This is the very first of my experiments in gouache paint. Because, as you might know, I paint mostly in acrylic and also sometimes in watercolour and mixed media. Anyway, I picked up a couple of very cheap starter sets of gouache paints. Actually, as far as I can tell, the paint is watercolour as a base and then body colour is added. Hopefully, I’ve got that right – I’m no expert! In fact, the combination of the two elements makes the paint opaque instead of translucent. And then, obviously, it doesn’t behave on the paper exactly like watercolour. As you might be able to see, I tried to apply it as acrylic on this painting. But , it isn’t acrylic either, so I couldn’t layer it on thickly as I tried to do. I’m not sure where this leaves me, which is why I am calling these paintings experiments in gouache!
More Experiments in Gouache
This is a little painting I did on unsuitable paper in my art journal for a great new group I have joined. Well, it’s called ‘Beginner Gouache’ and it’s on a new media platform MeWe – new to me , anyway. To be honest, I like it because we can pass on useful tips to each other about the painting process . Also, because it’s a lovely group, we can encourage and support each other at the same time. However, to get back to the unsuitable paper, it’s mixed media paper in my art journal. And it does a pretty good job of handling most of what I throw at it – see this post here . But very wet gouache paint is a step too far for it, as I have found out in my experiments in gouache. And, if you want to watch a good tutorial on using gouache, click here . As you will see, the medium is very versatile ( and the artist Shari Blaukopf is very good too! )
Another Abstract in Gouache
I really enjoyed working on this. Actually , I was reading a good book on abstract composition which reminded me about the ‘ doodle and fill it in’ approach. But the book also taught me about the importance of colour balance in abstracts. And I tried to put it into practice in this painting. To sum up, I really like using gouache. However, I do consider myself to be a beginner. And I’ll probably show you a few more of my experiments as I go along!
Really interesting post & pictures, Margaret! I just tried (other than white gouache, which I’ve used quite a bit in my watercolors so far) a starter set ‘cause I just couldn’t get a lady’s umbrella done how I wanted; it really helped! The opacity allowed me to do “some” watercolorish” renditioning, yet layer/stumble like I enjoy w/oils. I’d read too recently that John Singer Sargent used gouache with his watercolors freely! I like your color modulations in these two, Margaret, look forward to hearing more ‘bout your experiments! 😊
Thanks, Felipe. I hope that you enjoy playing with gouache. I think it’s good to try something new once in a while. That’s interesting about John Singer Sargent – he was a really good artist.
I love your abstract style, so bright and lively!
Thank you so much, Tiffany. It means such a lot to me to have support from you.!
I love your experiments and the way you share it. It inspires others also to try new techniques.
Thank you so much. I think it’s a good thing to try different media when you’re an artist. Good luck with your Experiments!