Daniel Smith Watercolor Review: A Tale of Yellow Watercolors
The best yellow watercolor paints to have in your palette
Are you a watercolor enthusiast searching for the perfect yellow? Do you collect Watercolor like I do? I’m a fine artist and I primarily work in Watercolor so my studio is filled with this lovely magical paint.
I use Schmincke, Sennelier, Roman Szmal, A Gallo, Michael Harding, QOR, White Nights, and Daniel Smith so I like to think that I have something to offer in the watercolor world of favorites.
In this series, I’ll be going through my Favorites colors brand by brand and pulling some of them to use in paintings so you can see how lovely they are.
Let’s Talk About DANIEL SMITH
DANIEL SMITH offers a stunning range of yellow pigments that are perfect for any artist. From bold and vibrant to soft and subtle, there’s a yellow for every painting style. So what are you waiting for? Grab your brushes and let’s paint!
In video 1 of the DANIEL SMITH series, I’ll be showcasing a variety of beautiful and unique yellows and oranges that are sure to make a splash on your art work, especially florals.
Swatching My Favorites
I swatched 238 colors this past weekend to make sure I wasn’t missing anything and here’s Part 1 of that story..
First things first, let’s dive into some of my favorite Daniel Smith yellows. From Hansa Yellow to Quin Gold and Transparent Orange, these hues offer a range of warmth and vibrancy that are perfect for any painting.
DANIEL SMITH 238 watercolor dot card : Available on Amazon https://amzn.to/44lpoVH
Pros and Cons of Each Color
But what sets these yellows apart? In this series, I’ll be discussing the pros and cons of each color by brand, including their transparency and lightfast ratings. Whether you’re looking for a bold and opaque yellow or a more subtle and translucent shade, I’ll help you find the perfect fit for your painting style.
The colors I typically gravitate to have special qualities such as transparency, compatible mixing qualities, granulation or special effects. I’ll always tell you why I like a color and how I use it.
My favorite go to yellow, Orange, Gold Daniel Smith Watercolors are…
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- Hansa Yellow Light — semi-transparent, non-granulating, low staining (Very Good) pigment: PY 3 | Series: 1. ( Under $20 for a 15ml tube )
Hansa Yellow Medium — semi-transparent, non-granulating, low staining (Very Good) pigment: PY 97 | Series: 2 ( Under $20 for a 15ml tube )
Hansa Yellow Medium (PY97) is yellow with a whisper of orange. This colour is an excellent primary mixing colour.
- Amazon : https://amzn.to/42ZfGHp
- Jacksons: https://www.jacksonsart.com/en-us/daniel-smith-watercolour-paint-15ml-hansa-yellow-medium-series-2?___store=jacksonsart_us&acc=c8758b517083196f05ac29810b924aca
2. Nickel Azo — transparent, non-granulating, low staining (Excellent) pigment: PY 150 | Series: 2
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3r03YPs
- Jacksons: Nickel Azo Yellow
3. Quinacridone Gold — transparent, granulating, low staining (Excellent) pigment: PO 48, PY150 | Series:2.
Everyone’s favorite, Quinacridone Gold replaces Raw Sienna and adds versatility with its glazing and mixing capabilities. It is an excellent low-staining golden yellow pigment that can enhance any mixture. Highly durable and extremely transparent, all the DANIEL SMITH Quinacridone colors excel in vivid clarity and intensity.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3r22K6p
- Jacksons: Quinacridone Gold
4. Indian Yellow — Semi- transparent, non- granulating, low staining (Excellent) pigment: PY97, PY110| Series:3.
Indian Yellow is a yellow with a faint rusty orange edge when left to dry. Ideal for organic subjects, Indian Yellow is completely suited to studies of fruit, vegetation and flowers.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3r22G6B
- Jacksons: Indian Yellow
5. New Gamboge — Semi- transparent, non- granulating, low staining (Excellent) pigment: PY97 PY110 Series:1.
New Gamboge is a colour similar to Yellow Ochre colour, but with a hint of Raw Sienna. This yellow-orange toned paint is transparent and, unlike other formulas of New Gamboge, is lightfast. Mix this with your blues to make moody greens, reds for deep oranges and add this in highlights to make your flowers pop off the page.
- Amazon: I can only find it in a set of basic mixing colors on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qZKKJL
- Jacksons: New Gamboge
6. Aussie Red Gold — transparent, non-granulating, low staining (Very Good) pigment: PY83, PR101, PV19 | Series: 2
Aussie Red Gold is the rich, golden color of ochre cliffs set aflame at sunset. This brilliant, reddish gold will add glowing light to Autumn leaves, late summer flowers and landscapes.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/42WGx6H
- Jacksons: Aussie red Gold
7. Transparent Orange : PO71 — Semi-Transparent — Excellent — Staining- Non Granulating — Series 2
Transparent Pyrrol Orange is a clear, dark, red-leaning orange. Great on its own or in mixes, this color can be added to granulating greens or blues to create earth colors and warm shadow-greys.
- Amazon: Not available
- Jackson: Transparent orange
8. Quinacridone Coral — transparent, non-granulating, low staining (Very Good) pigment: PR 209 | Series: 2
Quinacridone Coral (PR209) is a clear red tinged with pink and orange. Quinacridones are the brightest, boldest colors modern technology can offer. All Quinacridone colors excel in clarity, intensity, durability and transparency.
Alternative to Quin Coral:
Cherry Quin Red Roman Szmal: PR209 Transparent — Excellent — Staining- Medium Granulating — Honey — Bee Product, Oxgall — Series 3
- Shop Jacksons: Cherry Quin Red
Neptune Flat Brush: Brush used for swatching. Synthetic Squirrel Watercolor Paint Brush.
Amazon: Under $10 Best price: https://amzn.to/3PzP2BX
Recommended Neptune Brush Set: https://amzn.to/3r23EzP
This set comes with 4 watercolor brushes. Excellent for anyone getting started. Beginner to Professional painter.
Comparative Pigments
But what about other pigments you may like better? I’ll also be highlighting comparative pigments that offer similar shades to the Daniel Smith collection. Who knows, you may just find a new favorite yellow to add to your palette!
I have found the Daniel Smith and Roman Szmal versions to be equally as gorgeous. Roman Szmal comes in pans and is way cheaper ($6 full pans) but depending on where you are you can probably get a tube of Daniel Smith under $20.
Roman Szmal Open Stock : Full pans for $6 : https://www.jacksonsart.com/en-us/roman-szmal-aquarius-watercolour-paint?___store=jacksonsart_us&acc=c8758b517083196f05ac29810b924aca
Take a look at the Wood Box Set by Roman Szmal. I have this one and love it! This limited edition Roman Szmal Aquarius set has been made with Polish watercolourist Krzysztof Ludwin.
- Made with high-quality gum arabic and glycerin, linden honey, distilled water, and pigment
- Produced in small batches that are tested for performance qualities
- Range contains a selection of unique tones created exclusively by Roman Szmal
Don’t miss out on this exciting and informative series across all the best Watercolor brands !
Subscribe to my blog or video channel to stay up-to-date on all things watercolor and see this Daniel Smith in full color. With this collection of stunning yellows, your paintings are sure to shine.
Let me know which colors you loved and if you are consider ordering them.
