Illustrator Leah Goren Explains Gouache vs. Watercolor vs. Acrylic Painting

TL;DR

Gouache is a highly pigmented paint that sits between watercolor and acrylic, offering more opacity and quick drying time.

Transcript

I think I knew how to pronounce the word gouache before I knew how to spell it I still kind of have to think about it if I'm ever typing it out Gio you a CH e cou wash it's not Gao awake it's not GU watch eh it's not go SH wash let's break down the main differences between watercolour gouache and acrylic gouache is a paint that sits between waterco... Read More

Key Insights

• 🔉 Gouache is a versatile medium that combines the characteristics of watercolor and acrylic, offering highly pigmented and opaque colors.
• 👻 Compared to watercolor, gouache is more forgiving for correcting mistakes and allows for multi-layering.
• 💦 Watercolor is more translucent and requires water, while gouache is more vibrant and can be used in a more opaque manner.
• 👨‍🎨 Acrylic gouache offers a velvety, matte finish similar to acrylic paint.
• ✋ The initial investment for gouache is higher due to the need for multiple tubes of paint, but they last a long time.
• ♿ Beginners often start with watercolor due to its affordability and accessibility.
• 👻 Gouache is preferred for more detailed and complex paintings, as it allows for easy layering and corrections.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main differences between watercolor, gouache, and acrylic?

Watercolor is translucent, gouache is more opaque and pigmented, and acrylic gouache has a matte, velvety finish similar to acrylic but with a water-based formula.

Q: Why do beginners often prefer watercolor over gouache?

Watercolor is more affordable and beginner-friendly, as a basic watercolor palette provides all the necessary colors. Gouache requires more tubes of paint, making the initial investment higher.

Q: What advantage does gouache offer in terms of layering and correcting mistakes?

Gouache dries quickly, allowing for easy layering and the ability to cover up mistakes. It is beneficial for creating complex paintings or working in outdoor settings.

Q: How does the addition of more water affect the appearance of gouache?

Adding more water to gouache can create a more loose watercolor-like effect, diluting the opacity and brightness of the paint.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Gouache is a paint that combines the properties of watercolor and acrylic, offering a highly pigmented and opaque finish.

• Watercolor is translucent and requires water for use, while gouache contains more pigment, resulting in brighter and more opaque colors.

• Acrylic gouache is a water-based paint with a velvety finish, resembling acrylic but with a matte appearance.