So I tried Gouache for the first time!!!Â
I was super excited for the set to arrive and when it did, I gave it a try. I made two small artwork with them, and in short I loved it. I was dying to try gouache for quite sometime, and yes, I am happy that I did so.
My Art journey has been more about self exploration rather than the skill. I started pursuing art in 2019, but got serious about it only this year. Being entirely self taught with zero art experience as a child, I had my own share of not feeling good enough looking at other people's artwork. I had started to become doubtful about my deep belief that I was most definitely born to create art, was indeed true or not. I stopped creating altogether. But as it is said, it often gets darkest before the dawn. One day I had a beautiful experience. I felt a pull towards my work desk. I sat there, picked up my acrylic paper, paints and brush and painted the most beautiful sunflower I had seen. It came straight from within. No tutorials, no reference picture. I gave myself a couple of days more to work on the piece till I felt there was nothing more left to be done with it. Miraculously, as if the Universe approved, it got sold immediately I shared it in my social media handles. That day onwards, things have been different. The creative flow has become smoother, I do not force myself to create if it doesn't flow naturally,, and I am okay with that. I can now draw from imagination, intuitively. Ironically, when I had started calling myself an intuitive artist, I was not so sure if at all I was intuitive or not. My daily prayers, affirmations, meditations, rituals, and most importantly, growing my desire to create artwork authentic to me, have helped me gain the clarity about embodying my Artist Self.
Coming back to my first experience with Gouache...Gouache is basically a watercolour medium only that it has a higher opacity and thicker consistency. When a layer of watercolor is applied, the white paper and any preliminary drawings underneath will show through, whereas when a layer of gouache is applied, the paper will not show through nearly as much, as it has a super matte finish. Gouache is an absolute favourite for illustrators.
Below
Here are my views below -
1) Loved the feel of gouache. The creamy texture feels nice and easy to apply.
2) Can be mixed with water for a more watercoloury effect, however, I would say don't add too much as the true nature of gouache would be gone.
3) Opacity - Simply wonderful. Treat it like watercolour though, wait for sometime for the lower layer to dry before applying another layer on top.
4) In my opinion, owing to the dense texture, better to use mixed media paper, or if using watercolour paper, then use a minimum of 300 gsm.
Below are the links to the materials that I have used in the above video. When you purchase anything from any of these links, I would receive a small commission for the same. This helps me continue the work that I do and support my website.
Here's the list -Â
Brustro Artists Gouache Colour Set of 24 Colours X 12ML Tubes
https://amzn.to/3AZiC9F
Brustro Artists Watercolour Paper, 200 GSM, A5-25% Cotton, Cold Pressed, 24 + 6 Sheets Free
https://amzn.to/3zSHui8
Brustro Artists Watercolour Paper 25% Hot Pressed 300 GSM -50 Sheets. Size 10 cm X 14 cm
https://amzn.to/3upUJWa
Art Pavilion The Pingaksho | Flat Matte Black Taklon Brush Set | 7 Pieces | for Hobby & School
https://amzn.to/3AZjg75
You could also try Canson Montval cold pressed paper, I have recently started using it, and I think it's awesome.
Canson Montval 300 GSM A5 size watercolor paper
https://amzn.to/3olvqUw
My journey of self exploration through Art has been one with extraordinary learnings, realizations, and adopting new beliefs. I love being absolutely myself in whatever work I do. Yes, I think all artists would agree, though at times, it does feel tough being an artist, it takes a lot of work and perseverance, however at the same time, I'm also happy to declare that I'd never give it up for anything in the world.Â
 If you want to become something, anything for that matter, I would say start strengthening your desire for the same. It will happen.
Stay connected! Do what makes you happy! Keep creating!
Love,
Tee.
Check out my new Zenthusiasm Colouring Pages for Adults here.