Gouache Basics class results

There were a lot of smiles at this class! I think we all had fun and the gals learned a lot about what gouache will (and won't) do. We spread out at my little table and messed around.

I did a demo using two different papers, Arches 300 lb. cold press and white Pastelmat, just to show how differently these papers behave. Here's the demo in progress:

I think you can see some of the obvious textural differences in them just from this shot. The Pastelmat, on the bottom, is a much more absorptive paper and allows the paint to bloom, while the Arches is crisp, giving nice edges. Both have their uses, of course.

We talked about:

• paint brands and what constitutes gouache (pigment, gum arabic, fillers)
• papers and how the paint behaves (I did a little show of work)
• brushes to use (I choose synthetics)
• different strokes and means of blending colors (get a blender brush!)
• color shift as gouache dries (most colors darken)
• adding color, as you depend on the gouache to lift (gouache is never 'dry'--meaning it re-wets)
• how to paint details (a lot of it is illusion)

Here's the top demo painting, on the Arches, after another hour of finishing work:

Those of you who know me will be amazed to hear that both the demos are 5" x 7" in size! That's pretty huge when you're used to 2.5" x 3.5"--one-quarter the size of this sheet. I also painted upright on my easel, which is a bit challenging, but it worked out well in the end. (**And I used a wonderful photograph courtesy of David Patterson for the resource. Thanks, David.)

I hope the women who attended this class will end up enjoying gouache and using it now that they've experimented. It's a dandy medium, that's for sure.

Keep going, gang!
Deborah

June 16—Gouache Basics

A simple "how-to" class in gouache, just to get you started. 

Gouache, which is simply opaque watercolor, has all the positive characteristics of watercolor and many characteristics that I love about pastel. Like pastel, you can work from the darks and add the light colors over the top, as well as correcting as many times as you need to, and as in watercolor you can work wet into wet, use washes and various other techniques. 

I'll teach the basics at this small class, letting the you play with whatever inspires you. We'll work from photographs, share the same color paints, play around with different brushes, and just find out what this fun and versatile medium can do. 

I'll provide two different kinds of paper, and the paint and brushes for an extra cost of $10, or you may bring your own. You'll need a small palette of some kind, such as a white dish or plate, or a plastic watercolor palette, and a small jar for water. 

This class is limited to five students. I have space left. Please RSVP (<--clickable link) to reserve a seat, if you haven't already. Pay $25.00 at the door + $10 optional materials fee.

* At my home in Taylor Ranch 11:30- 2:30, bring a sack lunch. I'll send directions via email by Wednesday to those enrolled.