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

Beginners are often interested in what colors are better to use, what technique of applying smears more suits this or that kind of colors, how they can or can not be combined with each other. What subjects are better than drawing?

Gouache for amateurs

So, the subject of our article is gouache. Master class to work with it, we begin with a description of the properties of paint. Firstly, it is issued in two versions: poster, which is most often used in school in drawing lessons, and artistic - for professional work. Both species have no fundamental differences. Just a poster is not so well falls on paper and does not hold as well as professional gouache.

Master class will continue with these tips: if you want to mix colors, be sure to wait until the previous layer is well dried. Watercolor should be mixed on a wet basis. With gouache, this can not be done, because it is denser, "heavy", although it is also water-soluble. What if you need a less dense gouache in the drawing? The master class will teach you such "cunning": take a little paint from the jar and a little by drop, drop by drop, add water, carefully mixing with a brush. By the way, if the main gouache at you withered, turned into a stone - do not worry! The problem will be solved by the same water. Pour it, leave it to soak into the petrified ball, stir. Everything, gouache is saved! Our master class, however, does not end with this advice.

Selecting paper and brushes

Because of the density of the paint, not every paper is suitable for drawing on it. Thin album sheets are in no way suitable to work with them. Whatman and cardboard, plywood tablets will suit much more. Only not waxed - this also needs to be remembered by beginning artists or decorators. It is better that the surface, on the contrary, turns out to be rough. For her, the particles of paint are more firmly attached, and she falls more evenly. And on smooth wax paper gouache looks excessively thick.

It is useful to know the intricacies of working with this material and those who are fond of folk crafts: painting pottery, toys, etc. A master class on drawing gouache will not do without an overview of such an important tool as a brush. The choice should be based on the area of the painted surfaces. The bigger they are, the thicker the brushes should be. The stiffness of the pile also matters. If you draw a line and see that there are traces, it means that such brushes are not suitable, pick up something softer. They are more suitable when it is necessary to emphasize the relief of the depicted objects. For example, fur wool in an animal, grass, etc.

From theory to practice

Well, when the main points are clarified, we sketch the sketch with a pencil and draw gouache. Masterclass, i.e., a practical lesson, we begin with the preparation of the palette. You will need it. After all, if the colors try to interfere directly on paper, the result will not please you. It will remind a thick layer of plaster, which, having hardly dried, starts to fall off. For beginners, an ordinary plate or a small tray will do. Professionals can acquire a full-fledged instrument. Make color bases, picking up a little paint and connecting it. And paint your sketch. The depth of tones and shades can be added along the way. Light shades apply to the dark when the desired area is dry. Dark can be on damp paper. Work carefully, not hurrying, not smearing - and you will get a good drawing!