Brass Watercolor Palette Review - Brass Palette India
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.ค. 2018
- A review of Brass Palette India's Roberson style brass palette (Aqua Pool model) and Roberson Style palettes, in general.
Check out Brass Palette India on Facebook for models, pricing, and contact info.
/ brasspaletteindia
It’s just funny to me how artist are the ones that ask why you need such an expensive palette. Like it is artisanal made and it’s beautiful craftsmanship; it is art itself so you should as an artist understand why it’s so valuable. Of course art can be cheap or even over priced but it has meaning. this palette is art and it’s very beautiful to me. Thanks for the review.
As an artist, buying an expensive palette is like wearing a plastic sporty waterproof watch one day and a Rolex the next day. Both can give you the right time but wearing the Rolex makes you feel good. That feeling makes it priceless.
Isabella Santos_Modellatura Art That’s a good way of looking at it. 👍
Weeell for me and probably most artists at first moment, is for the design, if whiskey painters made a palette of this style but with little differences and their neat palette quality... Probably for about a hundred dollars, I'd go for it, cause I'll have to wait a few years before I even go to art school (and after get a job to afford brass palettes)... Just for the experience mostly but that's not the point, the point is that no other portable palette gives you the ability to work wet on wet, on big pieces, with no problem of needing more space for most time, and the more Portable versions of these palettes are great as well, but I really don't need to pay once for something I won't need to replace in a lifetime (or maybe yes? Since ever I always somehow drop my palettes by accident, I sorta take em everywhere), if it's going to last about 30 years or less, it's gonna be pretty good already for me, and well, you can do tons of analogies about how close artists feel to their palettes, but I think I've written just more than enough already...
Hey Brian. Loved watching this review. I was not aware of this palette maker and love seeing reviews of new (to me) products. While I don't collect palettes (my junkie obsession runs towards brushes) I totally get what you're saying. You don't have to have a utilitarian excuse to buy a palette. Special supplies that we just enjoy looking at, enjoy the hand crafter nature of and just love to use is reason enough. I was recently at a train museum and I was floored at the cost of collectible model trains. And what can you do with a model train but look at it or put it on a track and watch it go around. People collect all sorts of things. Hand crafted items are especially neat!
Hey Steve! I agree. It seems like everyone has a passion for something (trains, toys, coins, whatever) where they don’t mind spending extra to have something special. Ours just happens to be watercolor and watercolor supplies. I think we naturally want to try new things like brushes, paints, palettes, whatever to keep ourselves fully involved with this thing that we love. I don’t give a rip if a photographer spends thousands on a new camera even if he could get the same quality with a lesser camera... or if a cyclist spends extra hundreds on a bike to shave off a few ounces, etc. It’s really none of my business. So, it’s just kind of baffling to me that some people tend to get “up in arms” if someone wants to spend the extra to own one of these. Weird. Ha, ha!
****WARNING****. In this video, I mention the company, Iba-Co, as a supplier of these kinds of brass palettes. I’ve been made aware that it appears there have been severe issues with customers getting the watercolor boxes that they’ve ordered from Iba-Co. So, I can’t say, for sure, what’s going on with the Iba-Co boxes but be wary about ordering from Iba-Co.
I appreciate handmade items....appreciate craftsmanship .....it’s important to appreciate those tiny beautiful moments of opening up our palettes preparing for a painting session. Beautiful rituals. I like the idea of fewer beautiful practical things. Thanks:)
That's a great way to put it, Dawn. Using things that you cherish does seem to help get into the mood of painting. Thanks for watching!
I have no problem with people buying pricey palettes.. like you said, if it is useful and meaningful to you, then why not? Enjoy it.
I'm not a professional watercolor artist and even I want that beautiful thing! 😁
Thanks for the review Brian!
Elga Benedicta Thank you, Elga! Much appreciated. Great thoughts.
As much as I love those palettes, what I truly enjoyed was hearing the story behind your rediscovered love for watercolour. Thank you. Also, since you haven't posted in a while, I hope you're doing fine.
I'm glad you did the review. Quality shows, and keeping skilled craft workers in employment is important.
I get why one wouldn’t want to “show it off”...but everyone should have something that’s beautiful to look at, to use. For Artists, painting is a pleasure and great quality paints, brushes, palettes, paper, easels, while bringing pleasure to the eye, to the senses, I think they’re also incentives...I started with less than quality paints and brushes, palettes and found that I was frustrated more often than not, ie: ...paints not granulating, hairs falling off of the brushes...stained palettes that were difficult to clean...but once I upgraded to greater quality paints and tools I had much more freedom to just paint. There’s a wonderful ritual to the process of beginning a painting now. Congratulations on your purchase of your beautiful palette!!👍🏼👏🏼💞💞💞
So glad you did this review, thanks Jackie!
I have been looking for these forever and never knew where to find them.
Thanks for watching, Christine! They definitely are a bit tough to find since they are hand-made by such a small amount of people. Happy painting!
thank you for making this video!! i loved that you called it an heirloom that’s exactly how i see it, this is definitely my “end goal” pallet. my watercolor skill at the moment are so beginner that id bring shame to this pallet’s name however, in a few years after hours of practice id love to be a proud owner of a brass pallet :D !
Terrific Brian! Love your videos!! And I understand the desire to have the best tools, no matter what they cost (within reason, of course... and I decide what's reasonable, after all). However, I do regret the mohair-covered gas powered pochade box. And it seemed like such a good idea at the time! Thank goodness I have such an understanding wife.
Draw Paint Repeat Thank you, Steve! That’s too bad about the mohair pochade. I’ve heard the electric models are more worth the money but any mohair pochade is okay in my book. And, yes, an understanding wife always helps. 😁
Thank you for the great review, and it does look like a fascinating paintbox. However, the thing that caught my eye, and gave me a chuckle, was that it looks like a piece of military surplus. I've seen a lot of old WWII era NAVY devices painted in a similar color and construction style. Hmmm, Bosun's mate, Machinists mate, Plein air Painter's mate....
That is one beautiful palette! Wowza!
Thanks, Lindsay!
Wow just wow! That’s a pretty cool palette.
I like the shapes of the mixing wells. Nice layout.
Great Review ! This handcrafted product is manufactured in a culturally rich state of India - Kerala. Their whole collection is really amazing and unique. !
Great review Brian! Good points on the pros and cons, you nailed it! Then I heard my name! Haha! Thanks for the mention! Those brass palettes are really beautiful! For me, to use it almost everyday and for a lifetime is really worth the couple hundred dollars, considering we tend to shell out more money for gadgets or computers for a lot more which we only use for a couple of years only to replace them. Well, that was what I told my husband before when I said I would buy one. LOL!
Jacqueline Mendoza Hi Jacqui!! That is SUCH a good point! Most of us will, most likely, go through several $600 cell phones in the next ten years while this palette will still be doing its job and probably will continue to do so for a lifetime. I’m not an extravagant person (I’ve driven the same pickup truck for over 25 years, etc) but feel like it’s okay to spend some extra on the things that you love to do. Thanks for watching!... and thanks for the encouragement to do the review. Looks like my concern over backlash might have been somewhat correct. This has only been up a few hours and already 4 down votes. Ha ha!!🙄😂
Brian Ashmore Studio That's okay, you can't please everyone! It's just an unusual object to spend on for the average person so it does take some explaining to do. Same here, not really an extravagant person, I don't care about clothes or whatever things other girls buy, but I told myself, I am going to have an awesome palette. 😅 🎨 And I did! Took me several months to save up for! Also, just want to share something I read from the Palette Addict thread from Wet Canvas. A senior aged artist said, if you are young, get a brass palette, because then you would enjoy it for a lot more years than if you buy it when you're old. And that's another thought that made me decide to get one. 😊 I wish you all the best for your channel, thanks for sharing your art and techniques!
Thanks so much, Jacqui!! That’s a good way to look at it... the younger you are, the more time you have with something to enjoy it. I’m going to have to check out the Palette Addicts thread. I’m a lurker but its been awhile since I’ve looked at it. :)
Great review. You are completely right about the point, that the palette is a tool, that we use on a daily basis, so we can spend some more money on that.
I've never heard about these palettes before, but I have to admit, that they are really beautiful. Thank you for this video - it wasn't too long, it was perfect.
Thanks very much!! They're a fun style of palette to paint from!
Thank you Brian; I have been looking at these for a while and yup, I'm subscribed to Brass Palette India. Last year, after wrestling with this thought, I bought a Berry Herniman plastic clover leaf palette. And I do really love it! I recently bought an extra tray so that I can carry a differnt array of colors. I use it in my studio from time to time also. It is great for large washes. Anyway, that is an alternative if anyone is interested. $50. Or so.
Mary Kay Parker Hi Mary! Great point. Those cloverleaf palettes do look very nice and useful in the same way. I didn’t realize the tray was removable, too. Very cool!
Glad you did this review. I had stumbled across a U.S. palette maker on the net and was astounded at the cost, but I loved it anyway and it has never left my mind. Now that I have seen your review, I understand the reason for the cost. The palette is a thing of beauty in itself when design and usefulness interact so well. I will probably only dream of one, but one never knows! Thank you for talking about it.
Suzibee65 You never know! I didn’t think I’d probably ever own one. Once holding one in-hand, I did realize just how much work goes into one of these. So many little folds and bends... things fitting tightly... soldering things together without showing the solder... painting so the outside is durable and the inside is mixable, etc. The amount of hours that goes into one of these really does justify the price, IMO. If I spent as many hours on a painting as one of these boxes takes to make, I would charge a similar price or even higher for my painting. It’s unfortunate that these have to be hand-made instead of mass-produced and affordable to most artists that want them. However, I can’t take anything away from the makers of these for what they charge. A lot of work goes into them.
I could definitely do with one of these .. Maybe two ha .. Nice review!
I recently purchased a Holbein No 1000 and thought that somehow, just somehow I had satiated my desire to own one of these brass Robinson-style palettes. Now, thanks to your video, Brian...I suddenly feel the intense desire to own one again. :)
Ha ha!! Sorry about that! Sorry to take so long to respond! I just found out that my TH-cam comment notifications have been disabled.
Interesting. Didn’t knew they even make such gorgeus palettes. Got to have one before I retire ( a 10 year plan). Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching, Kent! It is fun to paint with.
Hi, great video! I love my brass Robinson Palette that I bought from Craig Charles and use it every day. ☺️
Truly impressive. Thank you for sharing.
I really enjoyed this video Brian. I too am a palette junkie and just received my Roberson palette from Little Brass Box. Perfection. It will be awhile before I use it. I mostly just look at it, open and close it, smell it's newness and listen to the thick, satisfying click. I fully understand your feelings about this luxury item. It is something solid in the midst of the ephemeral; it is tradition honored; it is a "credential" from the wizard's bag.
Well said, Garrin. I couldn't agree more. Any palette will do the job but I like the permanence of a brass palette and the feeling of having an "ally," as it were, for a life of painting.
I love your brass palette box.
Mine version is from
Craeg Young pallet
England
Ooooh - Palette-Envy???? I am beginning to believe that it's a thing.... Wonderful palette! Thanks for the review :-)
Thanks for the review next one I’m getting this
Interesting. Weight and price blew my mind. Enjoy it and glad it got your interest back.
Big C Thanks much! 👍
Yes, I agree! I too love “ gadgety things”!
Soooo glad you did this review!!! I live in Australia and EVERYTHING is VERY, VERY EXPENSIVE here and watercolour art supplies are an absolute luxury (that's why I buy 99% of my art supplies from the UK for at least ½ price - including postage!) so the price of these brass palettes, although expensive, is relative to the price of watercolour art supplies in Australia. Beautifully designed and hand made tools are exquisite and such a joy to own and use, which increases the pleasure I experience when painting. I feel the same joy when I use my gorgeous size 12 Da Vince Maestro Kolinsky sable brush. Appreciating beautiful things is not unique to artists and so why wouldn't you indulge yourself, if you can afford to. Most of us work hard and long hours with the majority of our money being swallowed up by our family - so we deserve nice things too. BTW, IBA-CO does not operate any more. If considering another brass palette I would seriously recommend Le petite palette as I believe the quality will be excellent - I have a 3 month wait for my spanish palette - and shipping is free, can't wait. I have a Craig Young Roberson palette and I happened to be unlucky enough to get one where the workmanship is not the best quality and so I was very disappointed in it, I had to wait 18 months for it....
I’m so sorry to hear about your CY palette! That is so disappointing after waiting in anticipation for so long. Ugh. Since posting, I’ve heard about Iba-co and the problems they’ve had delivering on orders. I wish I hadn’t included them in my list of suppliers. I have seen the La Petite Palette boxes and thing they look GORGEOUS. I would love to have one but will probably be “good” for quite awhile after getting the smaller Aqua Mini that I mentioned. They do look well-built and beautiful!! Thanks so much for commenting and all your great points! What problems does your CY box have, if you don’t mind my asking?
My CY palette looks like it was made in a hurry with minimal care taken - The cut out sections that allow the oval wells to be positioned on the outer lids are NOT a nice, smooth clean oval cut out, instead they are bumpy and look clumsily and awkwardly cut out, the oval wells fit badly over their corresponding cut out 'holes' in that they are NOT nicely lined up and joined so that there is a bit of a 'lip' overhanging into the oval well. There is a little 'blob' of something stuck to the edge of one of the oval wells. One of the dividers in the lift out paint holder is crooked. The paint job on the bottom of the paint holder is so rough that you can see the brush marks. My palette is navy blue and it looks like next to no care was taken to protect the white paint on the inside of the palette from the navy blue paint as tiny navy blue spray marks are on the edges and in the corners. The lift out paint holder is affected the same way, particularly badly on one side and the underside - almost like it had been placed upside down right near the palette as it was being spray painted. This palette cost me $680 to get to Australia (USD$500) and when it finally arrived my excitement on opening the package soon turned to despair once I'd had a good look at it. 20 years prior to ordering this palette I knew an artist who had a CY Roberson palette and his was perfectly made, at the time I thought it was the most exquisite thing I'd ever seen. CY is well into his 70's now, he makes his palettes part time with no urgency - possibly his eyesight is failing him as well as his fine motor skills... I've had the palette for just over one year now but I couldn't bring myself to use it because of my disappointment with the bad workmanship...
Magdalena, I’m really sorry to hear how bad your palette is. Believe me, I’d be gutted if mine arrived that way, too. This is pure speculation but I’ve wondered if CY might be pretty tired of producing the Roberson palettes after having done so for so many years. I noticed the same sort of issues on the palette in the most recent CY palette unboxing video on TH-cam. I know it would be more investment but would it be on option to have someone else “finish off” your box? Perhaps Venu at Brass Palette India would be willing to strip it down, work on the oval holes (and the blob) and then repaint it? I know he’s redone his own palettes on an occasion or two when someone needed their’s touched up. It might be worth checking into. He does very nice work. Just an idea. That would be so heartbreaking to open a sub-par palette after such an investment and wait. 😩
Hi Magdalena! I have heard similar complaints from quite a few people lately of the craftsmanship on those. If you want a really finely crafted box, the Little Brass Box is really well made. I am about to post a video about one I just got in the mail. If you want to try again I know some people that would probably buy your CY in that condition to repair/use and you could go try a different brand. I love my little brass box. I got it custom-made with flat mixing areas. Anyhow- I'm around if that interests you: jared.cullum@gmail.com
Magedelna, have you received your la petite palette yet? How do you like it?
I’m very pleased that I found you. Love your videos. I understand about new beginnings and I think it’s important to celebrate them. Thanks for reviewing the Roberson paintbox. I did not know of it. Would I buy it? Probably not. For me I wouldn’t be able to justify the cost because it would be precious and I would not use it. However, I’m very glad that you do use it. It’s a lovely gift to yourself and marks a momentous period for you. Thanks again.
Thanks, Jacki! Yes, boxes like this are definitely not a necessity.
Loved this review.
The Robersons palette looks like it'd hold four deviled eggs beautifully. Not enough mixing area for me but it is pretty to look at.
Great video! It warms my heart that the box gives you joy. :) the craftsmanship is really great on those.
Hi Jared! BPI made a flat version of this Roberson style palette, I wonder if you've already seen it? Only 150 USD!
Jacqueline Mendoza I did! I think it’s so cool Venu is making an affordable model to open it up to more people. His craftsmanship is really impressive. I genuinely loved the box with oval wells but I just came to realize that I prefer splaying out mixes on a flat surface. I actually already ordered a flat Roberson when I sold this box to Brian.
Wow, is Venu also making your flat Roberson palette? Yes, I am also glad he is making brass palettes that are more affordable! He told me the tray insert of my palette is the same size as this new flat palette (Aqua Saral), therefore interchangeable! Very tempting. 😋
Jared Loves to Draw Thanks, Man! I really do love it.
Jacqueline Mendoza thought I’d try little brass for this one to see the difference in handling and craft. It’s also smaller than Venus which will be interesting.
Great review! I get what your saying, we're all the same that way. I loved your art in your travel kit moleskin book.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Loved the review, if you have the taste and the means, get what makes you happy!
Neos Kro Thanks!! Agreed.
Beautiful!
I have a Craig Young pallet and love the design. It has a bit of weight that gives you a feeling of solidity.
margaret morales Very cool! I’ve yet to see a CY box, in person. Congrats! I agree, the weight and sturdiness is nice.
Whew and i thought my buying the cute little whiskey painter's palette was extravagant! :P Anyhow, dude, yours may be a much more extravagant toy, but you don't have to justify it so much to anyone else, or yourself. Just enjoy it. Sometimes we need a kick of inspiration, and if you can afford it, why not? I got a kick recently by hacking my small travel palettes by removing the heavy metal internal brackets (or the two brace/brackets from the whiskey p.p.) and adding magnetic strips to the bottoms of my plastic pans and , thereby greatly reducing weight and allowing for even more pans. Also got a kick setting up an altoids tin and mini altoids tin palettes that are sturdy and practically free. Whatever floats your boat.
Exactly. Whatever works for each artist is what they should work with. Sorry to take so long to respond! I just found out that my TH-cam comment notifications have been disabled.
Brian, did you happen to see the "Mini Pal-ettes" kickstarter about a month ago? Very cool little concept in porcelain "carry" palettes. I was a supporter, so I'll be excited to see how they turn out in a few months! Thanks for the video! (I'm definitely saving for a brass palette in the future, but probably just a small one!)
I hadn’t but I just checked it out. That’s a cool little travel palette. Even having just the mixing one would be a great addition to a small travel kit to augment the, typically, small mixing areas in things like bijou boxes and what-not. Thanks for watching! Hope you love your brass palette when you do “take the plunge.”
I’ve had my steel watercolour pallet for 38 years. It’s still totally serviceable but has lots of scapes and bashes. I wouldn’t sell it for £500 quid.
Lovely video tho.
Thanks from the UK
Well carpenters, builders, mechanics, etc need their tools, so why cant artists be the same??? Or if we get down to the basics, if you use it and enjoy it, go for it. You cant take it with you but why not enjoy special tools of your trade while you are on earth. The deep wells alone would be so worth it. Enjoy and celebrate !!! PS glad you didn’t stop painting!
Essie Tangle Thanks so much, Essie! Very kind of you. It really is just a tool. No one bats an eye when a photographer plunks down extra for something with bells and whistles.
That is a very good rationalization.
This is one of my 'dream on' items, but I love to see that others have and use them! I guess the skills to make them are rare these days, and the time taken in the detail is where the costs really lie.
The 18 colour 1/4 pan set by Daler Rowney or Cassart is a tiny oblong delight which will hold a couple of short brushes. The latter is great value, and good as a consolation....
People think nothing of spending hundreds on phones and tablets, artists aren't all in garrets, your box probably took way more effort in to make!
Lindy Ashford I had never seen that Daler Rowney 1/4 pan set before! I didn’t even realize that they made 1/4 pans. That is an awesome-looking little palette. I LOVE little metal palettes and that would be a great one to have. Good point on phones and tablets... and they will most likely need to be replaced many times before this brass box gives way. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great review, been considering a Roberson style myself. I’m with you on using a quality item, I already own a Craig Young Binning Monroe style and a Little Brass Box travel palette which if you like gizmos is just the best. I think collecting these is just addictive and expensive lol. Thanks
Hey Brian! Yes... it does become somewhat addictive. ha, ha. Nice palettes, btw!!
Great Review , lovely palette, enjoy your treasure.
Lee delany Thanks, Lee!
Thank you.
The Roberson style palette is the best design , especially for Plein Air painting . Four deep wells and two flats . Compact design . Unfortunately these have been out of mass production for decades . Only 5 craftsman make these now . Nothing wrong with spending the money if your going to use it . I have been thinking of getting one form Craig (England ) or BP India . Haven't been able to pull the trigger yet .
Hi Jim, Agreed. It's such a classic, useful design that I'm surprised a company hasn't started making a mass-produced, affordable version. I would definitely recommend BP India. He uses a good gauge of brass that makes the palettes slightly heavier but really, really robust. My preference, for sure. They also do a great job with the paint and finishing.
I ordered mine in March and received it last week (July 6). I agree with all the pros and cons, including rationale for owning one.
Great solution for using in studio (adhesive pads). Now if I only could find a little “cozy” to protect finish when not in use!
Joseph Ribera hi Joseph! For mine, I went on Etsy and found someone who makes hand made bags. One lady who makes canvas laundry bags only charged me $10 to make a 5x6 bag to use as a slip cover. I’ve even chatted with Brian about how cool it could be to have a custom leather maker from Etsy make a slip-case. You could have a little holster piece for brushes. Just a thought. :)
Jared Loves to Draw Thanks Jared, I really enjoy your videos as well as Brian’s. I’ll check out etsy.
Joseph Ribera Fantastic! Are you finding it useful, so far? Great advice from Jared on getting a bag. It is nice to have something to protect it in.
Brian Ashmore Studio I have to confess I haven’t even put paint in it yet and am still using my Holbein. But plan to do so soon.
I hear you. I took forever for me to finally move into my Holbein 250 as a travel palette. Sometimes its just kind of fun to take your time with actually filling the palette.
Thank you for making this video :) really enjoyed it. Plus i Think you don't have to defend yourself for buying and owning this beautiful palette. :)
Hi Brian, just subscribed to your channel. Love this review, and I got mine 2 years ago in forest green. Love it. I've gotten used to the staining on my palette but am going to give the brush cleaner a try. Would be nice to get back to white again lol. I use mine outside, but on a table on the porch. Texas weather and all...I let the wildlife come to me :-).
Glad this palette reignited your art fire. Thanks again for the review
Thanks so much, Ismael! Yes, do try the Masters brush cleaner. I was shocked that it easily removed stains that other soaps couldn't touch.
quick update, The Masters brush cleaner was amazing. Worked like a charm, I'm revisiting my older palettes to clean them up. Thanks for the tip.
That's fantastic! I don't know why but it works where so many other soaps just don't do anything. Like magic! Glad it worked!
Wow this is a really neat palette!
Shantel Lace I agree! 😁👍
If I ever get decent at watercolor, I would totally get that palette
It's fun to have but, thankfully, expensive tools aren't necessary to produce top-level watercolors!! Thanks for watching and commenting!
This was interesting. It looks really cool.
Diane Thoroughman Thanks so much for watching, Diane!
I've been contemplating selling a few organs to get a brass palette. I've seen these for 2 years and fell in love !! Useful points though. Thanks!
Richard Williams I really wish a mainstream company would start producing something similar so more people could enjoy these without losing organs. 😁 Thanks!
It would be nice if Field Artist would make some (probably not brass) so that people could feel for them and decide if they want to upgrade to a more mainstream and affordable one. I know they do versions of the whiskey painters Bijou box and the other style one that's like it with the flask installed (not sure the exact name of that one). I'f all else fails.. -1 kidney couple of fingers, an ear,.. then robbing a bank might cover it lol.
Did you see the Fanelli Watercolor Paint Sketch Brass Palette? That thing is gorgeous!! Would never use it in my life though. Totally just a show piece.
I have seen that Fanelli box (House of Hoffman). I totally agree... that thing is absolutely gorgeous. Those boxes are works of art (with the price to go with them) and it would be tough to use one. It is a little puzzling to me that with all the buzz over these Roberson/Craig Young boxes over the last 20 years (?) that some company hasn’t made a steel version or even a plastic version that’s a closer match than the cloverleaf one that’s available. They really are a great design. I think you could manage one and still keep at least one ear. Let’s be reasonable. 😂
gear reviews are always interesting
Rachel Z I agree. I love watching gear reviews! 👍
I love the big black “studio” one you showed in the intro. Where can I get one and how much ? I hope not $450 for a custom
Thank you for the review. I love this style of palettes they are perfect in every way and are exactly what I would want. But I also just found out about the details....with a $500 price tag it is way out of my league...and 10 month wait is the least of the problems. I like your metaphor to musicians and their instruments, but from that perspective I will never feel good enough for this palette. Understandable that this palette stirs up some emotions. ;-)
this is a fabulous review of the many pro's and a few cautions to be aware of. Congrats still on this one. After all this time are you still as pleased with this beautiful palette?
Your videos are very real and interesting. I cannot justify the $$ for this pallet, but confess I spent $120 on a brush... Maybe someday.
Cathy Anderson Thanks very much, Cathy! I spent quite a few years wanting one without getting one. So, you never know. 🙂
Luv the pallet - and the colour. Unfortunately here in sunny South Africa we only have a choice between plastic and plastic. With our Rand exchange our art supplies are so expensive. Enjoy ur videos. M
Mariana Eksteen Thanks, Mariana! I didn’t realize that supplies were so expensive in South Africa or that plastic was the only option. I produced some of my best work with inexpensive plastic palettes. In fact, that’s all I used for over 25 years. I guess the good news is that the real treasures are the paintings we produce and it doesn’t take anything too fancy or expensive to paint in watercolor (expensive prices on basic supplies notwithstanding). Take Care!
Brian, I encountered the same problem when I have videos on my collection of paints. I've already ordered my little brass box and it costs around a couple hundred USD. It's made in China by a friend of a friend of mine, and I'll definitely do a video review of it. I find the negative comments laughable but could not help get a bit miffed.
I love love love your videos and your tendency to use only a few colors.
Also if your palette stains you can use an eraser to clean it up as well!!
How did you add your plaque and tape it in there?
From where do we get these sir? Am from India..is it possible to get it down here!!
Great review. I always was wondering about Indian brass I have one from "My little brass box. It is so beautiful that I even did not stat to use it yet.
14 Watecolor & More I know, right?! It would be tough to “break in” a brand new one. This one is super sturdy and very “heavy duty” feeling with all the hinges and closure having just the right amount of finish and tension.
You are totally right. This palette is so special that I am afraid to dirty it with the paints. But you are my inspiration. I shall fill it in with the paints as soon as I make up my mind of the colors. By the way can you list the colors that you use.
Sure! Right now (because things change from time to time), I’m using Daniel Smith colors. My palette includes: Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Pyrol Orange, Vermillion, Carmine, Ultramarine Violet, Cerulean Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Phthalo Blue, Phthalo Green (Blue Shade), Sap Green, Yellow Ochre, Raw Umber, Burnt Sienna, Sepia, Payne’s Blue Gray. Hope that helps!
Brian Ashmore Studio - Thanks. Almost like Alvaro’s.
Hi Brian. It's been a long time since we heard from you. I hope you are OK.
There is nothing wrong buying something you love. Cheers.
I’m a palette junkie too. But I’m also in a semi-permanent state of anxiety about which paints to put in which palette; sort by brand, project, color, price... so much that I catch myself sometimes putting more time and effort into sorting and filling and worrying about missing something. I would love to see how you make your choices as to which paint you put in each palette. I enjoy your videos very much! Greetings from the Netherlands, Frouke
frouk fgb Hello Frouk! I understand how sorting out what to put in a palette can produce anxiety. I’ve been going through a bit of palette colors change, myself, lately. I’ve recently switched from Winsor and Newton to Daniel Smith watercolors. I start by making sure that my primaries (red, yellow, and blue) are staining colors and that I have a warm and cool version of each one. Then, I make sure to have a couple of earth tones (like burnt sienna and yellow ochre) and a couple of greens (warm and cool). Paynes Gray is also a must-have in my palette for darks that don’t turn into lifeless black areas. Other than that, I don’t really need much. I can mix pretty much anything else I need. With that being said, with this new palette, Jared included a full array of Daniel Smith colors in the wells. So, I got to try out some new colors. I kept some and replaced some with some of my old “stand bys.” Hope that helps. Thanks for watching and take care!
Oh! Also... in regards to what paint I put in each palette, I try to stay consistent between my palettes. I try to use all the same brand and colors in each one so there is not a “learning curve” when I switch palettes. With the smaller palettes, however, I do need to drop out a few colors but that’s just reducing the colors rather than changing what colors are in the palette, if that makes sense.
Thank you for the reply Brian, it was very helpful for me. I like the 'staining' color choice you describe, I assume that they are also transparent. I'm going back to work on my color choices! Thanks again, Frouke
Yes, the staining colors that I choose are as transparent as possible for any glazing that I might do.
hi may i ask what colours are in your bijoux box?
Hello! Wao, what a review! Thanks for making this, with a huge fear of being fully convinced of needing one of these in my life, can you tell me if you have tried to fit half pans into it? Does the heigh of it permits it and also, how many do you reckon it could fit?
Hi Mara, I just compared a half pan to the wells in this palette. Unfortunately, they are not large enough to hold 2 half pans, side by side. So, you would only be able to fit one half pan in each well. Sorry to take so long to respond! I just found out that my TH-cam comment notifications have been disabled.
Does the paint coating scratch ? The original ones were backed on enamel ? I s that so ?
I'm not sure. I haven't had any scratching on mine but I'm pretty careful with it and its fairly new. I've been told that with brass palettes, if you were to heat them up enough to use true enamel (vs. enamel paint), the palette would get hot enough to re-melt the solder that connects all the pieces of the palette. I would imagine that all of these handmade brass palettes use enamel paint for that reason. Perhaps the original steel Roberson palettes used baked enamel... I'd like to know, too! :)
You do NOT have to make excuses or justify your desire to have this palette...or anything else for that matter. I am a total junkie when it comes to palettes and other tools for many of my hobbies. I don’t make a living selling my work, but I make my money and will spend it how I choose. I spent $150 on a pair of glass knitting needles. Was it practical? H - E double hockey sticks NO. And they sure as heck don’t do anything my metal or bamboo knitting needle can’t do, but they sure are beautiful! Enjoy your palette. 😊
BrashNSassyZ Ha Ha! Thanks! I appreciate your thoughts! I’ve never heard of glass knitting needles but I have to admit they sound really cool! Sometimes, it’s just fun to have special things in the areas of life that you really enjoy.👍
I even heard people winge about somebody using a Holbein palette..." I only use a cracked ol' dinner plate ! ".. yeah..well if a cracked old dinnerplate blows your hair back - use it !... but don't expect everyone else to !
I even saw one fool on Utube use the sleeve of his dirty old coat and the back of his hand !.( obviously to get " Wooow...this guy's the real deal ".. votes ) .
Anyway enjoy your lovely palette - it's a beauty !
Very nice video.
Cynthia Slater Thank you, Cynthia!
I understand why you would have a palet like that. It would be crazy for me, however. Like u said about a musician, the color is your music. Maybe that's a bit corny but is true. TFS
Before you mentioned musicians spending money on the tools of their trade, I was thinking something similar. I'm a knitter and we feel that if we are going to work on something for many hours (touching it) we need to buy something we enjoy touching. I love fountain pens. I have inexpensive and expensive. I have inexpensive and expensive jewelry. A less expensive house provides the same shelter as an expensive one. And so forth. I'm reminded "beauty is in the eye of the beholder".
Thank you Brian ! Great video! I like your brass palette , is it just made in India? Where I can buy it ?
Late reply. Sorry. Yes, this palette is only made in India by one person, in particular. However, several people in various countries make very similar palettes. The catch is that since they are all hand made, they can be quite pricey.
i have wanted one of these forever. So expensive
Southern Art Gallery Same here. I’m glad I was finally able to get one. They definitely are pricey. I guess the upside is that I will most likely never need to replace this.
New subby over here! I'm exactly the same. It's like being an addict 😂
I finally loaded mine and started to use it. Did you put the “feet” on yours? Do you know where I can find them?
Joseph Ribera I did put the feet on. They were in an assorted pack of silicone feet I picked up at Target.
lets see the rest of your palettes!
cynthia Zick Maybe someday. 😂
L. Cornelissen and Son is the same shop as Roberson’s, and they still make and sell some Roberson’s items, including watercolour palettes. The selection available is better in store (Great Russell Street, London, UK), especially the Roberson’s bound Watercolour pads which are beautiful and amazing.
Check them out here online: www.cornelissen.com/brands/roberson.html
The offer a discount to all students on showing an id and some artist’s affiliations for professional artists.
A plus you did not mention is the cleaning. Take out the paint tray and take the palette to the sink and wash it out. I use a soft toothbrush and running water and it cleans up quickly. Never use abrasive cleaner or a Scotchbrite pad as it will scratch the paint. As to the concern for criticism, don't listen to them. It is very satisfying to use a quality made product like this. Do you like using an #12 sable round brush? Now those are expensive! My equivalent was made by Craig Young in England and cost about $400. HIs wait time is about a year and he'll be retiring one of these days.
A great point about the cleaning!! Yes, quality materials and tools are expensive and do pay off in some cases. Since this video, I've been gifted a Craig Young box, as well. Love it!! A bit lighter than this one.
Do you know how to order these? I see a Facebook page...but no place to order. Thank you....VERY nice review!
Lynn Embro Hi Lynn! Brass Palette India does their ordering through email. If you are interested in one or have any questions, Venu (the man that makes these... great watercolor artist, as well), is very good at answering questions and getting back to customers’ emails. Just email him at: brasspaletteindia@outlook.com
Btw, he has some videos of the palettes he makes on TH-cam if you look up the company.
Interesting stuff. Way too out of budget for most. I love having lots of pallets personally. But I prefer as inexpensive as possible. I get tons from Dollarama in Canada and use magnets on half and full pans personally. I also get other tins and put custom gouache and watercolour magnetized half and full pans. I feel it’s so pricy artisanal and heirloom that most may feel insulted by its price. That’s ok too. Still people can decide to get whatever handmade art crafts they want. I won’t say your wrong to have it but it’s way too much for me personally. I have trouble actually using my most expensive supplies as they do indeed feel ‘too precious’. If it helps you actually paint and enjoy it then it’s perfect for you!
I have to be honest, that looks like a military grade watercolor palette! lol! I assume it's fairly heavy? Is it something you can see going out into the field to do any kind of plein air painting or more of a studio kit that stays local? My larger, heavier sets always stay at home and I have re-purposed my Sakura Koi field kits (made of plastic) to be my travel sets, as they're lighter and are set up very conveniently. I love the layout of this palette, too. It's almost designed to force a limited palette - which is something I really enjoy! Thank you for sharing! Hope all is well! :)
M.D. Campbell Ha, ha! “Military Grade Palette.” I like that. It is somewhat heavy compared to other palettes. It weighs in at 1.5 pounds when it’s fully-loaded with paint. I’ve used it plein air painting and have held it for a couple of hours at a time without even thinking about it. For me, it’s usefulness as a handheld palette with lots of mixing space outweighs (no pun intended) the weight of the palette. It’s really not too bad. I really love how compactly it folds up, yet gives almost as much mixing space as a studio palette when unfolded. Take Care, Mark!
Oh, I am also a HUGE palette junkie.... In addition to being a nut for building my own (I've shared a few of those builds on my channel already if you're curious) I'm also crazy for buying premade ones and experimenting with them. I recently moved my desk and reorganized everything and was practically puling palettes out of my ears! =>.
Meow Meow Kapow Ha, Ha!! I think that’s the first time I’ve been called a demon. 👹 I hear you on having a drawer full of palettes. I have a few home made ones and a bunch of others, as well, in my art desk drawer. I need to purge the ones that I’m not using. Hard to let them go, tho. 😂
Brian Ashmore Studio h....how could you even THINK about getting rid of any? ::gasp:: that’s simply impossible!
Ha ha! I know, right?! They become like friends or fellow workers towards a cause.
Love this. If it's mine, the brass plate would read "If found, please call XXX-XXXX, reward offered"
TheRatBoyBoy Ha, ha, ha!!! That’s hilarious! Not the worst idea I’ve heard today. 😂🤪
Came here for the reviews, stayed for the dad jokes.
I think if you get another well tray, it can double as a mixing palette too. My issue with the oval wells (if I were to get this palette at all), would be how you can only have one color in a well or otherwise the color would just flow into one; with a total flat palette, my issue would be how colors could also easily flow if you accidentally tilt it. The mixing tray seems like a good solution for this.
I think there is an even more expensive one called a " Hoffman " palette ...they're crazy money !
Wind won't blow it around!
Jeez that thing is beautiful. And it seems super durable, like it could survive a nuclear bomb. (I drop things a lot so that seems really useful for me.) Well, now I know what palette to dream about for the next 5 years.
Simon Reese It really does feel somewhat indestructible. I’ve dreamed about having one for quite some time, too. Thanks for watching again, Simon!
No idea how to purchase one. Found the facebook page.
Paul Tudor Hi Paul, I think the only way to order is to send them an email to start the process. Brasspaletteindia@outlook.com
One last point..the original metal boxes back in the old Victorian days would have cost an average week's wages.. These days people see it as more of a hobby...hence the open - mouthed awe when you spend a lot on equipement that looks like you might be taking it seriously..
Yes, you have to be a palette junkie to pay for one of these puppies. Not sure what stings more, the price or the size when you open the box...lol but I’m sure it’s worth every cent.
Thanks, Erin! I actually like the small size since it makes it all the more portable. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Is it Roberson or Robertson? You sound like you are saying the former
Nat Ford It’s Roberson. No “t.” 👍
How about this when people ask why so much? You deserve something nice, you rewarded yourself, it’s a lifetime paintbox, you’ll only buy it once, so take good care of it…that’s just my 2 cents…they sell fountain pens for $68,000 dollars! True Story!
Unfortunately, we live in a very disposable single use minded world. People do not appreciate craftsmanship and quality. You don't have to explain or justify yourself. Enjoy the palette!
people have the same hostility and envy with luxury camera brands like Leica, That certainly does stop others from buying them. lol transformer analogy.yeah, go bots just didn't cut it. This is like a metal luxury transformer!
sadly IBACO, is no longer in business
400 quid ! English money ! And the web site says dont drop it....as its fragile ......lol