I have been wanting to try out some gouache. If you're unfamiliar with gouache, here's the definition from wikipedia:
Gouache paint is similar to watercolor but modified to make it opaque. A binding agent, usually gum arabic, is present, just as in watercolor. Gouache differs from watercolor in that the particles are larger, the ratio of pigment to water is much higher, and an additional, inert, white pigment such as chalk may also be present. This makes gouache heavier and more opaque, with greater reflective qualities. Gouache generally dries to a different value than it appears when wet (lighter tones generally dry darker, while darker tones tend to dry lighter), which can make it difficult to match colors over multiple painting sessions. Its quick coverage and total hiding power mean that gouache lends itself to more direct painting techniques than watercolor…. It is used most consistently by commercial artists for works such as posters, illustrations, comics, and for other design work. Most 20th-century animations used it to create an opaque color on a cel with watercolor paint used for backgrounds, and gouache as "poster paint" is desirable for its speed and durability.
The one drawback of gouache for the kind of art that I do, is the same drawback as watercolor — it's not permanent. It reactivates with the addition of water. HOWEVER, I did a bunch of internet research (Google is awesome, right?) and discovered that Holbein makes a mostly permanent (i.e. water resistant) gouache! It's called Acryla Designer Gouache.
This is the official description from the Holbein website:
Holbein Acryla Gouache moves, reacts, blends and feels like traditional gum arabic gouache. Holbein Acryla Gouache is water resistance once dry.
Drying to a velvet matte finish; Holbein Acryla Gouache does not shift in color tone from liquid to dry color. What you see wet is what you get once dry.
Holbein Acryla Gouache does not have the same fragile surface as traditional gouache in gum arabic and is compatible with all other water soluble media regardless of origin.
Instead of using gum arabic as a binding agent, they use an acrylic resin. That's what makes this paint act like traditional gouache (matte, opaque — even over dark colors) when wet and YET it's water resistant and flexible (won't flake or crack) when dry! Best of both worlds right?
I treated myself to a bunch of tubes (and it is a treat, because they're not cheap). I painted out a color chart for myself (I left some empty squares, because I might need to buy more!):
The top part of the swatch is the paint straight out of the tube. The bottom part is after it's watered down.
This is my first little experiment with the gouache:
When I get new supplies I always test them out. Knowledge is power and nothing provides knowledge more quickly than some hands-on experiments! Here are the questions I had and the answers I found:
- I wanted to test the opacity (you can see the layers). I watered the paint down to see if it was still opaque when watered down. The answer is, it depends on the color and the amount of water, but mostly yes.
- I wanted to test out the mixing — wet into wet and all that. The answer is that it's less mixy (is that word?) than watercolor, but still mixes nicely. The good news is that I didn't have to wait for the layers to dry to go right over them with another color because it's less mixy.
- I wanted to see if it was truly waterproof or more water resistant. The answer is that it's pretty solidly waterproof. I scratched a wet brush across this piece and stuff didn't seem to move. I got a tiny bit of tinted water, but that was it.
- I wanted to see just how matte this paint was. The answer is wonderfully perfectly so!
- I wanted to see if the advertised lack-of-color-shift-when-dry was true. The answer is that the color seems pretty darn true to me! It didn't seem to shift at all as it dried. Also, these colors are wickedly bright. Technicolor. Even neon. And yes, there are metallics! Yay!
- I wanted to see if the paint would flake and crack when dry. The answer is no. Admittedly, it has only been a few days, but so far so good!
I've been using the gouache on some of my #28patterns and I'm delighted with how they work.
Have you tried out Acryla Gouache yet? What do you think?
Thanks for stopping by!
Brilliant colors, that’s for sure. Maybe someday I’ll try it. Thanks for the info, Julie!
Brilliant colors, that’s for sure. Maybe someday I’ll try it. Thanks for the info, Julie!
Brilliant colors, that’s for sure. Maybe someday I’ll try it. Thanks for the info, Julie!
Brilliant colors, that’s for sure. Maybe someday I’ll try it. Thanks for the info, Julie!
Brilliant colors, that’s for sure. Maybe someday I’ll try it. Thanks for the info, Julie!
Wow to bright colors.Thanks for the info on gouache. Not a supply that I’ve tried but will have to put it on the list.
Wow to bright colors.Thanks for the info on gouache. Not a supply that I’ve tried but will have to put it on the list.
Wow to bright colors.Thanks for the info on gouache. Not a supply that I’ve tried but will have to put it on the list.
Wow to bright colors.Thanks for the info on gouache. Not a supply that I’ve tried but will have to put it on the list.
Wow to bright colors.Thanks for the info on gouache. Not a supply that I’ve tried but will have to put it on the list.
I’m intrigued! Next round of supplies might have to include this guache! Your paintings are wonderful!
I’m intrigued! Next round of supplies might have to include this guache! Your paintings are wonderful!
I’m intrigued! Next round of supplies might have to include this guache! Your paintings are wonderful!
I’m intrigued! Next round of supplies might have to include this guache! Your paintings are wonderful!
I’m intrigued! Next round of supplies might have to include this guache! Your paintings are wonderful!
Hi Julie,
I tried the acryl gouache and love it.
Love the colors.
Going back for more.
Hi Julie,
I tried the acryl gouache and love it.
Love the colors.
Going back for more.
Hi Julie,
I tried the acryl gouache and love it.
Love the colors.
Going back for more.
Hi Julie,
I tried the acryl gouache and love it.
Love the colors.
Going back for more.
Hi Julie,
I tried the acryl gouache and love it.
Love the colors.
Going back for more.
Thanks Julie,
I purchased a “pack” of gouache tube paints I found in my local TJ Maxx store. I have yet to try them and surely didn’t have any information on them. The price was right and they were paint! Thanks for sharing the information on these paints!
Thanks Julie,
I purchased a “pack” of gouache tube paints I found in my local TJ Maxx store. I have yet to try them and surely didn’t have any information on them. The price was right and they were paint! Thanks for sharing the information on these paints!
Thanks Julie,
I purchased a “pack” of gouache tube paints I found in my local TJ Maxx store. I have yet to try them and surely didn’t have any information on them. The price was right and they were paint! Thanks for sharing the information on these paints!
Thanks Julie,
I purchased a “pack” of gouache tube paints I found in my local TJ Maxx store. I have yet to try them and surely didn’t have any information on them. The price was right and they were paint! Thanks for sharing the information on these paints!
Thanks Julie,
I purchased a “pack” of gouache tube paints I found in my local TJ Maxx store. I have yet to try them and surely didn’t have any information on them. The price was right and they were paint! Thanks for sharing the information on these paints!
Hi Julie…I am curious as to what would drive your choice between a ‘permanent’ gouache and acrylic paint? What would be the difference? Is it a color thing? Thanks! Your artwork is stunning!
Hi Julie…I am curious as to what would drive your choice between a ‘permanent’ gouache and acrylic paint? What would be the difference? Is it a color thing? Thanks! Your artwork is stunning!
Hi Julie…I am curious as to what would drive your choice between a ‘permanent’ gouache and acrylic paint? What would be the difference? Is it a color thing? Thanks! Your artwork is stunning!
Hi Julie…I am curious as to what would drive your choice between a ‘permanent’ gouache and acrylic paint? What would be the difference? Is it a color thing? Thanks! Your artwork is stunning!
Hi Julie…I am curious as to what would drive your choice between a ‘permanent’ gouache and acrylic paint? What would be the difference? Is it a color thing? Thanks! Your artwork is stunning!
Hi Julie – Thanks for the blog post! Can’t wait to try them.
Hi Julie – Thanks for the blog post! Can’t wait to try them.
Hi Julie – Thanks for the blog post! Can’t wait to try them.
Hi Julie – Thanks for the blog post! Can’t wait to try them.
Hi Julie – Thanks for the blog post! Can’t wait to try them.
Get out of my head, hehehe. I’ve been playing with gouache too althought I didn’t know about the Holbein permanent so now I want to check that out too. Great informative write up.
Back in the day I shared studio space with a fabric designer – this was when they still hand painted samples – and she always painted with gouache due to the uber matte quality and the fact it doesn’t change color. It is perfect for photography. Also great for journal work = non-sticky pages.
Get out of my head, hehehe. I’ve been playing with gouache too althought I didn’t know about the Holbein permanent so now I want to check that out too. Great informative write up.
Back in the day I shared studio space with a fabric designer – this was when they still hand painted samples – and she always painted with gouache due to the uber matte quality and the fact it doesn’t change color. It is perfect for photography. Also great for journal work = non-sticky pages.
Get out of my head, hehehe. I’ve been playing with gouache too althought I didn’t know about the Holbein permanent so now I want to check that out too. Great informative write up.
Back in the day I shared studio space with a fabric designer – this was when they still hand painted samples – and she always painted with gouache due to the uber matte quality and the fact it doesn’t change color. It is perfect for photography. Also great for journal work = non-sticky pages.
Get out of my head, hehehe. I’ve been playing with gouache too althought I didn’t know about the Holbein permanent so now I want to check that out too. Great informative write up.
Back in the day I shared studio space with a fabric designer – this was when they still hand painted samples – and she always painted with gouache due to the uber matte quality and the fact it doesn’t change color. It is perfect for photography. Also great for journal work = non-sticky pages.
Get out of my head, hehehe. I’ve been playing with gouache too althought I didn’t know about the Holbein permanent so now I want to check that out too. Great informative write up.
Back in the day I shared studio space with a fabric designer – this was when they still hand painted samples – and she always painted with gouache due to the uber matte quality and the fact it doesn’t change color. It is perfect for photography. Also great for journal work = non-sticky pages.
Great informative post. I’ve always wondered about gouache and this answers many questions. Thanks for doing the “research” and sharing it with us!
Great informative post. I’ve always wondered about gouache and this answers many questions. Thanks for doing the “research” and sharing it with us!
Great informative post. I’ve always wondered about gouache and this answers many questions. Thanks for doing the “research” and sharing it with us!
Great informative post. I’ve always wondered about gouache and this answers many questions. Thanks for doing the “research” and sharing it with us!
Great informative post. I’ve always wondered about gouache and this answers many questions. Thanks for doing the “research” and sharing it with us!
Dear Julie
These paints look as though they would be good for stamping hand carved stamps and for gelli printing. Have used regular gouache to paint botanicals in the past, and once dry they could be layered which was useful. These colours look fantastic, I feel a shopping spree coming on.
Love Val
Dear Julie
These paints look as though they would be good for stamping hand carved stamps and for gelli printing. Have used regular gouache to paint botanicals in the past, and once dry they could be layered which was useful. These colours look fantastic, I feel a shopping spree coming on.
Love Val
Dear Julie
These paints look as though they would be good for stamping hand carved stamps and for gelli printing. Have used regular gouache to paint botanicals in the past, and once dry they could be layered which was useful. These colours look fantastic, I feel a shopping spree coming on.
Love Val
Dear Julie
These paints look as though they would be good for stamping hand carved stamps and for gelli printing. Have used regular gouache to paint botanicals in the past, and once dry they could be layered which was useful. These colours look fantastic, I feel a shopping spree coming on.
Love Val
Dear Julie
These paints look as though they would be good for stamping hand carved stamps and for gelli printing. Have used regular gouache to paint botanicals in the past, and once dry they could be layered which was useful. These colours look fantastic, I feel a shopping spree coming on.
Love Val
Yes, I was wondering the same. 🙂
Awesome write up, Julie! I would use them just so I can say “gouache” more often. Lol!
Yes, I was wondering the same. 🙂
Awesome write up, Julie! I would use them just so I can say “gouache” more often. Lol!
Yes, I was wondering the same. 🙂
Awesome write up, Julie! I would use them just so I can say “gouache” more often. Lol!
Yes, I was wondering the same. 🙂
Awesome write up, Julie! I would use them just so I can say “gouache” more often. Lol!
Yes, I was wondering the same. 🙂
Awesome write up, Julie! I would use them just so I can say “gouache” more often. Lol!
thanks for the definition of Gouache it looks great
thanks for the definition of Gouache it looks great
thanks for the definition of Gouache it looks great
thanks for the definition of Gouache it looks great
thanks for the definition of Gouache it looks great
Great post Julie, and love the paintings you did with gouache. I’ve used Holbein gouache, and yes, it’s the best in the market. Paintings I did in college (in the 90s) still have the color brilliance of gouache. It’s actually easier to use this medium then watercolor, which I’m learning to use now. Glad you found it. Thank You for the post.
Great post Julie, and love the paintings you did with gouache. I’ve used Holbein gouache, and yes, it’s the best in the market. Paintings I did in college (in the 90s) still have the color brilliance of gouache. It’s actually easier to use this medium then watercolor, which I’m learning to use now. Glad you found it. Thank You for the post.
Great post Julie, and love the paintings you did with gouache. I’ve used Holbein gouache, and yes, it’s the best in the market. Paintings I did in college (in the 90s) still have the color brilliance of gouache. It’s actually easier to use this medium then watercolor, which I’m learning to use now. Glad you found it. Thank You for the post.
Great post Julie, and love the paintings you did with gouache. I’ve used Holbein gouache, and yes, it’s the best in the market. Paintings I did in college (in the 90s) still have the color brilliance of gouache. It’s actually easier to use this medium then watercolor, which I’m learning to use now. Glad you found it. Thank You for the post.
Great post Julie, and love the paintings you did with gouache. I’ve used Holbein gouache, and yes, it’s the best in the market. Paintings I did in college (in the 90s) still have the color brilliance of gouache. It’s actually easier to use this medium then watercolor, which I’m learning to use now. Glad you found it. Thank You for the post.
Thanks for the brand recommendation! I haven’t tried it yet (though I have dabbled in gouache here and there), but I definitely want to check these out. The colors look so vibrant and pretty.
Thanks for the brand recommendation! I haven’t tried it yet (though I have dabbled in gouache here and there), but I definitely want to check these out. The colors look so vibrant and pretty.
Thanks for the brand recommendation! I haven’t tried it yet (though I have dabbled in gouache here and there), but I definitely want to check these out. The colors look so vibrant and pretty.
Thanks for the brand recommendation! I haven’t tried it yet (though I have dabbled in gouache here and there), but I definitely want to check these out. The colors look so vibrant and pretty.
Thanks for the brand recommendation! I haven’t tried it yet (though I have dabbled in gouache here and there), but I definitely want to check these out. The colors look so vibrant and pretty.
Sigh..another supply temptation! Looks like these would be a Good Thing to have in the Art Inventory. Wonder how they work on a Gelli?
Sigh..another supply temptation! Looks like these would be a Good Thing to have in the Art Inventory. Wonder how they work on a Gelli?
Sigh..another supply temptation! Looks like these would be a Good Thing to have in the Art Inventory. Wonder how they work on a Gelli?
Sigh..another supply temptation! Looks like these would be a Good Thing to have in the Art Inventory. Wonder how they work on a Gelli?
Sigh..another supply temptation! Looks like these would be a Good Thing to have in the Art Inventory. Wonder how they work on a Gelli?
Thanks for the info…never tried gouache! I love your experiments – awesome color selections.
Thanks for the info…never tried gouache! I love your experiments – awesome color selections.
Thanks for the info…never tried gouache! I love your experiments – awesome color selections.
Thanks for the info…never tried gouache! I love your experiments – awesome color selections.
Thanks for the info…never tried gouache! I love your experiments – awesome color selections.
Very cool! But not exactly clear how the acryla gouache is different from basic acrylic paint.
Very cool! But not exactly clear how the acryla gouache is different from basic acrylic paint.
Very cool! But not exactly clear how the acryla gouache is different from basic acrylic paint.
Very cool! But not exactly clear how the acryla gouache is different from basic acrylic paint.
Very cool! But not exactly clear how the acryla gouache is different from basic acrylic paint.
I’d love to see you try them on a gelli plate.
I’d love to see you try them on a gelli plate.
I’d love to see you try them on a gelli plate.
I’d love to see you try them on a gelli plate.
I’d love to see you try them on a gelli plate.
FABULOUS color and design! THANKS for sharing the results of your “tests” and for introducing me to this wonderful paint. 🙂
FABULOUS color and design! THANKS for sharing the results of your “tests” and for introducing me to this wonderful paint. 🙂
FABULOUS color and design! THANKS for sharing the results of your “tests” and for introducing me to this wonderful paint. 🙂
FABULOUS color and design! THANKS for sharing the results of your “tests” and for introducing me to this wonderful paint. 🙂
FABULOUS color and design! THANKS for sharing the results of your “tests” and for introducing me to this wonderful paint. 🙂
Hi Julie
Have you read Michael Wilcox’s book on watercolour? If not, I would recommend “Blue and Yellow Don’t Make Green”. In this he posits the idea that you really only need two of each primary colour – one warm, one cool, plus black and white and that with those you can make any colour you like and it’s a heap cheaper. Later you can supplement with other colours if you really like the technique but to start this is a great way to go.
Hi Julie
Have you read Michael Wilcox’s book on watercolour? If not, I would recommend “Blue and Yellow Don’t Make Green”. In this he posits the idea that you really only need two of each primary colour – one warm, one cool, plus black and white and that with those you can make any colour you like and it’s a heap cheaper. Later you can supplement with other colours if you really like the technique but to start this is a great way to go.
Hi Julie
Have you read Michael Wilcox’s book on watercolour? If not, I would recommend “Blue and Yellow Don’t Make Green”. In this he posits the idea that you really only need two of each primary colour – one warm, one cool, plus black and white and that with those you can make any colour you like and it’s a heap cheaper. Later you can supplement with other colours if you really like the technique but to start this is a great way to go.
Hi Julie
Have you read Michael Wilcox’s book on watercolour? If not, I would recommend “Blue and Yellow Don’t Make Green”. In this he posits the idea that you really only need two of each primary colour – one warm, one cool, plus black and white and that with those you can make any colour you like and it’s a heap cheaper. Later you can supplement with other colours if you really like the technique but to start this is a great way to go.
Hi Julie
Have you read Michael Wilcox’s book on watercolour? If not, I would recommend “Blue and Yellow Don’t Make Green”. In this he posits the idea that you really only need two of each primary colour – one warm, one cool, plus black and white and that with those you can make any colour you like and it’s a heap cheaper. Later you can supplement with other colours if you really like the technique but to start this is a great way to go.
hi you can use isonansari gouache a new product from ANSARECOproducts their gouache does not include te normal nasties & although not waterproof you seal the final works with clear shellac this is permanent & brings about the dry colour showing its wet form .Compared to other well known gouache their prices are very reasonable containing pigments rating 5to 8 on bws
hi you can use isonansari gouache a new product from ANSARECOproducts their gouache does not include te normal nasties & although not waterproof you seal the final works with clear shellac this is permanent & brings about the dry colour showing its wet form .Compared to other well known gouache their prices are very reasonable containing pigments rating 5to 8 on bws
hi you can use isonansari gouache a new product from ANSARECOproducts their gouache does not include te normal nasties & although not waterproof you seal the final works with clear shellac this is permanent & brings about the dry colour showing its wet form .Compared to other well known gouache their prices are very reasonable containing pigments rating 5to 8 on bws
hi you can use isonansari gouache a new product from ANSARECOproducts their gouache does not include te normal nasties & although not waterproof you seal the final works with clear shellac this is permanent & brings about the dry colour showing its wet form .Compared to other well known gouache their prices are very reasonable containing pigments rating 5to 8 on bws
hi you can use isonansari gouache a new product from ANSARECOproducts their gouache does not include te normal nasties & although not waterproof you seal the final works with clear shellac this is permanent & brings about the dry colour showing its wet form .Compared to other well known gouache their prices are very reasonable containing pigments rating 5to 8 on bws
When working with straight gouache it is difficult to layer. What is beneath is picked up in next layer. Working with acryla gouache lets you work in as many layers as you like!
When working with straight gouache it is difficult to layer. What is beneath is picked up in next layer. Working with acryla gouache lets you work in as many layers as you like!
When working with straight gouache it is difficult to layer. What is beneath is picked up in next layer. Working with acryla gouache lets you work in as many layers as you like!
When working with straight gouache it is difficult to layer. What is beneath is picked up in next layer. Working with acryla gouache lets you work in as many layers as you like!
When working with straight gouache it is difficult to layer. What is beneath is picked up in next layer. Working with acryla gouache lets you work in as many layers as you like!