Beginner's Guide to Acrylic Gouache: Tips and Techniques for Stunning Artwork

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 9 min read

Are you new to the world of acrylic gouache and looking for a beginner-friendly guide to help you create stunning artwork? Look no further! This blog will walk you through the basics of acrylic gouache, including the benefits of using it, how to choose the right materials, and various techniques to master this versatile medium. Let's dive in and explore the vibrant world of acrylic gouache together.

Understanding Acrylic Gouache

Before we start experimenting with acrylic gouache, let's get a better understanding of what it is, how it compares to other paints, and the advantages it offers to artists.

What is Acrylic Gouache?

Acrylic gouache is a hybrid paint that combines the best of both worlds: the opacity and matte finish of traditional gouache with the flexibility and water-resistance of acrylics. It's a versatile paint that allows you to create beautiful, vibrant artwork with bold and flat colors. Once dry, acrylic gouache is water-resistant, which means you can layer colors without disturbing the previous layers. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for artists who love to create detailed and intricate paintings.

Acrylic Gouache vs. Watercolor

While both acrylic gouache and watercolor are water-based paints, they have some key differences:

Opacity: Acrylic gouache is more opaque than watercolor, which produces a more vibrant and bold color palette.
Finish: Acrylic gouache dries to a matte finish, while watercolors have a transparent and luminous quality.
Water-resistance: Once dry, acrylic gouache is water-resistant, allowing for easy layering without disturbing previous layers. Watercolors remain soluble even after drying, which can lead to color lifting and bleeding if not handled carefully.

These differences make acrylic gouache an exciting alternative for artists looking to experiment with a new medium that offers unique creative possibilities.

Benefits of Using Acrylic Gouache

Acrylic gouache offers several advantages to artists, including:

Vibrant colors: The high pigment concentration in acrylic gouache produces bold and bright colors that truly pop on the canvas.
Matte finish: The matte finish of acrylic gouache gives your artwork a clean and modern look, perfect for illustrations and graphic designs.
Layering ability: Since acrylic gouache is water-resistant when dry, you can create complex and detailed artwork with ease by layering colors without disturbing the underlying layers.
Quick drying time: Acrylic gouache dries quickly, allowing you to build up layers and complete your artwork in a shorter amount of time.
Flexibility: Acrylic gouache can be mixed with various mediums and used on different surfaces, making it a versatile choice for artists who love to explore different techniques and styles.

With these benefits in mind, it's easy to see why acrylic gouache has become a popular choice among artists looking to create stunning and unique artwork.

Choosing the Right Materials

Now that you have a better understanding of acrylic gouache, it's time to gather the right materials to start creating your masterpiece. In this section, we'll discuss the best acrylic gouache brands, how to select the right brushes, and the types of surfaces that work well with this medium.

Best Acrylic Gouache Brands

When it comes to acrylic gouache, not all brands are created equal. Here are a few reputable brands known for their high-quality and vibrant acrylic gouache paints:

Holbein Acryla Gouache: This Japanese brand is a popular choice among professional artists due to its high pigment concentration and smooth consistency.
Liquitex Professional Acrylic Gouache: Known for their high-quality acrylic paints, Liquitex offers a line of acrylic gouache paints that provide excellent coverage and a smooth, flat finish.
Turner Acryl Gouache: Another Japanese brand, Turner offers a wide range of colors and is known for its quick-drying and highly pigmented paints.

While these brands are highly recommended, feel free to explore other options and find the acrylic gouache that works best for you and your artistic style.

Selecting Brushes

Choosing the right brushes for your acrylic gouache artwork is essential for achieving the desired effects. Here are some tips on selecting brushes:

Synthetic brushes: Synthetic brushes made of nylon or taklon work well with acrylic gouache, as they maintain their shape and provide good paint control.
Variety of sizes and shapes: Invest in a range of brush sizes and shapes, including round, flat, and filbert, to create different strokes and textures in your artwork.
Quality over quantity: Focus on purchasing a few high-quality brushes rather than a large set of low-quality brushes, as they will last longer and provide better results.

Remember to clean your brushes thoroughly after each use to keep them in good condition and extend their lifespan.

Types of Surfaces

Acrylic gouache can be used on various surfaces, but it's essential to choose the right one for your artwork. Here are some surfaces that work well with acrylic gouache:

Watercolor paper: Heavyweight watercolor paper (140lb or higher) is an excellent choice for acrylic gouache, as it can handle the moisture without warping or buckling.
Canvas: Both stretched canvas and canvas panels work well with acrylic gouache, but you may want to apply a layer of gesso first to improve paint adhesion.
Wood panels: Wood panels are another suitable option for acrylic gouache, but make sure to seal the surface with gesso before painting to prevent the paint from soaking into the wood.

Experimenting with different surfaces is a great way to discover new techniques and see how acrylic gouache behaves on various substrates.

Basic Acrylic Gouache Techniques

Armed with the right materials, you're ready to dive into the world of acrylic gouache painting. Let's explore some basic techniques that will help you create stunning artwork, even as a beginner.

Mixing Colors

One of the most important skills to master in acrylic gouache painting is color mixing. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect color combinations:

Start with the basics: Invest in a set of primary colors (red, blue, and yellow), along with white and black, which allows you to create a wide range of hues.
Use a palette: A mixing palette is crucial for blending colors—try using a flat, non-porous surface like a ceramic plate or a plastic palette designed for acrylic paints.
Practice makes perfect: Experiment with different color combinations and ratios to create a wide range of shades and tones. Keep in mind that acrylic gouache dries slightly darker than when it's wet, so allow for color shifts.

With time and practice, you'll develop an intuitive sense of color mixing, making it easier to create the perfect shades for your artwork.

Layering

Layering is a fundamental technique in acrylic gouache painting that allows you to build depth, texture, and dimension in your artwork. Here's how to approach layering with acrylic gouache:

Start with thin layers: Begin with a thin, diluted layer of paint, and gradually build up the opacity by adding more layers. This technique allows for better control and avoids a muddy appearance.
Allow drying time between layers: Acrylic gouache dries quickly, but it's essential to ensure each layer is completely dry before applying the next one to prevent lifting or smudging of the underlying paint.
Experiment with transparency: By varying the transparency of your layers, you can create exciting visual effects, such as glazing or subtle color blending.

Remember, patience is key when it comes to layering. Take your time and enjoy the process of building up your artwork step by step.

Blending

Blending is a technique used to create smooth transitions between colors and tones in your artwork. Here are some tips for successful blending with acrylic gouache:

Work quickly: Acrylic gouache dries fast, so it's essential to work quickly when blending colors. Have your colors pre-mixed and brushes ready to go before you start.
Use a damp brush: A slightly damp brush can help facilitate the blending process. However, avoid using too much water, as it can dilute the paint and compromise its opacity.
Practice different techniques: There are various blending methods, such as wet-on-wet (applying wet paint over wet paint) and wet-on-dry (applying wet paint over dry paint). Experiment with these techniques to discover which one works best for your style and desired effect.

Blending can be challenging at first, but with practice, you'll soon be able to create seamless transitions and stunning effects in your acrylic gouache artwork.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Once you've mastered the basics of acrylic gouache painting, you may be eager to explore new techniques and push the boundaries of your creativity. Here are some advanced tips and tricks to elevate your artwork to the next level.

Using Mediums

Mediums are additives that can alter the properties of acrylic gouache, allowing for more versatility and experimentation in your artwork. Consider the following options:

Gloss medium: Adding a gloss medium to your paint can enhance the vibrancy of your colors, creating a more luminous finish.
Matte medium: A matte medium can help you achieve a more subtle, flat finish, which is often desired in acrylic gouache paintings.
Retarder: A retarder slows down the drying time of the paint, giving you more time to blend colors and work on intricate details.

When using mediums, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for mixing ratios, and experiment with different combinations to find the perfect balance for your artwork.

Creating Texture

Texture can add depth and interest to your acrylic gouache paintings. Here are some techniques to help you create a variety of textures:

Impasto: Apply thick layers of paint to your surface using a palette knife or a stiff brush, creating a three-dimensional effect and adding depth to your artwork.
Stippling: Use a dry brush or sponge to dab paint onto the surface, creating a textured, speckled appearance. This technique works particularly well for depicting natural textures such as foliage or sand.
Sgraffito: Scratch or carve into a wet layer of paint to reveal the color beneath, creating intricate patterns and textures in your artwork.

Experiment with these techniques and others to discover your unique style and texture preferences in acrylic gouache painting.

Incorporating Mixed Media

Acrylic gouache is a versatile medium that can be combined with other art materials, opening up a world of creative possibilities. Here are some ideas for incorporating mixed media into your artwork:

Collage: Incorporate paper, fabric, or other materials into your acrylic gouache paintings to create depth and visual interest.
Pastels or charcoal: Enhance your artwork with details and shading by using pastels or charcoal alongside acrylic gouache, adding another layer of dimension to your piece.
Ink: Use ink to create bold lines or intricate patterns that complement your acrylic gouache painting. Experiment with different types of ink, such as waterproof or alcohol-based, for various effects.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box and explore new combinations of materials in your acrylic gouache artwork. The possibilities are truly endless!

Inspiration and Resources

As you continue your journey with acrylic gouache, it's essential to stay inspired and keep learning new techniques. Here are some resources to help you find inspiration and develop your skills:

Acrylic Gouache Artists

Discovering the work of other artists can be a great source of inspiration. Here are a few well-known acrylic gouache artists whose work you can study and learn from:

James Gurney: Known for his detailed illustrations and his book series Dinotopia, Gurney often uses acrylic gouache in his artwork.
Yuko Shimizu: A Japanese illustrator and instructor based in New York City, Shimizu creates stunning artwork using acrylic gouache, often combined with ink.
Michael Shapcott: A contemporary artist specializing in portraiture, Shapcott frequently incorporates acrylic gouache into his mixed-media works.

By studying the work of these artists and others, you can gain valuable insights into different techniques and styles in acrylic gouache painting.

Online Tutorials

There's no shortage of online tutorials and courses to help you hone your acrylic gouache skills. Platforms like YouTube and Skillshare offer a wealth of lessons, ranging from beginner to advanced techniques. Some popular acrylic gouache tutorial channels include:

Teoh Yi Chie: An accomplished artist, Teoh shares tutorials on various art mediums, including acrylic gouache, with a focus on urban sketching.
Marco Bucci: An illustrator and concept artist, Bucci offers in-depth tutorials on acrylic gouache techniques, color theory, and more.
Tiffany M: Tiffany's channel features tutorials and time-lapse videos, showcasing her process and techniques in acrylic gouache painting.

Be sure to explore different tutorials and courses to find the learning style that works best for you.

Art Galleries and Museums

Visiting art galleries and museums can provide a wealth of inspiration and expose you to various styles and techniques in acrylic gouache painting. Look for local galleries and museums that feature contemporary art, as they are more likely to display works created with acrylic gouache. Additionally, attending art workshops and events can provide opportunities to learn from other artists and expand your knowledge of acrylic gouache.

By continually seeking inspiration and expanding your skills, you can ensure a fulfilling and successful journey with acrylic gouache painting. Remember, practice makes perfect—so keep experimenting, learning, and creating stunning artwork!

If you're passionate about acrylic painting and want to take your skills to the next level, don't miss the workshop 'Improve Your Acrylic Painting Skills' by Rachel Christopoulos. This workshop will provide you with valuable tips and techniques to help you create stunning acrylic masterpieces and elevate your artistic abilities.