Note: this is the first in my earliest foray into Daniel Smith watercolors. Much has been learned since 2016! So I have edited this post in 2021 with updated info.
Primateks are paints made from natural pigments – rocks! Many are sought on mountaintops or valleys the world over. The more rare they are, the more expensive the tube, so beware! In today’s post I’m swatching out all the Primatek colors so you can see what they look like and make some choices about what you might want to try.
Disclosure: I began purchasing my Daniel Smith watercolors a while back; once I met the good folks at DS, they volunteered to provide me with many more colors so I can have them for testing and teaching you here on my blog and YT. Daniel Smith has no editorial control over anything I say about their paints, but I am able to reach out to them with product questions, so if things come up – I can get answers from people who know. (They have chemists! Holy cow. I wanna have lunch with chemists sometime. Wouldn’t that be fascinating?)
Primatek properties
Granulation – the key property that sets these colors apart is that they are granulating to one degree or another. That means when painted on watercolor paper, the pigments settle into the valleys of the paper in a textured way – it’s not a failure, it’s a feature! Sometimes other colors can exaggerate the effect, too – certain colors like Nickel Azo (not a Primatek) loves to race into wet areas between the more pigmented parts of Primateks, and they can create interesting effects.
Glitter – Some of the Primateks have a glittery quality to them and they are and oh, how special! Colors with glitter content: Red Fuchsite, Bronzite (glitteriest!), Burnt Bronzite, Amethyst, Fuchsite, Kyanite (great for twinkly skies), Sugilite, and I hope I didn’t miss any!) See them twinkle in the video.
Natural colors – As these come from natural minerals, they don’t tend to be as bright as other colors like Quinacridones (which are synthetics).
Note that the amount of pigment vs water can make a difference in any of these effects showing up.
Primatek set of 6
If you’re curious and want to just see how these paints work, there’s a set of six 5ml colors – or choose from the larger selection of colors.
This little card shows just a wee bit of the effects that can be garnered from Primatek colors.
Supplies
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- Daniel Smith Primatek Set of 6
- Daniel Smith Dot Charts
- Arches Cold Press Paper: EH – BLICK
- Arches Cold Press sheets: BLICK
- Schmincke Palette EH – BLICK
- Half pans EH – BLICK
- Synthetic blend watercolor brushes, recommended for crafters
- Natural hair watercolor brushes:
Sandy… with all sincerity, you are truly amazing. The mouse flying by the outlet is 1500% creative genius. I love the Angry Birds card and the beach house card too. The owl is adorable, and the “real card” made me giggle.
You are a fantastic leader for Operation Write Home. Thank you for starting this online community that I’ve grown to love. Even though you and I have never met in person, and we don’t really chat much on Facebook or through blog comments, I am so honored to feel that I can call you a friend.
First I was awestruck my that little mouse scene card the first time I saw it…glad it made the top 10 as well as your Moxie Fab card that ened up getting published. Kudos to you on your2012 accomplishments!
Your “Here’s a card, not an email” made me giggle. We are in such a different time than when I grew up. I’ve learned so much this past year and most of it thru you and OWH so, thank you for that! I love your goals. I’ve wondered for a long time how you do it all, you are quite inspirational! But I hope you take time to smell the roses too. I look forward to another great year with OWH. THIS year, is the year my craft room will be completed in New Jersey and I will be moving away from my very loved Massachusetts to be a wife again… weird to be a wife again since it’s been over 20 years since the first time. Moving to my OWN craft space will be a great joy, I’m sure… here’s to a GREAT 2013 for all of us!
Sandy…..really?!? I’m strolling along, enjoying my visit, and BOOM! my card…what?!?
Blessed beyond belief. Thank you.
ROFL Lisa! No idea how that one got in there. HAHA! Off to remove it 🙂
As always, I love all of your cards! By Crumbs is my favorite, and I might just have to CASE your card because I often have trouble figuring out what to do with the poor fellow.
Sandy, I LOVE your flying mouse card! It is the cutest thing ever! I’ve enjoyed reading through your goals and Top 10. I would like to make more OWH cards in 2013! I tend to be methodical, so it takes me longer and I want them to be just right! 😉 Your provide wonderful inspiration and I thank you for that! Thanks for sharing your cards! Happy New Year!
Now that you have all your Copic Markers, you could do Cricut cards! Your cards are so fantastic! I plan on making a card using the new trifold technique / tutorial.
One of my faves didn’t make the cut, (the little shepherd), but the Boots touches my heart every time. Congratulations on completing BSF. I look forward to learning and growing even more as a card maker with you guiding me.
that little bird card is way too cute!!!
Love the little bird! The po of blue for the bird makes the cards so fun! Thanks for all you do for OWH!
Hi Sandy, Love your cards especially the boots card. I feel I could touch them and they would be real. Thanks for everything you do for us and I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us in 2013!
Have a great New Year!
p.s. Hugs to Ciara!
Hi Sandy,
All of your cards are fabulous! My favorite has to be the angry bird. It reminds me of that wonderful little Elmo card of yours. I love how you create such adorable little card creatures from such simple shapes. 🙂 Your level of artistry continues to be an inspiration!
As always, thanks for all you do for OWH and our heroes — as well as for building such a generous and supportive community of crafters. I just don’t know how you do so much so well.
On a personal note, thank you for the personal touches you share with us individual cardmakers. Things like making the time to leave a comment on a blog or respond to an e-mail means so very much. And, the card you sent to Mr. McGraw was much appreciated.
Congrats on your well-deserved 2012 honors and recognitions. May 2013 bring many, many more blessings. 🙂
A terrific collection for your top 10! Thanks for all you do, and best wishes for 2013.
These are such wonderful cards. I would be hard pressed to pick favs from all the cards you have made, and they just keep getting better. I am so thankful to have met you and gotten involved with OWH. It has given me such fun and inspiration. You’re the BEST! Have a terrific 2013. <3
I love the boots!! I am really looking forward to your craft room overhaul.
Sandy- I look forward to seeing your cards and new techniques daily and I am so happy the boots made it to you favorites! I adore well worn and hard working boots- my man does not get it- but when I see him in his BDUs and boots- my heart swoons- so I thank you for making the boots front and center! I really like the ribbon dress, beach house and the angry bird too!
Wow Sandy you really are a busy lady! Happy New Year!
Wishing you a very blessed New Year! I feel blessed to “know you” and am amazed at all you do! 🙂
Where would OWH be without you and your complete devotion to our heroes?! Your cards are all phenomenal, and inspire me all the time! I LOVE the non-email card – and especially the boots card! Thanks for all you do Sandy and I wish you a wonderful new year in 2013!
Awesome inspiration Sandy!
Happy New Year =)
You are an amazing artist, Sandy. Your boots card is out of this world – LOVE it. I really like your new tri-fold design. I made two. Not happy with them but will post them soon. Little too far to commute, otherwise, I would go walking with you. That’s on my list too. Looking forward to a great 2013.
Sandy, you are amazing. I just want to say THANK YOU for all what you do. You are never-ending inspiration for everyone, especially me. God Bless YOU!
Hapy New Year!!!
Hi Sandy, Happy New Year! I don’t know how you could choose just 10 from your amazing cards! You are a gifted artist and I learn so much from the cards and tutorials you so generously share with us! Thanks for all you do to keep OWH thriving. I look forward to another great year!
Sandy, as always you inspire me. I love the boots and the ‘real’ card. Of course still a fav is the May Arts Ribbon dress. I have a few ??’s I need answered and know the FB community of OWH’ers will help me. Thank you for all you do, take a double walk with Ciara and KEEP the chocolate!
Hummer Hugs,
Misty
http://deliteful-gifts.blogspot.com/
hummingbird204 at comcast dot net
Love all your cards! 🙂 I still want to try your new Trifold Shutter card. My second favorite is the boots card.
There’s no way possible to pick just 10 out of all the cards you made this year – no way! I don’t get enough time to leave a lot of comments during the year (I’m usually sneaking around the web at work….shhhh…) but that doesn’t mean that I’m not constantly stalking and getting loads of inspiration! Thank you for all the work you do all year long!
Wow, you have been busy this year! Kudos on all your crafty success. That tri-fold card with the silhouette flowers is gorgeous! happy new year.
Hi Sandy,
You have accomplished so much in 2012! I love your picks for your top 10 faves…I LOVE all your work, so I would be hard pressed to choose my faves of yours 🙂
I wish you a very, very happy and healthy New Year!!! Thanks so much for all you do for us (HUGS)!!!
Happy New Year, Sandy! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and OWH better and I’m excited for 2013!
You have had a very busy 2012!!! Just think of the chain of people you have touched – what an outstanding and amazing accomplishment!!!!!! I hope you have a wonderful 2013 – and a healthy one!
Well ya beat me here to fixing my inlinkz. The fact that they’re not showing up is really annoying me ;(