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Easy Beginners Guide to Gouache Painting 2023

Gouache painting has surged in popularity in recent years, captivating artists and hobbyists alike with its vibrant colours and versatile application. If you’re new to the world of gouache, this guide will help you understand this fascinating medium and get you started on your artistic journey in 2023.

What is Gouache?

Gouache is an opaque water-based paint that is similar to watercolour but with a higher pigment concentration and a more matte finish. It can produce strikingly vivid colours that maintain their intensity even when thinned with water. Artists often appreciate gouache for its quick-drying properties and the ability to be easily layered, making it a fantastic medium for both illustrative and fine art.

Essential Materials

Before you dive into gouache painting, you’ll need some basic supplies. Here’s a quick checklist:

1. Gouache Paints: Start with a basic set of primary colours (red, blue, yellow) along with black and white. Brands like Winsor & Newton and Schmincke are highly regarded.

2. Brushes: A variety of brushes will give you flexibility. Round brushes (sizes 4 and 8) are great for detail, while flat brushes (sizes 10 and 12) are perfect for larger areas.

3. Palette: A flat palette or an old plate will work well for mixing your colours.

4. Paper: Choose a heavy-weight paper (200gsm or more) designed for gouache, or you can use watercolour paper. Mixing pads can also work if they’re sturdy enough.

5. Water Container: For rinsing your brushes and thinning your paint.

6. Paper Towels: Essential for cleaning brushes and dabbing excess paint.

7. Pencil and Eraser: For initial sketching and planning your composition.

Understanding Colour Theory

A fundamental aspect of any painting is colour theory. Familiarising yourself with the colour wheel will help you mix colours effectively. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Primary Colours: Red, blue, and yellow cannot be made by mixing other colours.
• Secondary Colours: Mix two primary colours to create secondary colours (e.g., red + blue = violet).
• Tertiary Colours: Combining primary and secondary colours yields tertiary colours, enhancing your palette further.

Techniques to Try

Once you’ve gathered your materials and have a basic understanding of colour theory, it’s time to explore some simple techniques.

1. Wet-on-Wet Technique

This involves applying wet gouache onto a damp surface or mixing wet paint with other wet paint. It can create beautiful blends and soft edges, perfect for painting skies or backgrounds.

2. Layering

Gouache dries quickly, allowing you to layer colours without muddying. Start with your lighter colours and gradually build up darker shades. This technique is excellent for creating depth in your artwork.

3. Lifting and Scraping

If you make a mistake or want to adjust an area, gouache can be lifted lightly with a damp brush or a wet cloth. You can also use a palette knife to scrape away layers for texture and detail.

4. Flat Washes

To create a flat wash, load your brush with thinned paint and apply it evenly across the paper. This technique is useful for painting large areas or backgrounds.

Getting Started: Your First Painting

Choose a simple subject to paint, such as a still life, a landscape, or an abstract design. Here’s a step-by-step approach to your first gouache painting:

1. Sketch: Lightly sketch your subject onto the paper with a pencil.

2. Choose a Colour Palette: Select a limited colour palette to avoid overwhelming yourself.

3. Start with Background: Paint the background first using big flat washes. Allow it to dry before moving on.

4. Layer Details: Slowly build up layers of colours on top of your background, starting with larger areas and working towards finer details.

5. Final Touches: Use lighter or darker shades to add highlights and shadows, creating depth.

6. Let It Dry: Once you’re done, allow your painting to dry completely before handling it.

Stay Inspired

As with any creative pursuit, practice is key. Explore different styles and subjects, and don’t hesitate to reference tutorials or take inspiration from other artists. Online platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, as well as YouTube channels dedicated to gouache, can provide both guidance and inspiration.

Conclusion

Gouache painting offers a delightful and accessible entry point for beginners in 2023. With its vibrant colours and forgiving nature, it allows for exploration and creativity without the frustration often associated with other mediums. Gather your materials, try out some techniques, and have fun as you embark on your gouache painting journey. Happy painting!