METALLIC WATERCOLORS
I remember when metallic watercolors were a novelty and difficult to come by. Nowadays, there are many options available on the market. They are not all covered here, but hopefully I can provide a starting point to help you decide which metallic pigment to choose for the effect you would like to achieve.
Sanford, Colorific Shimmering Watercolors: No longer available
The image shown to the left is of my first metallic watercolor set. When I was just learning how to paint, my mom found this metallic set at United Arts and Education. She knew how much I loved all things iridescent, and sure enough I went crazy over this paint set! As far as I know, the company no longer makes these beauties. Still, I felt it was worth sharing this set for sentimental reasons.
Fine Tec
I'm especially excited about the prospect of capturing some of the more difficult iridescent bird feathers with the help of the Fine Tec metallic watercolors.
Calligraphers and painters are equally in love with these metallic pigments. They can be a little addicting to collect!
Daniel Smith: Iridescent and Duochrome collection
daniel smith - Info Coming Soon
Blue Pine Arts - Metallic Collection
Blue Pine Arts - Info Coming Soon
Paul Reubens
Paul Reubens - Info Coming Soon
Yasutomo Niji Pearlescent Watercolor set is a great choice for variety and quality without breaking the bank. There are 21 beautiful colors to play with.
Compared to Fine Tec, the quality and rewet-ability seem less, but the colors are equally bright and unique.
I used the metallic gold from this collection in my black vulture painting. You can see how the glitter pushed away and blended with the green background pigment.
I first discovered PearlEx Metallic Powders at a scrapbooking store. I was instantly in love! Originally, I purchased these powders for my photography shoots to style intense makeup and hair. Eventually, they found their way into my watercolors. After drying, they are less intense in shimmer quality than when first applied, but they give the most beautiful matte sheen to your colors. I appreciate that I can control the amount of shimmer desired by adding more or less powder to my watercolor paint. I can even alter colors depending on which color is chosen.
The hummingbird below was brushed with bit of gold PearlEx powder after it was finished and had completely dried. This really gave a subtle elegance and depth to the finished painting.
If you want something magical and extra glittery, Winsor & Newton provide an incredible option. This medium is excellent for painting galaxies! I prefer to drop it into fairly wet paint and let it travel across the paper as it will. Used alone or as a glaze, however, it is just too dominant for my style.
