I just received a set of Schmincke Horadam watercolors, which is an early Christmas present to myself.  The set includes 12 colors (5ml tubes) in a solidly built folding palette.  I'm always trying out various brands and have found that I like the semi-moist quality of M. Graham & Co. and Sennelier; these two brands are honey-based and allow easy rewetting of the colors.  Schmincke is not honey based, but does have similar properties to the brands I prefer.  I'm not too picky about the brands I use (I also enjoy Winsor & Newton), but I find Daniel Smith's watercolors to be too difficult to rewet once they're dry.
   This set by Schmincke has a full range of colors and each is vivid and lays very nicely on the paper.  I was particularly impressed with the ivory black because it laid down really dark and didn't lighten too much as it dried.  I know some artists don't use blacks and browns in watercolor, but I find black to be quite useful.  Another nice touch is the inclusion of a color chart so you can see the colors in all their glory.
 I don't quite know how to explain the fact that these tubes and colors also feel nice.  As a painter, I usually follow my instincts and have a more intuitive approach so my feelings are very important to me.  As I also mentioned, I like colors that rewet easily and this set does this extremely well.  I would definitely recommend this set and this brand to other watercolorists who want bright, vivid pigments that rewet easily.  Well done Germany!

  Had a great day painting this beautiful scene.  I even met another painter who was walking by.  I'm going to try and get out a few more times before all the leaves are gone!

  For anyone who missed my lecture or for anyone who wants to watch it again: it is now available to watch online through the Atelier at Flowerfield's Youtube Channel.  It's also time-stamped so you can go back to specific parts of the lecture.  You can watch it here on my blog by clicking the "play button" below.

  My upcoming lecture is one week away!  I really appreciate the Atelier at Flowerfield for allowing me total freedom with this lecture and discussion.  My last lecture about en plein air painting was really fun and I can't wait to present my new lecture next week.