Fashion Illustration Tutorial: Gouache/Opaque Watercolor

TL;DR

Learn how to use opaque gouache to create textured renderings, especially for darker skin tones, and discover tips on materials and techniques.

Transcript

hey hey party people this video is going to focus on instructions tips and tricks on how to use gouache in an opaque way those of you who follow my channel probably already know that I like to use gouache and I use different amounts of water to manipulate different effects and I will often water it down a lot and use it more like a traditional wate... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧡 Opaque gouache can be used to create a range of texture renderings, such as sequins, beading, embroidery, and chunky knits.
• 💦 Darker skin tones often require opacity to achieve the desired look, making the practice of working with opaque gouache valuable.
• 💦 Experimenting with different gouache brands and brushes can help determine personal preferences for working with opaque gouache.
• 🏮 Paper choice is important, with colored papers often used to make white or light-colored illustrations pop.
• ⚾ Consistency in mixing opaque gouache varies based on the brand and color, and experimentation is necessary to achieve the desired thickness and opacity.
• 🖤 Shadows and highlights in opaque gouache can be created using complementary colors or by using black to deaden the original color.
• 🦔 Softening edges of shadows or leaving clean edges can create different effects in opaque gouache illustrations.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does using opaque gouache differ from using traditional watercolor techniques?

Using opaque gouache involves using the paint without diluting it, which results in a thicker, more opaque appearance compared to the transparent quality of traditional watercolors.

Q: Why is learning to work with opaque gouache important for creating darker skin tones?

Opaque gouache provides the necessary opacity to make darker skin tones look great, as diluting dark colors in watercolor may not achieve the desired effect.

Q: What are some recommended gouache brands for creating opaque illustrations?

Windsor Newton, Nicker, and Holbein are popular brands for opaque gouache. However, experimentation with different brands is encouraged to find personal preferences.

Q: What types of brushes and tools are recommended for working with opaque gouache?

Flatter, shorter hair brushes, such as filbert or flat shader brushes, are preferred for opaque gouache work. Synthetic lint-free wiping cloths and ordinary toothbrushes are also useful for certain techniques.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• This video focuses on using gouache in an opaque way, providing instructions, tips, and tricks for manipulating different effects.

• Working with opaque gouache is a valuable skill for creating various texture renderings, such as sequins, beading, embroidery, and more.

• Using opaque gouache is especially useful for achieving the desired look for darker skin tones in illustrations.