Gouache painting, often dubbed the “forgotten medium,” offers artists a unique blend of the best characteristics of watercolors and acrylics. Its versatility ranges from achieving dreamy, ethereal effects to delivering bold and vibrant visuals. But harnessing its full potential can be a bit tricky. To help you on your gouache journey, we have enlisted the guidance of professional artists and expert advice to navigate this captivating medium effectively. 

1. Use Bigger Brushes:

Newcomers to gouache often make the mistake of using small brushes. But experts recommend painting fix with larger brushes, which not only saves time but also boosts artistic confidence. Bigger brushes allow for a more expressive and confident approach to gouache painting. 

2. Don’t Overwork:

Gouache is known for its unique property of reactivation with water. However, overworking a gouache painting can lead to frustration and muddy colors. To avoid this, it is crucial to leave areas of your painting that you like and focus on enhancing the parts that need improvement. 

3. Strong Drawing Skills Lead to Strong Painting Skills:

The foundation of any great painting lies in strong drawing skills. Drawing is simply gouche painting with a brush and color, so artists are encouraged to establish a daily drawing practice to improve their gouache paintings. Renowned artist John Singer Sargent himself emphasized the importance of daily sketching. While explaining painting to his students at London’s Royal Academy, he encouraged his students to first “work out the form”. 

4. Use a Ceramic Palette:

The tools you choose matter. Using a high-quality ceramic palette for mixing your gouache paints is recommended. Ceramic palettes are easy to clean and offer an ideal surface for blending and working with gouache. 

5. Use Good Brushes:

Investing in quality brushes is crucial for successful gouache painting. Cheap brushes can fray quickly and lead to frustration. Quality brushes can enhance your painting experience and produce better results. 

6. The Key to Great Paintings:

While tools are essential, it is the artist’s technique and approach that truly make a painting shine. The composition, tones, edges, movement, color, and painting technique all contribute to the overall quality of a painting. Learning from the masters can be invaluable in improving your technique. 

7. Online Resources to Help Your Gouache Paintings:

In the digital age, there are countless online resources to aid artists in their quest to master gouache painting. From tutorials on platforms like YouTube to informative blog posts, there is a wealth of information available to artists eager to learn. Even if you are a beginner, you can easily find scores of videos that explain painting and its basics. 

8. Get Feedback & Mentoring:

Learning from experts and mentors is one of the best ways to improve your painting skills. Whether through online courses, workshops, or traditional in-person classes, feedback from experienced artists can help you refine your gouache techniques. 

9. Other Resources to Help Your Paintings:

Alongside the fundamental tools, such as ceramic palettes and quality brushes, having additional resources like an easel, high-quality paper, and a well-organized workspace can enhance your artistic process and help improve your gouache paintings. 

Gouache is a captivating painting medium, and mastering it requires practice, patience, and a commitment to learning. Armed with these expert tips and techniques, artists can navigate their gouache painting journey with confidence and enthusiasm. 

Whether you are a newcomer to gouache or an experienced artist looking to enhance your skills, these insights from seasoned professionals offer valuable guidance. Remember that learning and improving are continuous processes in the world of art, and gouache painting is no exception. 

For further resources, you can explore a variety of blogs, videos, and books dedicated to gouache painting by visiting their website https://paintexplained.com/  to support your creative endeavors.