Playing with watercolor

Sadly, all I have is a nice set of the dry pans watercolors. I haven't done a lot of watercolor projects but it definitely intrigues me; I didn't realize there were so many options! I HAVE been wanting to get a set of the pencils or some tubes, so I'll be watching this discussion closely to see what everyone thinks. Thanks for hosting such interesting handmade PC swaps!!

I have watercolor markers, 2 brands, don’t love them. Ditto watercolor crayons and pencils. Although I like the pencils if I pick up colour from the top rather than apply them direct to paper. I LOVE Daniel Smith paints and these are widely available. These are what I use most of the time. They have some amazing paints made from ground minerals with natural sparkle. Look for sales as they are $$$. I’m also happy with Windsor and Newton pro series paints. I have Gansai Tambi watercolor pans including some pearlescent colours and they are a good deal for the cost. But they are a bit opaque. But not chalky. Many people love the 60 set of Mejelo Mission Gold tubes and palette which you can get on Amazon. I’ve not used them but hear they are good quality for lots of colours. Do not buy the Arteza watercolors unless you like an opaque chalky finish.

Any brand of tube watercolor should be fine transferred to pans. They are designed to be re-wet.

Just two things to note.

I have done many handmade postcard swaps. It is heartbreaking to receive a handmade card that has been just trashed by the post office machinery. I recommend sending these cards in envelopes. Either handmade postcards sent naked often come shredded or worse inked all over from postmarking etc. Some don't even make it at all.

As far as watercolors themselves, my mother is a water color artist and I found sets by the Japanese brand Kuretake at Jetpens.com ---> https://www.jetpens.com/Watercolor-Palettes/ct/3114 she loves them and they are large pans at a good price. She likes the high quality, ease of use, storage and that you can replace a color by pan. For those of you running to Amazon to buy them...skip it, buy from Jetpens. Amazon ones tend to be sent broken where as Jetpens is a smaller company that doesn't mess around. It is only $25 spent at Jetpens and you get free shipping. They also sell all kinds of stationery stuff so I know swappers will easily find 25$ worth of fun there.

Thank you to all the info helps so much... A few things pop up as questions. Pelikat what brand of pans do you have and how are they? Thebragel I've heard some tubes are not good for pans because either they turn to rocks and don't rewet well they crack or thry mold or discolor. I want to avoid this but don't know if some brands are better or not, does it make a difference or is there a way to test it before loading pans? Selenaw I'm OK with envelopes :) i agree about lifting color fro the top of the pencil more than when put on paper but thr brand I have works well either way. And as to the markers how I've found best to use them is to do small dark swatches then use a wet brush yo pick up the color then ally it to your price that seams to work really well. Otherwise they are difficult.

I edited this to envelopes optional

Anyone here use QoR watercolors? I'm interested in them please let me know the best place to order them for the best price, and how they preform for you would als be nice to know.

Don't know about the QoR watercolors. My favorite are the Derwent Inktense watercolors and I am only just beginning to use any watercolors. I also enjoy my watercolor gel sticks, the Ooly sparkle set are really fun. I also have Faber Castell set. Staedtler pencils are great too. I use two pan sets that I'm not fond of, My Pilot Watercolor brush pens really help to divine the images though like I said, I'm really only beginning and haven't tried making much with the tools I have. I am also seeking better brushes as I only have one brush that I really like. If anyone can recommend good watercolor brushes for beginners I'd appreciate it! For the gel sticks I use a Mod Podge spray fixative as gel medium just makes everything bleed.

Oh and for Derwent INktense I use both the blocks and the pencils which are a whole different experience than the little pots. Deeper pigment with better integrity in texture.