Have you ever dreamed of creating paintings with the vibrant, bold colors of acrylics, but with the easy cleanup and forgiving nature of watercolors? If so, then allow us to introduce you to your new favorite medium: gouache! This versatile paint is often described as “opaque watercolor,” and it’s the secret weapon behind many stunning illustrations and artworks. For those new to the art world, the term ‘what is gouache’ might be unfamiliar, but this guide will unravel the mysteries of this captivating paint, making it accessible and exciting for aspiring artists of all ages.
Gouache is a fantastic starting point for anyone wanting to dip their toes into the world of painting. Its unique properties make it a forgiving medium for beginners, while still offering the depth and richness that experienced artists adore. Whether you’re a student experimenting with art for the first time or a seasoned painter looking to try something new, gouache offers a world of creative possibilities waiting to be explored.
Key Points for Getting Started with Gouache:
- What is Gouache? Gouache is a water-based paint that, unlike transparent watercolors, is opaque. This means you can’t see through it to the paper beneath. It’s made from natural pigments, water, and a binding agent, historically gum arabic.
- Gouache vs. Other Paints: Think of gouache as a hybrid. It has the matte finish and re-wettable qualities of watercolor, but the opacity and coverage of acrylics. This allows you to paint light colors over dark ones, a technique that is difficult with traditional watercolors.
- Beginner-Friendly: Gouache is incredibly forgiving. If you make a mistake, you can often lift the paint with a wet brush or simply let it dry and paint over it. Its quick-drying nature also means you don’t have to wait long between layers.
- Essential Supplies: To start your gouache journey, you’ll need a set of gouache paints, watercolor paper (the thicker, the better to prevent warping), a few soft brushes in various sizes, a palette for mixing colors, and a jar of water.
Diving Deeper into the World of Gouache
The history of gouache dates back centuries, with early forms used in ancient Egyptian paintings and illuminated manuscripts. However, the gouache we know today gained popularity in the 18th century and has been a favorite of illustrators, designers, and artists ever since. Its ability to create flat, vibrant blocks of color makes it ideal for everything from bold graphic designs to delicate botanical illustrations.
One of the most exciting aspects of gouache is its versatility. You can use it straight from the tube for thick, opaque coverage, or you can dilute it with water to create more translucent washes, similar to watercolor. This allows for a wide range of techniques and effects. For a deeper understanding of color and its application, which is crucial for mastering any paint medium, you might find our guide on Understanding Color Theory in Art a helpful resource.
“I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.”
J.B. Priestley
This sentiment perfectly captures the feeling of starting a new painting with a fresh set of gouache colors. Each tube holds the potential for something beautiful and magical.
Your First Gouache Painting: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to start painting? Here’s a simple project to get you comfortable with gouache:
- Sketch Your Design: Lightly sketch a simple design onto your watercolor paper. A piece of fruit, a flower, or a simple landscape are all great starting points. If you’re looking for ideas, our post on 20 Easy Acrylic Painting Ideas can provide some inspiration that can be adapted for gouache.
- Mix Your Colors: Squeeze a small amount of each color you plan to use onto your palette. You can mix colors to create new shades. A good starting point is to have your primary colors (red, yellow, blue), plus black and white. For tips on mixing, check out our Color Mixing Primer: A Comprehensive Guide for Artists.
- Lay Down Your Base Colors: Start by painting the larger areas of your design with a medium-consistency paint (not too thick, not too watery). Don’t worry about details yet.
- Layering and Details: Once your base layers are dry, you can start adding details. This is where the opacity of gouache shines! You can easily paint lighter details on top of darker areas.
- Experiment with Consistency: Try using thicker paint for highlights and more diluted paint for shadows to create depth in your painting. Understanding how to create depth in paintings is a fundamental skill.
For a visual demonstration of basic gouache techniques, this YouTube video is an excellent resource for beginners:
Gouache vs. Watercolor vs. Acrylics: A Quick Comparison
To help you decide which paint is right for you, here’s a simple table comparing the key characteristics of gouache, watercolor, and acrylics:
| Feature | Gouache | Watercolor | Acrylic |
| Opacity | Opaque | Transparent | Opaque |
| Finish | Matte | Matte | Glossy/Satin/Matte |
| Drying Time | Fast | Fast | Fast |
| Re-wettable? | Yes | Yes | No (when dry) |
| Cleanup | Water | Water | Water (when wet) |
| Flexibility | Can be layered light over dark | Difficult to layer light over dark | Can be layered |
For artists who enjoy the fluidity of watercolors but crave more opacity, gouache is the perfect solution. If you’re used to acrylics, you’ll appreciate the ability to create flat, even colors without the plastic-like finish. Exploring different painting styles and movements can also help you understand where gouache might fit into your artistic practice.
Ten of the Top Gouache Painters
- spanning different eras and styles, who have masterfully utilized this versatile medium:
| Artist | Notable Gouache Work(s) |
| Henri Matisse (1869-1954) | Blue Nudes series, The Snail |
| J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851) | Paris from the Barrière de Passy |
| Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944) | Untitled (First Abstract Watercolor), Color study: squares with concentric circles |
| Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) | Head of a Woman, “Spanish Woman from the Island of Mallorca” |
| Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) | The Wing of a Blue Roller |
| Marc Chagall (1887-1985) | Circus, Le Grand Cirque |
| Egon Schiele (1890-1918) | Various Expressionist portraits and figure studies |
| Alexander Calder (1898-1976) | Numerous untitled works on paper, often featuring abstract shapes and primary colors |
| Adolph Menzel (1815-1905) | The Armoury |
| Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901) | At the Moulin Rouge (and various other works on cardboard) |
FAQs: What is Gouache?
As you begin your journey with gouache, you might have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
Is gouache easy for beginners? Yes, gouache is considered very beginner-friendly. Its forgiving nature allows new artists to experiment without fear of making irreversible mistakes. You can easily correct errors, which helps build confidence.
What paper is best for gouache? Thick watercolor paper (140 lb/300 gsm or heavier) is ideal. It can handle the water content without buckling or warping. You can also experiment with mixed media paper.
How do you keep gouache from cracking? If you apply gouache too thickly, it can sometimes crack as it dries. To avoid this, build up your layers in thin to medium coats rather than applying one very thick layer.
Can you mix gouache with other paints? Gouache can be mixed with watercolors since they share the same binder. Mixing gouache with acrylics is generally not recommended as they have different binders and may not adhere properly.
What is the difference between student-grade and artist-grade gouache? Artist-grade gouache has a higher pigment concentration and uses higher-quality binders, resulting in more vibrant and lightfast colors. Student-grade gouache is more affordable and a great option for practicing and experimenting. For a general overview of painting supplies, see our essential guide to painting supplies for artists.
Exploring a new art medium is an exciting adventure. With this guide, you now have a solid understanding of ‘what is gouache’ and are well-equipped to begin your own creative explorations with this versatile and enjoyable paint. So grab your brushes, and let the magic of gouache unfold on your paper! For more inspiration on starting your creative journey, you may find our article on how to discover art and dive into creativity to be a helpful next step.
Resources
- Tate. (n.d.). Gouache. Retrieved from https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/g/gouache
- Wikipedia. (2024, July 15). Gouache. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gouache
- JetPens. (2022, August 29). The Beginner’s Guide to Gouache. Retrieved from https://www.jetpens.com/blog/The-Beginner-s-Guide-to-Gouache/pt/956
- My Modern Met. (2021, September 10). What Is Gouache? Learn About the History and Unique Qualities of This Popular Paint. Retrieved from https://mymodernmet.com/what-is-gouache/
- Skillshare Blog. (2021, March 23). What Is Gouache? A Beginner’s Guide to This Opaque Paint. Retrieved from https://www.skillshare.com/en/blog/what-is-gouache-a-beginners-guide-to-this-opaque-paint/
- Jackson’s Art Blog. (2020, May 1). Everything You Need to Know About Gouache. Retrieved from https://www.jacksonsart.com/blog/2020/05/01/everything-you-need-to-know-about-gouache/
