5 Easy Tips for Gouache Painting Beginners

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Entering into the vibrant world of gouache painting can be both exciting and a little daunting. But fear not, this beginner-friendly guide will walk you through five easy steps to get your gouache painting journey started. With these easy gouache painting tips, you'll be creating your own masterpieces in no time.

1. Get Started With The Right Materials

Before you begin, it's key to gather the right materials. Having the appropriate tools can make all the difference in your easy gouache painting experience. Let's break it down:

Choosing The Right Gouache Paint

Here, the saying "all that glitters is not gold" holds true. A fancy, expensive paint set isn't always the best starting point. Instead, opt for a simple, high-quality gouache paint set. Brands like Winsor & Newton and Reeves offer great beginner sets. These paints offer vibrant colors and good consistency, which are perfect for easy gouache painting.

Brushes and Other Supplies

Next on the list are brushes and other supplies. A variety of brushes—flat, round, or filbert—will offer flexibility in your painting. Synthetic brushes are a good choice for beginners due to their durability and lower cost. You'll also need a palette for mixing colors, a palette knife, and absorbent paper or canvas for painting. Remember, it's not just about having tools, but about understanding their use in your artistic journey.

Setting Up Your Painting Space

Lastly, creating a comfortable and inspiring painting space is essential. Designate an area in your home where you can paint undisturbed. Natural lighting is ideal, but if that's not possible, ensure your space has good artificial lighting. A well-organized space—with your paints, brushes, and other supplies within easy reach—will make your easy gouache painting journey even smoother.

2. Learn to Mix Colors

Knowing how to mix colors is a fundamental skill in gouache painting. It helps you expand your color palette beyond the basic colors in your paint set. Let's look at some easy ways to understand and apply color mixing in your gouache painting.

Understanding Color Theory

Color theory is the science behind colors and how they interact with each other. At its core, there are three primary colors—red, yellow, and blue. By mixing these, you can create secondary colors. For example, mixing red and yellow gives you orange. The color wheel is a great tool to visualize these relationships. It's like a map guiding you through the exciting journey of color exploration.

Practical Color Mixing

Now, let's put color theory into practice. Start with simple exercises, like mixing equal parts of two primary colors to create a secondary color. Experiment with different ratios to create variations. Remember, it's okay to make "mistakes" — sometimes, the most beautiful shades come from unexpected combinations!

Experimenting with Colors

Don't be afraid to play with colors. Try mixing complementary colors (colors opposite each other on the color wheel) to create neutral tones. Also, see how adding white or black paint affects a color. These experiments will not only help you understand color better but also add depth to your gouache paintings. After all, in the world of easy gouache painting, curiosity didn't kill the cat; it made it a better artist!

3. Master Basic Painting Techniques

As with any art form, mastering the basics in gouache painting is key. And don't worry — it's not as daunting as it sounds. With a bit of practice, you'll be painting like a pro. Here are some fundamental techniques to get you started on your easy gouache painting journey.

Wet on Wet Technique

This technique involves applying wet paint onto a wet surface. It can create beautiful, soft blends which are perfect for skies or backgrounds. How do you do it? First, wet your paper with clean water. Then, while it's still wet, apply your gouache paint. Watch as the colors flow into each other, creating natural gradients and transitions.

Wet on Dry Technique

Contrary to the wet-on-wet, the wet-on-dry technique is all about applying wet paint onto a dry surface. This allows for more control and precision, making it great for detailed work. To try it out, simply let your first layer of paint dry completely before adding more paint on top. It's as simple as that, and the results can be stunning.

Layering Technique

Layering is a key aspect of gouache painting. You can build up layers of colors to achieve depth and complexity in your artwork. Start with your lighter colors and gradually add darker layers. Remember, patience is the name of the game here — let each layer dry before adding the next. With this technique, your easy gouache painting will start to come to life, one layer at a time.

4. Practice Regularly

Just like learning a new language or playing an instrument, painting with gouache requires regular practice. It's all about consistency, as this will help you become more comfortable and confident with your painting skills. So, how do you incorporate painting into your daily routine? Here are a few tips to guide you.

Set a Painting Schedule

Setting a schedule not only gives you a regular painting time but also helps develop your painting discipline. It could be every morning after breakfast or every evening before bedtime — choose a time that suits you best. The goal here isn't to create a masterpiece each time, but to get comfortable with the medium and enjoy the process of easy gouache painting.

Create a Painting Journal

Ever thought of keeping a visual diary? A painting journal can be a great way to track your progress and experiment with different styles or techniques. Whether it's a quick sketch or a detailed painting, jotting down your thoughts and reflections can provide valuable insights into your artistic journey. Plus, it's always fun to look back on your earlier works and see how far you've come.

Join a Local Art Group

Joining a local art group can be a great way to stay motivated and inspired. When you're surrounded by like-minded individuals, it becomes easier to stick to your painting schedule. Plus, it's a fantastic opportunity to learn from others, share your work, and receive constructive feedback. You might even make some new friends who share your love for easy gouache painting!

5. Seek Feedback and Improve

The journey of artistry doesn't end at creating beautiful pieces, it extends to constant improvement and growth. And one of the best ways to do this is by seeking feedback on your work. Here are some tips on how you can use feedback to enhance your easy gouache painting skills.

Learn to Critique Your Own Work

Being able to assess your own work honestly is a skill every artist should develop. Start by stepping back and looking at your painting from a distance. What do you see? Which parts do you like, and which areas need improvement? Are the colors working well together? Remember, this isn't about being hard on yourself but about learning and growing. It's about acknowledging the good and working on the not-so-good to create better easy gouache paintings.

Get Feedback from Others

While self-assessment is crucial, getting an external perspective can be equally beneficial. Share your work with family, friends, or your art group, and ask them for their honest opinions. Constructive criticism can provide new insights, and you might discover things about your work that you didn't notice before. But remember, while feedback is important, it's your vision that matters most in your art journey.

Attend Art Workshops

Art workshops offer an invaluable opportunity to learn from experienced artists and get hands-on practice. You'll not only get the chance to improve your technique but also receive direct feedback on your work. Plus, workshops are a great place to meet fellow artists, discuss ideas, and find inspiration for your next easy gouache painting. So, keep an eye out for any workshops happening in your city or state.

If you're just starting out with gouache painting and looking for ways to improve your skills, check out the workshop 'Improve Your Acrylic Painting Skills' by Rachel Christopoulos. Although focused on acrylic painting, the techniques and tips shared in this workshop can also be applied to gouache painting, helping you master your new artistic passion.