Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in rich reds, romantic pinks, and expressive marks—and DANIEL SMITH Watercolor Sticks make it easier than ever to paint straight from the heart. Made with the same world-class pigment and binder as DANIEL SMITH Extra Fine Watercolors, these portable sticks invite bold strokes, soft washes, and spontaneous creativity.

Whether you’re painting florals, abstract hearts, portraits, or simply exploring color for the joy of it, this curated Valentine’s palette celebrates passion, warmth, tenderness, and depth.

Watercolor Sticks are incredibly portable and so fun to use! Activate with a wet brush for instant pigment payout, or swirl the stick into a puddle of water in a small dish for fluid washes. They’re expressive, intuitive, and perfect for artists who love experimentation. Here are 8 creative ways to use them from Brand Ambassador Sandy Allnock!

For Valentine’s Day, reds and pinks shine especially bright—layered, blended, or allowed to bloom organically on the page.

A glowing, warm red-orange with an energetic presence. Organic Vermilion feels celebratory and bold—perfect for expressive florals, glowing accents, and painterly hearts that radiate warmth. When used in light washes, it’s a beautiful peachy pink, perfect for delicate skin tones!

Clean, powerful, and modern. Pyrrol Red delivers an intense primary red that holds its strength in mixes and washes alike. Ideal for graphic elements, striking contrasts, and contemporary Valentine compositions.

Soft yet vibrant, the luminous Quinacridone Coral bridges red and pink beautifully. It brings warmth and light to florals, skin tones, and layered washes, making it a go-to for romantic highlights.

Electric and unforgettable. Opera Pink adds a playful, high-energy pop to any Valentine palette. Use it sparingly for accents, or lean into its brilliance for bold, joyful statements.

Quinacridone Red is a beautifully balanced, transparent magenta-red that leans slightly cool, making it incredibly versatile within a Valentine’s Day palette. This color shines in layered work—soft enough for petals and romantic details, yet strong enough to anchor deeper reds and shadows. Its clarity allows underlying colors to glow through, making it especially effective when layered over Quinacridone Coral or paired with Opera Pink for luminous, contemporary mixes.

Deep, classic, and romantic. Carmine evokes vintage Valentines and timeless elegance, offering rich mid-to-dark red tones that feel emotional and grounded.

Permanent Alizarin Crimson is cooler crimson with depth and stability. This is a versatile favorite for shadows, florals, and moody undertones—especially beautiful when layered over lighter pinks.

Soft, transparent, and atmospheric. Alizarin Crimson blooms beautifully in wet-in-wet techniques, creating emotional transitions and delicate gradients ideal for expressive Valentine paintings.

Earthy, textural, and quietly romantic. Piemontite Genuine brings natural granulation and muted rose-red tones that pair beautifully with brighter pinks for balance and texture.

Try these simple Valentine-inspired explorations:

• Floral Layers: Start with Quinacridone Coral or Opera Pink, then deepen shadows with Permanent Alizarin Crimson or Carmine.
  
• Textured Romance: Combine Piemontite Genuine with Alizarin Crimson for granulating depth and organic movement.
  
• Modern Hearts: Use Pyrrol Red for bold shapes, softened with water and lifted highlights.
  
• Glow Effects: Layer Organic Vermilion beneath pinks for warmth that radiates through the painting.

Valentine’s Day is about connection—whether that’s love for others, for art, or simply for color itself. DANIEL SMITH Watercolor Sticks encourage you to loosen up, follow your intuition, and let emotion guide your hand.

This season, fall in love with color all over again—and let DANIEL SMITH Watercolor Sticks tell your story. See the full range and find a store near you!