Gouache: Beginning & Intermediate
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Gouache is one of the most versatile and fun painting mediums that seems to be becoming more and more popular in recent years. Gouache (pronounced gwash) is an opaque water-based medium that allows one to work from dark to light, which makes a lot of sense to oil painters. However, it’s much less messy and can be easily used for preparatory studies, plein air work, travel, and more. Watercolorists appreciate the opaque quality of gouache and many have added this medium to their arsenal.
In this course, we will learn how to use gouache by exploring the ins-and-outs of this medium. Topics will include the pros and cons of wet vs dry painting, surface exploration, edges, tiling, color and color mixing, paint consistency, palette options, supplies, and more. We will focus on creating a variety of small paintings as we learn how to paint with gouache.
Beginners are welcome to join and will be given some beginning lessons before jumping into more complex paintings. On-going students will be presented with new projects and lessons.
This class is taught in English.
SUPPLY LIST:
Please read this list carefully. I have included basic supplies for beginning students as well as information that will be useful for you as you progress.
SUPPLY LIST
Gouache Paint (Beginner’s recommended set)
Utrecht Artists' Gouache - Foundation Set of 8, 14 ml tubes
(includes: The set contains eight 14 ml (0.47 oz) tubes, including Cadmium Lemon, Brilliant Yellow, Rose Tyrien, Flame Red, Turquoise Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Permanent White, and Ivory Black.). Note: See a more extensive list at the end of this document.
An extra tube of Permanent White (37 ml large tube preferred)
Alternatively, you can purchase gouache paints individually. Recommended brands include: Holbein, M Graham, Winsor Newton, Blick’s, and Utrecht.
DO NOT PURCHASE ACRYLIC GOUACHE.
Brushes
Synthetic brushes for watercolor/acrylic are good choices. If you already have a selection of brushes, bring them to class. If you don’t, a good brand is Princeton Umbria Short Handle. (Flat Size ½ inch, Round Size 6, Round Size 2).
You can use your watercolor brushes for gouache as both are water soluble. However, I find that gouache tends to be a little harder on my brushes so I like to keep a separate set just for gouache.
Sketchbook
You will need a sketchbook that has heavy-weighted paper suitable for wet-media. Your paper should be about 110-140 lb weight, Anything less will buckle when using water. I prefer a smooth finish (for note writing), but a watercolor cold press sketchbook will also work just fine. You do have the option to use loose sheets of paper but I find that notes are easily misplaced.
Here are some recommendations:
Strathmore Watercolor Visual Journal (size 5.5 x 8”, 140# paper)
Canson Artist Series Mix Media Books (size 5.5” x 8”, 138# paper)
Moleskine Art Sketchbook, Hard Cover, Large (5" x 8.25") Plain/Blank, Black, 104 Pages. Make sure you get the sketchbook with only 104 pages (thicker paper). Moleskin packaging can be a bit confusing.
Palettes
In the beginning, we will focus on using a “wet technique”. You will need some sort of disposable palette (9x12) or a flat palette surface (butcher tray). If you already own a stay-wet palette, bring it to class. A popular one is Masterson Sta-Wet.
I use a “stay wet” palette by redgrasscreative.com. It’s more expensive but it works very well for me. When not using my palette I store it in the refrigerator. So far, I’ve been able to store my unused gouache for weeks. Mine is the Studio XL v2 Wet Palette.
Palettes for the Dry Gouache Technique
Do not purchase one of these palettes unless you have already taken a gouache class with me. Should you choose to use the dry brush technique option, Transon Paint Storage Palette Box 24 Wells Airtight Stay Wet for Watercolor, Gouache, Acrylic and Oil Paint works well. You can purchase this palette on Amazon.
Pros: This is an airtight container, great for travel. Artist Lena Rivo uses this box. Cons: The individual wells can be a little small and sometimes the airtight seal results in moldy paints if not used regularly.
Another option is the Transon Artist Paint Saver Palette 24 Wells with 1 Fine Paintbrush. It sounds very similar to the one above but it’s different.
Pros: This box has larger wells and holds more paint. Artist Bernie Dellario recommends it. Cons: This box is not airtight so paint will dry out completely. Some artists prefer this, however. Since the seal is not airtight, you may have some leakage when traveling. Note: If you choose this palette, check with Barbara regarding your initial palette set up.
Paper/Canvas
We will experiment with different papers, including: Arches cold and hot press, Bristol, student grade papers, to name a few. If you have art paper that is 140#, bring it to class. If you don’t own any paper, purchase a student grade pad of watercolor paper.
Recommended paper:
Bee Paper, 9x12” Watercolor Paper Pad (50 sheets). About $11.00 at most Walmart Stores or at Walmart.com.
Strathmore 400 series, Mixed Media is also a good choice.
Rives BFK (a printmaking paper). This is a specialty paper that has a beautiful, felt-like finish. You can buy large, single sheets at Blick’s in Sugar House. Then cut to size. Toned tan or grey is preferred. Note: This is just for your reference and is not required.
Canvas panel boards
Gouache can be painted on many surfaces including canvas boards. You can purchase inexpensive boards at many stores including Walmart, Michael’s and Blick’s. You will need to prepare the surface with gesso or a thin layer of acrylic paint. We will prepare surfaces in class.
If you are interested in using a canvas panels, bring 4-6 boards to class, sizes 5x7” , 6x8” or 8x10.” This are thin, flat panels. Not stretched canvases.
Other supplies
About a 12 x 16 size rigid board or foam core to hold your paper
Masking Tape (Scotch brand painter’s tape for delicate surfaces)
Pencil for sketching
Small water spray bottle
Paper towels or cotton rags
Water container (not needed for class)
Fixative to temporarily seal your painting (not required)
Krylon clear acrylic spray in matte or glass (not required)
Dorland Cold Wax medium or Gamblin Cold Wax medium (not required)
Backpack and your own plein air set-up (not required, but something to consider if you want to paint outdoors).
More Gouache Paints to Add to Your Dry Palette.
You can spend a lot of money on gouache paint in tubes. I don’t recommend that you purchase all of these paints, but I find it helpful to review what other well-known gouache artists use.
Lena Rivo’s palette. Numbers and Brands.
Cadmium Yellow Lemon - 254 Holbein or Cadmium Lemon 86 W&N
Cadmium Yellow - 108 W&N
Cadmium Orange - 89 W&N
Cadmium Scarlet -106 W&N
Cadmium Red Deep - 505 Holbein or Cadmium Red 94 W&N
Permanent Alizarin Crimson - 466 W&N
Primary Magenta - 651 Holbein or Permanent Rose 502 W&N
Winsor Violet (Dioxazine) - 733 W&N
Ultramarine Blue - 565 Holbein or Ultramarine 660 W&N
Cobalt Blue - 563 Holbein or Cobalt Blue 178 W&N
Cerulean Blue - 562 Holbein or Cerulean Blue 137 W&N
Cyprus Green - 211 W&N
Cobalt Turquoise - 569 Holbein or Cobalt Turquoise Light 191 W&N
Permanent Green Deep - 482 W&N
Oxide of Chromium - 459 W&N
Sap Green - 599 W&N
Yellow Ochre - 527 Holbein or Yellow Ochre 744 W&N
Burnt Sienna - 074 W&N
Burnt Umber - 076 W&N
Red Ochre - 564 W&N
Perylene Violet - 470 W&N
Primary Black - 658 Holbein or Lamp Black 337 W&N
` Bernie Dellario’s Palette (primarily Holbein):
Permanent White (large tube)
Marigold Yellow or Perm Yellow Deep
Raw Sienna
Spectrum or Cadmium Yellow
Jaune Brilliant
Linden Green
Primary Red or Spectrum Red
Cerulean Blue
Naples Yellow
Burnt Sienna
Emerald Green
Alizarin Crimson
Ultramarine Blue
Olive Green
Lilac
Neutral Tint (watercolor pigment used for rich darks)
Gray #1
Feel free to email me if you have any questions or concerns. Barbarakiddart@gmail.com
LOCATION:
Visual Art Institute 2900 S 300 W, South Salt Lake, Utah
INSTRUCTOR:
This class is taught by Barbara Kidd. Learn more about our instructors at https://www.visualartinstitute.org/art-faculty
DROP-INS:
This class IS open for drop-in students. Students can register online for a specific date or purchase a Flex Pass. Everyone is responsible for bringing their supplies for the class.
OPEN STUDIO:
During the first week of class, we will discuss the times and rules of using the studio and equipment during non-class hours. This is only available to students currently registered in the class.
REFUND POLICY:
We are only able to offer refunds up to 2 weeks before the start of class. We do not offer refunds or credits or make-up classes to students who miss class.
TRANSFER POLICY:
We may be able to transfer you to a different class depending on space availability.
CLASS CANCELLATION:
We find that students learn better in larger groups. If we feel the number of registrations is too low to promote a good learning environment, we may cancel the class. In the event we cancel a class, we will reach out to you as soon as possible.
We try to make our classes as accessible to everyone as possible. We are able to offer a limited number of tuition assistance scholarships each term. You can complete an application on our website or call our office for assistance applying. Applications are available in Spanish and English.
MULTI-CLASS DISCOUNT:
When you register for more than one class, you can receive a discount up to 10% per class!
ADA ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATIONS:
Our classrooms are ADA accessible. Some courses may involve tasks or activities that may be difficult for individuals with limited strength, difficulty bending over, and sitting or standing for long periods of time. We are happy to work with students to find solutions to make their experience positive and doable. For example, wheel throwing takes arm strength and bending over the wheel. Students may work on hand-building projects instead of throwing. Please reach out to our office to discuss your needs.
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