Gouache Painting Tutorial

Materials Needed

  • Gouache paint set
  • Watercolor paper (140lb/300gsm)
  • Synthetic brushes (round and flat)
  • Palette
  • Water container
  • Paper towels
  • Mixing palette
  • White gouache (extra tube)

Basic Techniques

1. Paint Consistency

Understanding gouache properties:

  • Creamy consistency for opaque coverage
  • Watery mix for transparent effects
  • Layering techniques
  • Reactivating dry paint

2. Color Mixing

Working with gouache colors:

  • Creating color swatches
  • Mixing with white
  • Creating matte finishes
  • Color matching techniques

3. Application Methods

Different painting approaches:

  • Flat washes
  • Textured brushwork
  • Dry brush technique
  • Layering and blending

Practice Exercise

Create a simple illustration:

  1. Sketch your design lightly
  2. Block in base colors
  3. Add shadows and highlights
  4. Refine details and textures

Tips for Success

  • Mix enough paint for your needs
  • Work from light to dark
  • Allow layers to dry completely
  • Keep paint at the right consistency
  • Store paints properly to prevent drying

Get Your Supplies

Ready to start painting? Get your gouache supplies here: