10 Key Tips for Stunning Gouache Illustrations

Published on 10 July 2023 8 min read

4. Master the Wet-on-Wet Technique

10. Keep Practicing and Exploring

Embarking on the journey of gouache illustration can be an exciting and enriching experience. As an artist, every new medium you explore adds another dimension to your work. Gouache is a versatile and dynamic medium, capable of creating phenomenal illustrations. In this guide, we'll walk you through ten key tips that can help you make your gouache illustrations absolutely stunning. Let's dive in!

1. Choose Your Gouache Paint

Just like a chef selects the choicest ingredients for their dishes, the gouache paint you choose can significantly influence the outcome of your illustrations. However, with a myriad of brands out there, it can be a bit overwhelming to pick the right one. So, here are some pointers:

Quality over Quantity: While it might be tempting to grab that giant set of budget gouache paints, it's worth investing in a curated selection of high-quality paints. Brands like Winsor & Newton Designers' Gouache or M. Graham Artists' Gouache offer excellent pigmentation and consistency, enhancing your gouache illustration experience.
Colors: Starting with a basic color set—primary colors, black, and white—is a smart move. You'll be surprised by the range of shades you can achieve by mixing these.
Opacity: Gouache paints are known for their opacity, which is perfect for creating layered illustrations. However, some paints might be more transparent than others, so keep an eye out for the opacity level when buying.

Remember, no one gouache paint brand is the "best". It's all about finding the one that matches your style and needs. So, don't be afraid to experiment until you find the right fit.

2. Pick the Right Brushes

Just like a maestro needs the right baton, you need the right brushes to create a masterpiece of a gouache illustration. Brushes come in all shapes, sizes, and bristle types—each suited for a different purpose. Let's simplify this:

Shape: Round brushes are versatile and perfect for beginners. They can create both thin and thick lines, making them ideal for a variety of gouache illustration techniques. On the other hand, flat brushes are great for filling large areas or creating sharp edges.
Size: It's smart to have a range of sizes at your disposal. A good starting point is to have a small, medium, and large brush. This will cover you for detailed work and larger washes.
Bristle Type: Sable or synthetic sable brushes are a top pick for gouache. They hold a good amount of paint and maintain a fine point for detailed work.

Pro tip: Always clean your brushes promptly after you finish your painting session. This will increase their lifespan and keep them in top shape for your next gouache illustration.

3. Select Suitable Paper

Imagine trying to build a sandcastle with dry sand—it just wouldn't work, right? Similarly, not all paper is created equal when it comes to gouache illustration. So, what should you look for?

Weight: Heavier papers, usually 140lb (300gsm) or more, are best for gouache as they can handle the wetness of the paint without warping or buckling.
Texture: Choosing between hot-pressed (smooth) or cold-pressed (rough) paper is more about personal preference. If you enjoy playing with textures in your gouache illustration, a cold-pressed paper could be a fun choice.
Material: Watercolor paper is a popular choice for gouache due to its weight and absorbency. But, did you know that illustration board or canvas can also be an option for more experimental pieces?

Remember, the paper is the stage for your gouache illustrations. Choosing the right one can make your performance a standing ovation affair!

4. Master the Wet-on-Wet Technique

Did you ever notice how the kids in your neighborhood suddenly appear when an ice cream truck rolls around? That's how colors behave in the wet-on-wet technique! They flow freely, blending beautifully and creating stunning effects that add depth to your gouache illustration.

But how do you do it? Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

Wet your brush: Start by dipping your brush in clean water.
Apply water to your paper: Next, use your wet brush to apply water to the area of the paper where you want to paint. It should be damp, not soaking.
Introduce your color: Now, load up your brush with gouache paint and apply it to the wet area. Watch as the color spreads out, creating a dreamy, diffused look.

Voila! You've just completed your first wet-on-wet gouache illustration. This technique can be a bit unpredictable, but that's part of the fun. Who knows, you might end up with a masterpiece that even Picasso would applaud!

5. Experiment with Layers

Remember when you were a kid and built sandcastles? You'd start with a single layer of sand, then add another, and another, until you had a grand castle. Similarly, creating a stunning gouache illustration involves building layers.

But don't just slap on layer after layer. Here are some tips to layer like a pro:

Let it dry: Before you add a new layer, make sure the previous one is completely dry. This prevents your colors from turning into a muddy mess.
Go from dark to light: Unlike watercolors, with gouache you usually start with darker colors and gradually add lighter ones on top. It's like the reverse of flipping pancakes!
Preserve your whites: Unlike acrylics or oils, you can't just paint white over a mistake in gouache. So, be careful with your whites and keep them clean.

Layering might feel like a game of Jenga, where one wrong move could make everything collapse. But with practice, you'll soon be stacking colors like a Michelin-star chef stacks pancakes. Happy layering!

6. Play with Textures

Creating a gouache illustration is quite like baking a cake. Just as you'd add different ingredients to create a unique taste, you add different textures to your painting to make it visually interesting. So let's put on our aprons and start 'baking'!

Here are few tips to help you add textures to your gouache illustrations:

Try different brush strokes: This is the easiest way to create texture. You could use quick, short strokes to mimic fur or long, fluid strokes for a smooth surface. It's like using different utensils for different dishes.
Play with the paint's consistency: Gouache can be used thickly for a more textured effect or diluted for a smoother finish. Think of it like the choice between chunky and smooth peanut butter - both are delicious in their own ways!
Use unconventional tools: Items around your home, like sponges or toothbrushes, can be used to create unique textures. It's like using a cheese grater for lemon zest to add that surprise element!

Remember, the aim is to make your painting as interesting as a three-layered chocolate cake. So go ahead, have fun with textures!

7. Blend Colors Effectively

Blending colors in your gouache illustration is like mixing the right spices for a dish. You don't want one flavor to overpower the others, but everything should come together to create a perfect balance. So, how do we create this 'perfect blend'?

Here are few tips to perfect the art of color blending:

Master the color wheel: Just like a seasoned chef knows what spices complement each other, you should know which colors work well together. A color wheel is your best guide. For instance, colors opposite each other on the wheel create high contrast, while those next to each other create a soothing effect.
Use the right brush: A soft, flat brush is perfect for blending. It's your 'spatula' in the world of gouache illustrations.
Practice wet-into-wet technique: This technique involves adding a second color while the first is still wet. It's like adding ingredients one by one to the mixing bowl while stirring continuously.

Remember, blending is a skill that comes with practice. So don't be disheartened if your first few attempts look more like a scrambled egg than a gourmet dish. Keep trying, and soon your gouache illustrations will be as beautifully blended as a rainbow!

8. Use Light and Shadows

Light and shadows are the salt and pepper of your gouache illustration. They add depth, create drama, and bring your artwork to life. But how does one master the art of using light and shadows? Let's explore!

Understand the light source: Always start by figuring out where your light is coming from. This will help you know where to place the highlights and shadows. Imagine the light source as a flashlight, wherever it points gets the most light.
Shadows are not always black: This is a common misconception. Shadows are usually a darker version of the color they're on. So, if you're painting a red apple, the shadow wouldn't be black, but a darker red.
Use gradients: Transition smoothly from light to dark to create a sense of depth. Just like how the sky at sunset gradually changes from pink to purple to blue.

Remember, using light and shadows effectively in your gouache illustration can truly make your work stand out. It's like the difference between a flat drawing and a 3D masterpiece. So, keep practicing and soon, your illustrations will start to 'pop'!

9. Practice Detailing

Details can make or break a gouache illustration. They're the cherries on top that can turn a good painting into a great one. But how can you get better at detailing? Here are a few tips:

Start with the basics: Before you jump into the complex aspects of detailing, ensure you have a solid understanding of the basic elements of your composition. A house isn't built without a foundation, and your illustration shouldn't be either!
Use the right tools: Fine brushes and precision tools can make a world of difference when adding those minute details. Your fingers might be nimble, but they can't compare to a finely tipped brush for those intricate strokes.
Take your time: Detailing isn't a race. It's about patience and precision. So, take a deep breath, slow down and enjoy the process.

Detailing can seem daunting at first, but don't let that stop you. Rome wasn't built in a day, and your detailing skills won't be either. But with time and practice, you'll be adding those final flourishes with ease. And your gouache illustrations? They'll be nothing short of stunning.

10. Keep Practicing and Exploring

Just like any skill, mastering gouache illustration takes practice. But it's not just about repetition—it's about exploration too. Here's how you can keep your practice fresh and exciting:

Try new techniques: Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Experiment with different styles, tools, and techniques. Who knows? You might discover a whole new approach to gouache illustration that you absolutely love.
Study other artists: Inspiration can come from anywhere, but looking at other artists' work can be particularly enlightening. Notice how they use color, form, and texture. You can learn a lot just from observing.
Challenge yourself: Set personal goals for your gouache illustration journey. Want to create a portrait that looks exactly like your best friend? Or maybe you're aiming for a landscape that captures the magic of your favorite vacation spot. Whatever your goals, chasing them will push you to improve.

Remember: every artist's journey is unique. So, don't compare your progress to anyone else's. Focus on your own growth, and take pride in every step forward. After all, each brushstroke is a reflection of your dedication to the craft of gouache illustration. So, keep practicing, keep exploring—and most importantly, keep creating!

If you're looking to enhance your gouache illustration skills even further, don't miss the workshop 'How to Bring Your Illustrations to Life' by Carolina Vázquez. This workshop will provide you with invaluable techniques and insights on how to make your illustrations truly stand out and captivate your audience.