M. Graham 1/2-Ounce Tube Watercolor Paint, Hansa Yellow (33-107)

I have been building a complete palette of M Graham paints over this winter. I am nearly finished purchasing every single pigment color with a 1 Lightfastness rating. I am so thrilled there is an American-based company that is making paint that rivals that of ANY European company.The colors are vibrant, granulation is wonderful among those that contain graduating minerals. The number of transparent colors is significant in both staining and granulating categories. There are a HUGE number of single pigment colors as well as those single pigments with the highest lightfast ratings. (MG uses LF ratings of I (highest) & II. I don’t think they even sell anything less than a LF rating of II (ASTM).The paints FLOW playfully as any good watercolor should. Not that it’s possible to ever fully control watercolor paints but good control can be gained using less-wet on dry paper. The quality of poured and dried pigments is equal to fresh out of the tube.The ONLY thing anyone might perceive as a negative (I Dont) about M Graham paints is that they Dont work well as plaen air medium in HOT environments because of the honey used in processing. These WATERCOLOR paints never dry down to a solid mass and exposed to summer temps in a car, backpack, etc will liquify and can spill from a Pan palette. They remain tacky always.I consider this quality a bonus in terms of rewetting a poured pan or studio palette. You will never need to mist these paints to “prime” for use which makes them an excellent medium to use with water brushes.I do use these for outdoor painting, I just don’t use in high summer heat in the desert SW region I live in. If I used paint straight from tube it probably wouldn’t be an issue at all.Invest in a collection of 6 tubes warm/cool each in reds, blues and yellows and play with all the wonderful qualities M Graham paint has to offer. They mix beautifully into any color you could desire.

I like MG Graham brand very well. Everyone will have their favorites. I use many top brands including Winsor Newton and Daniel Smith. I picked this one in particular because I wanted PY 3 pigment. If a person chooses by pigment number, they are more likely to get what they need. There are so many names given that seem similar but end up being a different pigment. Every pigment has different properties. At least if you want this pigment, you can order this brand and be confident that you will get the py3. It seems to be a very strong pigment. PY3 is a great light, bright yellow good for mixing greens and botanical work. The honey keeps the paint moist. I think all brands should clearly state the up to date pigment numbers. It would certainly save me time as I have to check the pigment info at Dick Blick. Once there, if I am not in a rush, I can usually buy cheaper and get free shipping over 45.

Hansa yellow was the 1st choice yellow recommended by my watercolor instructor. I usually do not use the M. Graham brand for painting, but I found the Hansa yellow to be of good quality- bright, clear, and easy to use. Also, price-wise it compared favorably with all the other fine watercolor brands.

I love Graham Watercolors and Hansa yellow is a good color yellow and a great mixing color.

fine stuff!!