I think it’s important as an artist to try new things. In exploring we add to our knowledge. Whether it’s a new technique, a new subject, or in my case a new medium. Over the years, I have worked with colored pencils, pastel pencils, soft pastels, watercolor crayons, and watercolor. This year I am exploring the world of gouache.
My previous exposure to gouache was using white to bring back lost highlights in my watercolors or correct mistakes. But as I am discovering, gouache is so much more.
There are 2 types of gouache, traditional and acryla. Traditional gouache is water based so it can be reworked even after it has dried. Acryla gouache sets and can’t be reactivated. I am working with traditional gouache. I like the idea that it can be reworked (if necessary). It also means it’s more similar to watercolor so hopefully, that will make the learning curve a little easier.
Things I have learned so far:
use artist grade gouache, it may be a little more expensive but it is worth it
color mixing is a must — for me this is great since I love limited color palettes
make sure you have plenty of white
use soft synthetic brushes, preferably ones that don’t hold a lot of water
use thinner gouache (add more water) for base layers and add thicker gouache (less water) as you add details
gouache makes beautiful fluffy layered clouds
Things I am still learning:
making good background blends and color transitions (getting the ratio of water to paint correct so there is opacity without heaviness)
expanding my use of brush shapes — when I paint with watercolors I mainly use a round brush with gouache I am finding it not always up for the task
color mixing — as much as I know about color mixing there are slight differences in the results of some of my go-to color recipes so I need to keep making color swatches
being patient with myself — mistakes are going to happen and I need to accept them so I can grow
Next Steps:
In future posts I will share the supplies I am using, tips I’ve learned about color mixing, and a few demos so I hope you’ll join me on this new adventure. If you have tips/comments/suggestions about your own journey in the world of gouache please leave a comment, I would love to hear from you.
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Until next time…Happy Painting!
Kelli ♥