A Big HIMI GOUACHE Art Haul, Review & Comparison With Professional Gouache Paints (W&N & Holbein)

Miya, the company who make Himi Gouache products contacted me and asked if I'd like to try a range of their products. I'd previously purchased a smaller set of Himi Gouache and knew that I liked them, so I said I'd be delighted to, and they kindly sent me these products. Here are my honest thoughts on them, along with a comparison with other gouache brands, plus various pieces of art done with them (and a little trip to my pantry!!)
The White 56 Full Pan set I was sent, including Fluorescents, Pearls & Metallics (CURRENTLY ON A BLACK FRIDAY OFFER):
UK amzn.to/3Z29E8L
Alternative colours 56 Set (CURRENTLY ON A BLACK FRIDAY OFFER):
UK amzn.to/4hYPdSR
US amzn.to/4i5ecUw
My original Turquoise 48 Half Pan set with brushes:
UK amzn.to/4fXg9R8
US amzn.to/3CIhn4B
The Himi Gouache Pad I was sent:
UK amzn.to/40W5MJa
US amzn.to/4g2Ljqg
The other design of Himi Gouache Pad:
UK (CURRENTLY ON A BLACK FRIDAY OFFER) amzn.to/3OoeOHq
US amzn.to/4g2Ljqg
Himi Gouache Brush Sets (Various colours - ALL CURRENTLY ON A BLACK FRIDAY OFFER):
UK amzn.to/3V7eNLM
US amzn.to/3Om8Kz1
Himi Gouache Glow In The Dark set (with 30% off voucher):
UK amzn.to/4ePK4K6
There is also an even larger set available, of 112 colours! (CURRENTLY ON A BLACK FRIDAY OFFER):
UK amzn.to/4g19rJV
US amzn.to/4g19wNJ
My Holbein Artists' Gouache set of 18 is also on a great offer currently at Jackson's Art:
tidd.ly/3V2H3z2
Artist Neelam Padte on Instagram:
www.instagram....
Artist Catherine Freshley's Website:
catherinefresh...
____________________________________________________
INSTAGRAM: helen_cryer_art
/ helen_cryer_art
❤️☕ buymeacoffee.c...
(As an Amazon & Jackson's Art Associate, I earn a small amount from the purchase of ANY items - not just the ones I link to - when you enter the sites via my links. It doesn't affect the price for you, and I'm very grateful when you do, thank you!)

[@helencryer]

There are lots of lovely Himi Gouache products with Black Friday offers, on Amazon UK amzn.to/40YelD9 and Amazon US amzn.to/4i5ecUw My Holbein Artists' Gouache set of 18 is also on a great offer currently at Jackson's Art: tidd.ly/3V2H3z2

[@PaintSplash5]

Non-precious art supplies provide huge growth opportunities and are enriching. I'm thankful for companies like Himi providing that to us. And I actually do like the paper. I have fun with it all.

[@helencryer]

I think if you choose the product with care, and have an understanding of their limitations then that's true. Without that though, then cheaper products can just put people off a medium without them really understanding how great the professional versions can be. I didn't watercolour till the last few years, because I'd just had student grade stuff in my earlier years, and it made the experience unappealing and put me off watercolour for decades. That's partly why I do KZbin videos, so show which student grade products I think are not *too* off-putting, and how they differ from professional ones. Yes, I liked the paper too!

[@teresawilson9530]

I am so glad you are on KZbin! You are doing great work. Just watching and listening to you has helped me to be looser with my painting and enjoy it more. Thank you for your wonderful work ❤

[@helencryer]

Thank you so much for your kind comment - it has helped balance out a particularly nasty one I just received, and reminded me it's worth sharing my art stuff with people!

[@teresawilson9530]

@@helencryer I am sorry about the nasty comment, keep being you! I taught myself to paint during covid, now I am 73 and still painting and improving! I am proud of that. Your videos have a joyful attainable quality that has helped me. Happy 2025!

[@helencryer]

That's so good, and I'm really glad you're proud of yourself!! Thank you! ❤️

[@JessicaCEP]

I feel like I’ve seen this picture before! Love it!

[@Paintspotsandpaper]

Hi Helen , I could tell by the pure joy in your voice that you thoroughly enjoyed doing the pallet knife painting at the end! It looks so liberating, I’ve got some gel gouache that I’ve never opened, guess what I’m doing this week?Thankyou so much for sharing, take care ❤❤

[@helencryer]

I really did!!! I hope you love it too!!

[@reneeugrin7037]

Thank you! I'm inspired to get the jelly-gouache paints for the fun factor, which I find super helpful when your creative energies are bogging down. Also, very helpful to see the comparisons.

[@helencryer]

Thanks! For me fun is pretty much the biggest factor in my art! It makes me like what I've produced, and want to make more!

[@teekierudite5108]

I love your flower gouache painting! That's definately something you could sell at the craft market, its gorgeous!!

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@lesleypickard9732]

I really appreciate your videos Helen. You put a lot of work and information into them.

[@helencryer]

That's so kind - thank you!

[@zephyr2010ac]

I painted a rose branch onto some A3 stiff card with Acrylics, using a palette knife, layering a background as I went along and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've never tried gouache, i really must give it a try after seeing your lovely paintings. Thank you 🙂

[@helencryer]

There's something just so enjoyable and freeing about working with a palette knife!

[@berolinastrassmann]

Its always so nice tonlisten to you. I have the big box but havent used it much, as it takes so much space on my desk. Howrver, you teminded me of the fun factor in non precious materials. I need to give them a go soon. I ❤ that cute small 6 cube palette. I would discard the glow in the dark and make a primary mini-palette to travel. Loved your painting, and seeing you use a palette knife gave me new ideas. Thanks, Helen

[@helencryer]

I'm so glad - thank you!!

[@pastelsgirl]

Great fun watching you playing with gouache, Helen. I like very much the painting done with the palette knife, is fresh and direct. Always a pleasure, thank you for sharing 😊

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much!

[@Vanitasmortedigital]

Helen did you know Himi just released a spray bottle in two sizes,which is made for rehydrating the Himi gouche and it doesn't cause mould as spraying with water sometimes can (Matt)

[@helencryer]

Thanks very much! Yes, I had seen it around, but as I've not had any issues yet, I didn't feel the need for it. If mould starts becoming a problem, I will most likely add a few drops of essential oils (many are anti-fungal) to the water, or some people have suggested adding some isopropyl alcohol.

[@Vanitasmortedigital]

@helencryer adding a drop of glycerine to the water when re-hydrating the himi gouache works really well and prevents mould too

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@beedee4427]

I LOVE my Himi Gouache for the reasons you specified. They're such a fun "chill" gouache session, not that I use gouache much at all or that I know what I'm doing with them but they're fun for sure. I bought my 48 Himi set at least a couple of years ago and they're pretty dried up but they activate fine and I've learned to spray them before I put the lid back on again. Also, the brushes I got with that set are still some of my faves. Had to laugh, I thought to myself, it's either raining outside or she's got the chip pan on 😂🤣. Can you tell I'm a Northerner? Cheers 😊😉

[@helencryer]

Yep! They're just fun! Do chip pans make that noise?!? I don't know - I've never had one!! 😂

[@Kimmy6519]

I think it may be the fireplace/wood stove crackling??

[@helencryer]

I explain in the video: rain!

[@beedee4427]

@@Kimmy6519 My fault! Helen did mention it was rain in the vid, I was just trying to be funny! 😆. My jokes often go down like that 😂

[@beedee4427]

@@helencryer Yup, just like that (ok, maybe a little more frenetic but the same sound)! 😉

[@dneel468]

Love your painting! Looked like great fun with the pallet knife, keeps you from getting too fussy. Now I want some jelly gouache and a pallet knife.

[@helencryer]

Thanks - it really was! I think having the paint just sitting there is nice big tubs, ready to go, makes it so tempting to dip the palette knife into!

[@margaretspringer9197]

I love the palette knife painting!

[@helencryer]

Thanks! So much fun!

[@SAP64]

The Himi pants are indispensable for the purpose of ‘just painting’. I was surprised by the lack of opacity in Holbein’s paint as well. The palette knife experiment was great to see, although I was a little disappointed that the washi tape took more of the right side them what I was expecting.

[@helencryer]

Yes, the Holbeins are usually pretty good, so I was too. I thought the same with the washing tape as well!!

[@valeriegehling4358]

Great that you „enjoyed „ your paints“, like your result. Thanks

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@KT-kg4nj]

Thank you! You explained the difference of student grade gouache and professional very well. This is great info for a “gouache beginner” such as myself. Really appreciate you sharing this.

[@helencryer]

Thank you! I'm really glad if it's useful in some way!

[@craftykat]

Such a beautiful set, with so many great colors. I have the smaller sized tin of Himi Gouache and love them.

[@helencryer]

They just look so good don't they?

[@sueallen1945]

Wonderful video! I have Himi gouache and I don’t use it much, but seeing that palette knife pairing has me excited to give that a try. Your paintings were all beautiful!

[@helencryer]

Hurray! Hope you have fun!

[@marielouiseweeksb33attitud33]

Wow. You brought out the best in them.

[@helencryer]

Thank you!!

[@janemcgrath9615]

I got the 48 set way back after watching a previous video you did (they were on special on Amazon at a really good price) and I love them,I’m very much the novice but felt relaxed using them as they were so cheap and didn’t need to be precious with them. Ive never used the more expensive brands so have no comparison so this was a great watch. I spent yesterday afternoon making a travel palette from this set,not sure if it’ll work,does it matter they dry out? Worth a shot I felt. The flower painting you did was amazing,they’d make beautiful cards.

[@helencryer]

I'm glad you've been enjoying them! I've heard that they can be re-activated once dried out, but I don't know how easily.

[@janemcgrath9615]

@@helencryer 👍🙏🙂

[@pitstop.pen10]

I put a cling film sheet over the paint then put the mixing tray on top followed by the lid. That does help keep them from cracking too. Ive not had to spray them.

[@helencryer]

Thanks for the tip!

[@cowbutt6]

Similarly, I took a tip from a US HIMI user, and wrap my individual pots with GLAD Press'n Seal multi purpose sealing wrap, which is a bit like cling film, but stickier. I also spray them from a bottle that I filled with freshly-boiled and cooled water with about 10% rubbing alcohol added, as a mould preventative. I don't know if it works, but the last time I looked, none of mine were mouldy, in spite of being opened for over 3 years.

[@Vanitasmortedigital]

Helen thank you for this really great review of the Himi gouache,it was really in depth,and the comparisons were enlightening too.I wonder if yhe homi use a differnt type of binder,to say the Wonsor & Newton.But ehat I gound really indpiring was you trying the Himi with a palette knife,it never occured to me to use them in that way,but I am definitly going to try it myself.(Matt) i just purchased the same 56 colour set ,brushes and big tub of white.

[@helencryer]

Thank you! I think the Himi has a different level of pigments and highly likely different binder too, yes, both of which make details work much harder. I think you'll have a wonderful time on larger scale stuff though, and I hope you have fun with a palette knife!!

[@Vanitasmortedigital]

@helencryer also have to say thank you to you for introducing me to the Aquapesto medium,I had no idea of that existing,but it's become a staple for me now as a mixed media artist,so thank you(Matt)

[@helencryer]

That's lovely to hear - thank you!

[@CarmenChrRodentsRarities]

I have the Himi 56 set and the twin cup 112 set and the twin cup 36 set! I love them all but you do have to worry about molding sometimes. I used a water mixture with a small amout of rubber alcohol mixed in to help fight bacteria

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much for the tip!

[@marielouiseweeksb33attitud33]

Boiled/cooled water mixed rubbing alcohol and vegetable glycerin in a spray bottle spritzed over it occasionally

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@riverAmazonNZ]

I like the opacity

[@helencryer]

Yes, the first time I used them I was really pleasantly surprised about the opacity for a relatively cheap paint.

[@SMCCRADY2]

Maybe the glow in the dark paint needs a black light to make them glow? Just a thought.

[@helencryer]

Thanks! I don't have one though!

[@miyaarts]

Amazing❤👏

[@helencryer]

Thank you very much!!

[@lesleypickard9732]

With the glow in the dark ones I have found that they need to have a good bit of sunlight when they dry before they glow. Also applying a medium thickness even coat, waiting for it to dry and then doing that three or four times seemed to work best for me. It definitely has a rough texture that’s a bit gritty feeling. I wonder if using a glow in the dark ink would be easier.

[@helencryer]

Great! Thank you for the advice!

[@emanuelagiorgini4451]

Sembrano buoni! Me li regalo per Natale. Grazie per la dimostrazione .👍👍❤😊

[@helencryer]

I hope you enjoy them! Thanks!

[@martinanelsonartandpsychol6478]

I love the picture and one does not have to worry too much about using too much expensive paint😊 thank you for your videos. also I was wondering if they wouldn’t glow more, if you would put them on white paper. Since they are pretty transparent and black paper absorbs light instead of reflecting it. Not sure, but maybe it could have something to do with that. In theory the idea behind ALL lines that say „designer gouache“ is that they will be transferred to digital (as was said already) and therefore are not lightfast. Schmincke makes a designer gouache (this line has also a bit different colors from the usual artist colors) aside from their artist (a professional and a student line) gouache. However, I am not sure about W&N. They say designer gouache on their labels, but advertise them for artists. Do you know?

[@helencryer]

Thank you - yes, I should have tested them on white paper too! Gouaches aren't designed *not* to be lightfast though, and W&N use high quality pigments and publish lightfast ratings for their Designer's Gouache, so I'm happy to use the higher lightfast rated ones for display. They don't make any other kinds of gouache, as far as I know.

[@martinanelsonartandpsychol6478]

@ They used to make different ones for Designer and artists, because designers had different needs. And since designer’s “art” was intended for printing only it did not matter, if they were lightfast and so they could save on that and produce cheaper. Obviously this is nowadays a bit of a moot point with all the technology, I guess. However Schmincke still has the designer gouache plus 2 lines of artist gouache (student and professional). So I am wondering why W&N is calling their gouache for artist designer gouache. 😀😊

[@zenlife1200]

They look so yummy, like tubs of ice cream 😋

[@helencryer]

😂 Am I going to have to start putting warnings on my videos?! 'Warning: Do not try eating this at home'?!?!

[@zenlife1200]

@@helencryer nah you're safe, they probably don't smell as good as they look 😂

[@helencryer]

It's a good job I'm lying in bed now, or I'd probably end up with paint on my nose, investigating!

[@zenlife1200]

​@@helencryer 😂

[@teganconwy2793]

Wish I had seen this before I spent money on the Himi. Luckily I never opened them and was able to take them to a local art supply for store credit.

[@helencryer]

Is that because you didn't like the Himi gouache, or because they were more expensive?

[@teganconwy2793]

@@helencryer because they are just odd acrylics. I have some acrylics with that jelly texture and I hate them. Plus, the way these are packaged they will be prone to drying out. Finally, to me, putting the words acrylic and gouache together is an oxymoron. Gouache is a water based paint, not plastic based.

[@anjapinkau3737]

Hi, teganconwy! The Himi gouache is gouache, nothing acrylic at all. The reason why the last picture reflected the light is because it was still wet. The Himi gouache dries matte and is fully rewettable. Actually, "gouache" and "acrylic" are not a contradiction in terms. There is acrylic gouache. It has the properties of gouache (highly pigmented, opaque, flat, matte), but when it's dry, it stays that way. I have acryllic gouache by Holbein and by Turner and I really like them because when you paint on top of a dry layer, it doesn't mix with the new layer. I'm not a huge fan of the Himi gouache, though. 1. It tends to be streaky, 2. If you water it down to be more manageble, it isn't opaque anymore, 3. The palettes have too many colours I wouldn't choose and too few I actually want. 4. The palettes are quite cumbersome, take too much room on the desk. 5. The maintenance. The idea of those pods is to have different paints ready to be used. Since I'm not happy with the colours, I would need to mix, but the paints dirty up very quickly, so one has to clean them frequently. They do stay wet for quite a while in the pods when kept thoroughly covered and can be rewetted, when dried, but that is quite time consuming. So it is more convenient to buy tube paints.

[@helencryer]

Thanks for your replies!

[@marthadominguez6184]

How are they different from acrylic if not used with water?

[@helencryer]

Gouache dries matte, acrylic dries shiny. Gouache is reactivated by water once dried, acrylics can't be re-activated by water once dried.

[@awatercolourist]

The W&N Designer’s Gouache is not meant to be light fast. As far as I understand, they are for designers who work on pieces that will be reproduced in another medium. Designer’s Gouache is not meant for artworks that will be displayed.

[@helencryer]

For W&N, traditionally, yes, though the uses for mediums are continually evolving. (Gouache itself has been around for centuries.) If reliable lightfast ratings are given for a medium, then I'm entirely happy ignoring what something is 'meant' to be for! ('Meant' is one of those words in art which gets my back up a bit - similar to 'ought' and 'should' or 'shouldn't'! They make me want to do the opposite!)

[@awatercolourist]

@ I get what you mean!

[@zenlife1200]

This is going to sound weird but to be fair I have spent the last half an hour trying to find a weird noise behind me and blaming my dog. 😂 Is there something clicking or rattling in this video?

[@awatercolourist]

The rain falling on Helen’s roof or windows, perhaps 😂?

[@helencryer]

Yes, at one point in the video, I do explain it, but it's a long video, so easily missed! It's been stormy today, and it was water dripping on the UPVC patio window trim.

[@zenlife1200]

@@awatercolourist I might have to apologize to my dog 😳 she'll love that 😂

[@awatercolourist]

@@zenlife1200 😂

[@helencryer]

😂

[@beejayem42]

🐨👍