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Gouache vs watercolour: which to learn first

Video: “Watercolour vs Acrylic: Which is Best for Beginners? 🎨” by Cally Lawson on YouTube.

Gouache vs Watercolour: Which to Learn First

Choosing between gouache and watercolour can be a bit daunting for beginners. Both mediums have their unique qualities and challenges, but understanding their differences will help you decide which one to learn first. In this tutorial, we’ll explore what you’ll need, key techniques for each medium, common beginner mistakes, and wrap up with some encouragement to start your artistic journey.

What You’ll Need

Before diving into the techniques, let’s gather the necessary materials for both gouache and watercolour:

• For Gouache:
  • Gouache paints (a basic set will do)
  • Acrylic or watercolour brushes (round and flat)
  • Water container
  • Palette for mixing colours
  • Watercolour paper or mixed media paper
  • Paper towels or a cloth for cleaning brushes
• For Watercolour:
  • Watercolour paints (tube or pan)
  • Watercolour brushes (soft bristle brushes work best)
  • Water container
  • Watercolour palette
  • Watercolour paper (preferably 300gsm)
  • Masking tape (optional, for securing paper)

Key Techniques Step by Step

Now let’s go through some essential techniques for both gouache and watercolour.

Gouache Techniques

• Layering: Begin by applying a base layer of gouache. Allow it to dry before adding more layers. This creates depth and vibrancy.
• Wet-on-Wet: Start with a wet brush and apply gouache onto wet paint. This technique allows colours to blend beautifully.
• Dry Brush: Using a dry brush with minimal paint, lightly drag the brush across the paper for texture effects.
• Opaqueness: Gouache is known for its opaque qualities. Use this to your advantage by painting over mistakes or adding highlights.

Watercolour Techniques

• Wet-on-Dry: Apply wet paint onto dry paper for sharper edges and defined shapes.
• Wet-on-Wet: Similar to gouache, apply paint on wet paper to create soft, diffused effects.
• Glazing: After a layer has dried, apply a transparent wash of colour over it. This adds depth without losing the original layer.
• Lifting Off: While the paint is still wet, use a clean, damp brush to lift off paint for highlights or corrections.

Common Beginner Mistakes

As you start experimenting with gouache and watercolour, here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using the wrong paper: Watercolour requires specific paper to handle the water. Gouache can be used on various surfaces, but watercolour paper is best for both.
• Not using enough water: For watercolour, beginners often use too little water, resulting in dry, chalky paint. For gouache, find the right balance between water and pigment for desired opacity.
• Overworking the paint: Layering is essential, but overworking can lead to muddy colours. Allow each layer to dry before applying more.
• Skipping the sketch: Beginners may jump in without a sketch. A light pencil sketch can help guide your painting and improve composition.

Encouraging Wrap-Up

Deciding between gouache and watercolour ultimately depends on your artistic goals and preferences. Gouache offers vibrant colours and opacity, making it great for bold artworks, while watercolour provides a delicate, fluid quality perfect for landscapes and soft illustrations.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with both mediums. Each has its unique charm, and learning either will enhance your skills and creativity. Remember, every artist starts as a beginner, and the most important thing is to enjoy the process of creating. So grab your supplies, get inspired, and start painting!