Step-by-Step: Gouache Paints
Gouache paint has been used for over 800 years. Originally used to illustrate religious manuscripts, gouache maintained popularity as an art medium because it is easy to use and dries quickly. Gouache can be compared to watercolors, as they are commonly applied to papers with a textured feel; however, gouache pigments are less opaque. Getting the colors and effects you'd like takes experimentation and practice, as wet gouache colors dry at very different tones than they appear when first applied.
- Watercolor paper
- Bin of water
- Brown gum tape
- Gouache
- Acrylic medium
- Gum Arabic
- Palate knife
- Brushes
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Instructions
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1
Soak the paper in the water until it is extremely saturated.
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2
Shake off excess water and lay paper on a flat board to dry. Secure the edges with brown gum tape to prevent curling.
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3
Mix approximately 1/8 tablespoon of acrylic medium (to make gouache water resistant) and 1/8 tablespoon gum Arabic (to prevent cracking) into 4 tablespoons' worth of gouache paint using the knife.
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4
Load up a brush with a generous amount of paint.
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5
Apply to paper using smooth strokes.
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6
Rinse brush in clean water between colors.
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7
Allow painting to dry completely before handling.