What is Gouache Paint and Why You Should Try It
Mar 10, 2021
What is Gouache?
Gouache, pronounced like "gwash", is an opaque, highly pigmented, water based paint that consists of natural or synthetic pigments, water, and gum arabic or yellow dextrin as a binding agent. This, matte finish when dry, medium may appear to be new, but it has actually been around for thousands of years!
Why I Love Gouache
Look for the bold numbers throughout the article to see why you should try gouache too!
I made a little study of the beach in gouache the other night. It’s so nice to be able to transfer my oil painting skills to a new medium. 1. Gouache is nice for quick studies and just to stay loose in between commissions. And the colors are so vibrant! Makes me happy!
Gouache with Palette Knife
Every time I complete a commission, I paint something just for fun, or experimental. This time around, it has been with gouache paint. I really love it! This is the third little trial since completing my last commissioned painting. I created this almost entirely with a palette knife. 2. I love the way the paint breaks over the surface of the paper. I also love that I can layer the colors in any order!
Gouache with a Brush
To the right, is the first painting I tried with gouache this year. 3. The rules are similar to oils and acrylics, but the paint can still be manipulated with a damp brush even after it dries, like with watercolor paint. It’s been interesting to see what each color looks like after the paint dries. Initially, I was inspired by artist,
@lenarivo to give it a try. I have the most experience with oils, but I was enticed after seeing Lena’s beautiful work. She has a beautiful Instagram page, and a free intro to gouache pdf that helped me get started.
Gouache for Portraits
I was able to set up, and paint this portrait in less than 2 hours using gouache paint. I was able to move the paint around, push, pull and mix colors in a way that is similar to what I am accustomed to with oils. Unlike acrylic paints, I am able to still move color around the paper after the paint dries, with a damp brush. 4. I really love the way gouache paintings look after they dry. They have a chalky look, and the colors are highly pigmented. The effect is a matte finish.
Order Prints from My Gouache Paintings
How Do You Spell It?
gyoache
gauoche
ganache
gouacge
goache
gouchae
goucahe
guaoche
guache
gouche
gouache
gwosh
goowash
guasha
goouash
gwash
