Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI 36 colours

Bought these as I've seen them on loads of YouTube art tutorials so thought I have to try them. They didn't disappoint they are gorgeous to use and dry really quickly. Nice opacity too. Will be buying other sets in the future. Great value for money. What I like about these palettes is that you know that all the colours will work together so saves you having to think about colours and mixing them.

Updated to add: I got the bigger set too. I just couldn’t resist. I am very happy with them. I’ve had these since last September and only just got around to giving them a good go. I got totally taken over by W&N and Daniel Smith and also my gorgeous Rosa watercolours. I felt a bit bad about it and they were so neglected. So out they came! I am having a lovely time playing around with them. I prefer them very watered down as I like to use lots of layers. They do this very nicely and you can achieve mixed colours through doing this. I don’t think they will replace my traditional watercolours as they do behave differently. You can drop them into a wet area and they do move, but they are different. I am sorely tempted to buy another set. Obviously I DO NOT need them at all …..

There's a huge amount of hype around these paints, rave reviews and accolades on You Tube. I'm afraid I couldn't resist. They arrived promptly, a nice suprise as they came direct from Japan. The box is quite large 32x20cm ( approx) and a solid card box. In the lid is a chart to fill the paint colours in. It's all in Japenese, except for the numbers. This chart corresponds to the layout/ order of the paints. They are in white trays approximately 4.5x 2.5 cms, and are named in Japenese but numbered. I would definately urge you to fill this chart in, and I've also done a larger one on water colour paper, as it's hard to really see what the colours are, as many are similar in appearance or too dark to see. For example; there appear to be a great many similar reds, but in fact there is a great selection of a wide spectrum. I went for the 36 colours, as I wanted the gold. This box has a super array of colours, they are really good pigment, and a creamy consistency , more like a gouache than traditional watercolours. There is a very slight sheen in the colours, a bit like the sheen you get from coloured inks. The white is very slightly shiny, and the pearlescent white very shiny indeed. There is no silver, but a pewter type colour and a coppery gold. I've really enjoyed playing with these paints, and am glad I went for the larger set. I think they are good value for money, as they are high quality pigmented paints, that can be used as water colours with Lots of water, or a very creamy opaque paint. So a versatile addition to any artist, and a good starter set to someone who is perhaps nervous of watercolours.

I absolutely love the Kuretake Gansai Tambi paints – for me, they almost sit between watercolour and gouache, which makes them really versatile. The opacity and smoothness are something else, and the colours have such a rich, vibrant finish. The glittery metallics in this set are gorgeous and add a special touch to any piece. I’ve collected all the palettes in the range because each one feels unique and inspiring. They’re professional quality paints that are simply a joy to work with.

Lovely colours

I had previously bought the 36 colour set a few years ago, and I was so happy with it that I went on to buy a 48 colour set recently. I love the vibrancy of the colours. Excellent quality and quantity of colours provided for the price. My only complaint is that the metallic colours don't look very metallic. They don't shine as much as I would like them too.

I was'nt sure what to expect with these paints and was pleasantly suprised. They seem to be a cross between gouache and watercolour I've found them great for abstract painting and have created some lovely visual textures by letting colours blend into each other and splashing water on the wet paint, although colour run is not for everyone. The paint pans are quite large and the paint itself is very thick and creamy. The set I bought has more of the pastel shades and am looking foreward to buying more of the sets in the future as they are great quality paints.

Absolutely amazing. Decided on them as I really liked the colours but I was so surprised to see how smooth and creamy they are. You actually have to be careful with your brush as you can pick much more paint that you want. Definitely something I need to get used to. Really pigmented. Obsessed and will probably order a bigger pack for my birthday present to myself :) love love love 💗