Roman Szmal Watercolor Review: Test and Swatch of 7 Popular Shades
Why so much hype behind Roman Szmal watercolors?
If you’re an artist seeking vibrant, high-quality watercolors, then this Roman Szmal Watercolor Review is for you. Roman Szmal isn’t just a brand name—it’s the name of the actual paintmaker in Poland who meticulously crafts each batch of paint. Here’s why these paints are worth your attention and support.
I bought 7 half-pans from Gwartzman’s in Toronto, one of the few Canadian retailers of this paint (and maybe the only one, though this could change). After lots of research, I carefully picked out the 7 I coveted most. I focus on botanical urban sketching, so I wanted some pinks and reds and an olive green to complement the shades I already own.
Transparent turquoise I bought for fun, and fun she is. Check out the info below.
Roman Szmal Watercolors: A Review of Seven Vibrant Shades
In this video, I explore the rich, expressive world of Roman Szmal Watercolors, a brand that has captured the attention of artists with its intense pigments and handcrafted quality. Roman Szmal, an artisan paintmaker from Poland, creates each color with a deep commitment to artistry, and it shows in the performance of these paints. This review focuses on seven captivating shades that truly showcase the uniqueness and versatility of Roman Szmal watercolors.
I also bought a Hahnemühle - Watercolour Book - A6 - Portrait Style, and Sakura - Pigma Micron Fineliner Pens - Set of 3 - 005, 02, and 08. See them in action in my video.
TL;DR I LOVED all the Roman Szmal paints I bought, but there are nuances among how they behave. In particular, look out for the explosive power of Indigo Hue and the party girl, Transparent Turquoise. She just does not quit!
Watch this video for the deep dive (it goes live August 22).
Supplies*
🎨 Roman Szmal Half-Pan Watercolor Paints (Jackson's) https://tidd.ly/3ZhfIfh
🎨 Meeden 8-Well Ceramic Palette
🗒️ Baohong Academy Watercolor Paper Block
👩🎨 Cotman brush set
These are the shades I tried and some thoughts:
Roman Szmal Cherry Quinacridone Red 329. The ideal, perfect, life-breathing shade for cherry (sakura) blossoms, it is such a good match it’s unbelievable.
Roman Szmal Olive Green Light 345. This had more yellow than I was expecting (having only seen the swatches in videos before) and it plays nice with Winsor and Newton Sap Green that I already own. I add a touch of Indigo Hue and it makes the most glorious green for foliage.
Roman Szmal Van Dyck Brown 131. While the swatch shows a bit of dark granulating dots, my batch doesn’t seem to granulate quite like that? Which I am fine with. It’s been the hardest for me to use, but also I find it the most romantic and unpredictable.
Roman Szmal Transparent Turquoise 228. Woah, this is a powerful watercolour with a lot of personality. A touch will do you, pick up much less than you think you might need because this is bright, bold and intense. I love it.
Roman Szmal Indigo Hue 220. A beautiful, potent Indigo.
Roman Szmal Quinacridone Magenta 332. So bright, so happy, this is sunshine in a half-pan. It’s a lively magenta that I use, toned down, for peonies and full strength other bright pink flowers like garden cosmos.
Roman Szmal Payne’s Grey 243. Rich, pretty, moody, atmospheric…it’s a chameleon that I love.
Meet Roman Szmal: The Master Behind the Paints
True Artisan: Roman Szmal is a dedicated paintmaker whose passion for his craft shines through in every pan of watercolor. Unlike mass-produced brands, these paints are handcrafted with a level of care and precision that’s rare in today’s market.
Quality Over Quantity: Each color is developed with a focus on quality. This ensures that every pan of Roman Szmal watercolors you buy delivers the intensity and consistency you need for professional-level art.
Roman Szmal Watercolor Quality: Intense and Artist-Grade
Vibrant Colors: A standout feature of any Roman Szmal Watercolor Review is the paints' intense vibrancy. These colors pop off the page, making them perfect for creating eye-catching artwork.
Artist-Grade Materials: These are not your average student watercolors. Roman Szmal watercolors are made from the finest pigments, ensuring that they meet the standards of professional artists.
Versatile Application: Whether you’re layering, blending, or creating washes, Roman Szmal watercolors handle beautifully, allowing you to experiment with various techniques.
A Romantic and Wild Palette
Inspired by Nature: One aspect often highlighted in any Roman Szmal Watercolor Review is the romantic, wild nature of his color palette. These watercolors evoke a sense of place and emotion in your artwork.
Unique Pigments: Roman Szmal offers a range of unique, hard-to-find colors that set your work apart from the rest. This is particularly appealing for artists looking to expand their palette with something different.
Texture and Flow: The paints have a lovely texture and flow, allowing for both smooth applications and the creation of rich, textured layers.
Why Supporting Roman Szmal Matters
Support Independent Craftsmanship: Choosing Roman Szmal watercolors means you’re supporting an independent artist dedicated to his craft. This is a refreshing alternative to mass-produced paints.
Sustainable Practices: Roman Szmal’s approach to paintmaking is sustainable, emphasizing quality and care over mass production. Your purchase supports an artist who values the environment and his community.
A Personal Connection: There’s a unique satisfaction in knowing that your paints were made by someone who genuinely cares about the art. This is a key takeaway from any Roman Szmal Watercolor Review.
In summary, this Roman Szmal Watercolor Review highlights why these paints are a must-have for serious artists. By choosing Roman Szmal, you’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting an artist and investing in something truly special.
*These are affiliate links, I may make a small commission if you purchase from me.