If you’ve ever been drawn to rich, opaque watercolors with a beautiful matte finish, I think you will find this Gansai Tambi watercolors review helpful. The Gansai Tambi watercolors are Japanese watercolors that are quite different from traditional Western watercolor paint and that’s exactly what makes them special.
In this review, I’m sharing my honest experience using Gansai Tambi watercolors, what makes them unique, and who I think they’re best suited for.
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Watch my Gansai Tambi Watercolors Review Video
Watch my video Gansai Tambi Watercolors review and my first impressions of the set and see a speed painting of my coloring page by clicking the video box below or on YouTube
What Are Gansai Tambi Watercolors?
Gansai Tambi watercolors are traditional Japanese watercolors made by Kuretake. Unlike tube or pan watercolors commonly used in Western watercolor painting, these come in larger, solid individual pans and are known for their opaque, creamy texture.
My First Impressions
The first thing you’ll notice is how luxurious the set feels and appears. The entire watercolor set is huge compared to the other sets I have, and the box is covered in a green fabric that is unique and beautiful.
Inside you will see the size of the pans are also large. They’re much larger than standard watercolor pans, which makes them perfect for using with bigger brushes and expressive strokes. Each individual pan is easily removable.
The color palette is bright and saturated and there are great options of hues. The pigment activates easily with water and feels smooth and creamy. Even with minimal water, the pigment payoff is strong and vibrant.
How Gansai Tambi Watercolors Perform
One of the standout features of Gansai Tambi watercolors is their opacity. These paints sit beautifully on the surface of the paper and show up clearly
The finish is slightly matte and velvety rather than transparent and flowy. This gives artwork a unique, almost gouache-like look while still behaving like watercolor.
These paints don’t spread as freely as traditional watercolors. You’ll want to experiment with water ratios, but once you get the hang of it, they’re very satisfying to use.
Gansai Tambi Watercolors Review
Pros:
- Rich, saturated pure colors
- Beautiful semi opaque coverage
- Paints have a smooth finish and are not chalky
- Large pans that last a long long time
- Perfect for modern watercolor and illustration
- Great for layering and detail work
Cons:
- These paints are expensive. You pay for the quality.
- The entire paint set is much larger in size and great for travel.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to expand beyond watercolor for beginners, Gansai Tambi watercolors are absolutely worth the splurge. Their bold colors payoff and creamy consistency make them a joy to paint with especially for decorative and modern watercolor styles.
They’ve earned a permanent spot in my art supplies, and I often reach for them when I want color that really pops. I’ve owned them for years now and it is a staple in my art studio.
Here is link to the exact set I’ve been using for years! https://amzn.to/45XSBcf
Thanks for the lovely coloring sheet and for reviewing these water colors. I’ve been looking at ordering these watercolors and now that I’ve seen them in action and heard your review I’m convinced.
Yay! I’m sure you will enjoy them Diane!