This is a little different but really should be more prominent on my blog. Did you know I am a freelance artist? I went to college for Illustration. (Definitely not for lettering!) So if anything I should be reviewing art materials and probably programs and apps. But art is work and makeup is for fun. So I’d rather write about fun things. However… I found a paint that is indeed FUN! I was doom scrolling on Tik Tok and WHOA! Color shifting watercolors graced my phone screen! I never knew such a thing existed! It’s kinda my aesthetic. Obviously I had to buy these paints!
In art college, I would have been discouraged from using these type of mediums because metallics cannot be reproduced. Yes, foil can be used in production, but if this was a real-world situation being a children’s book illustrator, that wouldn’t be my job to do the foils or even decide that there should be foils. I wouldn’t use this for a job, but for personal art instead. Using these color-shifting paints, I would be selling originals and not prints. Which means the cost would be significantly more because it is the original, and there won’t be any reproductions made.
I hadn’t seen anything like this in watercolor before, it’s just not something they have at the art supply stores I shop at. So I watched most of the videos and had to visit Dreamland Watercolor’s website! The pre-order was for two different collections, Botany and Supershifter. I went through all of the shades and made a list of ones I liked. But when it came to ordering I decided this: I’m an artist. A professional artist. I need every single color they offer.
I purchased half pans of two collections so the total came out to $218 (shipping included). Which is very expensive, but I figure if I sell one painting, it will pay for itself!
One thing I like, as a store owner, is that they had you initial an agreement that you understand that this is a pre-order and they have to make the product, which will take weeks before it’s even shipped out to you. YES. This is what we need to weed out the impatient dummies who cannot read! I need to do this for my own shop! It took about two months from ordering to delivery. That is fine, I knew exactly what went into creating them and I knew it because it was very clear when she informed us and then we “signed” an agreement that we understood!
Dreamland is open for pre-order only and open only certain specified times. I can see why! It is a LOT of work, and it needs to be done in batches not one by one. Plus she needs to know exactly how much material she needs to fulfill all of the orders. It’s a process I am starting to do with my handmade items because I want to make sure everyone who wants it gets it, but also not have any wasted unused products sitting around my house. We also have to remember if it’s a one-woman-show, she has a life too!
There is a holographic watercolor pan called Showstopper. I don’t know what this will end up looking like on watercolor paper, but obviously I am going to find out if they release it! I am hopeful it will be available for an upcoming pre-order! (I also have some holographic pressed eyeshadows coming in soon, to show you!)
Because this is mostly a makeup blog, I am sure you are wondering if you can use this as makeup. She sells powder pigments that are indeed cosmetic grade and that can be used as makeup and even mixed into nail polish. However, these watercolor pans should never be used as makeup! Do not use artist paints intended for paper or canvas on your face! I’m not saying that these in particular are toxic, it’s just not a good idea and just avoid the thought! And while we are here, never use a paint brush that has been used for such paints as a makeup brush later. Keep them separate for your safety!
While looking for some inspiration, I found that this is not the only maker of color-shifting watercolors! I’ve found quite a few! In fact Etsy has overwhelmed me with options! I will have another collection problem where I collect too many paints.
There is a trick to using the paints, and that is to put a few drops of water onto the dry paint, and letting it soak a bit, then mix and coat your brush so you can get that perfect consistency. If you add too much water, it might not end up how you want it. She did a demo on her TikTok you can learn from. It may take some practice for you to get better acquainted with the paint.
Tomorrow, September 30th, she will release the Witchcraft collection. I’ve done enough damage though! Maybe next year!
Which colors are which are in the photos with the swatches, the order of the pans is the same order as the swatches.
These don’t look too hot under incandescent light, but is pretty special when sunlight shines on it!
@ineedthisunicorn In TikTok-made-me-buy-it news, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this on my #fyp! @Dreamland Watercolor color-shifting watercolor paints in the Botany and Supershifter collections. They are so gorgeous! It’s now time to do an actual painting with these! #tiktokmademebuyit #artist #artistsoftiktok #illustrator #paint #watercolor #supportartists #supportsmallbusiness #dreamland #dreamlandwatercolor #blogger #duochromepigments ♬ milk cassette x.mp3 by analog_mannequin – analog_mannequin
I tried to practice because I’m rusty! I actually have a drafting table for this, but it’s got stuff all over it! I searched and searched for my actual watercolor in tubes and my brushes from college. Nope. Cannot find. I found the gouache though. So it looks like I will have to restock!
I don’t really like to show my old art because it’s just not what I do anymore. I haven’t done much with watercolor since graduating from college. I pretty much stick to Adobe Illustrator because I think I’m pretty speedy with it. Here’s a composite of old artwork I did from 2000-2009. It’s mostly student work, except for a few paid freelance jobs I did. These are varying mediums, eight are in watercolor. Can you spot which ones?
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. I paid for these watercolor paints myself with my own money. None of these links are affiliate links.
