In this blog I will briefly share an introduction to these gouaches: Talens Gouache , Holbein Gouache , Winsor & Newton and Daniel Smith . I also share what I find to be the pros and cons of each brand.
What is useful to know in advance: this blog is about all water-soluble gouache. You can use and mix all the gouaches from the blog with each other. In our shop we also sell Acrylic gouache , which dries waterproof. In this blog we will tell you more about the differences between these paints.
Talens Gouache: Affordable Quality
Talens is a Dutch brand that has been serving artists of all levels with high-quality and affordable paint since 1899. You may also know this supplier from their Amsterdam and Rembrandt line. The Talens series does not quite fall into the artist quality, but more towards study quality. Talens Gouache is very nice for beginners and budget-conscious artists. The price-quality of this paint is very favorable. The gouache is slightly less nice than the other three, that is the concession you make with this price category.
Pros
- Affordable: Ideal for beginners or if you have a large project and need a lot of paint.
- Colorful palette: A wide range of vibrant colors.
- Easy to find: Available in many art stores and online.
Negatives
- Coverage: Not always as opaque as more expensive brands.
- Texture: Can feel a little grainy at times.
- Mixability: Mixes less smoothly than some premium brands.
Holbein Gouache: The Deluxe Option
Holbein, named after the famous painter Hans Holbein, is a Japanese brand that stands for top quality. Their gouache line is developed with the professional artist in mind and offers beautiful bright and pure colors. This gouache is known for its super fine consistency and high pigment concentration. This results in intense, vibrant colors that last a long time. The consistency of Holbein is slightly more fluid than, for example, the Winsor & Newton designers gouache.
Pros
- High pigmentation: The colours are intense and vibrant, even after dilution. Large colour selection.
- Smooth consistency: even smoother than W&N.
- No animal by-products: Suitable for vegan artists.
Negatives
- Price: Holbein gouaches are an investment.
- Availability: Not always easy to find in local stores. Luckily you can easily order it in our shop!
- There are too many beautiful sets available
Winsor & Newton: The Trusted Choice
Winsor & Newton is an established name in the art world, offering high-quality art materials since 1832. Their gouache line is no exception to quality, offering reliability and consistency. Winsor & Newton Gouache is known for its excellent coverage and beautiful color palette, making it a versatile choice for a variety of art styles and projects.
Pros
- Consistent quality: Reliable performance with every tube.
- Excellent coverage: Good coverage without the need for multiple layers.
- Wide colour range: Many good basic shades to choose from.
Negatives
- Few different sets available
- Texture: Can be a bit thick at times.
- Mixability: Mixes well, but not as smoothly as Holbein.
Daniel Smith: The Newcomer
Daniel Smith, best known for their watercolor paints, has expanded their materials to include gouache. This brand is known for their beautiful colors and unique approach to color and pigments. Daniel Smith gouache offers a range of exclusive colors that you will not find with any other brand. The high pigment quality and environmentally friendly production processes make this paint a great choice for artists who like to use premium materials and want to try something new.
Pros
- Unique Colors: Many unique shades that you won't find with other brands.
- High pigment quality: Just like their watercolor paints, the gouache colors are beautiful
- Environmentally friendly: Much attention is paid to sustainability and quality.
Negatives
- Price: Like Holbein, on the expensive side.
- Availability: Not always easy to find outside of specialty stores. Guess why we like to sell them ;).
- Consistency: Sometimes some variation in texture between different colors.
Conclusion about our gouaches
Every artist has their own preferences and needs, and fortunately there is a gouache to suit everyone. If you are just starting out or looking for affordability, Talens is an excellent choice. For those willing to invest in their art, Holbein is a must. Winsor & Newton remains a reliable option for consistent performance, while Daniel Smith gives you the chance to experiment with unique and innovative colours.
Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to get started and enjoy the painting process. Grab your brushes, choose your colors and let your creativity flow!
We always recommend that you choose fewer colours, but go for the best quality that suits your wallet.
In any case, you can shop all these beautiful gouaches from us, view them here .
Love,
Judith
