Painting with Gouache

Next session: Monday, April 28, 2025 | 12:30pm-3:00pm

Details:

4-Part Series  |  Tuesdays  |  October 27 - November 17  |  12:30 - 3:00 pm

What is Gouache Paint?

Gouache is a versatile, water-based paint known for its vibrant colors, opaque finish, and fast drying times. It is used for a wide range of artistic applications, from delicate fine art illustrations to bold, graphic designs for comics and posters.

The Advantages of Gouache Paint:

  - Beginner Friendly: It can be re-wet and corrected even after it dries, making it excellent for learning. It is useful for everything from fine details to large blocks of solid color.
  - Matte Finish: The flat, non-reflective finish makes it easy to scan or reproduce electronically without glare.
  - Mixability: Colors mix easily with one another and can be combined with mediums like watercolors or ink for unique effects.
  - Opacity Control: It dries to a solid, vibrant finish but can be layered like acrylics for vibrancy or thinned with water for watercolor-like washes.

Gouache vs. Watercolor Paint:

While both are water-based and typically use gum arabic as a binder, gouache has a thicker consistency and higher pigment concentration, resulting in an opaque, velvety matte finish. Watercolor is transparent, allowing the paper to show through. Additionally, gouache can be reactivated with water after drying for easy adjustments, whereas watercolor locks into the paper fibers once dry. Both mediums can also be intermixed.

Gouache vs. Acrylic Paint:

Gouache dries to a matte finish, making it easier to photograph or scan without glare, while acrylic paint can dry to a glossy or satin finish. Furthermore, gouache remains water-soluble after drying, allowing it to be reworked. Acrylic paint becomes water-resistant once dry, making it harder to alter but more durable in the long run.

What is Acrylic Gouache?

Acrylic Gouache combines the properties of both acrylic and traditional gouache. It delivers intensely pigmented, opaque color that handles like traditional gouache and dries to a velvety matte finish, but it dries quickly to a permanent, water-resistant surface that resists cracking. This allows for quick, easy layering without muddiness or bleed-through.

Painting Surfaces for Gouache

  - Watercolor Paper: Offers excellent texture and absorbency.
  - Illustration Boards: Provides a smooth, sturdy surface for detailed artwork.
  - Mixed Media Paper: Versatile enough to handle various mediums.
  - Gessoed Wood Panels and Canvases: Rigid, sturdy surfaces that allow for a wider range of techniques.

Painting Techniques

  - Layering and Blending: Apply in thin, even layers, allowing each to dry completely to avoid lifting previous colors.
  - Color Application: Working from light to dark allows for controlled details, while starting dark creates a bold foundation for lighter highlights.
  - Glazing: Thin the paint with water and apply in transparent layers to let underlying colors show through.
  - Minimal Water: Use very little water for a thicker, solid consistency that completely conceals underlying layers.
  - Wet-on-Dry: Layer wet paint onto a dry surface for distinct layers and sharp edges.
  - Wet-on-Wet: Layer wet paint onto a wet surface for seamless gradients and soft edges.
  - Lifting: Remove paint with a damp brush or cloth to create highlights or make corrections.

Recommended Supply List
Amazon example - (one of)
  - Turner Acrylic Gouache (24 Colors Set - School): Approx. $26.99
  - Turner Acrylic Gouache (12 Color Set - School): Approx. $15.65
  - HIMI Twin Cup Jelly Gouache Paint Set (36 Colors with 3 Brushes): Approx. $22.87

(If you already have a gouache set, bring it.)

Watercolor Paper - 140# minimum 

Illustration Boards, 8x10, 9x12, 11x14, 

Watercolor brushes 2, 3, 6, etc.

Lead pencil and kneaded eraser for drawing

Watercolor or Paper Palette

Foam Core board size larger than paper you plan to use to tape watercolor paper too

Roll of blue/tan Scotch General Purpose painter tape

Paper Towels 

Apron optional

Bring your own subject to paint (flowers, animals, landscape,etc.) Nothing too complicated. 

Register on MyActiveCenter.

Members only.

Location:
The Center