How to use DRIED GOUACHE in a portable palette - tips and advice + DEMO

[@cj_kirby]

I know this was a relatively short video but something you said really resonated with me. "Sketch the values first." After that, you can use really any colors you want. This is so true. I think it's easy to overlook such simple a concept. Getting your darks and lights right can really make or break a sketch. Thank you for that.

[@paulbridgman3437]

I would so be a patreon if I had more money. Unfortunately I struggle from one week to the next Sarah. However I am in the middle of studying to be a Surveyor. Pleased to say that in around 2 yrs from now my whole world will change for the better. Then I will contribute and receive the added benefits of being a patreon. Plus I can buy some of yours and others Art for my walls. Wow that'd be nice.

[@annesilver8387]

It's interesting to see through your videos how your opinion on dried gouache has changed. I live in a very humid climate, so I don't think a wet palette could be maintained for long. It is good to see that you prefer a dry palette.

[@kathytincler2446]

As opposed to me living in a very dry arid climate....the CA desert. These are tricky situations!

[@bettyvanwhite6745]

I just discovered you today on You Tube. Really enjoying your videos and watching you paint so beautifully.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thanks and welcome!

[@Babyjohn8170]

That bucket is so awesome! So glad I got one

[@joseespinoza7674]

I just made my own dry pallet and found your content through a recommendation on Reddit, can’t wait to watch more

[@sakshiibaghel]

The live painting is gorgeous! 😍

[@LieslHuddleston]

It's so beautiful! Such lovely subjects you have to paint :D I'm using Nicker Poster Color/gouache for a dry palette, and it's working out great for me. A couple of colors get crumbly for me too, but as you say adding more paint helps, I noticed those two don't seem to have as much binder as the others, it might change when those tubes run out and I use different tubes, the binder in the Nicker tubes have issues staying mixed and sometimes a lot comes out when you first open the tubes, it doesn't bother me, as it doesn't change paint performance. At first I kept wetting the paint in the dry palette over and over to try and get it loosened in the palette before beginning a session outside but the paint dries so fast that I don't even bother doing that anymore. Enough paint reactivates quickly, so I'm now used to just wetting with the brush as I paint. At first I thought I would be annoyed by the cross contamination, but I don't mind now, the mixed color comes off easily when the palette is dry again and I've resolved to just stay calm and take my time enjoying painting outside. It's been so crazy hot here in Texas this summer, but next week our temps are finally dropping below the 100's for highs and I'm planning to go outside to paint a lot, I'm excited! I've been enjoying watching your adventures, thanks for sharing 🤗

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

It's great to hear your experiences too!

[@hippopotamusbosch]

Personally, I’d sketch from those amazing drone shots!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I often do!

[@TracieWho]

My M Graham paints became the bane of my existence when I tried using them in a stay wet palette. I gave up after watching you use dried gouache and went that route as well. They work wonderfully dried. I've found out since then that keeping them refrigerated when not in use may have eliminated the mold issue. But I was totally over it by then. Oh, and OMG that coastline in insanely beautiful! I watched your bike trip on your other channel. How cool is that? Well, except for the storm...yikes! Glad you made it home safe!

[@sheilanewell50]

Just mentioned you had another KZbin channel. I have no idea I’ve been watching you for over a year. I love your videos. What a nice surprise so I just clicked on it and I’m really excited to watch it because I love Scotland and I love your videos about where you live. Thanks so much.

[@jeanbCA]

Your videos are always beautiful and so soothing, but my favorite part is how you explain your thinking as you approach a place or a piece… or a palette! 🎨 I’ve learned so much about *how to learn* with my art by watching and listening to your adventures ❤️ Thank you so much for sharing them here!

[@kathytincler2446]

Thanks for sharing the beautiful and strange landscape. Made me cry as I would like to be far from where I am right now.....just for a little while but it's not doable. I love the painting and wouldn't mind a printed souvenir even though I haven't been but for inspo. I'm 76, just starting my wc, acrylic and gouache journey as I never even doodled as a kid....don't know why. Thanks for sharing, I really enjoyed this. I've liked and sub'd!

[@LovinLnCottage]

Your tip about the water having the darkest value tater than the rocks was just what I needed to hear! Thank you so much!

[@lindathaxton1994]

Beautiful wet gouache is a hassle - I was going to give up on qouache but DRIED GOUACHE - YES! Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@beepear]

The spot you chose to paint is beautiful! Love how the sketch/painting turned out

[@scottishwifie14]

Stunning video Sarah, Love the gouache painting but also the views of the Bullers of Buchan with the drone, you will have to go back in early summer to see the Puffins. I am not good with heights now I get vertigo thanks for showing us the beautiful Aberdeenshire coastline.

[@InLiquidColor]

The light purples in this piece are particularly gorgeous!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you! I'm kinda obsessed with lilac lately

[@InLiquidColor]

Big same! I avoided pastel convenience colors for a long while, but this shade is too good!

[@ChantelleArts]

That's such a beautiful spot to paint! It's nice to see that you're getting along well with the dried gouache palette, I think you had the right idea using a smaller palette, i've got mine in a really big one and it's just kind of crumbled everywhere unfortunately ❤✨

[@Namoraslife]

Okay, now you got me hooked on the dried gouache palette and I'm down to try it, too. The only thing I didn't like about gouache is maintaining the wet palette and always fearing mold. I'm so happy you found a solution that compliments your workflow. Plus I can see a huge improvement in your paintings from even a few months back, so whatever you're doing now seems to work out beautifully!

[@claritzairosario68]

So beautiful scene!OMG!!! Beautiful! But, I can't work with dry gouche! Lol! I live in an Island, and the climate are very humid and hot, but, I prefer wet gouache, because of the creamier and easy to painting with it! But, if I consider to switch to dry, this is a very important video I want to keep, and knowing that you can work in dry, it's fantastic, because you have options. ❤

[@SketchesnScrubs]

What a wonderful video! I've only ever used a dried gouache palette when I let it dry unintentionally lol and would immediately try to reconstitute it... I may have judged it too harshly. Thank you for the continous inspiration Sarah

[@deniseracine6788]

Perfect timing! I’m leaving on a trip to Italy next week so I better get my gouache setup today! Thank you for sharing you experience. I have been wondering about a dried gouache palette. - Your painting is beautiful , as usual!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

That's one of my dreams! (To travel & paint in Italy)

[@bomkiiTV]

never been this early! can't wait to watch this video :) you've been such an important part of my gouache journey! so exciting!

[@bethcrane5780]

Loved this one. The turquoise water in the last shot was breathtaking! Thanks Sarah!

[@FaithAnnNB]

Beautiful cave and painting! I am loving dried gouache!! If I have a palette ready and don’t have to decide on tubes/colours of fresh gouache, I’m more likely to use it because it’s easy like watercolour. I think I’m going to bite the bullet and fill my portable painter with gouache instead of watercolour (internal debate for months 😂). I have dried gouache in regular half-pans in metal palettes and I also have dried gouache in an Art Toolkit palette (which I love for watercolour). The really shallow pans in the Art Toolkit cause a lot more cracking since I don’t get to paint every day, it must be similar to what you experience when your pans get low. It’s still fine and usable, but I think the deeper pans might work better for my frequency of painting.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Yea, I definitely think having the deeper wells helps a lot. I have two portable painters - one for each medium :)

[@artbysolar-theresa]

Woo hoo finally got your brushes ordered. So excited to give them a try.

[@sereenaassih1816]

Thank you for sharing your experience with using a dry gouache palette. It's been helpful to watch the process.

[@berolinastrassmann]

Loved this video! Thanks for the update. I am also experimenting with a dry giuache palette for plein air. I find the wet paint accumulates on my brushes and soon it is such a mess 😮 Great example of starting with lighter/darker values. It gives the painting a while new dynamic. Loved the aereal shots too, thanks!

[@Kariboudelavega]

Thank you for this beautiful video Sarah! I love using my dry gouache palette too! As I live in a very dry place, gouache always dries super fast anyways, so I decided it was easier to use dried gouache! 🤣The draw back is the crumbly colors, so now I use a piece of paper towel on top of the pans when I am done, so that the little crumbles don't spread into other colors when I am travelling! I look forward to seeing you using this palette again!!! 😁

[@jooos30]

your videos are always soo relaxing and i love it

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Wow I’m kind of surprised that you’re going to be doing the dried gouache palette thing now. But actually I’m glad because I kind of figured out earlier on that if it was possible for painting relatively good paintings with the dried gouache, that’s what I was going to do. Wasn’t sure if if it was the correct way or acceptable but it would be fine because I was getting results that I was happy with. 😂I feel much better knowing that you’re doing this & I am not alone with using gouache this way. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information & your wonderful experiences of traveling through Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. I really appreciate it! 🫶🏻Enjoy your weekend!

[@ninner196]

Beautiful scenery and painting. I paint in wc with a tube of white gouache but it is all lovely. No special equipment needed but the basics. Finishing up at home is ok too. I really love the daring bright colors, if the values work why not?😊

[@deborahrech7429]

I’m going to try painting outdoors with dried gouache and I’d like to set up my Portable Palette like yours. Would you mind sharing the paint colors in your palette? I am totally enjoying your tutorials. Today I did a painting by the ocean using watercolor and gouache. Totally made a mess but when it dried some of it dried lighter and looked better. Will try again tomorrow.

[@lulabelle33]

Love the blue-violet in your cliffs. I don't plein aire nearly as much as you do, but I've used dry gouache palette for years. It nd Ed goes bad for me. I also use wet and deal with issues in some colors of some brands Gorgeous view!!!

[@katalinas9264]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 is beautiful

[@leenb.7936]

I recently set up a gouache palette, right after I moved here and maybe it’s also the still absent sense of feeling comfortable enough/at home here but I lack the confidence to start using that palette. I’m still stuck at the watercolor paint and aquabrushes stage of my life where I use those in my bed, like I did in my previous place. If I ever get unpacked I now will have the luxury of having a home studio (slash library but still 100% my hobby atelier studio ❤) but have never had one so painting (and sketching) has always been in my bed or my recliner, or on the table at this one place I frequently go to (sort of membership that has nothing to do with art but I always carry something with me to help me through my anxieties and ptsd). But in short, I don’t really have “the handle” of using thinker paints with brushes and water. Somehow I don’t feel comfortable using my small divided watercup (a baby formula container without the lid, 3 compartments of small amounts of water 😄) with the gouache and bigger paintbrushes. Except for a few exceptions when I absolutely loved using dagger, cat’s tongue or flat brushes with bigger containers for water (always need two), I only used (smaller) round (travel) brushes when not taking the more convenient aquabrushes (fell in love with your brushes when you mentioned them, love how long those bristles are on that flat brush, hope to get them someday, if shipping fee to Belgium is doable, haven’t checked yet). Question though, I’d love some feedback (and hopefully the get-over-the-mental-block-you-feel kick in the creative juices that I feel I need lol) Is using gouache far harder on paint contamination and the pace of dirtying up the water far sooner than compared to using standard watercolor paint in your opinion (anyone else that can answer this, feel free to do so, love all the feedback I can get!) or is it not all that different?

[@zenlife1200]

I just bought one of those wet palettes, like the one you have, to keep my dried crumbles under control so I can take them outside to paint lol. Prussian blue seems to be particularly bad for drying out and crumbling then visiting the other colors in my regular little palette box.

[@ashleyhawkeswatercolor]

Okay. I’m giving gouache one last chance. I have been trying and trying with Himi and Arteza and just don’t get it. I just ordered some primaries from Daniel Smith and also your brush set. You’re such an enabler Sarah! 😜 But seriously, thanks for encouraging me not to give up!

[@aesea57804]

Incredible scenery. Beautiful work. I wonder if you’ve continued to like the Daniel Smith gouache. I listen to your recommendations!

[@268anita]

@sarahburnsstudio have you heard of Stoneground Paint co in Canada? They make really great creamy gouache in pans (like watercolor). I’d love to see you review it and compare it to more “typical” gouache. I hate using tubes, my Holbein gouache I poured is just cracked and crumbly and so messy. So I poured into a stay wet palette but it still dries up spa nice bit. I also had those himi jelly gouache (not professional grade but very popular) and THAT dried up too. The few colors I bought from Stoneground have been really nice, but I’d like to see a “real” artists take!

[@gwenritch]

very informative thanks for the upload. Such beautiful footage! wow

[@mirandaschneck8451]

I really want to buy your brushes, i often check to make sure there are still some left but i plan to buy them next month most likely. Hopefully they will hold on until then and then they can sell out for you 😊

[@Jasmine_Shelby_art]

Hi Sarah ! Of course dry gouache is the ideal for the so many outdoors paintings. And the result is very good. On my side I don't paint outdoors. I love painting straight from the tube but I have to say it was so hot weather recently that the paints came dry very quickly. This is how I could see how fast Titanium white of Schmincke cracks on my porcelain palette ! I felt a bit anxious with that because I bought a huge tube 60 ml. But I think any brand is the same for white because of the big quantity of carbonate de calcium. The other gouaches from Schmincke as well as from ShinHan didn't crack. And they reactivate very fast even after several days. I have a matter. I am used to small formats with gouache. And when I have to go to larger formats the painting becomes very boring and difficult for me. It is very frustrating. I hate painting with acrylics, so I miss oils😢. I think I will never try again large formats with gouaches. This is one of the cause for what I begin to do some paintings with my fingers with Schmincke extra-soft pastels 😅 !

[@dmcdaniel2009]

Thanks Sara, i LOVE that you do what you do!!! You do it ALL so WELL! 🧡💚💛❤💙💜

[@liz-anna2365]

Dried gouache for Plein air is a great idea.

[@Erinba]

Your videos are always lovely and inspiring ❤

[@msellenandrea]

Amazing! I am considering making one myself, even just for the studio, because I normally use watercolor and dragging out the gouache tubes is such a hassle compared to that haha

[@perinilan4364]

Great tips as always and such a scenic spot to sketch. Can you share what brand the mini gouache palette is? I’d love to add that to my urban sketching kit. For plein air gouache I’ve been using a CupEasels palette, re-wetting the gouache in the little paint wells. That’s worked well so far (using mostly M.Graham gouache).

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I use the Portable Painter (regular) and the Micro version too

[@suel4269]

Beautiful place and painting !

[@lindaalflen9025]

Absolutely stunning! I have yet to try a dry gouache palette. Its on my list!

[@wingedblossom1667]

I have found that adding a drop or two of vegetable glycerin to the wet paint in palettes keep the crumblies away

[@bonlynx]

I think I might go back to dried too. I've been using a wet palette and I notice like it's so easy especially when you're in a hurry painting plein air to accidenally grab waaaayyyy too much paint. Idk I just feel like it's more messy and harder to control. I also notice bugs are really drawn to the wet paint. So yeah I feel u haha

[@GuyBelievesInWorldPeace]

What I’ve been wondering as I am waiting for my brand new FIRST jelly gouache set that I ordered for myself is IF I could try and actually- get a watercolor refill palette and fill the pans with HIMI goache and let it dry ROCKHARD and use it like watercolor cubes? What do you think! Is it worth trying?

[@akschauer]

Hi Sarah, I just watched your interview with Lindsay Weirich and it prompted me to find some of your videos where you talk about using dried gouache. In the interview you said you pretty much only used dried gouache these days. Is there anything you add to the paints to improve how well they dry down or is the answer just keeping them topped off? Do you still recommend the silicone and stay wet sponge added on top before closing the palette? Is your goal to have the gouache fully dried out or are you going for more of a semi-dry? TIA!

[@lifeismusicparnadonkers]

Wow beautifull mountins. Witch sketchbook do you use? I wanna buy the toned tan sketchbook from strathmore 400 series😊 i also wanna try and buy the blue mixed media sketchbook and the toned gray sketchbook from strathmore 😊

[@hippopotamusbosch]

Sarah, If you were to build a dry gouache palette from scratch, would all Daniel Smith be okay? I’m thinking: Hansa Yellows Light & Medium, Pyrrol Red, Q. Magenta, Ultramarine B., Cobalt B. and T. White.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

It’s a very high quality brand and I like how it acts in my dried gouache palette. Your color choices are good. Maybe a burnt umber? And cobalt turquoise

[@debsmith7050]

I appreciate the update

[@moma-b]

Your videos are always so inspiring! Thank you for sharing! 💞

[@jenniferdoyleart]

Sarah another amazing video thanks for the tips. Is there any chance you will do a video on your latest color changes. I looked on website and could not find it. I would like to know the new shin Han colors your using now. Thanks so much hugs and luv 😊

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

The probably is I change them so often! Even just one or two colors/brands..so I hesitate to put a list somewhere. But if I notice I'm sticking with the same colors for a long time, I'll definitely share an update about that.

[@jenniferdoyleart]

@@SarahBurnsStudio thanks so much lol. I switch colors a lot as well. Happy painting 💕

[@MelC-P]

Hello! What colours / brands are in your palette? Thank you :)

[@hawkeye9382]

Gorgeous painting!!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@SUSSDUE]

Thank you for a nice video! I used to have a dried gouache palette that I took to workshops, it really worked very well, only a few colours that crumbled all the time, like umber and preussian blue. Sadly I had to dismantle that one as I needed the pans for a watercolourpalette w colours I only had in tubes. Now I quite enjoy having one of those sealed palettes that keep the gouache paint nice and moist, the only ones w mould so far have been indigo and black and Delft Blue. I can see the advantage of using dry gouache when doing plein air painting as there will be less weight to carry. Would be so nice to know what colours you use, that pale lilac colour, is that a custom mix?

[@dneel468]

Beautiful video as always. Was wondering at the top of the cove are the buildings a small village? Your drone footage always makes me think of Poldark on masterpiece theater. What a beautiful place you live.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

It's a tiny group of houses next to the cliffs, not sure it's considered a village.

[@carolgehman6036]

Beautiful! What toned paper do you use? Thanks!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Stillman & Birn Nova

[@hArtyTruffle]

Goodness, my feet feel like they’re fainting when you get close to the edge like that 🤭 I think I’ll be keeping clear of the edges of long drops.

[@Christine_R]

I'm happy with how conveniant my dried gouache palette but I'm more type B and spray the palette before painting and I don't mind if they dry down a little faster anymore. I found also s few more colors that I'm using a lot and my palette on it's own is changing more into a "I'm using these colors a lot" palette. The other colors can collect dust in my pouch until I need a bright yellow or orange or even a different purple.

[@MedievalMary]

Just ordered your brushes! So excited for them to arrive and use them!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Yay! Thank you!

[@willjanssen8030]

You mentioned your other channel where you are touring Scotland, what is the channel called? Love your work and thanks.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

@sarahinscotland

[@henriquejanuario881]

Beautiful video and class! thanks!

[@robynwhite5662]

Omg I bought the palette you use for gouache. Should I just let it dry out now? 😂 I also got the bigger rectangle one..

[@nopal_y_frijol]

Do you ever use white gouache dried? If so, which brand have you noticed works well dried in white?

[@naturelover1284]

if it dries on a paper plate left out though, is it useable?

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Depends how crumbled it is... I wouldn't do that

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Sarah, I am wondering about your process. I do see a lot of sketchbook work and that is very nice. do You ever show larger art or even do larger art pieces? 16x20 or larger? I see that your pieces look so wonderful for sketchbook work, but do you transform it into stand alone artworks? Is that only in your Patreon files? Never on KZbin? Ok I will keep looking unless you can direct me to a video or series of videos where you show us your larger pieces? Thanks for all you do share and if you only allow access to paid members, I do understand.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Now and then I show some larger pieces on YT. But since 2022 I have mostly focused on sketchbook work. Before that I did lots of large acrylic and oil painting. But i ran out of space and also having curious cats means I can’t paint inside with those mediums. So if you go back to some of my older playlists you can see some larger stuff. But no I don’t make any tutorials for big stuff (not here or anywhere)

[@nessapainter]

You've probably said this many times, but what is the toned sketchbook (Brand, Surface, Weight, & Size)you are using for the wonderful gouache paintings you show before you sketch and then paint in it? Thanks so much!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Stillman & Birn Nova beige 6x8

[@AC5VB]

What is the over head camera you are using in this demo???? Is that a lumix or a nikon or a Lieca????

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

iphone

[@katsmith8263]

I like your work!

[@yznatureza]

is there any particularly important reason why your gouache color sets are in a plastic palette, while some or most of the watercolor sets are in a metal palette? or is it just the palette you had at the moment?

[@Cherry-kn8np]

I've read somewhere that the Schmincke Akademie Gouache isn't as rewettable as other brands. Did someone try to use them dried and can tell me if it's true?

[@essietangle9931]

Great tips.

[@nadafarhan464]

Where can I find your wet gouache tips?

[@Jlalode]

Such a beautiful place and your rendition is awesome. Do you offer gouache beginner tutorials on your Patreon? I only have a bit of experience with watercolor.

[@Jlalode]

Oh! I just found your beginner classes on Skillshare! 😃

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Yep, I offer beginner tutorials on both :)

[@kodagirl17]

What type of sketchbook do you use (the spiral toned book)

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Stillman and Birn nova

[@deborahcorreale352]

what gouache paint or set would you recommed for beginners, as in ultra newbie? :)

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

A few tubes of Winsor & newton or shinhan designer gouache (whichever is cheaper for you) I have a blog post covering this topic plus all my color recommendations

[@gonecoastalfl]

I live in Florida and have struggled immensely with the mold issue in my gouache palette. No matter what I try...clove oil, etc...all those tricks, it still molds. I've not used gouache in months because of it. So you've definitely convinced me to try this. QUESTION: You said you spritz the palette before you close it? I assume you don't get any mold from that moisture closed up inside the dried palette? Also I noticed you have the silicone cover for the mini palette but not the portable painter. Is there a difference there when the gouache is dried in both? Thanks!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Yes, I always spray it before closing because these palettes are not air-tight. So the water will slowly evaporate. So no there's never an issue of mold. The little silicone sheet was kind of an experiment with the Micro because I knew I would leave it alone for so long. I wondered if it would keep the moisture in better. Clearly it still dries! But I don't bother with the larger palette because I use it more often.

[@gonecoastalfl]

Thanks! I appreciate all your hard work and research. @@SarahBurnsStudio

[@charlottebarnes5052]

What colors are you using now on your palette?

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Lemon yellow, cobalt turquoise light, Helio turquoise, ultramarine, cobalt blue, quinacridone magenta, burnt umber, titanium gold ochre, black, and a few custom mixes

[@uuekene]

Some artists recomend ading gum arabic info guash.

[@craftykat]

At 4:44 it looks like a giant dragon lying down,covered in grass.

[@lafterthefact]

So jealous of your cycling adventures! And thank you for the recommendation on the Daniel Smith gouache! Used a dried palette (Art Toolkit) while on vacation in the Lake District a couple weeks ago. Worked really well! Would’ve preferred your brushes but used a budget airline so had to pack super minimally.

[@K.ART_vlog]

nice 😍👍

[@moonlightgator]

I like dry gouache more as well.

[@russellwilson6388]

Jesus... the amount of dried up gouache I've chucked in tubes, so disappointing, I could of re cycled them 😢

[@marthamakulski2357]

Geweldig

[@johnk3137]

You were making me nervous near that sinkhole.

[@jant4741]

Is AI surprised & delighted observing what happens when paint is put to paper without a plan? Does AI feel the brilliant colors of autumn shouting good bye to glorious summer, and feel the fleeting, impending quiet of a long winter? Play people play. Paint with your soul for yourself before AI drowns us all in clever copies of human work. Save your better ones and realize it is not about perfection but your journey.

[@magical571]

Im sorry...this video is way too much cinematics and too little actual paintung process from a clear angle.not my thing, dont care about vlogs.