Should You Mix Watercolor Paint Brands? Painting Advice!

In today’s episode (76) of my podcast, I want to answer a question I received several times – Should you mix multiple watercolor paint brands?

The Importance of Watercolor Brands

The question at hand may be tactical, but my answer is also an indication of my general approach to painting and art.

I always try focusing on the 20% that matters. I do that in my art, business and hopefully in life.

There’s always a lot of noise and clutter around what’s really important.

Watercolor painting is already complex as it is – so I’m always trying to simplify the process as much as possible. This is also why I’m a huge fan of using a minimal palette.

Paint > Brand

The quick answer is that I care FAR MORE about the specific paint and its usefulness to me, rather than the brand.

I personally find most (ARTIST GRADE) paints mix well, regardless of brand.

There are certain things you want to be aware of (that I further elaborate on in the episode), such as:

  • Producing a large variety of values
  • Artist grade VS student grade
  • Single pigment / multiple pigments
  • Granulation
  • Lightfastness

I hope you find the explanation in the episode helpful, and that it allows you to change your focus from specific brands and into specific paints.

And by the way, if you want to watch the video from which I grabbed the audio for this episode, be sure to check it out here:

And with that, it is time for the Artist Corner

Artist Corner – Jennifer Branch

Today I showcase Jennifer Branch, a watercolor painter from Georgia, US.

I love her simplistic impressionistic painting style, as well as focus on happy colors.She has a way of simplifying a scene in a skilled way that preserves its original essence.

Some of her work reminds me of Shari Blaukopf’s work, although the latter’s work has more of an “urban sketching” vibe to it.

Be sure to check out Jennifer’s work here: Jennifer Branch’s Website

And Here’s where you can find me

Check out my YouTube Channel – Liron Yanconsky

Or ask me questions on Instagram – @LironYanIL or Snapchat – @LironYan3

I hope you enjoyed this one. Take care, and we’ll talk again really soon,

— Liron

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