HONEST REVIEW OF the Gansai Tambi Art Noveau Set

[@hawkblood_art]

I think the issue why so many people struggle with these paints is that we don't keep in mind that these are eastern watercolors made from different binders afaik. They don't work like western watercolors that we are used to. I never painted with Gansai Watercolors but I have heared that you're not supposed to mix them but use them straight out of the pan with big calligraphy brushes (which is why the pans are so large) But that's all I remember - IF that info is even true. Take what I say with a grain of salt lol Love the pieces of the peony you made even though you struggled with the lineart 💗💕

[@VisualMind]

Yeah I definitely agree! I knew that these aren't typical western paints going into this. People have been promoting them like they're a gouache alternative though 😅 I knew that mixing them isn't ideal so I didn't really mix them at all. I'm really curious how they mix though so I'll be testing that 😁 Thank you 😊

[@KagomeMorino]

this is what i was going to point out. They are made for the traditional art style that the wave and such were painted in...which i think they use calligraphy brushes with.

[@shmales7023]

I have a large set of these paints and I like them but it's easier to blend them on a palette for me personally. I really like them for what I've used them for. I use them in washes and marks over mixed media collage type stuff and in that application, the colors are really pretty and I like how you can get a more guoache effect or a more watercolor effect depending on the look you're going for and the amount of water you use on the palette. My art style is very different than yours, but I haven't had buyer's remorse so I'm cool with them. I've had fun using them in conjunction with traditional watercolors, too.

[@AnaCrisisBlu]

I’ve got a basic 12 set of gansai tambi. I think if you use them thick with less water they will dry sticky amd shiny like they look in the pans. I myself prefer using them with plenty of water so I prepare my colors on a porcelane palette so I can add as much water as I need.

[@Skinnychelle48]

E too, so pretty! I got them about a month ago.

[@VisualMind]

Thanks for letting me know, next time I'll definitely add a palette 😊

[@Lcran]

These colors are intended for unsized papers and rice papers. That is why their behavior on western watercolor paper is so strange

[@VisualMind]

Definitely gotta try different paper then! Do you have a recommendation? 😊

[@Ellielovescolor]

Finally a wise comment! I live in Japan and paint with those for traditional Japanese painting. They behave different because they are for a different surface. They also are meant to be used pure and not mixed.

[@Larems879]

@@VisualMindif there’s a Daiso in your area, they have rice and calligraphy papers for cheap that might be good for practicing.

[@nancyloomis3046]

Makes sense👍

[@lindabenny4454]

I have had these for about 2 years & I love them. I have other Gansai Tambi paints which I love but I think the colours in this set are Gorgeous.

[@kirstyh1189]

I love this set so much. I got it as gift from my hubby and I am super in love with the color.❤

[@VisualMind]

I'll definitely use it again since the colors bring me lots of joy ☺️

[@DieterPrivate]

I love them for colouring. You do make very good points about them. It's just another beast than western watercolour or gouache.

[@LindaMcCann-Wall]

I love these paints. Quite gouache like if wanted. I usually wet the paint first before using 😊

[@IDidntAlwaysWorkInSpace]

I love your videos. I really appreciate how honest you are with your opinions about different media and papers. This set how beautiful colors and despite your struggles the art nouveau piece is gorgeous.

[@VisualMind]

Thank you 😊

[@nancyloomis3046]

I love this set…I just got it….the pale pink is super pretty!

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Melanie, I believe that you have done a lovely job creating a beautiful painting with a new medium and for a first time! Did you notice that they did not include a mixing area? I have seen this over and over when picking up the Gansai style paints! You can also have different results with different papers. I have used small porcelain mixing cups/bowls for getting 2 colors to mix well. The unique qualities of this curated set of paints is not mixing the colors but using this unique color palette! I hope you give these paints a few more attempts before throwing them away or setting them aside and forgetting them. Look for a nouveau print to replicate, rather like a master’s study and see if that leads you to a more enjoyable result. Please take care and have yourself a lovely day!

[@VisualMind]

Thank you! I'll definitely continue to use them and experiment with mixing and maybe different papers as well 😊

[@toastypaints]

I was wondering why my liners weren't working on a recent piece i was working on, thinking i was the problem, but now i realize it was absolutely because id used the gansai tambi thinking i could go over it like gouache. Either way still glad to see you using these, i love the colors and the texture of the paint is very satisfying to use. I definitely would love to see you give it another go in the future.

[@Irrlichtwinter]

I have one of the older Gansai Tambi sets, and I have good experiences outlining on them with coloured pencils. I've noticed the 'it needs a second layer to give nice flat colouring' as well. Thankfully, that works decently with my art process. Also, I'm often using them together with my watercolours, to lay them down for areas where I want more opaque coverage, and I prefer them over gouache in that situation (with gouache, it often ends up with an actual painting texture, while Gansai Tambi colours set down more watercolour-like - but maybe that is more an issue with how I use gouache 😂 ) This Art Noveau set looks So Beautiful. Your comparison of 'painting with candy' really describes it well. If it ever gets available in my area, I'd probably get it, just for the joy of it.

[@angeladee8789]

I guess you could try spraying a workable fixative before doing the linework? The one thing I am sure I read from kuretake directly was that they are reasonably lightfast in mass tone but when watered down they become far less permanent. Gosh they're gorgeous though.

[@VisualMind]

Is there a fixative like that that would work? Since they're so gouache-like I'd assume a fixative could be risky 😅

[@MissCarol-gb3]

So much better than the fancy expensive watercolors….I am not an artist…just a hobby….do love the colors!!!!!

[@jenthulhu]

Kuretake didn't consciously try to make them a hybrid of watercolor and gouache--they are their own thing and traditional in Japan, an interesting reflection of cultural differences. It might be better not to compare them to either and simply figure out how best to use them as they are. The issues with the line art highlight the need to test art supplies together before beginning a big project--something I NEVER do and end up as frustrated as you are. It's a good reminder! I think the peony painting turned out amazing! Good luck with your new teaching endeavor!

[@VisualMind]

Sure but that's what people have been promoting them as. And since watercolors & gouache are my main point of comparison and I'm trying to explain what they're like, I'm using that language 😅 I'll definitely keep on using them and also might try them on different papers as well. Thanks 😊

[@jenthulhu]

@@VisualMind I totally get it. I know it's virtually impossible for a Westerner to talk about these without referencing both gouache and watercolor, but I do think it's its own unique thing. In Japan they use it with rice paper too, which probably makes a huge difference. I've had the standard 36 set for years and really enjoy it, but I'm coveting that art nouveau set. It's like a pre-made color palette. Just gorgeous.

[@craftSolo4011]

I agree, they are different. I use them for very loose, messy, colourful artwork. Thank you.

[@robertadrsvensson]

Please create more art with these!

[@tajtay]

Some of the colors I really like some I don't lol. So I was tempted to buy this set. I do have a 12 set, but I realized I never lined on top of them.

[@VisualMind]

As far as I know they are available open stock - I'm sure it depends on where you live though :)

[@arcoiris_naranja]

We want more videos with them. Especially we would love to see landscapes.

[@k.b.1996]

You've absolutely nailed my opinion on these paints. Yes, yes, I know, they are not like the traditional western watercolors - I do see these comments here and I wanted to add my opinion. I have the normal set but I've eyed the art noveau set for a while because the colours are sooo pretty! But I just can't wrap my head around how to use them. I don't mix them at all but I don't understand the water to paint ratio... my other problem is that they dull down so much! I also saw that they are actually really cheap in Japan and I think that with all the import fees, it costs as much as a small but "professional" set over here. So I feel like the price also gets the expectations higher. I don't know...

[@VisualMind]

Definitely agree! They are MUCH cheaper there! They kind of remind me a bit of the Prima Confections Pastel Pop Set in a way. I'll keep on experimenting with them and see how they work best. 😊

[@nancyloomis3046]

The more opaque finish of this set reminds me somewhat of Pelikan Opaque watercolor set….highly recommend👍Both Pelikan opaque and transparent watercolor sets are very high quality and the transparent set is not exactly cheap either (24 set for $50+.) The opaque set is much less expensive and I think well worth it for the soft opacity you get…if that’s what you like. But neither one is considered artist or professional grade because Pelikan, a German brand that’s been around for a long time, never took the leap and considerable investment of the testing and ratings certification for lightfastness, transparency, granulation, etc., and (I guess?)competing with other bigger wc brands. Pelikan also markets a lot to schools & kids.

[@NinaQueena]

Uhhh i love watercolour Reviews ❤ but i really dont think that the colours cost 15€ anywhere

[@michellecampbell4194]

I got this set last month and I love the colours but they are difficult to work with. I tried a botanical copy of a watercolour piece I did and it was very difficult. I needed up brushing water all over the piece and they bleed and smudge way more than watercolours. If that makes sense 😂

[@VisualMind]

I think I know what you mean! The "smudging" is what reminds me of gouache a lot. I think it can be used as an advantage but there's definitely a learning curve 😅 I'm gonna try to figure it out more and hopefully do a follow up video

[@michellecampbell4194]

Hi kitties! 🐈‍⬛ 🤍🖤

[@emmasheppard2639]

These are one of my favourite paints, anyone who doesn't like them. Well, I don't like them 😂😂😂😂

[@VisualMind]

Well unfortunately I still struggle with liking them 😅

[@akschauer]

Disappointment in these paints comes from thinking they should behave like Western watercolors and gouache, but they are their own thing. They have a different binder and more additives than Western style watercolors, so they don't mix as cleanly and are more opaque. I really liked both pieces you painted with them.

[@VisualMind]

I think my main issue was that they called the set art Noveau and then they don't tolerate line art art all 😅 thank you 😊

[@Vintagebeautyca]

maybe sharpie would work better?

[@VisualMind]

I'll check if I have a sharpie somewhere and try! The one I tried first was very similar to a sharpie

[@joanpringle-canning2834]

🍎🍎🌻🌻🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐿🐿🐦🐦

[@NoeticNotary-sx1ec]

Joined Cozy Creators Collective 🤍

[@VisualMind]

Awesome, so happy to have you on board! 🥰