Gouache paint, pronounced 'gwash' descends from watercolours but has a twist to it.
Gouache paint (pronounced gwash) also exists and has been around for centuries! Interestingly, gouache paint descends from watercolours but has a twist to it. Unlike watercolour pigment, gouache paint is much thicker, opaquer, and is better for deeper hues. Plus, it has a very clean finish that works well with paintings and photographs as well. This opaque paint, which dates back to the 9th century, is now making a comeback. While it has taken a backseat for a while, contemporary, traditional artists have used it to intensify hues, preferring it over acrylic paint and watercolour. Gouache paint borrows from acrylic paints and watercolour paints, taking the best from both worlds and resulting in a luminous hue. As the gouache dries, it gives off a matte finish that does not reflect light, unlike other paints.
You can use gouache as you would watercolour and artists have used it on watercolour papers and other areas they can use watercoluor. Additionally, you can use your watercolour brushes with gouache without ruining them, which does not hold when you bring acrylic paint into the mix. Gouache is water soluble like the typical watercolours and you can clean up nicely once you’re done. And if you need to correct something in your painting, you can wet the gouache and get back to work. As far as similarities go, they are many. What are the differences? It comes down to the structure. Gouache is an opaque water-based paint that dries faster and darker than watercolour paint. It relies on gum arabic as its binding agent, as is the case with watercolour. Acrylic paint, on the other hand, relies on polymer. Gouache pigment particles are more tightly packed in the medium and are also much bigger. It makes it much harder for light to pass through, making the paint more opaque than your standard watercolour. Some manufacturers also add some white chalk additives to make the gouache paints even more opaque. Artists who want more accuracy in their work go for gouache and those who are after luminosity go for watercolour artwork. If you want to use gouache for transparent work, all you need is to add some more water to the paint and voila, it’s less opaque!
Typically, it works for:
This technique enables you to cover a section of the white paper with paint to act as a base for your art piece. All you need is to mix the paint with some water to get a thin consistency. When working with works of nature such as fields, such staining is essential.
When you want to create a rich undertone, use the gouache with little water to make it a bit wet. Say, for example, you want to add a tree to a picture, this technique works in your favour.
To add abstract items, you can dampen the paper first before painting it with gouache. As it dries, the background will become more apparent and you can enhance the object with your brush.
An easy way to add more dimension to your work is to use semi-wet gouache and brush most of it off in a separate paper. When you have some paint left on the brush, briskly brush this over the artwork, creating texture in the background.
You will require mixing gouache with varying water levels to achieve several shades of the colour with varying transparency levels. As you slowly work these onto the paper using a dry brush, you will achieve deep shadows.
You can also use the paint for the blooming technique, achieving a gradient, and mixed media effects with other paints. Gouache is very versatile and works almost like watercolour, with the main disparity being the after effects. Thus, you can use it on any surface you would with a watercolour palette. Even the techniques do not change much, and as you layer the paint, the matte look will be more evident. When you paint gouache mixed with water, you will notice that the painting has a more transparent result, even with white pigment.
Gouache is not the first water-based medium, as such media have been around for centuries. However, it is not until the 18th century that this paint got its name. In ancient Egypt people would combine honey and other mediums to create gouache. The same holds in Persia, where early paintings show that gouache was in use. Art by Albrecht Durer from the 15th century and Francois Boucher in the 18th century depict as much. The use of gouache with mixed media such as oils and inks is also shown, pointing to this medium’s flexibility. Even Matisse used gouache when he painted the ‘Blue Nudes’ series. Following its recognition in the 18th century, the paint became more commercially available thanks to its versatile choice of binder. It was used to create comic books, animations, and other artwork that relied on precision. Its fast-drying nature and non-luminous look made it a favourite. Additionally, it was easy to correct mistakes made on paintings which proved important for illustrators and designers. Even now, with cheaper options coming into the market, this paint still holds its own and is expected to grow even more popular as people search for versatile options. You, too, can join this quest for a translucent colour that enhances creative paintings.
Getting started with gouache is quite easy and fun. As a beginner, it might be best to first work with student-grade options before moving on to the professional paints. But if you want to get a sense of quality gouache paint, go with the artist-grade options. Please note that this will be the pricier option. You will also need to get some paintbrushes, a paper or illustration board, a palette, some rags, pencils, and holding cups. Start by applying some gouache to the paper to see if you may need to add more water. Allow the paint to dry to see the results when dry before making your decision. Where water is necessary, work with about two drops to give you a creamy rather than watery texture. If everything seems okay, you can start mixing your gouache colours on the tray to see what you like the most. And with gouache, you can relax because you are free to change the outcome if you do not like it. Each time you err, you can rework it and people will think you painted your work without any hitches. That’s the beauty of gouache! From dry brushing to texturing to shadowing, there's a lot you can use gouache to do. Get creative and join the many beginners who have embraced this medium to create translucent paintings.