Gouache- not just poster paint

 

 

For some reason, after years of experimenting with a variety of different medium, I picked up a few tubes of gouache paint at a local shop. My initial reason for even visiting the rack on which they were hanging was a continuation of my search for the perfect, aquarelle compatible, white. My art store being what it is and my personality being what it is, I bought not one but eight tubes of gouache that day.

 

As a self taught artist there are so many small gaps in my knowledge of art and art supplies. One gaping one became clear that day. Not having ever had teachers who introduced me to gouache I had erroneously assumed that it was in some way comparable to 'poster paint', those giant bottles of chalky paint in primary colours used in primary school classrooms. Just the word causes images of plastic mixing cups and feelings of gritty surfaces to rise in my mind.

It was therefore with the greatest surprise that I discovered one of my favorite mediums that day. 

What is gouache?

Having mentioned my pre-concieved notions of the stuff I would like to elaborate a bit on its actual qualities. Gouache is a watersoluable, opaque paint. It is similar to watercolours in that is can be remixed when dry. It is also absorbed into the fibers of the paper. It can be used seamlessly alongside watercolours.

 

It differs from watercolour in that the pigment load is higher, the pigment particles can be larger, and body created by the opaque additions. 

It is also like acrylic and oil in that it has body and can be layered. Brushstrokes can also be visible because of its thicker consistency. 

The amount of water added determined whether it is used like 'paint' or like watercolour washes. In my opinion its greatest charms are underlined by using it as paint. It is creamy mixable and opaque. It is also compact, washable, and handy. 

 

According to Wikipedia, it is a form of gouache that was used by the ancient Egyptians, to illuminate manuscripts, and in Persian miniatures.

A few weeks ago I did a review of the Charvin Watercolour box I bought in Paris. I was not overly elated with the results of those colours. However, at the same shop I bought 3 tubes of gouache which are amoung my favourite supplies. My newest additions to my gouache kit are the tubes by Schminke Hordam. Schminke is an excellent brand. I have used them heavily in my watercolour illustrations. They are certainly as good at making gouache as they are at creating aquarelle paints. If you would like to see a post comparing my aquarelle paint brands let me know. 

I have completed my first 'gouache only' sketchbook. have a look at that post if you would like to see a few examples of the finished product. 

 

   In conclusion, gouache is a fun way to try out a new medium without really having to adjust much. It is the perfect middle ground between watercolour and acrylic, and results in a pleasant surface texture. I also like the tones created by mixing opaques. They are slightly different from my other, 'purer' colours.  I hope that this has inspired you to try gouache if you haven't done so or to better understand what it is if you are not a painter yourself.

For more supply reviews, check out:

-How I organise my art supplies 

-The Pastel Plant

-Sketching kit for the US

-How to take and use reference photos

-Graphite powder

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