Why I Love Gouache

[Devoted 2Art]

Why do I love gouache? Because it is so versatile & works so well on so many surfaces and with other media. The mixed media technique I use was an experiment I devoted a good portion of the 80's to. I am self-taught and used any media I could to get the results I wanted. 1993 to 2010 was spent working and dealing with life so there was little or no time for art. I've been back at it for about two years now focusing mostly on acrylic painting & new gouache experiments. Here are some examples of my older work created with gouache and whatever else that worked at the time.


'Rustic Church' Gouache, Pastel on drafting film (approx. 8.5" X 6.25")


"Whoooaaaa" Gouache on rough watercolor paper. 12" X 16"
(Found this photo in an old Arizona Highways magazine.)


"Tranquility" Gouache / Pastel on drafting film (approx. 3" X 3.5")


"Canyon" Gouache/ Pastel on drafting film (approx 2.75" X 4")


"Rockwell Christmas" Gouache / Pastel on drafting film (Approx. 4" X 4.5")
(This was a Norman Rockwell painting I turned into a miniature.)


"Decoy" Gouache, Pencil, Pastel on drafting film. (Approx 6.5" X 5.25")

Though most of these are copied from photos or other artwork, they are a good examples of the beauty that can be created with this medium. I'll post some of my new experiments soon as I work out the bugs .

Thanks for looking ... C & C welcome.
John

[kadon]

These are lovely! Newver tried gouche but am thinking of giving it a try.

[Deborah Secor]

John, these are all very nice paintings and your combination of media is fascinating. I've done pastels on drafting film--a neat surface for them--but never thought of using gouache on it. I used pastel over gouache for a bit, but finally succumbed to the charms of gouache alone.

I look forward to seeing what you're painting these days. If it's gouache (or mostly gouache) come join us on the Gouache Corner over in the Watercolor Studio.

[Devoted 2Art]

Kadon - Thank You! Gouache has become my favorite medium to work with and I'm sure you'll enjoy it if you try it.

Deborah - Thank you for the comments. Drafting film is such a great surface for almost all mediums. Since I was using double mat - a lot of the pastel was smudged on the back side of the film and the gouache painted on front. This It really gives the work a 3D effect when viewing the actual piece. Thank you for the invite to GC - I prowl that forum often & I'll sure contribute when I get something together.
John

[BettiePage]

Beautiful work there! I like youre cartoonish work as much as the landscapes. Never used gouache, but i think it's a great media, i should give it a try..

[Vivien Maloney]

Wonderful work here John! Do join us on the "Gouache Corner".

[Fidgement]

John, those are brilliant. I have a whole roll of drafting vellum sitting here since 1989. I guess I should try it sometime. Very well done!

Helen

[Devoted 2Art]

BettiePage! Thank You! I appreciate your comments. Gouache is incredible. I love using it and testing it on different papers & surfaces. You'll have a lot of fun with gouache if you try it.

Viv! Thank You! I have posted a bit in Gouache Corner recently & will add more when I'm able to find the time. Been a bit overwhelmed lately.

Helen! Thank You! Just to be clear - these are on "Drafting Film" - not vellum. It is a polyester film used to reproduce crisp, clean blueprints. I've tried gouache on vellum without much success - It applies really nice but the paper bubbles & I haven't been successful at flattening it out. I've found colored pencil, pastel (applied like Pan Pastel) & ink work really well on vellum).

-John