Gouache
Gouache is a water-based paint with a high pigment load and usually some filler, making it opaque and matte. It is loved by illustrators, designers and animation background painters.
Step by step
- Use paint the consistency of cream — not too thick (it cracks) and not too thin (it streaks).
- Work light over dark or dark over light: because gouache is opaque, you can paint light colours on top.
- Lay flat, even shapes with a soft, flat brush. Gouache excels at graphic, poster-like colour.
- Be aware that values shift as it dries — swatch on scrap paper first and let it dry.
- Layers can reactivate with water. Use a light touch for upper layers so you don't lift the paint underneath. Acrylic gouache does not reactivate once dry.
- Store finished work flat and avoid bending it, as thick layers can crack.
Common mistakes
- Painting too thickly so it cracks.
- Scrubbing over dry layers and lifting them.
- Not testing dry colour before a big flat area.
Practice exercise
Paint a small poster-style landscape with five flat colour shapes, then a still life using only gouache's opacity to add highlights at the end.