Daniel Smith Watercolors Up Close | Find the Perfect Colors for Your Palette

Falling in Love With Daniel Smith Watercolors: A Look at My Current Favorites

Lately I have been spending more time really getting to know my Daniel Smith watercolors, and I am honestly so glad I finally did. Only recently did I realize how beautiful, rich, and interesting these paints truly are, and I wish I had explored them sooner. Since I love seeing color swatches myself, I thought it would be helpful to talk through the colors I currently have, what I like about them, and a few that have quickly become favorites.

Starting With the Blues

No surprise here, I love blue, so it shows up a lot in my palette. The first colors I swatched were Phthalo Blue Green Shade, shown in two versions, one more pigmented and one watered down. It is a transparent pigment, and I really enjoy how it behaves.

Right next to it is Phthalo Blue Red Shade, also transparent and very similar in feel, but with its own personality. From there, I tried a blue that I am still learning how to pronounce, but I love it anyway. It is another transparent blue that I first saw another artist use in landscapes. I liked it so much I knew I needed it in my collection. I have already used it in a few sketches, and I am still figuring out exactly how it will fit into my work, but I really enjoy having it.

More Blues and a Hint of Sparkle

Moving along, Cerulean Blue appears next. It is semi-transparent and has such a calm, gentle quality to it. Lunar Blue follows, also semi-transparent. On screen it can sometimes look a little green, but when I look at it in real life it leans more toward blue with beautiful depth.

Then there is Dichromate Arctic Fire, which is a transparent color and so light that it is almost barely there in places. It is subtle but interesting.

Greens, Neutrals, and Beautiful Earth Tones

The next set includes Undersea Green and Cascade Green, both semi-transparent and both really lovely to look at. Buff Titanium follows, also semi-transparent, and it has a very soft, gentle feel that I really enjoy.

Then we move into one of the colors I absolutely love: Quinacridone Gold. This one is transparent and so beautiful. Right beside it is Verona Gold Ochre, another transparent pigment that has its own warmth and charm. After that comes another ochre shade that I really like. Honestly, I enjoy all of these colors, but some definitely stand out more than others.

Colors That Surprise Me

Dichromate Autumn Mystery is exactly that… a mystery in the best way. It is such an interesting color, and even though I am not entirely sure yet how I want to use it, I really like it.

Next is a deep, rich maroon shade that is so beautiful and feels luxurious in color. It is semi-transparent and definitely one that caught my attention.

Rose of Ultramarine follows, and this one has easily become one of my big favorites. It is transparent, purple-leaning, soft, and so gorgeous. I had never even heard of it until recently, and discovering it felt like finding a hidden gem. Honestly, I feel like I am discovering so many new and exciting colors in the Daniel Smith line.

Warm Yellows and Soft Pinks

Hansa Yellow Medium is another semi-transparent shade that I really enjoy. I am not typically a “yellow person,” but this one makes me happy. New Gamboge appears next, a warm, transparent yellow that feels comforting and glowing. Warm and cool color discussions can get deep, but that is a conversation for another time.

Then we get to another favorite: Quinacridone Rose. It is transparent, vibrant, and one I truly love.

Wrapping Up My Current Collection

These are all of the Daniel Smith colors I currently own, at least at the time of swatching them. I have already added a couple more since then, and I know my collection will probably continue to grow. Exploring these paints has been fun, inspiring, and honestly refreshing.

I really enjoy these colors, and I am glad I finally took the time to appreciate them. If you are curious about Daniel Smith watercolors, I hope this helps you take a closer look at them for yourself.