ). I ended up only using 14 or 15 colors of the set. Overall I like the colors I use, but I don’t think I will repurchase the tube set. The 48 half pans look much more attempting:)
Magnificent how you can just name the different pigmentnumbers for the same colors from different brands. It really shows that it is your passion and work, I could listen to you for hours
Question though: you mentioned maybe using press ’n seal because a lot of paint came out; why not letting it dry? I know you did let it dry overnight but initially you talked about press n seal. So my question is: How do you determine when to let it dry out or when to keep the paint wet?
I'm not sure what I was referring to there.
I noticed when swatching out from the tube they weren’t as nice as when dried. I love the P red ochre. It granulates beautifully and separates with other colors showing the 2 colors. I wouldn’t have bought it if it weren’t 13$. I really don’t want anymore student paints. Tfs
This is a great video! In-depth and informed, delivered with Lindsay’s trademark enthusiasm. Artist grade WinsorNewton is my favorite watercolor, and I got a good start with Cotmans. I wish Lindsay or someone(!) could improve Cotman/WN’s pigment selection, stop them including black and white in their travel sets. I think it hurts their sales, and adds to the impression the American corporate owner is selling out their quality reputation.
Winsor and newton isn't American owned (is it?)
I think Marie’s Masters are a lot better!
Hmmm now I can only find 12 colors for $14.99…. I should really buy nice paint as soon as you recommend them haha
Thanks Lindsay. I think I'll stick with Art Whale for my really inexpensive but good paints. But they did raise their price so now I have to wait and look for flash deals of coupons. Dirty rotten scoundrels.🤨 These look OK except the greens. I had a lot of trouble with mixing non muddy greens in the beginning. QUESTION: are the red LAKE pigments fugitive generally?
Laked pigments are typically less lightfast as they are made from organic dies with a salt mordant to make them adhere to paper. However now they may use more stable synthetic organic pigments. Best to look up the pigment number to be sure.
@@thefrugalcrafter Thanks Lindsay. You Rock!🥳
@@thefrugalcrafter where can we find this information for ourselves without having to bother you for a review in what I'm sure is the copious amount of free time you have in your life? I love what you do and how giving you are with your knowledge and experience it is priceless to know you are here as such a tremendous resource I hope you know how appreciated you are, I know I don't tell you as often as I should
They are now $12.74 and I just ordered them! Thanks🤗
Nice!
I've been enjoying the Marie's Masters paints I have.
Oddly, Winsor & Newton reps have told me that the Cotman base is vegan; a Phoenix rep told me their only vegan paints are their bottom-of-the-line kid paints.
I just ordered them Lindsay! $12.74 not bad, great for practice! I didn’t need them but the price was right and I wanted something halfway decent for learning more color or mixing.
I'm glad the price is still good!
@@thefrugalcrafter Yay!!
@@thefrugalcrafter I’m sorry to bother you. But did you have a link to the pigment numbers? Mine will be here tomorrow and I was making my swatch sheet for them tonite. OOPS! Never mind. I Googled it and found a picture of them with the info!
Great share
Thx again for a great video, a long the way i learn so much from you, thx!! But. BTW, why do you put that black horizontal stripe in all your watches? So curious, and seen it ages in your video but cannot seem to find a readon myself 🫣🙄😁
So I can see how transparent the paint is.
Interesting review even tho I don’t need more paint!
Do you like these or are the Art Whale tubes better?
Just my two cents worth. I have both and like the art Whale better: better color payout, cleaner, less drying shift, easy mixing, like the greens. 15ml tubes .
@@annettefournier9655 I kinda think so too.. and today.. the art Whale is on a Lightening Deal.. !!
Art whale
Watching all your videos from before, I would name them Phoenix "Cotman" paint instead 🤣🤣😂😂
Part of me is tempted to see if you've done a swatching of the Artist Loft Series 1 from Michael's. I picked up the 24 color set a few years back and, well... it seemed okay at first, but I quickly lost any lasting interest in it. I wouldn't tell someone to "avoid it at all costs"... but... I don't know. I'd love a professional's opinion on them.
Yeah, I’ve tried them. Meh. I don’t use them at all. For what that’s worth.
I've heard bad things so never tried them
Thanks!
I got a set of these paints in tubes as a gift and well ... They are not the worst paints but they have this cheap chalkiness in them. They even taste chalky (don't say you've never had paint in your mouth for some reason). I also don't like their reluctant performance in wet and wet conditions. But I expect an explosion. I certainly wouldn't compare them to w & n cotman. Not at all. I live in Poland and my phoenix packaging looks different, but since the manufacturer is the same, it probably doesn't matter and we are talking about the same paints. I find the colors of the earth particularly disappointing but maybe I will give them a second chance and play with them on different paper doing more than a probe and a few little sketches.
Phoenix has two lines. I tried the one you have and they Are awful. The artist line is totally different. Not chalky. Much better. I am sorry you got the student line.
@@thefrugalcrafter That clears up many things. I was in a state of deep shock when you compared them to W&N 😀 😃
I need more Cotman’s so I just ordered them for $12.74 😊
Lindsay Holmes Paint Detective 😀
does anyone miss lindsays sunday sketchbook item?
No strong green?! Dang. That’s sad.
Lindsey have you tried this watercolor set called “seamiart”?
No but I've tried others I believe to be made by seminary and I don't recommend
They are down to $12.74 today
Where do I get the tiny 3 colours palette please
Shawna 3d printing on etsy
What does it mean if the paint cracks when dried in the pans?
It doesn't have a lot of binder or humectant. Add some honey or glycerin to it.
Did I miss a review of Marie’s? I saw these but I was hesitant to buy them.
I haven't finished that one yet.
Since you say michaels bought the Nicole brand I wonder if they just closed it or did they fold it into their brand artist loft and I wonder how the Nicole brand compares to artist loft though they have different lines like student and their professional ones
I don't know. I've not tried artist loft because I heard bad things about the watercolors.
I really have a hard time trusting these companies. I don't think it's a true Cobalt Blue. Also, the pthalo blue looks a little warmer than the traditional pthalo blues. (what are your opinions on this?)
I guess I'd personally stick to Cotman for beginners (or there are pretty excellent paints out there! :P (pun intended 😂)).
It might be the camera. They swatch identical to cotman.
Please show the videos of poppy’s and water please. Thanks
I agree... both Beautiful 😍
They both are up on my channel to view.
There are to many cheap paints. It's confusing. I stick Mission Gold as my cheap paint. And Meiling for fun.
It would be helpful if you would clearly state the name and manufacturer's name of each product a few times during the presentation/review. You have a tendency to talk very fast and not mention this information to be able to get what you are saying. Your reviews are excellent, so I want to be able to understand all that you are saying
Thank you.
All of the info is in the video description as well
@@thefrugalcrafter Good to know. 😊
$12.74 today 9/12/22
£10.99 and £8.99 for the tubes and pans respectively from amazon.uk.
Great price!