The tiny cubes shown in the picture below are called pans or cakes of solid watercolor paint. They are set into a special palette and used by dissolving the paint with a brush dipped in water.

PIGMENT TOKYO "ZECCHI Watercolor"

Many watercolor paints currently available on the market contain artificial humectants such as glycerin, combined with binding agents like gum arabic and dextrin.

However, Zecchi's transparent watercolor paints are made using gum arabic and honey, following a traditional European method. Honey provides moisturizing and preservative effects, and acts as a thickener to improve the paint's spreadability and solubility.

From Zecchi’s watercolor series, you can choose your favorite colors individually or we also offer sets, which are recommended for first-time users of this type of watercolor paint.

Let's take a look at some of the color swatches.

Other than the basic colors that are great for sketching, the lineup also includes pearlescent paints such as gold and silver, as well as watercolor made from natural lapis lazuli.

The pigment concentration is high, resulting in the iconic earth tones. While you can use the watercolor pans as they are, they work best when attached to a dedicated palette. This product is ideal for those who prefer using multiple colors at once or those who plan to carry the paints for sketching on the go. 

For drawing something the size of a postcard, a 12-color set is perfect, and we recommend beginners start with this size. Even for larger paper sizes beyond SM(158mm x 227mm), 12 colors are usually sufficient. However, purchasing a 24-color set or larger will greatly expand your range of expression.

The pigment concentration used is high, and the color of the ground color is characteristic. It is possible to color it alone, but it will be stable when attached to a dedicated palette. It is especially recommended for multiple colors and those who carry it with sketches.

If the size you want to draw is a postcard size, you can enjoy a set of 12 colors. For beginners, it is recommended that you try it from this size.

Even if it is SM size or higher, it can be used in 12 colors, but if you purchase a 24 -color set or more, the width of the expression will be expanded.

Watercolor paints perform at their best when used on high-quality watercolor paper with the right texture and balanced water absorption. At PIGMENT TOKYO, we offer art pads that are well-suited for small works, drawings, and sketches.

Choosing the right watercolor paper or sketchbook is essential, as it should match your preferred size and artistic style.  A variety of options are available in the world of art supplies.

This is Bamboo Washi Paper, specifically designed for watercolor painting. This thick paper is treated with a strong anti-bleed sizing, preventing ink from soaking through to the other side and allowing for a wide range of watercolor techniques. It features a smooth surface that allows fluid brush strokes and has an ideal thickness. Moreover, the paper is durable enough for letterpress printing, and once dry, it remains easy to handle and flexible as a support medium.

When using transparent watercolor paints, although it is possible to use Japanese painting brushes, MOLLIS watercolor brushes made of nylon are highly recommended for beginners too.

The MOLLIS Oval series features a tapered tip, allowing artists to create a wide range of effects from broad strokes to fine details. On the other hand, the MOLLIS Round series consists of round brushes that are ideal for painting intricate details and lines.

For drawing signatures or creating finer lines, we recommend the SK Meteor series brushes. Made from high-quality Kolinsky sable hair, these brushes are versatile and offer excellent point retention.

We invite you to try these high-quality, professional-grade products and experience the unique feel of authentic materials!

Art Materials Expert at PIGMENT TOKYO

Akira Oya

Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art.

He also continues his career as a visual artist.

Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art.

He also continues his career as a visual artist.