The Magic of Gouache: A Beginner's Guide

Over the last two weeks I have been playing with Gouache, and I have to say that I like it a lot.

In this post I want to give you an overview of this captivating medium and hope you will give it a go too.

What is Gouache?

Gouache (pronounced “goo-aash” or “gwash”) is a versatile and captivating medium that sits at the crossroads of watercolour and acrylic paints. Often referred to as “opaque watercolour” gouache offers artists a set of unique qualities that make it stand out in the realm of painting.

Unique Qualities of Gouache

Opaque and Vibrant Colours: Unlike transparent watercolours, these paints are opaque, which means you can layer them to create rich, vivid colours that pop off the page. This quality allows for both delicate, translucent washes and bold, solid areas of colour.
Rewettable: Gouache paints can be reactivated with water even after they’ve dried, making it easy to correct mistakes or adjust your artwork as you go along. This makes gouache an ideal medium for artists who enjoy experimenting and refining their work.
Matte Finish: The paint dries to a beautiful matte finish, providing a soft, velvety texture to your artwork. This quality is particularly appealing for artists looking to create visually striking and tactile pieces.
Blendable: You can seamlessly merge colours on the palette or directly on your canvas to achieve smooth gradients and transitions. This blending capability opens up a world of possibilities for artists interested in exploring different techniques and styles.
Versatile: This medium can be used for various styles of painting, from realism and portraiture to impressionism and abstraction. Its adaptability means you can experiment with different techniques and approaches until you find the one that resonates with you.

Why Choose Gouache?

Beginner-Friendly: Gouache is a fantastic medium for beginners because it’s forgiving and easy to work with. Its opaque nature allows for corrections and layering without fear of ruining your artwork.
Quick Drying: These paints dry relatively quickly compared to oil paints. This allows artists to work efficiently and build layers without waiting for extended drying times.
Accessible Materials: Gouache paints and supplies are readily available at art stores and online. Which makes it accessible to artists of all levels and budgets.
Limitless Creativity: The blendability of this medium allows you to experiment endlessly. Whether you’re a realist or an abstract artist, you can push the boundaries of your creativity with this medium.
A Bridge Between Watercolour and Acrylic: If you have experience with watercolours or acrylics, gouache can be a delightful bridge between the two, offering the best of both worlds.