The Art of Gouache

Book excerpt: This book is a highly practical step-by-step guide to working with gouache, not only to teach and inspire novice painters but also to introduce more experienced artists to the advantages of using this much overlooked, but wonderful, medium. If you love painting with watercolour and are ready to experiment with something different, then the versatile medium of gouache could be just the thing for you. Gouache is water-based, quick-drying and, because you can paint light over dark as well as dark over light, it is less exacting and ideal for the beginner; it can be used thinly in a watercolour style, or more thickly as with oils or acrylics. This guide covers all the materials and tools required and has a comprehensive techniques section that includes overlaying colours, colour blending and troubleshooting. Experienced author Jeremy Ford takes you through three simple, step-by-step projects - a unique gouache style, a poster style, and a photo realistic style. He also gives guidance on how to develop your own unique style of gouache. Numerous finished paintings will inspire you and show the versatility in terms of subject, style and technique that you can achieve using this exciting medium.