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Sylvia Rose

Gouache Painting: Artist Essentials & Art Tips

Gouache painting has a unique charm and offers versatility for artists and art appreciators. This unctuous type of paint delivers vibrant colors and opaque finish, making it distinct from other water-based media.



Gouache Painting

What is Gouache?


Gouache is a water-based paint consisting of pigment, water, and a binding agent, typically gum arabic. Its biggest defining feature is opacity. While watercolor can be transparent, gouache is designed to create solid, vivid colors with a satin or matte finish.


This allows artists to achieve depth and dimension in their work. The paint can be thinned with water for a more transparency or applied thickly for a textured, impasto effect. The artist controls consistency.



lovely floral painting

History of Gouache


The history of gouache painting dates back to ancient times, with origins in illuminated manuscripts and Persian miniatures. The term comes from Italian guazzo, which means mud or sludge, reflecting the medium's thick, creamy texture.


Its popularity surges in the Renaissance when artists in Europe adopt gouache alongside egg tempera, another popular medium. The problem with egg tempera is its curing length and the accompanying smell.


After 1500 oils are primarily used, and watercolors come into fashion later, although artists use them to make quick sketches. Albrecht Dürer is the first person to use watercolor. His famous painting "Young Hare" is a mix of watercolor and gouache.



Young Hare, Albrecht Dürer 1502, gouache & watercolor
Young Hare, Albrecht Dürer 1502, gouache & watercolor

Difference between gouache and watercolor? Gouache dries faster than watercolor and is less prone to changing tone and appearing paler after drying, unlike most watercolor paints. In gouache, dark tones tend to lighten and light tones darken after drying.


Gouache gains popularity in the 18th century as it's discovered by artists such as Francisco Goya and William Blake. Over the years, gouache evolves into a preferred medium for many.


It's particularly favored by illustrators and commercial artists in the 19th and 20th centuries, providing a means to create bold, eye-catching designs. Notable artists like Paul Klee, Henri Matisse, and David Hockney all use gouache.



paint and brush

Best Paint Pigment Colors


When it comes to choosing the best paint pigments for gouache, opt for high-quality, lightfast colors to ensure the longevity of artworks. Some popular pigments used in gouache painting include:


  • Titanium White

  • Ultramarine Blue

  • Cadmium Yellow

  • Cadmium Red Light

  • Alizarin Crimson

  • Lampblack


Green isn't necessary. Natural greens are made with yellow and black, while brighter greens issue forth with ultramarine and yellow. Ultramarine and alizarin crimson also make beautiful purples. Cadmium red light is the most vibrant red.



lovely landscape

Best Brushes


The choice of brushes significantly affects the gouache painting experience. Here are some recommendations based on common techniques in gouache:


  • Round Brushes: Ideal for detailed work, line work, and creating soft curves. Look for sizes ranging from small to medium for versatility.

  • Flat Brushes: Perfect for laying down broad strokes, washes, and even blending colors.

  • Filbert Brushes: With their oval shape, filbert brushes can achieve both sharp lines and soft edges, making them suitable for various applications.

  • Watercolor Brushes: These can also work well with gouache, especially for a more fluid application.


When working with gouache it's advised to choose synthetic brushes. With gouache they hold shape better than natural hair brushes. Good gouache brushes are an investment. They should feel smooth on the skin and the fibers fall quickly back into shape when bent.



Good synthetic brushes are a worthwhile investment
Good synthetic brushes are a worthwhile investment

Synthetic brushes with short, firm bristles are well-suited for gouache painting, providing control and precision. Round brushes are versatile and can be used for both broad strokes and finer details, while flat brushes are excellent for covering larger areas and edge work.


Best Painting Surfaces


Gouache can be applied to a variety of surfaces, but some work better than others. The following are the best surfaces for gouache painting:


  • Watercolor Paper: Cold-pressed watercolor paper is a popular choice due to its texture and absorbency. Hot-pressed paper offers a smoother surface but may not hold as much water.

  • Illustration Board: This sturdy surface can handle heavy applications of gouache without warping.

  • Canvas: While not as common, primed canvas can be used for gouache paintings, especially when seeking a more textured finish.

  • Wood Panels: Smooth wood panels can provide an excellent surface for detailed work.

  • Mixed media paper: more compressed and smoother than watercolor


Choosing the right surface will enhance painting experience and influence the final artwork. Experimenting with different grounds is a good idea.



Gum Arabic chunks and powder. Its the most popular artists' binder and ink medium.
Gum Arabic chunks and powder. Its the most popular artists' binder and ink medium.

Famous Gouache Art or Artists


Several artists throughout history are known for gouache creations. Notable figures include:


  • Katsushika Hokusai: Renowned for his woodblock prints, Hokusai also uses gouache in his paintings, showcasing nature with captivating detail.

  • Paul Klee: His whimsical compositions often contain gouache, combining simple shapes with vibrant color palettes.

  • David Hockney: This contemporary artist uses gouache extensively to create his iconic landscapes and colorful portraits.

  • Andrew Wyeth : Renowned for his detailed and evocative gouache landscapes.

  • Elizabeth Murray : Celebrated for her abstract and vibrant gouache compositions.


Their innovative use of gouache has inspired countless artists to explore this beautiful medium.



body painted artist
... and it's non-toxic too


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