Marko asks:
"I just wanted to ask you about painting process when combining watercolor and gouache. Is there some procedure, or the right way to paint gouache over watercolor, or I just switch to gouache? Is it OK to do first layers with watercolor (like underpainting) and then, if it is that simple, to paint over that with gouache? Also is it possible to do glazes with watercolor over gouache? To twist the procedure?
Marko, First off, there's no right way or wrong way to combine watercolor and gouache. But you don't really need to switch between them.
It might help to think of gouache as a very close cousin of watercolor. In fact, gouache IS watercolor—if you use it without white.
That's because, compared to the days of "designer colors," nowadays, most modern manufacturers don't add much in the way of opacifiers to their paint, but instead give you a lot of pure pigment. Likewise, watercolor essentially becomes gouache when you add white to it.
So in terms of procedure, you can start your painting with gouache used transparently and gradually bring in opacity with thicker paint and more white as you need it. That's what I did in this painting, for example.
(Link to video on YouTube)
Regarding your question about doing watercolor glazes over gouache: It is theoretically possible if:
a) The layer of gouache is absolutely dry.
b) The glaze isn't too wet.
and c) You lay it down in one stroke with absolutely no additional touching.
If you tend to be someone who noodles around with a glaze after laying it down, you'll lift previous layers. If that's a problem, you can use an acrylic gouache, which will has an acrylic binder, and will seal between layers.
I would suggest painting a still-life object using black gouache alone, using water to thin it for your lighter tones. Then try painting the same thing with black and white mixed for the gray tones. Try this test and see what happens. You'll learn a lot.
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Gouache Ingredients: Info from Manufacturers
Gouache: Tubes or Pans?
Gouache Insights from Caran d'Ache
Materials:
Jack Richeson Watermedia Pocket Plein Air Brush Set
Pentalic Aqua Journal
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Holbein gouache
Schmincke watercolor
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Marko, First off, there's no right way or wrong way to combine watercolor and gouache. But you don't really need to switch between them.
It might help to think of gouache as a very close cousin of watercolor. In fact, gouache IS watercolor—if you use it without white.
That's because, compared to the days of "designer colors," nowadays, most modern manufacturers don't add much in the way of opacifiers to their paint, but instead give you a lot of pure pigment. Likewise, watercolor essentially becomes gouache when you add white to it.
So in terms of procedure, you can start your painting with gouache used transparently and gradually bring in opacity with thicker paint and more white as you need it. That's what I did in this painting, for example.
Regarding your question about doing watercolor glazes over gouache: It is theoretically possible if:
a) The layer of gouache is absolutely dry.
b) The glaze isn't too wet.
and c) You lay it down in one stroke with absolutely no additional touching.
If you tend to be someone who noodles around with a glaze after laying it down, you'll lift previous layers. If that's a problem, you can use an acrylic gouache, which will has an acrylic binder, and will seal between layers.
I would suggest painting a still-life object using black gouache alone, using water to thin it for your lighter tones. Then try painting the same thing with black and white mixed for the gray tones. Try this test and see what happens. You'll learn a lot.
----
Previous Related Posts
Gouache Ingredients: Info from Manufacturers
Gouache: Tubes or Pans?
Gouache Insights from Caran d'Ache
Materials:
Jack Richeson Watermedia Pocket Plein Air Brush Set
Pentalic Aqua Journal
How to Make a Sketch Easel
Holbein gouache
Schmincke watercolor
PDF of Recommended Gouache Materials
