How to use gouache in drawing: a master class on working with paint

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Beginning artists are often interested in what paints are best to use, what technique of applying strokes is more suitable for one or another type of paint, how they can or cannot be combined with each other. What subjects are better than drawing?

Gouache for amateurs

So, the topic of our article is gouache. We will begin the master class on working with it with a description of the properties of the paint. Firstly, it is produced in two versions: poster, which is most often used at school in drawing lessons, and art - for professional work. Both types do not have fundamental differences. It's just that poster art doesn't fit as well on paper and doesn't stick as well as professional gouache.

Let's continue the master class with these tips: if you want to mix colors, be sure to wait for the previous layer to dry well. Watercolor should be mixed on a wet basis. You can’t do this with gouache, because it is denser, “heavy”, although it is also water-soluble. What if you need less thick gouache in a drawing? The master class will teach you such a “trick”: selecta little paint from a jar and little by little, drop by drop, add water, mixing thoroughly with a brush. By the way, if your main gouache has dried up, turned into a stone - do not worry! The same water will solve the problem. Pour it in, leave it to soak into a petrified lump, stir. Everything, saved gouache! Our master class, however, does not end with this advice.

Select paper and brushes

Due to the density of the ink, not all paper is suitable for drawing on. Thin landscape sheets are by no means suitable for working with them. Whatman paper and cardboard, plywood plates are much more suitable. Only not waxed - this should also be remembered by novice artists or designers. It is better that the surface, on the contrary, is rough. Particles of paint cling to it more firmly, and it lays down more evenly. And gouache looks too thick on smooth waxed paper.

It is useful to know the intricacies of working with this material for those who are fond of folk crafts: painting pottery, toys, etc. A gouache painting master class will not do without an overview of such an important tool as a brush. Its choice should be guided by the area of the surfaces to be painted. The larger they are, the thicker the brushes should be. The stiffness of the pile also matters. If you draw a line and see that traces remain, then such brushes are not suitable, pick up something softer. More precisely, they are suitable when it is necessary to emphasize the relief of the depicted objects. For example, hairs of furanimal, grass, etc.

From theory to practice

Well, when the main points are clarified, we outline the sketch with a pencil and draw with gouache. Master class, i.e. a practical lesson, let's start with the preparation of the palette. You will definitely need it. After all, if you try to mix colors directly on paper, then the result will not please you. It will resemble a thick layer of plaster, which, as soon as it dries, begins to fall off. For beginners, an ordinary plate or a small tray is suitable. Professionals can get a full-fledged tool. Make color bases by picking up a little of the desired paint and connecting it. And color your sketch. You can add depth of tones and shades as you work. Apply light shades to dark ones when the desired area is dry. Dark ones can also be used on damp paper. Work carefully, slowly, without smearing - and you will get a good drawing!