Gouache, often described as the love child of watercolour and acrylic paint, is a versatile and vibrant medium beloved by artists and hobbyists alike. This blog dives deep into gouache, exploring its origins, necessary materials, essential tips for beginners, and step-by-step tutorials to help you embark on your gouache adventure.

What is gouache?

Gouache is a water-based type of paint similar to watercolour but with a higher pigment concentration and a more opaque quality. It is known for its rich, velvety texture and vibrant colours, making it a favourite among artists for illustrations, posters, and paintings.

What materials are needed for gouache?

To get started with gouache, you’ll need a few basic supplies:

• Gouache paint: Available in tubes or pans, choose a set with various colours to experiment with.
• Brushes: Choose soft, synthetic brushes in various sizes for different painting techniques.
• Watercolour or mixed media paper: Gouache works best on absorbent surfaces, so choose sturdy paper to prevent warping.
• Palette: Use a palette to mix your colours and keep them organised.
• Water: Keep a jar or cup of water handy to rinse your brushes.
• Paper towels or cloth: Useful for blotting excess water or paint from your brushes.
• Painter's tape: Use tape to create clean edges and protect areas of your painting.

Step-by-step guide to gouache

Now that you have all the necessary materials, it's time to get started. Follow these steps to create your gouache painting.

1. Prepare your workspace: Lay out your materials and set up your painting surface on a flat, stable surface.
2. Mix your colours: Squeeze a small amount of gouache from each colour onto your palette and dilute with water to reach the desired consistency.
3. Sketch your design: Use a pencil to lightly sketch your design onto your paper.
4. Apply the first layer: Start applying thin, even layers of colour to your painting, working from light to dark.
5. Add details and highlights: Once the base layer is dry, use smaller brushes to add details and highlights to your painting.
6. Let it dry: Allow your painting to dry completely before adding any additional layers or details.
7. Protect your artwork: Once finished, consider sealing your gouache painting with a varnish to protect it from dust and damage.

6 tips for gouache beginners

Below, we’ve listed a few more tips to ensure you are well-prepared for your gouache adventure.

• Start with thin layers: Gouache can be thinned with water to create transparent washes, allowing you to gradually build up colour.
• Experiment with different techniques: Try dry brushing, wet-on-wet, or layering techniques to discover the unique effects of gouache.
• Keep your palette clean: Gouache dries quickly, so clean your palette regularly to prevent colours from drying out and mixing unintentionally.
• Work from light to dark: Start with lighter colours and gradually add darker shades to avoid muddy mixtures.
• Embrace mistakes: Gouache is forgiving, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You can always paint over them or lift the paint with a damp brush.
• Practice, practice, practice: Like any medium, mastering gouache takes time and practice. Experiment with different subjects, techniques, and colour combinations to improve your skills.

With the knowledge and inspiration from our blog, you are well-equipped to explore the wonderful world of gouache and unleash your creativity on canvas or paper. Happy painting!