{"title":"Best of Art","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"platinum_carbon_ef_fountain_pen","title":"Platinum Carbon Drawing and Drafting Fountain Pen","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe advantage of this pen over the others is that its steel nib will not deform and blunt as fiber pens inevitably do. Moreover it takes Carbon ink; a pigment based ink (as opposed to usual dye based) which ensure a great depth of colour and is permanent, archival, lightfast and waterproof.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pen can also be fitted with a converter, refillable cartridge and refilled from any good fountain pen ink or Carbon pen ink.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo prevent the pen from drying up we recommend replacing the cap after use and giving the pen regular washing out - using cold water and no detergents.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTakes Carbon ink cartridges (\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/choosingkeeping.surf\/products\/black-carbon-4-pack-pigment-ink-cartridge\"\u003eavailable here\u003c\/a\u003e) or a Converter cartridge (Also available at Choosing Keeping) and \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/choosingkeeping.surf\/collections\/carbon-refills\/products\/black-carbon-pigment-ink-bottle\"\u003eCarbon Ink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 18 cm long, 11 mm diameter\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eIs sold with one Carbon ink cartridge\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ZYBA-1366","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":35866905215137,"sku":"11503","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/products\/a0d20e5f33343f4be110b2e661eb025770e4af3f.jpeg?v=1571438772"},{"product_id":"zeichenblock-sketch-pad","title":"Zeichenblock Sketch Pad","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe have received nothing but compliments from our customers for this paper. It is a beautifully textured but soft drawing paper suitable for pencil, pastels, and ink work - an illustrator's essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":1144662456,"sku":"10092","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large","offer_id":14772578713643,"sku":"12742","price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/3euy0cZxLcJs4DJULw_94rCn1DsmPJ-kaB5cvAXcpnY.png?v=1755855649"},{"product_id":"water-soluble-soft-graphite-artists-pencils","title":"Art Graf Soft Carbon Pencils, pack of 6","description":"\u003cp\u003eHere presented a pretty bundle of six dark and buttery very soft graphite pencils for the purpose of drawing and shading. It's nice to have these in wooden casing to keep your hands as clean as possible given the messy materials. They are water-soluble, meaning they can be washed over using a paintbrush or fingers and water for a paint effect.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Viarco","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55154113905016,"sku":"11774","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/Wrl_J1b8QPAwZFtJ1eSKwXtRvuu_5nbAZl9ALWiOUEo.png?v=1748953645"},{"product_id":"japanese-25-colour-watercolour-set","title":"35 Colours Japanese Watercolour Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eEnjoy 35 shades of \u003cem\u003eGansai \u003c\/em\u003ein your art practice\u003cem\u003e, \u003c\/em\u003ethe Japanese alter-ego to European watercolours - also similar to gouaches. These high quality paints, made in Japan by a 100 year old paint maker, can be used directly out of the box with a wet paintbrush - either thinly in translucent washes, or by layering for a bolder effect. These can also be used on darker paper bases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis selection of 35 colours includes metallic shades of gold and copper. Presented in a gold Japanese fabric-bound presentation box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55267243950456,"sku":"12224","price":75.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/1mILQFm-4bbgiK3fWl6cByJPLM-5WKXN_HPZfucrQp8.png?v=1756990799"},{"product_id":"japanese-sumi-e-watercolour-set","title":"Japanese Sumi-e Watercolour Set, No. 1","description":"\u003cp\u003eEnjoy 6 shades of \u003cem\u003eGansai \u003c\/em\u003ein your art practice\u003cem\u003e, \u003c\/em\u003ethe Japanese alter-ego to European watercolours - also similar to gouaches. These high quality paints, made in Japan by a 100 year old paint maker, can be used directly out of the box with a wet paintbrush - either thinly in translucent washes, or by layering for a bolder effect. These can also be used on darker paper bases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55267221799288,"sku":"12220","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/Ce2wdnpKebP-2qMr33lnkS3R4ImPLDjlFFWPbkCmu1c.png?v=1756990293"},{"product_id":"japanese-6-colour-iridescent-watercolour-set-1","title":"Japanese Pearl Watercolour Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eEnjoy 8 shades of \u003cem\u003eGansai \u003c\/em\u003ein your art practice\u003cem\u003e, \u003c\/em\u003ethe Japanese alter-ego to European watercolours - also similar to gouaches. These high quality paints, made in Japan by a 100 year old paint maker, can be used directly out of the box with a wet paintbrush - either thinly in translucent washes, or by layering for a bolder effect. These can also be used on darker paper bases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55267232612728,"sku":"12226","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/rYkhhpeUwQrVMoHrfmNVDqbLOObbQ6t5dsa8reARuxo.png?v=1756990510"},{"product_id":"japanese-fluorescent-watercolour-set","title":"Japanese Fluorescent Watercolour Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eEnjoy 6 shades of \u003cem\u003eGansai \u003c\/em\u003ein your art practice\u003cem\u003e, \u003c\/em\u003ethe Japanese alter-ego to European watercolours - also similar to gouaches. These high quality paints, made in Japan by a 100 year old paint maker, can be used directly out of the box with a wet paintbrush - either thinly in translucent washes, or by layering for a bolder effect. These can also be used on darker paper bases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55267225239928,"sku":"12230","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/eojSvYALVJFqBHPD4aqnWYv-S2oygoSqVEMtcFRQZ4I.png?v=1756990370"},{"product_id":"aquarella-watercolour-pad-white-paper","title":"\"Aquarella\" Watercolour Pad, White Paper","description":"\u003cp\u003eDon't underestimate this unassuming heavyweight paper loved by all watercolorists to cross its path. This is the white (as opposed to cream) alter-ego to our shop favourite \"Aquarello\".\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":10545599316011,"sku":"12329","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large","offer_id":14772469170219,"sku":"12744","price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/mPw8MyZNb8xiBzYpvcjOsQvDiA-IAJvQdN0JSgEH-qc.png?v=1748951641"},{"product_id":"japanese-gondola-pastel-set-48-colours","title":"Japanese Pastel Set, 48 Colours","description":"\u003cp\u003eBased on French soft pastel production methods, Crown Chemical Company Pastels, established in Kyoto, 1919 sought to produce a distinctly Japanese art material at the behest of Japanese impressionist landscaper Yazaki Chiyoji (1872 - 1947) who favoured the medium. While soft pastels were widely used amongst artists, not least Degas, these were and often are used in combination with other mediums, or for quick and preparatory sketches. Indeed, where paint requires water, brushes and easels - pastels can be transported easily, they do not require any water or drying, but allow for strong, clear and vivid colour comparable to oil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55254541435256,"sku":"12510","price":75.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/O4N8qNEq-j8y5w3grwkybwunRXmox9juxSsbp_h57ig.png?v=1755783696"},{"product_id":"zecchi-lapis-lazuli-single-watercolour-pan","title":"Lapis Lazuli Single Watercolour Pan","description":"\u003cp\u003eForget chemical dyes and and synthetic fillers - these watercolours are made according to methods dating back to the Renaissance by Florence-based mom n' pop shop Zecchi, famous amongst artists for their top quality supplies. This vibrant blue was originally known as \u003cem\u003eultramarine\u003c\/em\u003e which literally translates to \u003cem\u003eacross the water\u003c\/em\u003e for its distant and rare appeal. Made from the precious mineral lapis lazuli, it was traditionally used only to paint the Madonna's dress in church frescoes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Zecchi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55267218391416,"sku":"13580","price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/ECCDwkl89AAQvUOYlmv9Eziq6KtxlsiUQ5lSA0q78BA.png?v=1756990221"},{"product_id":"20-colours-japanese-watercolour-set","title":"20 Colours Botanical Japanese Watercolour Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eChoosing Keeping presents an exclusive, special edition of 20 shades of \u003cem\u003eGansai.\u003c\/em\u003e This Japanese alter-ego to European watercolours is not dissimilar to gouache, and is made by a 100 year old paint maker in Japan. The paints can be used directly out of the box with a wet paintbrush - either thinly in translucent washes, or by layering for a bolder effect. These can also be used on darker paper bases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55267242508664,"sku":"14879","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/jw8YbTaQ5Ly7V1oRPfwDt22wZ1ZzxP2-HRnGY8xo8yw.png?v=1756990759"},{"product_id":"100-colours-japanese-watercolour-set","title":"100 Colours Japanese Watercolour Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eChoosing Keeping presents an exclusive, special edition of 100 shades of \u003cem\u003eGansai.\u003c\/em\u003e This Japanese alter-ego to European watercolours is not dissimilar to gouache, and is made by a 100 year old paint maker in Japan. The paints can be used directly out of the box with a wet paintbrush - either thinly in translucent washes, or by layering for a bolder effect. These can also be used on darker paper bases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55254597796216,"sku":"14878","price":375.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/CopyrightChoosingKeepingBS20200714878RTsmallershadow.png?v=1764780242"},{"product_id":"artists-willow-charcoal-drawing-sticks","title":"Artist's Willow Charcoal Drawing Sticks","description":"\u003cp\u003ePossibly the oldest of all art materials, as found in cave paintings 30,000 years ago. More recently, from the Renaissance onwards charcoal is used, for its impermanence, as a medium for preliminary sketches. Some artists such as Albrecht Durer begin to consider charcoal for finished work with very stark and poignant effect as in this portrait of his mother. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday it is often neglected and relegated to art school supply cabinets for repetitious life drawing speed-sketch and quick composition work. But consider its' expressive, moody, highly graphic monochromatic repertoire and perhaps it can be an another arrow to your bow or an opportunity to challenge?  A crumbly texture, smudging, blending the pigment into the paper make it an intrinsically sensual medium which can be hard, brash, messy and bold - or soft, finely sculpted for a highly finished texture. Finally no pencil, however soft, can compete with the depth of blackness achieved from charcoal - another compelling USP. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor your consideration, Choosing Keeping offers a small selection of high-quality artisan Willow charcoal. We offer three different packs each sold seperately, in crescendo thicknesses. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnce finished works using charcoal should be fixed using a spray fixatif in the same manner than pastel work would be so as to not rub off. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConsider buying a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/choosingkeeping.surf\/collections\/paintbrushes\/products\/kneadable-putty-eraser\"\u003ekneaded putty eraser\u003c\/a\u003e too for creating highlights when \u003cem\u003elifting. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExamples of fine charcoal work can be found across a broad range of artists, styles and epochs a testament to the universal nature of this art material, a few examples here illustrated as follows: \u003cbr\u003eGeorges Braque, \u003cem\u003eStill Life\u003c\/em\u003e (1924) (Tate Collection, UK\u003cem\u003e)\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003eVija Celmins, \u003cem\u003eNight Sky #19 \u003c\/em\u003e(1998) (Tate Collection, UK\u003cem\u003e)\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003eAlbrecht Durer, \u003cem\u003ePortrait of the Artist's Mother at the Age of 63\u003c\/em\u003e (1514)(Kupferstichkabinett\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kupferstichkabinett_Berlin\" title=\"\"\u003e,\u003c\/a\u003e Berlin Germany)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHenri Matisse, \u003cem\u003eReclining\u003c\/em\u003e\u003ci\u003e Nude (1924) \u003cspan\u003e(Tate Collection, UK\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"5 thick sticks","offer_id":35890609422497,"sku":"15178","price":9.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 medium sticks","offer_id":35890609488033,"sku":"15177","price":9.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"10 thin sticks","offer_id":35890609520801,"sku":"15176","price":9.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/products\/CopyrightChoosingKeepingBS202007151761517715178RT.jpg?v=1598456892"},{"product_id":"artists-charcoal-drawing-sticks","title":"Artisan Artist's Charcoal Drawing Sticks, taster packs","description":"\u003cp\u003ePossibly the oldest of all art materials, as found in cave paintings 30,000 years ago. More recently, from the Renaissance onwards charcoal is used, for its impermanence, as a medium for preliminary sketches. Some artists such as Albrecht Durer begin to consider charcoal for finished work with very stark and poignant effect as in this portrait of his mother. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday it is often neglected and relegated to art school supply cabinets for repetitious life drawing speed-sketch and quick composition work. But consider its' expressive, moody, highly graphic monochromatic repertoire and perhaps it can be an another arrow to your bow or an opportunity to challenge?  A crumbly texture, smudging, blending the pigment into the paper make it an intrinsically sensual medium which can be hard, brash, messy and bold - or soft, finely sculpted for a highly finished texture. Finally no pencil, however soft, can compete with the depth of blackness achieved from charcoal - another compelling USP. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor your consideration, Choosing Keeping offer here taster boxes of artisan fine charcoal sticks. We offer three different packs each sold separately. The red box offer a medley of thicknesses in an attractive match box container. The brown box contains 1 single stick of willow - perfect to complement a gift set (as seen here). Finally the green box offer 3 sticks of thick hornbeam (considered dryer and less dark, but harder, than classic willow).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnce finished works using charcoal should be fixed using a spray fixatif in the same manner than pastel work would be so as to not rub off. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConsider buying a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/choosingkeeping.surf\/collections\/paintbrushes\/products\/kneadable-putty-eraser\"\u003ekneaded putty eraser\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e too for creating highlights when \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003elifting. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExamples of fine charcoal work can be found across a broad range of artists, styles and epochs a testament to the universal nature of this art material, a few examples here illustrated as follows: \u003cbr\u003eGeorges Braque, \u003cem\u003eStill Life\u003c\/em\u003e (1924) (Tate Collection, UK\u003cem\u003e)\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003eVija Celmins, \u003cem\u003eNight Sky #19 \u003c\/em\u003e(1998) (Tate Collection, UK\u003cem\u003e)\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003eAlbrecht Durer, \u003cem\u003ePortrait of the Artist's Mother at the Age of 63\u003c\/em\u003e (1514)(Kupferstichkabinett\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kupferstichkabinett_Berlin\" title=\"\"\u003e,\u003c\/a\u003e Berlin Germany)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHenri Matisse, \u003cem\u003eReclining\u003c\/em\u003e\u003ci\u003e Nude (1924) \u003cspan\u003e(Tate Collection, UK\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Assorted thickness Willow (red Box)","offer_id":35890881790113,"sku":"15181","price":7.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Thick Willow (brown box)","offer_id":35890881822881,"sku":"15179","price":3.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 Hornbeam Thick Sticks (Green Box)","offer_id":35890881888417,"sku":"15180","price":5.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/products\/CopyrightChoosingKeepingBS202007151791518015181RT.jpg?v=1598459083"},{"product_id":"saiun-do-kyoto-nihonga-full-pan-teppachi-set-12-colours","title":"Saiun-do Kyoto Nihonga Full Pan Teppachi Set, 12 Colours","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf David Bowie were a painter, he would buy his paints in a 100 year old shop in the narrow streets of old Kyoto called \u003cem\u003ePainted Clouds, \u003c\/em\u003eof course\u003cem\u003e. \u003c\/em\u003eAside from its illustrious patrons, the little shop, \u003cem\u003eSaiun-do \u003c\/em\u003ein Japanese\u003cem\u003e,\u003c\/em\u003e is renowned for the quality of its paints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Saiun-do","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55372691997048,"sku":"15682","price":275.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/CopyrightChoosingKeeping20250806BS15682RTDTAT.png?v=1764780453"},{"product_id":"japanese-seasons-watercolour-set-winter","title":"Japanese Seasons Watercolour Set, Winter","description":"\u003cp\u003eGansai paints are made in Japan using a colour palette specific to Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital during the high middle ages, and codified in a colour dictionary pointing to precise references in nature.\nIf you consider that each colour is so well considered, Gansai paints are not intended, at least in theory, for mixing. Compared to the Western style half pans (think Winsor and Newton), they are presented in large and wide full sized pans, designed to be used straight out the palette, ready to accommodate a generous paintbrush without splitting any bristles.\nGansai’s particular strength is its versatility - either opaque, thick and creamy for a texture reminiscent of gouache - even pale and light colours can be laid over dark papers with obvious contrast similar to dry pastels. Add water and the paints resemble Western style watercolours - more give, more luminescence and transparency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55255927554424,"sku":"15762","price":65.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/dJRHizO5UTM1y05tY-FIoTw_gBehn3hJ9c2xS6Sljkg.png?v=1755867129"},{"product_id":"japanese-seasons-watercolour-set-spring","title":"Japanese Seasons Watercolour Set, Spring","description":"\u003cp\u003eGansai paints are made in Japan using a colour palette specific to Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital during the high middle ages, and codified in a colour dictionary pointing to precise references in nature.\nChoosing Keeping’s Spring paint set borrows from this chromatic lexicon - the bright green tones of Wakaba or fresh leaves, purple from wisteria, and of course pink from, Sakura (cherry blossom), which is a key Shinto symbol of spring. How romantic that Japanese colour nomenclature don’t pertain to chemistry - but rather references subjective emotions and fleeting observations of nature. For example, Akebono-iro - the palest light pink refers to ‘daybreak colour’ or Hatoba which can be translated as ‘pigeon wing’.\nIf you consider that each colour is so well considered, Gansai paints are not intended, at least in theory, for mixing. Compared to the Western style half pans (think Winsor and Newton), they are presented in large and wide full sized pans, designed to be used straight out the palette, ready to accommodate a generous paintbrush without splitting any bristles.\nGansai’s particular strength is its versatility - either opaque, thick and creamy for a texture reminiscent of gouache - even pale and light colours can be laid over dark papers with obvious contrast similar to dry pastels. Add water and the paints resemble Western style watercolours - more give, more luminescence and transparency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55254559687032,"sku":"15763","price":65.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/789bWMGxSpdScl3pT5zJTR4pH5qxcfsUaDuBOMhfCow.png?v=1755784832"},{"product_id":"japanese-seasons-watercolour-set-autumn","title":"Japanese Seasons Watercolour Set, Autumn","description":"\u003cp\u003eGansai paints are made in Japan using a colour palette specific to Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital during the high middle ages, and codified in a colour dictionary pointing to precise references in nature.\nIf you consider that each colour is so well considered, Gansai paints are not intended, at least in theory, for mixing. Compared to the Western style half pans (think Winsor and Newton), they are presented in large and wide full sized pans, designed to be used straight out the palette, ready to accommodate a generous paintbrush without splitting any bristles.\nGansai’s particular strength is its versatility - either opaque, thick and creamy for a texture reminiscent of gouache - even pale and light colours can be laid over dark papers with obvious contrast similar to dry pastels. Add water and the paints resemble Western style watercolours - more give, more luminescence and transparency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55255923851640,"sku":"15764","price":65.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/uS3JItWqX6zBR2GSdqX0uRl-1TT1gyuQFahI9spcPwA.png?v=1755867092"},{"product_id":"japanese-seasons-watercolour-set-summer","title":"Japanese Seasons Watercolour Set, Summer","description":"\u003cp\u003eGansai paints are made in Japan using a colour palette specific to Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital during the high middle ages, and codified in a colour dictionary pointing to precise references in nature.\nIf you consider that each colour is so well considered, Gansai paints are not intended, at least in theory, for mixing. Compared to the Western style half pans (think Winsor and Newton), they are presented in large and wide full sized pans, designed to be used straight out the palette, ready to accommodate a generous paintbrush without splitting any bristles.\nGansai’s particular strength is its versatility - either opaque, thick and creamy for a texture reminiscent of gouache - even pale and light colours can be laid over dark papers with obvious contrast similar to dry pastels. Add water and the paints resemble Western style watercolours - more give, more luminescence and transparency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55255921951096,"sku":"15765","price":65.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/FAOjZSPy-RPPPOwmxOJUekOQivMalcvRtVGIzq3VC4.png?v=1755867055"},{"product_id":"portuguese-old-style-graphite-pencils","title":"Portuguese Old style graphite pencils, pack of 12","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor the nostalgic writer, just like Henry Thoreau's pencils, some of the earliest American modern made utensils of the kind we now take for granted, these are packaged as they would have been in 1841, a dozen general writing graphite pencils tied together in a little neat faggot. This defunct style of packaging is being continued by the wonderfully retro Viarco of Porto, Portugal - a family company stuck in a time warp, and all the while bubbling with creative energy and invention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Viarco","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55256087232888,"sku":"15667","price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/PB85fIXJVwxMkJjZ6WSYX1pcVF0geZuWS31o_yjOQz0.png?v=1755875829"},{"product_id":"watercolour-travel-paintbrush","title":"Watercolour Travel Paintbrush, Extra Large Tip","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe are pleased to offer this handmade travel watercolour brush, perfect for painting and easy storage on-the-go. When open, the paintbrush is a good length sufficient for comfortable grip, and when closed, cleverly and neatly folding onto itself in a cartridge like design, safely storing the tip away when not is use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55163467399544,"sku":"16349","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/UQjvPkHluZljYhluTJCFA2vz7azhL5_1x2cbC4exRgA.png?v=1749661354"},{"product_id":"ceramic-watercolour-palette","title":"Ezara Porcelain Watercolour Palette","description":"\u003cp\u003eMuch nicer and more sustainable than the plastic alternative, this palette shape known in Japan as Kikuzara because of its chrysanthemum shape, is traditionally used to mix paints. 9 small sections are well suited to mixing small quantities of pigments. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55154123866488,"sku":"16352","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/VrKW_ZXNM2tQCnOcHxCTcSe7OkVD8bhFPHkrHKfZOew.png?v=1748954065"},{"product_id":"choosing-keeping-retro-watercolour-set-decades-collection","title":"Choosing Keeping Retro Watercolour Set, Decades Collection","description":"\u003cp\u003eChoosing Keeping presents seven exclusive, special editions of 8 shades of \u003cem\u003eGansai\u003c\/em\u003e. This Japanese alternative to standard European watercolours is not dissimilar to gouache and is made by a 100-year-old paint maker in Japan. The paints can be used directly out of the box with a wet paintbrush – either thinly in translucent washes or by layering for a bolder effect. These can also be used on darker paper bases to enhance colours further.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55154124915064,"sku":"16514","price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/6FghGHZe3Er0P6VE4Wbsz8en9HUu_3NYn0zoPQP3xRg.png?v=1748954136"},{"product_id":"japanese-seasons-watercolour-set-set-of-all-4","title":"Japanese Watercolour Set, 4 Seasons","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the possible byproducts of the situation we find ourselves in is a renewed heightened awareness of nature. The song of birds, the silence of the sky, the passing of the seasons have filled the emptiness of time with a welcome rekindling of earth's motherhood and all the meaning that entails, thanks Nature! With that in mind we have devised 4 palettes depicting each season, having picked out (in a way by no means prescriptive or exhaustive) some colours of leaves, trees, flowers, and feelings propriertary to winter, spring, summer and winter. There is no overlap in terms of colours between the 4 season sets, each set includes 20 distinct colours.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55154124292472,"sku":"16612","price":260.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/V5PlldOHswSkxGKNIt37ECSnHRqDpzRDukDvYL1sxrQ.png?v=1748954100"},{"product_id":"japanese-darkness-watercolour-set-summer","title":"Japanese Darkness and Light Sumi-e Watercolour Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eProudly presenting our latest, in a series of Japanese watercolour sets - please meet \u003cem\u003eDarkness and Light \u003c\/em\u003e- 20 shades of black, created by combining pigment and ancient Japanese ink. Sumi ink, a rough translation of the Japanese word for \u003cem\u003estain,\u003c\/em\u003e can be linked to the arrival of Buddhism in Japan, imported from Korea and in turn China sometime during the Nara period in the 7th century AD. Not surprisingly the best ink makers are still based in the ancient Imperial city, where our ingredients originate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55267245392248,"sku":"16722","price":85.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/n90thr4SJglyk_7sCXxb1nrB_7BVrmwfKg3eqPwjtZI.png?v=1756990834"},{"product_id":"japanese-sumi-e-2-watercolour-set","title":"Japanese Sumi-e Watercolour Set, No. 2","description":"\u003cp\u003eEnjoy 6 shades of \u003cem\u003eGansai \u003c\/em\u003ein your art practice\u003cem\u003e, \u003c\/em\u003ethe Japanese alter-ego to European watercolours - also similar to gouaches. These high quality paints, made in Japan by a 100 year old paint maker, can be used directly out of the box with a wet paintbrush - either thinly in translucent washes, or by layering for a bolder effect. These can also be used on darker paper bases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55267220554104,"sku":"17164","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/D5sruO6qJ09zA2WZw3UJlDGv-XTjwYaBSfa7BfveJbw.png?v=1756990255"},{"product_id":"aquarello-nero-watercolour-pad-black-paper","title":"\"Aquarello Nero\" Watercolour Pad, Black Paper","description":"\u003cp\u003eIntroducing the Aquarello sketch pad in black: 20 sheets of 270g 100% cotton heavyweight beautiful acid free Dutch paper, also suitable for heavy media or for craft purposes; for example fold in half to make a nice hand made card.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Choosing Keeping","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55255519166840,"sku":"18378","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/OVNFHxhnd7cUUO-C_19gthwuzy-bQ9IhsWCKdlKyFMU.png?v=1755855942"},{"product_id":"6b-tombow-mono-km-kks-kohitsu-shosha-calligraphy-pencil-01","title":"6B Tombow Mono KM-KKS Kohitsu Shosha Calligraphy Pencil","description":"\u003cp\u003eMeet the little known Tombow Mono 6B - a pencil type, Japanese call \"Kohitsu Shosha\" - something along the lines of a Calligraphy or Penmanship purpose pencil. The idea being that the very soft lead gives the impression of a brush as used by calligraphers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Tombow","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55254519677304,"sku":"21087","price":3.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/0673\/files\/asDl--bDX9hk4VT7unZTnAcWaN_9q81RFs7oq2TKlfA.png?v=1755782586"}],"url":"https:\/\/choosingkeeping.surf\/collections\/best-of-art.oembed","provider":"Choosing Keeping","version":"1.0","type":"link"}