Grumbacher Academy watercolors are my absolute favorite!! Despite being considered student paints, I always reach for these instead of the higher end ones like Sennelier, Schmincke and Daniel Smiths (I love to collect paints and try them out). This is probably the only watercolor brand where I've collected every single color from the set. I've used them for over ten years now, and they are my go to set for portraits. The colors all harmonize with each other for portraits so well, and I don't end up creating muddy colors the way I do with others. I think a lot of my best works have been made with Grumbacher paints, so I am always a huge advocate on how the "quality"/price of the paints don't affect the quality of the painting. So glad to see that you think these are great for the price too!
I’d say It’s a great balance between student grade and “professional grade” pigments. I used a mixture of Grumbacher and Sennelier. They are phenomenal.
Hi! I know this is an older comment but I was wondering if you still felt the same? I do almost exclusively portraits and while I have Sennelier, Daniel Smith, Schmincke, W&N, my favored for my every day use is White Nights and they’re getting harder to find due to the war. I love my expensive brands (you sound almost the same as me honestly lol) I like to have a set of GOOD student grade paints for every day use. I love Schmincke Akademie but they’re more expensive than a lot of professional ranges. I also love Paul Rubens for my every day palette but I am looking to see if there’s anything better, I didn’t like Van Gogh. I’m interested in your opinion since you sound so similar to myself. Thank you! I’m grateful!
I have Cotman and Grumbacher Academy watercolors for when I first started watercoloring back in 2008ish. A helpful Blick clerk described the Grumbacher Academy to me as a sort of in between student grade and artist grade paint, while the cotmans were student grade. Its good to know that you findings seem to be the same! This makes me want to use my old palette again!
I do appreciate your reviews, Lindsay. You haven't steered me wrong yet! ;-) I must, though, tell you about a crazy dream I had this morning. I hope you'll laugh as I did. I got awake quite early today - around 2 am so I started watching some stuff on TH-cam and I guess since I watch all of your videos, no matter what I've been watching eventually TH-cam brings me back to you. Well, I fell asleep watching some documentary I can't even remember, and then I dreamed that the hubs and I finally got to go back to Maine. Once I knew I was going to be there, I had contacted you and we arranged to meet - at your house, no less. So we were in your craft room and our hubs had wandered off to do whatever. You proceed to give me a personal tutorial about...something. As you're going along, I asked a few questions but you never stopped - you just kept on with the patter you use in a TH-cam tutorial, no matter what my questions were. And when you finished you finished as always with "Happy crafting!" and walked out of the room. I was sitting there like a dunce, having no clue what to do - after all, my hubs and yours were off doing...whatever! Then I woke up and realized you didn't answer me when I asked questions because your voice was supplied by the video playing on the computer! :)
Grumbacher is what I have been using since college. I did purchase some Daler-Rowney from Wal Mart. Their ok. Thanks for your review. Jerry of Pine Meadows Hobby Farm
I love your reviews and trust your judgment! I happened upon a sale of Grumbacher Academy watercolor tube paints on Cheap Joe's and snatched up about a dozen tubes. I'm thrilled that they get your stamp of approval.
I know that this is an older video but my daughter gifted me a set of Grumbacher Academy paints & I wanted an unbiased review of them. My search led me to your video. I appreciate your honest review & was pleasantly surprised to hear your opinion of them & that you considered them a bit better than Cotmans. This is a set that I will take with me on camping trips & utilize & have confidence that they will flow, blend & dry quite nicely.
Lindsay, I can only compare to the limited number of colors I purchased recently in the one of the other brands you mentioned, but I agree with your review. I'm about four years into this addictive hobby and as I've moved into artist grade paints, I still use the Grumbacher Academy line routinely. The colors you would expect to granulate, do just that. The Hooker's green light, burnt sienna, have rich, earthy qualities. I can tell compared to say my M. Grahams that they harden up in the pan a little more in between painting sessions, but performance on paper is good. I've learned sooo much from you Lindsay, thanks so much for all you do and generosity in sharing your talents and knowledge!
Thank you, great video. I've used Grumbacher Academy in my early works, and now I sometimes mix a Grumbacher Academy color with a professional grade. I have done complete paintings with just the Academy many years ago and they're still holding up pretty well. I read a comment, someone saying the Academy is sort of in-between professional and student grade. Have a good day, week , month, year, etc.
Too Funny! I was looking at this set at Michaels this morning. Came home to see what Lindsay had posted. So glad you reviewed these. Michaels carries a set of 12 tubes for $36 includes a warm and cool of each primary. Will go back next week when I have a 50% off or higher coupon. Same thing happened last week when I purchased some clearance Van Gogh paints came home and Lindsay had a review on that. lol
Kammy Daniels, I must not be looking at the right set. I was just on the website and it has a 12 tube set for $84.00. But on the website, I can't even see all the color names. After seeing Lindsay review these...I really want them. They seem so vibrant.
Hello dere again, Lindsay! Thanks for the demo here! I'm rather good at drawing, but have worked on that since a kid. However, working with colour is fairly new to me. When I started, I went with Faber-Castell, then Winsor Newton Cotman, and eventually a Daniel Smith or a Van Gogh here and there for more difficult tones to mix from primaries. Since we are on a budget, I've lately getting Grumbacher by the tube. For one thing, they cost at least a dollar or so less than Cotman. You also get slightly more per tube. For my needs, these work very well and I find their quality is probably a bit less than the more expensive brands, but, I get a good idea of how my art would look were I to know how to paint well and using the pricier stuff. For beginners and others, I'd recommend Grumbacher's very much!
Thanks Lindsay. You're videos are so great. I purchased a WN cotman set today instead of grumbacher academy today. I think I'll exchange the set tomorrow. I'm so glad to have seen this. Thank you!
I bought the Aquafine at first, got very disappointed and felt like I did not like to paint, after seeing some of your tutorials I decided to give it another chance and bought Daniel smith professional paints, and I love love love them! Slowly working to replace all the colors I want!
Thioingold Violet is a rare one to see (PR88) - W&N used to have it as "Purple Lake" but sadly long gone - nice to know someone is still selling it though!
Hi there Lindsay. Just found this for anyone who may be interested in purchasing these paints on the dickblick site: 10-Tube Watercolor Set - New to watercolor? Get off to a great start with this set, which includes 10,7.5 ml tubes (Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue, Chinese White, Cobalt Blue Hue, Grumbacher Red, Ivory Black, Thalo Green Blue Shade, Ultramarine Blue, and Yellow Ochre Hue), plus a camel hair brush, plastic mixing tray, and watercolor guide. If you wanted to save as a starting set.
Thanks for another great review! I was wondering what your thoughts were about the advantages of student grade paints. Besides the price, obviously. I have recently got the St. Petersburg White Nights watercolors, and they are as good as my artist grade watercolors, but have the pricing of student grade. Individual whole pans cost (in Europe) between 2-3$, and the sets are around the same price as the Cotman half pans sets (so actually cheaper cause one gets double the amount of paint). I'm thinking for beginners it's probably easier to work with less pigmented colors if they don't want bright colors, or preference for tube paints, as the White Nights ones only come in whole pans. I have no connection to the company, but I gotta say I think I'll be using the White Nights set instead of my Cotman one. Thanks again for your awesome videos!
I think the white knights are priced lower due to favorable trade agreemets with Russia or the low cost of materails/labour there. I find Korean paint ordered from Korea to be a good deal too. Probably alos because you can order from these countries there is no middleman and you are getting a wholesale price and not retail. I know when American shops stock White Knights an Mission Gold the price is doubled or tripped! The think I like about Grumbacher academy, Cotman and Van Gogh is that they are priced fairly and widely available. Beginners can easily become overwhelmed by choice looking for a deal and this is an easy fix. Also these student paints lift more easily so using them on cheaper paper and fixing mistakes is a bit easier.
Great points! Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I don't know about brick and mortar stores, but the Russian and Korean paints are also a good deal online, even here in Europe. thanks again!
I've used Grumbacher Academy Watercolors in the past. That is the brand I used before I switched to Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors. Perhaps it was the colors I used; but, I was not impressed. I painted a small watercolor section of the Iron Horse State Park. With just a few months of age, the colors had started yellowing. I used Strathmore Watercolor Cards 140# for my paper. How old are your Academy paints? It was around 2003 or so, when I wanted to try the Academy paints. For one thing, they were available locally.
some are older and the ultramarine is new. the pigments on the other colors look good on the website though,not sure why any would yellow unless you sprayed the painting with a sealer, that could do it
Ioved the video! I see that it's pretty old, but can you by any chance still remember what palette this is? Looks like mijello bulletproof, but I never saw this particular model anywhere.
I love my Grumbacher. For a student grade paint, I feel they are better than Cotman and many other brands. Easy to find and very affordable paints. The Payne’s grey flows beautiful. They later well, flow and react to ox gall, mix and rewet good.
Thanks for another great review! Love your recommendation on the Geranium Lake (picked some up!) for making a vibrant orange! I had gotten a very old set at an estate sale for $2 (some were rock hard but was able to reconstitute them easily by crushing with a jewelry pliers and adding water) and needed to add in some colors. Had fun buying them "frugally' getting a few more on ebay and finally getting a few at Michaels and Hobby Lobby. Couldn't resist adding in a few of my favorite Daniel Smith colors as well. Paula in Florida
What...did I hear you say you went to Bangor! I'm from that area (Dover Foxcroft) actually heading there tomorrow. I live part time in Alaska now...cool to hear Bangor pop up ( = I am going to be teaching a few Art classes while I'm back there, so was checking out your info. I appreciate your videos! Thanks
I found a pack of 12 Grumbacher Academy Watercolors tubes for $5.90 at Hobby Lobby today and thought it was so good to be true so I was pretty sceptical about how good of a quality they were but this video eased my worries. I can't wait to try them!
thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich I don't know if they were clearencing them, that's why I was so confused, cause there multiple packs of grumbacher and and they were all regular priced, but this pack was separate from the rest of them and was really really cheap. I still have to test them so maybe the paint is old?
Hi Lindsey, great show as usual. There is a brand of student watercolor called Marie's. I heard their pretty good. What is your take on this brand? Thanks Jennifer
you know, they are good for painting right from the tube but the shrink, crack and fall out of a palette so you will need to add honey or glycerin to the paint if you are going to palette it. Also they have an oder to them, it goes away if you let them dry but at first it is strong. They are a bit chalky but considering that they are under $10 a set of 18 they are a good bet and non toxic from what I understand
+GWENNETH SIMMONS I bought a set of brushes and it came with it and it was clear so I sprayed it white in the outside. I think pro-art has a similar one
Great review Lindsay! In the live stream of the grape painting, I mentioned a friend I wanted to turn on to watercolor as he's an acrylic and oil painter, and he loves the Grumbacher Academy acrylics so I'll be excited to recommend these to him. For me, I feel a little spoiled between Turner, Daniel Smith and Sennelier (got 2 colors: Naples Yellow Deep and Forest Green based on your review) but as far as travel I would probably still choose Cotman for the convenience of having pre-caked pans, but the pigment strength on these does edge them out. Who knows, lol.
The Spin Doctor I already have multiple pro brands as I listed--was only considering a small to mid-size Cotman set for travel where I'm painting in a book and thus not as concerned with the pro tinting strength.
Joe Maysky I use them for that also but tbh they frustrate me in the field as the pigment load is such a shock to my system using their grown-up siblings day in day out - I'd just get yourself 8 W&N pro half pans (cool and warm of each RYB and Burnt Sienna and Yellow Ochre - what more can a boy want?) and find a tin for them (or get a Prima Decadent Pies set for the cute metal palette as there is space for 7 WN palettes in the middle of it and the colours in it are pretty nice tbh - that is my current field set).
When I started out, wondering if I should even invest in watercolor paints, I bought just a pan set you'd get for children (Crayola, which were really good, in fact!). I eventually went to tubes, found a set of Daler/Rowney--not great set. I then found the Grumbacher in my local Hobby Lobby, and have been adding to them gradually. I really like them I feel they are, just as you said, good set of paints, but I do want to gradually go to Winsor Newton. I was wondering if you've ever tried this/did a test trial on them? Wondering if it would be worth it. Thanks for this. I feel delighted that my Grumbachers aren't so inferior to some others in its class.
Now that you’ve done an artists WCs stash/review video, next up is the student grade stuff! 😂. I’d love to see the MeiLiang, the Cotman, the Cotman clones, etc.
I absolutely love Grumbachers! However, I am somewhat cheap, and I usually just use liquitex basics or artist’s loft. Grumbachers are much cheaper than other brands for how well they work.
hi Lindsay, I've been watching all your watercolor videos again. I've recently wanted to get back into it but I only have Daley & rowney tube paints. I was thinking of squeezing them into a pan but now I'm considering buying better quality, still affordable paints. do you still prefer these or would you recommend a different brand? pan or tube, doesn't matter😊
It’s funny but I just run a crossed my 40-year-old academy Grumbacker paints and they’re just as bright and just as beautiful as they were when I was using them many years ago thanks for the video it was a great encouragement
Hi there Lindsay, I was wondering what are you thoughts or if you have reviewed Koi watercolour 18 set at all? Also what would be your main recommendation for artist quality watercolours? Thanks!
I have not done a review but I have used them a lot, they are a bit on the opaque side but a good value none the less. I wish there was lightfast info on them though.
I've spent the past week looking at paint reviews while planning a large online purchase... and nobody talks about these. I figured they had to be terrible even worse than cotman but I picked up a trio at my puny local art store (which only carries these and WN professional and only about 30 colors of each) just out of pure curiosity n case I got desperate for paint one day and had no choice but to buy something ... and can't believe how nice they are. They rewet well, flow, blend, have vibrancy, most are transparent... just so much better than anything I've seen at the student level. Why are they such a big secret? I did a search to see if I was just somehow missing the reviews and pulled up like six total, most from years ago.
I dont know why, their paint is great. I've not tried their artist level watercolor but academy is great. That said the brand was carried by local art stores and I dont know any stores nearby that carry it. I think blick still does.
Hi! Big fan of your channel and work. What brand of watercolors would you recommend for stamping? I love to stamp and love to color them in with watercolor but I think I'm ready for a name brand paint. Thanks.
I recommend prima, cotman, gansai tambi for stamping, pans are good because they come in a palette. Student grade paints are less flow-y so they are easier to control on cardstock and on small images.
My parents reward me if I get straight a’s all year I think this year I’m going to ask for an art supply run. I’m so happy! I’m new to watercolors (I have a pan set of artist loft but it’s really chalky and I’ve noticed when it sits for awhile it kinda looks cracky on the paper) I think I’m going to get a few brushes this set and maybe a travel set of winsor and newton half pans. If anyone has any suggestions for watercolor beginners please tell me it would help a lot! Thanks!
What 3-5 colors would you recommend to start with, if we are buying by the individual tube? I want to make sure I have a good color base to start and try out before investing in more. Thank you!
Hi again! So glad I saw this review. I was looking for a good student grade to get as a gift for a friend who wants to start. I enjoy the cottman but quickly moved on from them. I was curious as to if you have tried the artist quality from Gumbacher. If so, would you recommend those as well as you have these? I'm on the hunt for new ones to try!
I have used the round grumbacher artist pans but I don't like them, they feel like tempera cakes to me and I tried both the opaque and transparent. I gave them to the kids. I have not used the grumbacher tube artist colors though and I reckon they are better. The company who distributes Grumbacher in the USA aslo sells Schminke, those are fantastic and I will have a review soon but my favorite still remains to be M Graham
I appreciate the help! I'll pick up some of the Grumbacher Academy ones for my friend, and I'll get a few tubes from the M Graham line for myself to try. I have heard good things about the Schminke, too, so I may test out a couple from them. I'll look forward to the review! I'll post an update after I try them also. I currently get the most use out of a 24 set of the Holbein artist wc. I wanted to get a bigger set, but I don't want repeats. I figure I will just look for sets from another company to get some variety. I also know you weren't the biggest fan of them, haha. I loved them for the vibrancy when doing night paintings and such. The contrast was excellent, but a few of the colors are rather opaque and I avoid them when necessary.
Tha Daler Rowney professional are also poor imho - very dull colour on drying and somewhat muddy mixing. The *only* advantage is that I can still lift them after a few days easier than other brands I have. The professional are also very expensive.
this is the grumbacher academy in tubes, they round cakes they sell are not very good quality and quite expensive in my opinion. I have the 12 set of the deluxe transparent and 24 set of opaque and I think they are overpriced. The opaque is a smidgen better but these academy tube paints are fantastic!
I've been researching, which basically is watching a lot of reviews on TH-cam and checking Amazon, Blick, and Jerry's, and it seems like Rembrandt is reasonably priced and has excellent professional quality. Also, and I'm sure I sound like an idiot saying this, but couldn't you get just a few core colors and make most of the colors you need? The Rembrandt tubes seem to be huge, u like Daniel Smith, which, unfortunately, still intrigue me.
Grumbacher Academy watercolors are my absolute favorite!! Despite being considered student paints, I always reach for these instead of the higher end ones like Sennelier, Schmincke and Daniel Smiths (I love to collect paints and try them out). This is probably the only watercolor brand where I've collected every single color from the set.
I've used them for over ten years now, and they are my go to set for portraits. The colors all harmonize with each other for portraits so well, and I don't end up creating muddy colors the way I do with others. I think a lot of my best works have been made with Grumbacher paints, so I am always a huge advocate on how the "quality"/price of the paints don't affect the quality of the painting. So glad to see that you think these are great for the price too!
MabrilArtinez I
MabrilArtinez me too
How do they compare to to van Gogh? I bought set of van Gogh paints and very disappointed.😢😞
I’d say It’s a great balance between student grade and “professional grade” pigments. I used a mixture of Grumbacher and Sennelier. They are phenomenal.
Hi! I know this is an older comment but I was wondering if you still felt the same? I do almost exclusively portraits and while I have Sennelier, Daniel Smith, Schmincke, W&N, my favored for my every day use is White Nights and they’re getting harder to find due to the war. I love my expensive brands (you sound almost the same as me honestly lol) I like to have a set of GOOD student grade paints for every day use. I love Schmincke Akademie but they’re more expensive than a lot of professional ranges.
I also love Paul Rubens for my every day palette but I am looking to see if there’s anything better, I didn’t like Van Gogh. I’m interested in your opinion since you sound so similar to myself. Thank you! I’m grateful!
I have Cotman and Grumbacher Academy watercolors for when I first started watercoloring back in 2008ish. A helpful Blick clerk described the Grumbacher Academy to me as a sort of in between student grade and artist grade paint, while the cotmans were student grade. Its good to know that you findings seem to be the same! This makes me want to use my old palette again!
Grumbacher is one of my favorite brands. I'm so glad that you a professional artist likes them too! Love all the videos you put up. Thank you.
I do appreciate your reviews, Lindsay. You haven't steered me wrong yet! ;-)
I must, though, tell you about a crazy dream I had this morning. I hope you'll laugh as I did. I got awake quite early today - around 2 am so I started watching some stuff on TH-cam and I guess since I watch all of your videos, no matter what I've been watching eventually TH-cam brings me back to you. Well, I fell asleep watching some documentary I can't even remember, and then I dreamed that the hubs and I finally got to go back to Maine. Once I knew I was going to be there, I had contacted you and we arranged to meet - at your house, no less. So we were in your craft room and our hubs had wandered off to do whatever. You proceed to give me a personal tutorial about...something. As you're going along, I asked a few questions but you never stopped - you just kept on with the patter you use in a TH-cam tutorial, no matter what my questions were. And when you finished you finished as always with "Happy crafting!" and walked out of the room. I was sitting there like a dunce, having no clue what to do - after all, my hubs and yours were off doing...whatever! Then I woke up and realized you didn't answer me when I asked questions because your voice was supplied by the video playing on the computer! :)
hahahaha, that IS funny:)
Grumbacher is what I have been using since college. I did purchase some Daler-Rowney from Wal Mart. Their ok. Thanks for your review.
Jerry of Pine Meadows Hobby Farm
GA makes my favorite cobalt blue and lemon yellow for under washes and glazing--great paints that work well with artist grade.
I love your reviews and trust your judgment! I happened upon a sale of Grumbacher Academy watercolor tube paints on Cheap Joe's and snatched up about a dozen tubes. I'm thrilled that they get your stamp of approval.
yay!
Just got a bunch on sale at hobby lobby, so was wondering how good they are. Happy with,y purchase!
I love love love these paints.... so glad other people notice them... so bright
I know that this is an older video but my daughter gifted me a set of Grumbacher Academy paints & I wanted an unbiased review of them. My search led me to your video. I appreciate your honest review & was pleasantly surprised to hear your opinion of them & that you considered them a bit better than Cotmans. This is a set that I will take with me on camping trips & utilize & have confidence that they will flow, blend & dry quite nicely.
Just bought myself a few tubes, Rose Madder, Ultramarine, Cad Yellow Deep Hue, and Payne's Gray. Excited to test them out.
Lindsay, I can only compare to the limited number of colors I purchased recently in the one of the other brands you mentioned, but I agree with your review. I'm about four years into this addictive hobby and as I've moved into artist grade paints, I still use the Grumbacher Academy line routinely. The colors you would expect to granulate, do just that. The Hooker's green light, burnt sienna, have rich, earthy qualities. I can tell compared to say my M. Grahams that they harden up in the pan a little more in between painting sessions, but performance on paper is good. I've learned sooo much from you Lindsay, thanks so much for all you do and generosity in sharing your talents and knowledge!
+Sharon Anderson thanks:)
Yes! They have been doing it a long time! Have tube from 1965 still good as ever.
Thank you, great video. I've used Grumbacher Academy in my early works, and now I sometimes mix a Grumbacher Academy color with a professional grade. I have done complete paintings with just the Academy many years ago and they're still holding up pretty well. I read a comment, someone saying the Academy is sort of in-between professional and student grade. Have a good day, week , month, year, etc.
Too Funny! I was looking at this set at Michaels this morning. Came home to see what Lindsay had posted. So glad you reviewed these. Michaels carries a set of 12 tubes for $36 includes a warm and cool of each primary. Will go back next week when I have a 50% off or higher coupon. Same thing happened last week when I purchased some clearance Van Gogh paints came home and Lindsay had a review on that. lol
that is so funny!
Kammy Daniels, I must not be looking at the right set. I was just on the website and it has a 12 tube set for $84.00. But on the website, I can't even see all the color names. After seeing Lindsay review these...I really want them. They seem so vibrant.
+Corry S. I saw that too. I was in the store. I will recheck the price when I go back and update you. also that set online is different.
Hello dere again, Lindsay! Thanks for the demo here! I'm rather good at drawing, but have worked on that since a kid. However, working with colour is fairly new to me. When I started, I went with Faber-Castell, then Winsor Newton Cotman, and eventually a Daniel Smith or a Van Gogh here and there for more difficult tones to mix from primaries. Since we are on a budget, I've lately getting Grumbacher by the tube. For one thing, they cost at least a dollar or so less than Cotman. You also get slightly more per tube. For my needs, these work very well and I find their quality is probably a bit less than the more expensive brands, but, I get a good idea of how my art would look were I to know how to paint well and using the pricier stuff. For beginners and others, I'd recommend Grumbacher's very much!
Thanks Lindsay. You're videos are so great. I purchased a WN cotman set today instead of grumbacher academy today. I think I'll exchange the set tomorrow. I'm so glad to have seen this. Thank you!
in any case they are both good but grumbacher has a slight edge:) You can't go wrong with either:)
On Amazon UK these are £6.99 for a 7.5mL tube which is professional-grade pricing - we always get stung on import costs lol!
Only paints I have ever used are Grumbacher and I always liked them. Thanks for the review.
Your so inspiring and helpful I'm doing art exams and you have helped me so much thank you
I dont know if you've ever found this out but the pigment information is labeled on the tubes, right to the left of the barcode.
I'm impressed!
a tip: you can watch movies on Kaldrostream. I've been using them for watching a lot of movies recently.
@Magnus Clay Yup, I have been using kaldrostream for since december myself =)
@Magnus Clay definitely, have been using KaldroStream for months myself :D
@Magnus Clay Definitely, have been watching on KaldroStream for since november myself :D
@Magnus Clay Yup, I've been using kaldroStream for years myself :)
This video was very helpful I’m currently trying to decide on my next set of watercolor
I bought the Aquafine at first, got very disappointed and felt like I did not like to paint, after seeing some of your tutorials I decided to give it another chance and bought Daniel smith professional paints, and I love love love them! Slowly working to replace all the colors I want!
Thioingold Violet is a rare one to see (PR88) - W&N used to have it as "Purple Lake" but sadly long gone - nice to know someone is still selling it though!
these colors are great, too bad you have to pay more in the UK tho:(
Denise Soden had some issues when testing on black paper, and some colors like ultramarine having seemingly quite a bit of fillers?
Thank you for the review! This helped me with my first steps into watercolors. It can be so intimidating so thank you!!
Thank you Lindsey! Bought 24 colors from Jerry's for $2 a tube this weekend!! 💜 I'm so excited!!
Hi there Lindsay. Just found this for anyone who may be interested in purchasing these paints on the dickblick site: 10-Tube Watercolor Set - New to watercolor? Get off to a great start with this set, which includes 10,7.5 ml tubes (Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue, Chinese White, Cobalt Blue Hue, Grumbacher Red, Ivory Black, Thalo Green Blue Shade, Ultramarine Blue, and Yellow Ochre Hue), plus a camel hair brush, plastic mixing tray, and watercolor guide. If you wanted to save as a starting set.
Thanks for another great review! I was wondering what your thoughts were about the advantages of student grade paints. Besides the price, obviously. I have recently got the St. Petersburg White Nights watercolors, and they are as good as my artist grade watercolors, but have the pricing of student grade. Individual whole pans cost (in Europe) between 2-3$, and the sets are around the same price as the Cotman half pans sets (so actually cheaper cause one gets double the amount of paint). I'm thinking for beginners it's probably easier to work with less pigmented colors if they don't want bright colors, or preference for tube paints, as the White Nights ones only come in whole pans. I have no connection to the company, but I gotta say I think I'll be using the White Nights set instead of my Cotman one.
Thanks again for your awesome videos!
I think the white knights are priced lower due to favorable trade agreemets with Russia or the low cost of materails/labour there. I find Korean paint ordered from Korea to be a good deal too. Probably alos because you can order from these countries there is no middleman and you are getting a wholesale price and not retail. I know when American shops stock White Knights an Mission Gold the price is doubled or tripped! The think I like about Grumbacher academy, Cotman and Van Gogh is that they are priced fairly and widely available. Beginners can easily become overwhelmed by choice looking for a deal and this is an easy fix. Also these student paints lift more easily so using them on cheaper paper and fixing mistakes is a bit easier.
Great points! Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I don't know about brick and mortar stores, but the Russian and Korean paints are also a good deal online, even here in Europe. thanks again!
I've used Grumbacher Academy Watercolors in the past. That is the brand I used before I switched to Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors. Perhaps it was the colors I used; but, I was not impressed. I painted a small watercolor section of the Iron Horse State Park. With just a few months of age, the colors had started yellowing. I used Strathmore Watercolor Cards 140# for my paper.
How old are your Academy paints? It was around 2003 or so, when I wanted to try the Academy paints. For one thing, they were available locally.
some are older and the ultramarine is new. the pigments on the other colors look good on the website though,not sure why any would yellow unless you sprayed the painting with a sealer, that could do it
Just discovered this video. I have some of these and I love their reds.
Ioved the video! I see that it's pretty old, but can you by any chance still remember what palette this is? Looks like mijello bulletproof, but I never saw this particular model anywhere.
Great, Lindsay! I will take a look at these!
I love my Grumbacher. For a student grade paint, I feel they are better than Cotman and many other brands. Easy to find and very affordable paints. The Payne’s grey flows beautiful. They later well, flow and react to ox gall, mix and rewet good.
Thanks for another great review! Love your recommendation on the Geranium Lake (picked some up!) for making a vibrant orange! I had gotten a very old set at an estate sale for $2 (some were rock hard but was able to reconstitute them easily by crushing with a jewelry pliers and adding water) and needed to add in some colors. Had fun buying them "frugally' getting a few more on ebay and finally getting a few at Michaels and Hobby Lobby. Couldn't resist adding in a few of my favorite Daniel Smith colors as well.
Paula in Florida
What...did I hear you say you went to Bangor! I'm from that area (Dover Foxcroft) actually heading there tomorrow. I live part time in Alaska now...cool to hear Bangor pop up ( = I am going to be teaching a few Art classes while I'm back there, so was checking out your info. I appreciate your videos! Thanks
cool! Yes I am in the neighborhood;)
I found a pack of 12 Grumbacher Academy Watercolors tubes for $5.90 at Hobby Lobby today and thought it was so good to be true so I was pretty sceptical about how good of a quality they were but this video eased my worries. I can't wait to try them!
What a great score! Are they clearencing them? I might have to grab some for my students!
thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich I don't know if they were clearencing them, that's why I was so confused, cause there multiple packs of grumbacher and and they were all regular priced, but this pack was separate from the rest of them and was really really cheap. I still have to test them so maybe the paint is old?
Hi Lindsey, great show as usual. There is a brand of student watercolor called Marie's. I heard their pretty good. What is your take on this brand? Thanks Jennifer
you know, they are good for painting right from the tube but the shrink, crack and fall out of a palette so you will need to add honey or glycerin to the paint if you are going to palette it. Also they have an oder to them, it goes away if you let them dry but at first it is strong. They are a bit chalky but considering that they are under $10 a set of 18 they are a good bet and non toxic from what I understand
Great review - very helpful! Thanks Lindsay!
Lindsay: what palette are you using with your Grumbaucher Academy paints?? It looks spacious.
+GWENNETH SIMMONS I bought a set of brushes and it came with it and it was clear so I sprayed it white in the outside. I think pro-art has a similar one
thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich: Merci!
Ok. I like these. Can you or have you reviewed the professional grade of the Grumbacher watercolors? Thank you.
+Janis Vogt I reviews the "artist" grumbachet round pans and they were not good. I have not tried the artist tubes tho
Great review Lindsay! In the live stream of the grape painting, I mentioned a friend I wanted to turn on to watercolor as he's an acrylic and oil painter, and he loves the Grumbacher Academy acrylics so I'll be excited to recommend these to him. For me, I feel a little spoiled between Turner, Daniel Smith and Sennelier (got 2 colors: Naples Yellow Deep and Forest Green based on your review) but as far as travel I would probably still choose Cotman for the convenience of having pre-caked pans, but the pigment strength on these does edge them out. Who knows, lol.
Joe Maysky I'd just move to professional grade from Cotman tbh as they'll last much longer and work out ok price wise therefore.
The Spin Doctor I already have multiple pro brands as I listed--was only considering a small to mid-size Cotman set for travel where I'm painting in a book and thus not as concerned with the pro tinting strength.
Joe Maysky I use them for that also but tbh they frustrate me in the field as the pigment load is such a shock to my system using their grown-up siblings day in day out - I'd just get yourself 8 W&N pro half pans (cool and warm of each RYB and Burnt Sienna and Yellow Ochre - what more can a boy want?) and find a tin for them (or get a Prima Decadent Pies set for the cute metal palette as there is space for 7 WN palettes in the middle of it and the colours in it are pretty nice tbh - that is my current field set).
Decadent pies is $15 on amazon too! thought about getting another just for the case before coming to my senses LOL!
When I started out, wondering if I should even invest in watercolor paints, I bought just a pan set you'd get for children (Crayola, which were really good, in fact!). I eventually went to tubes, found a set of Daler/Rowney--not great set. I then found the Grumbacher in my local Hobby Lobby, and have been adding to them gradually. I really like them I feel they are, just as you said, good set of paints, but I do want to gradually go to Winsor Newton. I was wondering if you've ever tried this/did a test trial on them? Wondering if it would be worth it. Thanks for this. I feel delighted that my Grumbachers aren't so inferior to some others in its class.
I have a review of both winsor newton artists and cotman range, I think that was what you were asking.
Now that you’ve done an artists WCs stash/review video, next up is the student grade stuff! 😂. I’d love to see the MeiLiang, the Cotman, the Cotman clones, etc.
Will do!
Loved the review and may just have to have a look at them. TFS
I absolutely love Grumbachers! However, I am somewhat cheap, and I usually just use liquitex basics or artist’s loft. Grumbachers are much cheaper than other brands for how well they work.
hi Lindsay, I've been watching all your watercolor videos again. I've recently wanted to get back into it but I only have Daley & rowney tube paints. I was thinking of squeezing them into a pan but now I'm considering buying better quality, still affordable paints. do you still prefer these or would you recommend a different brand? pan or tube, doesn't matter😊
It’s funny but I just run a crossed my 40-year-old academy Grumbacker paints and they’re just as bright and just as beautiful as they were when I was using them many years ago thanks for the video it was a great encouragement
Hi there Lindsay, I was wondering what are you thoughts or if you have reviewed Koi watercolour 18 set at all? Also what would be your main recommendation for artist quality watercolours? Thanks!
I have not done a review but I have used them a lot, they are a bit on the opaque side but a good value none the less. I wish there was lightfast info on them though.
Have you tried the Grumbacher Finest line? If so, how do they compare to the Academy line?
I haven't but I hear they make blick watercolor and I didn't care for rhem.
Thank you for the quick reply.
I find these videos really helpful 😄 thank you for uploading x
I've spent the past week looking at paint reviews while planning a large online purchase... and nobody talks about these. I figured they had to be terrible even worse than cotman but I picked up a trio at my puny local art store (which only carries these and WN professional and only about 30 colors of each) just out of pure curiosity n case I got desperate for paint one day and had no choice but to buy something ... and can't believe how nice they are. They rewet well, flow, blend, have vibrancy, most are transparent... just so much better than anything I've seen at the student level. Why are they such a big secret? I did a search to see if I was just somehow missing the reviews and pulled up like six total, most from years ago.
I dont know why, their paint is great. I've not tried their artist level watercolor but academy is great. That said the brand was carried by local art stores and I dont know any stores nearby that carry it. I think blick still does.
@@thefrugalcrafter well mine is at Hobby Lobby, and they also sell it online if anyone is looking....
Love this review! thanks for sharing💜😀
Is the grumbacher cerulean a warm or cool blue?
Hi! Big fan of your channel and work. What brand of watercolors would you recommend for stamping? I love to stamp and love to color them in with watercolor but I think I'm ready for a name brand paint. Thanks.
I recommend prima, cotman, gansai tambi for stamping, pans are good because they come in a palette. Student grade paints are less flow-y so they are easier to control on cardstock and on small images.
Thank you very much. yes, I was looking at pens but there are so many brands I couldn't chose. what brand would you recommend?
My parents reward me if I get straight a’s all year
I think this year I’m going to ask for an art supply run.
I’m so happy!
I’m new to watercolors (I have a pan set of artist loft but it’s really chalky and I’ve noticed when it sits for awhile it kinda looks cracky on the paper)
I think I’m going to get a few brushes this set and maybe a travel set of winsor and newton half pans.
If anyone has any suggestions for watercolor beginners please tell me it would help a lot! Thanks!
What 3-5 colors would you recommend to start with, if we are buying by the individual tube? I want to make sure I have a good color base to start and try out before investing in more. Thank you!
prussion blue, ultramarine, magenta, permanent yellow
Hi again! So glad I saw this review. I was looking for a good student grade to get as a gift for a friend who wants to start. I enjoy the cottman but quickly moved on from them. I was curious as to if you have tried the artist quality from Gumbacher. If so, would you recommend those as well as you have these? I'm on the hunt for new ones to try!
I have used the round grumbacher artist pans but I don't like them, they feel like tempera cakes to me and I tried both the opaque and transparent. I gave them to the kids. I have not used the grumbacher tube artist colors though and I reckon they are better. The company who distributes Grumbacher in the USA aslo sells Schminke, those are fantastic and I will have a review soon but my favorite still remains to be M Graham
I appreciate the help! I'll pick up some of the Grumbacher Academy ones for my friend, and I'll get a few tubes from the M Graham line for myself to try. I have heard good things about the Schminke, too, so I may test out a couple from them. I'll look forward to the review! I'll post an update after I try them also.
I currently get the most use out of a 24 set of the Holbein artist wc. I wanted to get a bigger set, but I don't want repeats. I figure I will just look for sets from another company to get some variety. I also know you weren't the biggest fan of them, haha. I loved them for the vibrancy when doing night paintings and such. The contrast was excellent, but a few of the colors are rather opaque and I avoid them when necessary.
Great video Lindsay! 😆
thanks Val!
Video went a bit corrupt somewhere between 11m25 and 11m35 btw just in case you have a software issue.
Thanks for the review! Do you recall which pallette this is?
Pro art makes a similar one
oooooh nice Lindsay :) thank you
How good are these versus Royal Talen's Van Gogh Watercolors?
about the same
Tha Daler Rowney professional are also poor imho - very dull colour on drying and somewhat muddy mixing. The *only* advantage is that I can still lift them after a few days easier than other brands I have. The professional are also very expensive.
good to know!
could you please tell us the colors you got?
Did you use the grumbacher transparent watercolor or the opaque watercolor set?
this is the grumbacher academy in tubes, they round cakes they sell are not very good quality and quite expensive in my opinion. I have the 12 set of the deluxe transparent and 24 set of opaque and I think they are overpriced. The opaque is a smidgen better but these academy tube paints are fantastic!
Thank you!
some nice colours in that great
Great review!
Can you tell me what palette you are using for these? Jerry's has a good price on these! Thanks
the Pro Art is the closest one, this was a noname brand that came in a kit, just search folding plastic palette and you should be able to find one.
Thanks....will do!
They're lightfast? Do they granulate?
No granulation and the lightfast rating on the labels are sus.
I've been researching, which basically is watching a lot of reviews on TH-cam and checking Amazon, Blick, and Jerry's, and it seems like Rembrandt is reasonably priced and has excellent professional quality. Also, and I'm sure I sound like an idiot saying this, but couldn't you get just a few core colors and make most of the colors you need? The Rembrandt tubes seem to be huge, u like Daniel Smith, which, unfortunately, still intrigue me.
@@lizbethy3214 yes you can
Hey! I know this video is "old" but.. Does anyone know what palette is she using?
It was an old clear one I spray painted white. By Royal and Langnickle I think.
Well, it's been two weeks and i can't seem to find it anywhere on the net!!!!! 😂 do you know by any chance some link or where i can find it?
The vibrancy remained even after drying,good sign.
yes, you really can't beat them for the price!
Thank you, great info for us beginners.
Super helpful
I think I'm going to replace my reeves paints with these
Michaels has the 10 tube set for $84. not so cheap. yikes!
+Katherine Sullivan that is too high, probably because of coupons.
well NOW you tell me! lol ty Lindsay :) So glad you recommended them so highly because i bought them :/
Katherine Sullivan Hobby Lobby has them for about $5 a tube