Let's Explore Gouache

Explore using gouache in this 5-week mini-course!

Gouache is one of the most versatile and fun painting mediums that seems to be becoming more and more popular in recent years.  Gouache (pronounced gwash) is an opaque water-based medium that allows one to work from dark to light, which makes a lot of sense to oil painters. However, it’s much less messy and can be easily used for preparatory studies, plein air work, travel, and more. Watercolorists appreciate the opaque quality of gouache and many have added this medium to their arsenal.   

In this course, we will learn how to use gouache by exploring the ins-and-outs of this medium.  Topics will include the pros and cons of wet vs dry painting, surface exploration, edges, tiling, color and color mixing, paint consistency, palette options, supplies, and more.  We will focus on creating a variety of small paintings as we learn how to paint with gouache.

This course is a continuation of the lessons we covered last fall.  Beginners are welcome to join and will be given some beginning lessons before jumping into more complex paintings.  

SUPPLY LIST:

Gouache Paint

Utrecht Artists' Gouache - Foundation Set of 8, 14 ml tubes 

(includes:  The set contains eight 14 ml (0.47 oz) tubes, including Cadmium Lemon, Brilliant Yellow, Rose Tyrien, Flame Red, Turquoise Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Permanent White, and Ivory Black.)

An extra tube of Permanent White (37 ml large tube preferred)

Alternatively, you can purchase gouache paints individually.  Recommended brands include: Holbein. M Graham, Winsor Newton, Blicks, and Utrecht.  

DO NOT PURCHASE ACRYLIC GOUACHE. 

Brushes

Synthetic brushes for watercolor/acrylic are good choices.  If you already have a selection of brushes, bring them to class.  If you don’t, a good brand is Princeton Umbria Short Handle.  (Flat Size 12, Flat Size 6, Round Size 6, Round Size 2)

Palette

In the beginning, we will focus on using a “wet technique”.  You will need some sort of disposable palette (9x12) or a flat palette surface (butcher tray).  If you already own a stay-wet palette, bring it to class.  

Do not purchase a travel palette. However, we will discuss the pros and cons of using a travel palette.  If you choose this option at a later date, a good palette is: Transon Paint Storage Palette Box 24 Wells Airtight Stay Wet for Watercolor, Gouache, Acrylic and Oil Paint.  You can purchase this palette on Amazon. 

Paper

We will experiment with different papers, including:  Arches cold and hot press, Bristol, student grade papers, to name a few.  If you have art paper that is 140#, bring it to class.  If you don’t own any paper, purchase a student grade pad of watercolor paper.  Recommended paper:   

Bee Paper, 9x12” Watercolor Paper Pad (50 sheets).  About $11.00 at most Walmarts or at Walmart.com.

Strathmore 400 series, Mixed Media is also a good choice.  

Other supplies

About a 12 x 16 size rigid board or foam core to hold your paper

Masking Tape  (Scotch brand painter’s tape for delicate surfaces)

Pencil or charcoal for sketching 

Small water spray bottle

Paper towels or cotton rags

Water container (not needed for class)

LOCATION:

Visual Art Institute 2900 S 300 W, South Salt Lake, Utah

INSTRUCTOR:

This class is taught by Barbara Kidd. Learn more about our instructors at https://www.visualartinstitute.org/art-faculty

DROP-INS:

This class IS open for drop-in students. All students (registered and drop-ins) must bring their own supplies. If you want to be able to drop-in to more classes, please consider getting one of our flex passes.

REFUND POLICY:

We are only able to offer refunds up to 2 weeks before the start of class. We do not offer refunds or credits or make up classes to students who miss class.

TRANSFER POLICY:

We may be able to transfer you to a different class depending on space availability.

CLASS CANCELLATION:

We find that students learn better in larger groups. If we feel the number of registrations is too low to promote a good learning environment, we may cancel the class. In the event we cancel a class, we will reach out to you as soon as possible to come to a solution.

TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

We try to make our classes as accessible to everyone as possible. We are able to offer a limited number of tuition assistance scholarships each term. You can complete an application on our website or call our office for assistance applying.

MULTI-CLASS DISCOUNT:

When you register for more than one class, you can receive a discount up to 10% per class!

ADA ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATIONS:

Our classrooms are ADA accessible. Some courses may involve tasks or activities that may be difficult for individuals with limited strength, difficulty bending over, and sitting or standing for long periods of time. We are happy to work with students to find solutions to make their experience positive and doable. For example, wheel throwing takes arm strength and bending over the wheel. Students may work on hand-building projects instead of throwing. Please reach out to our office to discuss your needs.

DIFFICULTY REGISTERING?

Please call our main office for assistance! 801.474.3796

Feel free to email me if you have any questions or concerns.  [email protected]