How to Gouache from a Non-Expert

So I’ve reviewed the Himi Jelly gouache plant. If you missed it you can find that blog post: here. So now you might be considering getting the paint yourself OR you might just be curious as to how one might use that paint. If that is the case you are in luck! I’ll show how I use them. Also a reminder that I am no gouache expert but I use gouache paint and this is how I use it.

The best technique for using gouache in my opinion is layering until you get the desired look. You can do this a couple different ways. Gouache can be watered down to a watercolor look. So ! like to start there. I get my idea for the painting down with a watercolor like base. Then I’ll layer on top of that. I use less and less water to get the desired opacity. The layering technique for me is ideal and creates some beautiful color mixing and texture. I think layering in this way is way is what makes gouache so unique. Below are some examples of what gouache can look like with more or less water.

Below I painted a simple apple to show how I layer the paint starting with a watercolor like opacity then to a more opaque finished piece.

I hope this was helpful or insightful. Gouache takes getting used to. So my best advice is to play. Play with the water to paint ration, play with how colors mix together, and just play. Trail and error is the best way to use anew medium you might not be familiar with. once you play around gouache really is a fun medium. Let me know if you give it a try!

Until next time,

Mickey

Himi Jelly Gouache Paint Review

The Himi jelly gouache paint sets have gone through ups and downs of getting hype and curiosity in the art community. Ive had my 24 count set for about 9 months now and I’m ready to talk about it.

First I want to point out that when I purchased my Himi paint set I was a bit of a gouache paint newbie. I had one other beginner gouache set and used it a couple times. I thought the ones I had were ok but was having trouble getting the look I wanted and saw so many other painters achieve. So when purchased my Himi set I purchased it with the thought that I was getting a beginner type set to keep practicing. I had seen so many unpacking and test videos of the Himi sets, I thought I’d give it a go.

First lets talk about the aesthetics and packaging. This paint set really gets noticed for how aesthetically pleasing it is. Mine is in a mint great case and it comes with three paint brushes with the same color handles. It also came with a plastic palette to mix colors which I really love and appreciate about this set. The process of taking off the sealed lids a revealing the vivid jelly colors is a euphoric experience in itself. Which is why you can find so many unpacking and opening videos of this paint set on the internet. I have enjoyed a few myself because its just so pleasing to see and watch. The only down side is this set is bulky. This isn’t something you can travel with, take on the go, or to paint outside. It also takes a bit of room storage wise. It’s best to be stored horizontally, so if you are tight on space for paint storage, this might not be the paint set for you.

Second lets talk about use. With gouache you get the versatility of less opacity like with water colors when you water it down or the thick opacity of acrylics. No matter how you decide to use this set the versatility is there. The color range is beautiful. I got the 24 paint set because I love color and experimenting with color. I am more than happy with the color selection. As for the actual usability, I’ve had more luck with this set than my previous set. My favorite way to use is similar to Posca markers and I often use this gouache paint with Posca markers. I don’t water down the paint too much, instead I go in wanting it to be very opaque usually. I don’t have too much issue getting the opaque look I’m looking for. I do water down the paint to mix colors, whether it be on the given palette or on the piece itself. I have Some examples of pieces I’ve done with the paint set.

Lastly let talk about the value. Right now you can find the Himi Gouache set on Amazon for less than $30. For a set that comes with a mixing palette, three brushes, and 24 paint colors, I think this is a pretty great value. You can find similarity prices gouache sets with the same number of paints but it doesn’t come with brushes or a palette. They also are not as aesthetic to look it, though they may be easier to store.

Final thoughts; I recommend this palette. I love it and after months the paint is still great. If there’s any hardening or cracking you can spray it with water and the paint comes back to life. If you are looking for an expert level gouache or easy storage set this might not be for you but if you are looking for a beginner to causal use set its perfect.

Until Next Time.

Mickey