The Gem Colors add vibrant sparkle to light and dark papers. They are highly blendable with all Gansai Tambi colors, and have a smooth finish free from grit or texture. They can be applied as an opaque paint with a glossy sheen or used as a delicate wash for more subtle effects.
Japanese Watercolors: Unlike typical Western watercolors bound with gum arabic, Gansai Tambi utilizes a centuries-old method of mixing pigment with alternative binders to create a durable watercolor with incredible lift and rewettability.
Opacity and Transparency: When applied with minimal water, these paints produce a creamy, opaque layer reminiscent of gouache. When using more water to create washes or less saturated paint, the color becomes more transparent.
Pigmentation and Texture: These paints are known for their rich pigmentation combined with a Japanese binder produce smooth, even coverage on paper with little granulation. To get the best results from these paints, it’s recommended to work a thoroughly wet brush into the dried paint for a minute or so before use. The large pans accommodate various brush sizes. Washes using large amounts of water should be used on a palette outside of the pan in order to maintain the integrity of the panned paint. Excess water left in the pan will cause the paint to crack as it dries.
Application and Effects: Gansai Tambi paints are excellent for use on rice papers and watercolor papers, and produce interesting effects on synthetic and mineralized papers. These paints have excellent lift, meaning that once dried, they can be rewet to change saturation, blend, or correct mistakes. They are ideal for illustration, watercolor renderings, and as special effects for other types of watercolor or mixed media works.
Colors: • 830 Gem Red • 831 Gem Pink • 903 Yellow Gold • 850 Gem Green • 860 Gem Blue • 861 Gem Violet
Made in Japan
Non-toxic, Conforms to ASTM D4236
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