Beginning artists are often interested in what paints are better to use, what technique of applying strokes is more suitable for one or another type of paint, how they can or cannot be combined with each other. What objects are better than drawing?
Gouache for amateurs
So, the topic of our article is gouache. We will begin the master class on working with it by describing the properties of the paint. Firstly, it is issued in two versions: poster, which is most often used at school in drawing lessons, and art - for professional work. Both species have no fundamental differences. It’s just that the poster doesn’t lie on paper so well and doesn’t hold as well as professional gouache.
We will continue the master class with such tips: if you want to mix colors, be sure to wait until the previous layer has dried well. Watercolor should be mixed on a wet basis. You can’t do this with gouache, because it is more dense, "heavy", although also water soluble. What if you need less thick gouache in the picture? The master class will teach you this “trick”: take a little paint from the jar and a little bit of it, drop by drop, add water, thoroughly mixing with a brush. By the way, if your main gouache has dried up, turned into stone - do not worry! The same water will solve the problem. Pour it in, leave it to soak into the petrified lump, stir. All saved gouache! Our master class, however, does not end with this advice.
We select paper and brushes
Due to the density of the ink, not every paper is suitable for drawing on it. Thin album sheets are by no means suitable for working with them. Whatman and cardboard, plywood plates will suit much more. Just not waxed - this should also be remembered by novice artists or designers. It is better that the surface, on the contrary, be roughened. Particles of paint cling to it more firmly, and it lays down more evenly. And on smooth
waxed paper, gouache looks too thick.
It is useful to know the intricacies of working with this material and those who are fond of folk crafts: painting pottery, toys, etc. A master class in gouache painting will not do without a review of such an important tool as a brush. Focus on her choice should be based on the area of painted surfaces. The larger they are, the thicker the brushes should be. The stiffness of the pile also matters. If you draw a line and see that there are traces, then such brushes are not suitable, pick up something softer. More precisely, they are suitable when it is necessary to emphasize the relief of the depicted objects. For example, wool of fur in an animal, grass, etc.
From theory to practice
Well, when the main points are clarified, we sketch the pencil and draw in gouache. The master class, i.e., a practical lesson, we begin with the preparation of the palette. You will definitely need it. After all, if you try to interfere with colors directly on paper, then the result will not please you. It will resemble a thick layer of plaster, which, having barely dried out, begins to fall off. For beginners, an ordinary plate or a small tray is suitable. Professionals can get a full tool. Make color basics, picking up a little of the right paint and combining it. And color your sketch. You can add depth of tones and shades as you work. Apply light shades to dark ones when the desired area has dried. Dark can be on damp paper. Work carefully, without rushing, without smearing - and you will get a good drawing!