Your colourful introduction to one of the most versatile, beginner-friendly paints around
Gouache has surged in popularity among illustrators, journallers and hobby artists — and few sets have become as iconic as HIMI Jelly Cup Gouache. Whether you’re sketching in your art journal, creating whimsical illustrations or adding bold colour to stationery projects, this guide will walk you through exactly what gouache is, how HIMI paints behave, and how to get the best results as a beginner.
What Is Gouache Paint?
Gouache (pronounced “gwash”) is an opaque, water-based paint. Think of it as sitting somewhere between watercolour and acrylic:
-
Like watercolour: It reactivates with water, blends beautifully, and can be used for translucent washes.
-
Like acrylic: It dries matte, flat and opaque, allowing you to layer lighter colours over dark ones and achieve crisp graphic shapes.
This makes gouache ideal for:
-
Illustrations and character art
-
Botanical sketches
-
Bullet-journal headings and decorations
-
Mixed-media projects
-
Travel sketching (especially with HIMI’s portable palettes)
What Makes HIMI Jelly Cup Gouache Special?
HIMI’s “jelly cup” format is famous for a few reasons:
-
Ready-to-use paint: The creamy, pudding-like texture is convenient — no need to squeeze tubes.
-
Rich pigmentation: Colours are bold and consistent for beginners and professionals alike.
-
Rewettable: If the surface dries slightly, just spritz with water and it returns to a smooth, buttery texture.
-
A tidy, portable kit: Each cup sits neatly inside a reusable palette box.
This format encourages experimentation — perfect if you’re just starting out.
How to Use Gouache Paint (Beginner Basics)
Gouache is flexible, so start simple and explore from there.
1. Mix with Water for Your Desired Consistency
Think of gouache as adjustable:
-
More water → more transparent (watercolour effect)
-
Less water → more opaque (flat, poster-style finish)
A good beginner consistency is thick double cream — smooth but not runny.
2. Work From Thin to Thick Layers
Start with light washes, then build up details:
-
Sketch lightly in pencil.
-
Apply a thin base layer.
-
Add shadows and mid-tones.
-
Finish with highlights and crisp details.
Since gouache reactivates, use a gentle touch when layering to avoid lifting the layer beneath unless you want to blend.
3. Reactivate, Blend, Adjust
If a colour dries on your palette or paper, simply use a damp brush to wake it up. This helps beginners correct mistakes easily.
Best Paper to Use with Gouache
Paper choice makes a huge difference.
✔ Watercolour Paper (Recommended)
Look for:
-
300gsm (140lb) minimum
-
Cold-press texture (slightly textured but not too rough)
Why it works:
-
Handles layering and rewetting
-
Stops the paint buckling the surface
-
Absorbs water without pilling
✔ Mixed Media Paper
Great for sketchbooks or practice. Choose:
-
250gsm+
-
A smooth or lightly textured surface
✘ Avoid: Thin or very smooth paper
Printer paper or thin notebook paper will:
-
Warp with water
-
Tear or pill
-
Prevent smooth blending
Beginner Tips for Best Results
Here are the top techniques to help you enjoy HIMI Jelly Cup Gouache from day one:
💧 Use a Spray Bottle
Lightly mist your palette before painting to keep the cups creamy and ready.
🖌 Use Soft, Synthetic Brushes
They hold water well and glide smoothly over gouache.
🎨 Create a Swatch Chart
HIMI colours look slightly different wet vs dry. A swatch card helps you:
-
Learn opacity
-
Understand drying shifts
-
Build colour palettes for journalling or illustration
⏳ Allow Layers to Dry Fully
This prevents lifting the paint beneath unless blending is intentional.
✨ Add Details Last
Because gouache is opaque, you can paint light colours over dark backgrounds — perfect for highlights, stars, lettering and florals.
🧽 Clean Brushes Often
Gouache dries faster than watercolour. Keeping your brushes clean prevents damaged bristles and muddy colours.
Fun Ways to Use Your HIMI Jelly Gouache Set
-
Bullet journal decoration: Titles, borders, cute doodles
-
Stationery customisation: Painted envelopes, gift tags, notebook covers
-
Illustration: Characters, animals, botanicals
-
Flat-style artwork: Poster-like shapes and minimal designs
-
Pattern work: Repeat motifs for cards or scrapbook pages
Final Thoughts
HIMI Jelly Cup Gouache is one of the easiest, most enjoyable ways to start with gouache. The creamy paint, bold colours and user-friendly palette make it perfect for beginners who want to explore expressive, matte artwork without fuss. With the right paper, a spray bottle, and a little practice, you’ll quickly discover how forgiving and versatile gouache can be.
