Gouache

debbi_carr · #1 07-12-2003, 11:47 AM

well, i didn't really know where to go to get tips on using gouache...rose queen recommended this forum. This is my first and only painting (i usually draw) so it's all i have to show for now. I just got finished about a week ago. I decided to experiment with gouache first so that's what this painting is...gouahce on canvas. That's one of my main questions...is it recommended to use gouache on canvas. i had a couple dribbling/ runny incidents throughout but this is the finished product. I cropped a little too much after i took the photo of the painting sorry. This post is getting too long but since I finished this painting i tried to use gouache on canvas again to try my hand at a landscape and it's not coming out well at all. i don't even think i know how to really hold the brush! help.

Bill J · #2 07-12-2003, 12:51 PM

nice picture--I can't answer you questions but if you don't get an answer here e mail surreal and she can help you.

bill

**pampe** · #3 07-12-2003, 02:03 PM

I have used gouache on paper and I know others do also.

This is a wonderful portrait.

What exactly are you asking?

Pam

lyn lynch · #4 07-12-2003, 02:04 PM

A few in this forum work w/Gouache, but I don't. I think of it more as an acrylic myself so would work it in that manner. I don't see what help you are needing anyway as the portrait looks good to me. You might try using the search button for "gouache".

debbi_carr · #5 07-12-2003, 02:28 PM

i wanted to know if people generally use gouache on canvas or if it is better used on another surface...? I used it on canvas because i didn't know when i started it what the difference was between gouache and acrylic...i basically would like to know if i am selling the medium short by using it on the wrong type of surface. Also, can water colours be used on canvas?

debbi_carr · #6 07-12-2003, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fookie
A few in this forum work w/Gouache, but I don't. I think of it more as an acrylic myself so would work it in that manner. I don't see what help you are needing anyway as the portrait looks good to me. You might try using the search button for "gouache".

and fookie! thanks for suggesting the search button...i didn't think of that!

debbi_carr · #7 07-12-2003, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pampe
I have used gouache on paper and I know others do also.

This is a wonderful portrait.

What exactly are you asking?

Pam

Pam i also want to know if there is a good starting point for painting landscapes that i could try? in gouache that is. By starting point i mean, is there a common technique people begin with after they've designed it...like say painting the trees but with no form really and then going in and adding detail after...which by the way i tried and it flopped. I know i'm being a slight nuisance but maybe you could humour me just a little bit...?

Carol Lois · #8 07-12-2003, 02:59 PM

About instruction in gouache. (This is going to be very vague, but I'd like to help.) I checked a watercolor instruction video tape out at my public library about 5 years ago. One of the paintings demonstrated was in gouache. So by coming to the watercolor section, I think you are in the right place.
The painter used it in landscapes, to be able to work from dark to light, as a change from transparent watercolor. I'm sorry I can't remember his name. But you might find videos on the subject yourself either at your library or art supply store.
Just found the best resource I have, which is the book: The Encyclopedia of Watercolor Techniques, 2nd edition, by Hazel Harrison,1999, Philadelphia & London, Running Press. On about 40 different pages in it the use of gouache is treated.
It's going to be a real search for you. Good luck!
Carol Lois

debbi_carr · #9 07-12-2003, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Carol Lois
About instruction in gouache. (This is going to be very vague, but I'd like to help.) I checked a watercolor instruction video tape out at my public library about 5 years ago. One of the paintings demonstrated was in gouache. So by coming to the watercolor section, I think you are in the right place.
The painter used it in landscapes, to be able to work from dark to light, as a change from transparent watercolor. I'm sorry I can't remember his name. But you might find videos on the subject yourself either at your library or art supply store.
Just found the best resource I have, which is the book: The Encyclopedia of Watercolor Techniques, 2nd edition, by Hazel Harrison,1999, Philadelphia & London, Running Press. On about 40 different pages in it the use of gouache is treated.
It's going to be a real search for you. Good luck!
Carol Lois

Oh my Gosh Carol thank you so much!

**pampe** · #10 07-12-2003, 03:25 PM

oops....just sold that book.....

anyway....check surreal's work and keep searching here...you will find what you need

Pam

**Alan Cross** · #11 07-12-2003, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by debbi_carr
well, i didn't really know where to go to get tips on using gouache...rose queen recommended this forum. This is my first and only painting (i usually draw) so it's all i have to show for now. I just got finished about a week ago. I decided to experiment with gouache first so that's what this painting is...gouahce on canvas. That's one of my main questions...is it recommended to use gouache on canvas. i had a couple dribbling/ runny incidents throughout but this is the finished product. I cropped a little too much after i took the photo of the painting sorry. This post is getting too long but since I finished this painting i tried to use gouache on canvas again to try my hand at a landscape and it's not coming out well at all. i don't even think i know how to really hold the brush! help.

Debbi I don't think you need much help you did great and this is a waterbased medium so it fits right in here , the only thing is I have never heard of anyone painting on canvas....all the ones I have seen have being on paper....give that a try and good luck.
Alan

**painterbear** · #12 07-12-2003, 04:17 PM

Hi Debbi,

I think you may be having trouble with the gouache because you are using canvas as a support rather than paper. In the watercolor books I have been borrowing from the library, gouache is defined as "opaque watercolor." In other words, they start with transparent watercolor paints and add something that makes them become opaque. They can be used in the same painting as transparent watercolors without a clash.

If you can get hold of a sheet of watercolor paper (140 lb or 300 lb), try them on that and see if it works better for you.

Your portrait of the young man is very well painted. Hope to see more of your paintings in the future.

Sylvielu · #13 07-12-2003, 05:30 PM

That's the first thing I was thinking as others have said I have never did gouache on canvas, only paper. Gouache is waterbased. If you are used to working on canvas you might try gouache on watercolor board or clayboard made for watercolor or maybe even 300lb paper.

surreal · #14 07-12-2003, 06:39 PM

Hi Debbie,

It's a really nice portrait!

I wouldn't work on it any further, since I don't think the image will last very long on the canvas structure.

I really look forward to seeing more of your work!!!

I am glad you contacted me.

debbi_carr · #15 07-12-2003, 09:34 PM

thanks Nina ansd Sylvi! so the lesson for the day is 'no gouache on canvas'. i have this landscape i am trying to do in gouache that i alreasy started on canvas before i got your helpful replies. The difference is that with this one i used this acrylic medium that increases the absorbency of canvas. it's made for acrylic paint but i used it. was that a bad idea too?

landscapes i think are much harder than they appear to paint...so this in itself is making me want to give up on this landscapr project. when i get back to school in chicago next week i'll upload it and hopefully you guys can tell me what i'm doing wrong (a part from the using canvas *oopsie*). thanks so much again

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