My Favorite Watercolor, Gouache & Acrylic Gouache

My new online class Painting Birds has launched: Painting Birds is now available for instant access. Here's the link for more info: sandihesterclasses.com/p/pain...
Below are links to materials mentioned in this video.
ONLINE CLASSES: www.sandihesterclasses.com
SUBSTACK: sandihester.substack.com
INSTAGRAM: / sandihesterart
WEBSITE: www.sandihester.com
SUPPLIES:
Watercolors:
*WINSOR & NEWTON WATERCOLOR:
www.anrdoezrs.net/click-10019...
*HOLBEIN WATERCOLOR:
www.jdoqocy.com/click-1001993...
*DANIEL SMITH WATERCOLORS:
www.kqzyfj.com/click-10019936...
Gouache:
*HOLBEIN GOUACHE:
www.tkqlhce.com/click-1001993...
*WINSOR & NEWTON GOUACHE:
www.dpbolvw.net/click-1001993...
*UTRECHT GOUACHE:
www.anrdoezrs.net/click-10019...
*ROYAL TALENS GOUACHE:
www.dpbolvw.net/click-1001993...
Acrylic Gouache:
*FLASHE PAINT: www.jdoqocy.com/click-1001993...
TURNER ACRYLIC GOUACHE
www.jerrysartarama.com/turner...
*LIQUITEX ACRYLIC GOUACHE
www.jdoqocy.com/click-1001993...
Other:
ART TOOLKIT PALETTE:
arttoolkit.com
*The links (*) above are affiliate links - it doesn't cost you anything more to purchase when you go to these links - they just help me make these videos!

[@Blick_Art]

We're so proud to see that Blick-exclusive Utrecht made your list! Sometimes we just watch these videos just to see the abundance of color- there's no stinginess with the paint in Sandi Hester's studio!

[@sandihester]

I didn’t realize that was a Blick exclusive. I really like the brand and will likely try more

[@PlayfullyPainting]

I love gouache the size of the color pigments in binder are larger than what's in watercolor therefor such matte opaqueness. I love that gouache dries so fast but it does lift when painting in layers so I'm careful layering light hand one pass dry . I get frustrated though that companies label "acrylic gouache" is not gouache but acrylic which dries plastic and is not gouache, it's simply thin matte acrylic paint. Gouache doesn't put micro plastics in waterways such as acrylic does. The bird class looks fun. I'm still saving up for the landscape class. I enjoy your KZbin videos a lot. Everyone have a beautiful weekend.

[@carlalaatje]

yes! Thank you for bringing up the micro plastic issue! This is the reason why I mostly quit using acrylics or vinyl paints. Lots of people who don't know how damaging these paints are, unfortunately. (or just don't care).

[@KikiFu]

​@@carlalaatje In case you're interested in using your acrylics. Golden brand sells a filter system for paint water. There are also DIY versions that have been proven to filter out micro plastics. Then you take the paint that was filtered to a recycling plant that takes paint blobs and cans. It works really great and it's nice to know I'm doing all I can for the environment. I've actually been more concerned recently with synthetic brushes. There currently isn't a way to recycle them 😢 however the natural bristle versions are biodegradable and the handles can be recycled. I'm hoping they find a solution for this soon. Anyhow, hope this info helps you 🙂

[@carlalaatje]

@@KikiFu yes, thank you for mentioning. I'm succesfully using a DIY version to separate the paint from the water 😊. I don't know how to handle the 'brush' problem. But I don't want to use hairs from animals, so synthetic it is for me. At least they don't end up in the water 🙄.

[@KikiFu]

@@carlalaatje I definitely understand that. I've been looking for brush companies that do "in house" recycling. No luck yet but if I find onr I'll make sure to share on this comment section 🙂

[@KikiFu]

@@michelemarchesani5139 My family is native American, so I always choose natural options. It is a part of my culture and I see nothing wrong with it. Nor do I see anything wrong with being at the top of the food chain. I personally view it as much more cruel and action to buy cheap nylon brushes from countries that aren't being responsible during manufacturing. They dump directly into the ocean killing millions of fish. Your brushes are still harming animals, possibly generations of animals through the pollution of mico plastics and also toxins from the manufacturing of nylon. Nylon is the primary type of plastic used to make brushes. Those micro plastics can effect reproductive ability and possibly cause animals to go extinct. Just an FYI for anyone who cares...but the natural fibers used in the making of art brushes has not been tied to the fur industry. It's primarily indigenous peoples in rural areas trapping overpopulated areas. So if you'd have no problem with someone removing a rat infestation that was making humans sick then there is no moral dilemma. They're making use of animals that needed to be removed anyway. I bought a set of natural brushes 20yrs ago and haven't had to replace them yet. I'm still going to buy natural brushes when needed because I believe they're the better option.

[@beckycollett917]

Sandi - you are rockin' that style- with your hair and glasses and the lovely(I love it) dress with the neck adornment! The Artist in you is shining! You go Girlie!

[@pedro4lola640]

Always a good day when a new Sandi Hester video comes out 😊

[@sandihester]

Awe thanks ❤️

[@Julie-vy3oz]

My favorite supply videos are seeing what artists use; it’s inspiring and helpful. Thanks!

[@sandihester]

So glad it’s helpful!!

[@KathyDuncan9]

I'm taking your landscape class now and LOVE it!!! In fact, one year ago today you and Grady painted in the park without your mic on, just watched that video. Looking forward to Painting Birds!!! Love ALL your content. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU AND GRADY too!!!

[@sandihester]

Awe - thanks SOOOO much Kathy!!! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the Landscape class 🙌❤️❤️❤️

[@ligli500]

I've been considering getting that class in anticipation of a trip I'll be taking in a few weeks to Japan and S Korea! Glad to hear you're loving it (:

[@KathyDuncan9]

Great class, and lucky you going to Japan and South Korea!!!@@ligli500

[@arcuda2001]

I'd like to add my two cents about difference between watercolors and gouache , but I am saying this from an experiential perspective .. I realize that gouache is always referred to as "opaque watercolor", and I understand that technically it is ( as far as the composition of most of them ).. I come from a lifetime of watercolor painting, and when I " discovered " gouache , about 7 years ago, my creative life changed and a whole other world opened for me( I am not trying to be dramatic) lol I think that one of the main things that happens with artists who are coming from watercolor background , is that they try to paint( with the gouache) in the same ways they might have , when using their watercolor paints.. there are many expectations that the gouache will behave and flow the same way , that they can glaze the same way, that there'll be the same or similar granulation , etc.. I've chatted with quite a few artists that are new to gouache, and are frustrated with it , to the point of getting rid of their gouache , and then we find out why .. I think that gouache is such a unique medium unto itself , and I have been able to explore a very different side to my creative abilities because I use it and work with it differently than I would with my watercolors.. I work extensively with gouache , and also with watercolors , and find them to be incredibly different and fabulous for different reasons.. I find that I paint so differently , with each medium , and I just am crazy about both mediums.. I realize they are often used together and can be , as well.. I'm just trying to say that defining them as opaque watercolors seems to set a lot of people up with expectations that don't really come to be.. I also think people limit themselves , by trying to make one medium behave like another , when there are sooo many unique properties to each .. I've actually fallen more in love with my watercolors , since working with gouache, because I see so many more unique characteristics and properties in them, that I hadn't noticed previously.. Sandi , I hope you just take what I'm saying as adding my own experiences and insights , from my zillion years of being an artist .. I love your videos and your freedom in playing with all these fabulous mediums.. We are definitely lucky to have endless options as artists.. my name is Norakag .. Thanks, Sandi 😊

[@irenegarcia7356]

I'm limited on my supplies. Inexpensive supplies I have. So I feel like my paintings don't express the vibrant colors as much but I do love listening to your instruction & info on all art media's. Fun. Thks for sharing. I feel like a kindergarten kid lol. Simple supplies trying to make the Best of it. Lol. I WOULD WATER COLOR ALOT WITH MY DAD... HE LOVED TO PAINT AND WAS A PLASTERER BY TRADE. 😊 He taught me alot about mixing & blending colors ...Missing our Faithfully departed....

[@respectdesign3625]

Yeah 🎉🎉🎉 I finally took a bird class!!! Since I found your channel, I've been watching every day!!! Love how you paint and, of course, showing your channel. You're so cute, funny a lot and intelligent! I'm a different type of artist, which creates an art journal. I really want to take your art technique into my art journal. So here I am! Love ya Sandy! ❤❤❤

[@sandihester]

Ohhhh thank you for the kind words!

[@xurupe]

Hi, Sandi. I found your channel about a week and a half ago, and I have been binge watching it with my family. We love your style and your personable, approachable attitude, your positivity and your apparent love for Jesus. We all (3 kids, mom, and dad) did your tutorial on facial feature placement, and we are now excited to buy your bird class and do it together. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and excitement on this platform.

[@christinefisher5716]

I recommend all of your classes, Sandi! They are fun, informative, and inspirational, and I have watched them over and over again. Thank you so much for sharing your passion!

[@suzannem9811]

I love your top! Beautiful!

[@joangel5233]

Hi Sandi i purchased your bird painting class last week i was so excited it ha S been so inspiring to me and you made me laugh so much it made me feel less nervous about trying to paint again. Ive been following you on youtube for awhile now and i love how you are growing and changing and experimenting with your art. Youre a genuine soul. All the best. Jo😊

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much Jo!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@jenniferrobinson8769]

Oh yes I found your video on your palette paints and colors! Such a beautiful range you have! Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@hayleypbop6997]

Haven’t watched much art KZbin for a while and come back to your videos to see a huge difference in your art. Watching back I see it’s maybe tone. Looks fantastic.

[@mozidacat]

Thank you Sandi! Hope you have a great weekend! Love your bird 🦉🐦‍⬛🦆🦜painting class so much especially all the warm-up exercises

[@sandihester]

you bet! Thank you so much for purchasing it!!! I'm so glad you're enjoying it!

[@RoxannePonds]

So happy when there’s a new Sandi video!! 🙌🏻 thank you for all the information!

[@sandihester]

You’re very welcome

[@melissaamyx2196]

I've turned into a Flashe Paint addict! Its just so utterly yummy! I discovered it from you! Thanks Sandi!❤❤

[@sandihester]

I love it so much tooooo!

[@lightbulbnirvana]

Hey Sandi! This is a great post. I love watching you mix paint and swatching and ALL THE THINGS! I had always thought that the thing that makes gouache different from watercolor were the binders (though both cam be made with gum arabic), and also that watercolor has less pigment while gouache has more pigment, and that's what makes gouache opaque. I agree with you that how you apply the paint (from a wetted pan or straight from the tube) can also determine the opacity, but I have always considered that gouache's opacity comes from the higher pigment to binder ratio. Also gouache tends to dry darker (if a light color ) or lighter (if a dark color), which I don't think happens with watercolor (perhaps because it is transparent?). Also I have always considered watercolor to be more interactive with the underlying paper, using the white of the paper to assist in values, so the transparency is the strength of watercolor as a medium. And like you say gouache is opaque and that's its strength as a medium. I personally love gouache much more, because I like to layer, which is a lot harder to do with watercolor. even though it is tricky to do with traditional gouache. I also am grateful that you turned me on to Flashe paints. I love that brand! I miss watching you work on larger paintings, is that not something you are doing anymore on KZbin? Anyhoo, thanks for all that you do. You work so hard and always deliver great content. Love Love Love! ❤

[@MsMaRo87]

I agree re these distinctions. While I love Sandi, I think there was a lot inaccurate information re the distinction between these two mediums.

[@sandihester]

Wondering if you saw where I actually showed on paper that some colors like ultra marine in gouache and watercolor are exactly the same? I have lots of colors in both gouache and watercolor and if the label wasn’t on it you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. I’ve used these mediums for yours and am trying to help people not buy multiples of paints - that they may already have colors that work

[@lightbulbnirvana]

@@sandihester I hear you! but there is a difference in the formula of gouache and watercolor pertaining to pigment to binder ratios. See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gouache It's like the difference between lemon juice and lemonade. They are both made up of water and lemons, but the ratios make them different concentrations. They may look the same on the page, but they still are different. Still I appreciate you recommending ways to be thrifty. One more thing: also there is the way gouache dries and how its value changes, which is different than watercolor. It might not be a big deal for some painters, but it could be for others. I am not disparaging you Sandi! I love what you are doing. Sending LOVE and LIGHT!

[@eileenhoney6426]

Thank you for your informative video. Paints are expensive, so it’s important to understand what you’re buying. Love looking at your messy palette!

[@tasticola]

Such fun Sandi! You look radiant. I am in love with your chosen colours. I agree with you re Holbien, love! W & N too. Thanks for your hard work and beautiful video x Nell.

[@sandihester]

Thank you Nell!!!

[@tasticola]

@@sandihester you're welcome x

[@manusart69]

I love your video and your professional explanations based on long experience!! Thank y

[@michl6688]

I actually got into gouache for the first time a few years ago because of one of your videos! As a (mostly) acrylic painter, I absolutely love the vibrancy and thickness of gouache, but love that it can be rewet. It’s kind of the best of both worlds. So appreciative of the content you provide us! Can’t wait to get started on the bird class later today! 😀 🐦

[@sandihester]

I agree - best of both worlds! Thank you for purchasing the class!!!

[@julesbrunoart]

Your vids bring me so much joy❤

[@debbiec2663]

Loved the video Sandi

[@svetlanav1107]

Thank you Sandi, I am learning so much from you 😊 and you look so fresh and beautiful, love your style ❤

[@suzannemarshall7458]

loved your Bird Class!! finished it during our smoky days. I really finally learned how to approach and use multi media!! Thank you

[@sandihester]

Ohhhhh I’m so glad to hear you loved it! Thank you for purchasing it!!!

[@ChantelleArts]

it's lovely to see you trying so many different brands, I also love Winsor and Newton and have some of those Daniel Smith shades you mentioned ❤✨

[@andreajlmoore]

Thanks for the tips and reviews. I will be purchasing your bird class very soon!

[@lightwavz]

Perfect fashion sense today, Sandi! Love the butterfly earrings most of all. I am one of the ones who gets suckered into convenience colors all the time. I just love colors. I do mix my own colors, but I need a serious day of mixing and charting in my own sketchbook soon. You always inspire me to keep going. Thank you!

[@sandihester]

We ALL get sucked into those pretty colors!!!

[@SantieAmery]

I think you look absolutely beautiful on this video. Love the colours of your clothes! 😊

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@fatpicklestudiomagdalenatu8990]

Your tips are so helpful to me. Especially when you mix colours. In one video you mixed black and yellow into amazing green, I did that, honestly it’s magic and adding red to green to neutralise it omg great. Thank you so much for your videos.

[@sandihester]

So glad the Conor mixing has been helpful 🙌

[@mariagrullon9641]

Excellent and informative video! Thank you.

[@margaretspringer9197]

Informative and inspirational to the max -- thanks, Sandi! (I took notes.)

[@sandihester]

Awe - thanks SO much!!

[@ArtJournalLife]

OMGoodness, those earrings are amazing! I just love your videos Sandi, thank you. :) Hope to get to the bird calss in the fall because it looks great.

[@sandihester]

Thank you! I love the butterfly earrings too ❤️

[@shelleoshelle7252]

Thank you Sandi for this wonderful video. I so want to purchase your landscape class and maybe even the bird class. Eventually I will. For now, your KZbin videos are an excellent stand in. Thank you for all the work you and Grady put in to this. Sending much love and light from here. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤎🤍🩶

[@sandihester]

Thank you Shelle!!! The classes will always be available!

[@brittabeningfield3472]

Yay Sandi! Such a welcome surprise to see you here! I figured you were taking a well-earned break when you weren't here yesterday. Woooohooooo! Now off to watch your vid,

[@sandihester]

I had some tech issues on Friday 😫 that delayed the video going out unfortunately

[@impish22]

how fun, thanks for sharing

[@sandihester]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@GONZOFAM7]

My wife bought me Holbein quoache sets for Christmas. (pro tip: I handed her the brochure and circled what I wanted). I'm grateful they are beautiful paints. The colors really pop.

[@maggiemae6867]

Such a fun video!! Thank you

[@sandihester]

Ohhh good!

[@angelag9346]

Hello Sandi....I enjoy your videos so very much. Your calm happy personality it most wonderful. I've been watching for a while yet rarely comment. I'm planning on looking into taking some classes you offer. Thanx for what you do!❤

[@nickc4404]

Id love if you did a class on painting your tablescapes/ still lifes! ❤❤

[@whimsicalflaartist]

Just signed up for your Painting Birds class...I also love to paint birds so I am excited for this class!!!

[@sandihester]

Eeeeeeeee THANK YOU 🥰❤️❤️❤️

[@lisaroo3]

Thank you for the awesome info in this video, Sandi!! I've recently started using gouache and I love it! You always inspire me to try new things :) Take care!

[@sandihester]

Ohhh that’s good to hear! I love it too!

[@MsMyriada]

Thank you for this explanation! Now it is totally clear for me 😊

[@sandihester]

I’m so glad to hear that!

[@skyofhoney7]

Very helpful video.

[@brendaponto1840]

This was a wonderful video! It answered so many questions for me. I'm just now starting to use gouache, and I love it, and I never knew there were different types of gouache. And the flash paints, I'd like to try some of those.

[@johanne6646]

Thanks for this interesting video Sandi, and congrats for the 30k subs! 🎉

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much Johanne!!!

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

Thank you for explaining Gouache to me. I thought there was just one kind of Gouache. Have a good weekend.

[@sandihester]

You bet!

[@apronhugsingreeenbay]

Very helpful lesson. I’ve always wondered what the difference was between gouache and acrylic gouache. Thanks, Sandi!

[@sandihester]

So glad it was helpful!

[@hildybean]

That horse whinny makes me run to the kitchen window every.single.time. 😆 Yes, our horse is fine and quietly grazing. It must have been Sandi 😂

[@sandihester]

That’s sooo funny!

[@GoldenesPferd]

i just had to say from the first seconds: your hair looks amazing! And this garment looks very nice in you. Just going back to watch the video. it will be amazing too, as always.

[@sandihester]

Ohhh thank you!

[@CS-uf6it]

Gouache or no Gouache, I love your beautiful outfit. ❤

[@sandihester]

Well thank you!

[@gwenritch]

I will be signing up today for the bird class. I was so waiting for this! thanks Sandy, thanks for the upload and explanation on these mediums! very cool and inspirational as always. I will be posting my thoughts on the bird class once I finish. My birds always end up as 'fat' birds haha. Oh I had to edit this because I forgot to say how much I love your glasses!

[@sandihester]

Ohhhh thanks Gwen!!!! I hope you enjoy it and thank you - I love the pink glasses too

[@LJ-xw3ou]

Sorry to hear re cost to see you paint. Im paying already to watch Your KZbin videos and have had fun and inspiration.

[@HelenHobden]

I think you've just persuaded me to try acrylic gouache! So useful for layering, but I'm not a fan of ordinary acrylics. Thank you!

[@sandihester]

I agree - mat acrylics are much nicer in my opinion

[@jessicastrideart]

I didn't realise that some of my watercolours are gouache! That might explain why some of them are super opaque. Thanks Sandi this is so informative and helpful.💖

[@sandihester]

Yep, that’s why they’re opaque

[@conkrotwife]

This was such a great video! This spring I started to mix some of my traditional watercolors with gouache and found colors that I just really love and use all the time. The only bad thing is I didn’t do a very good job keeping track of my mixes!😂

[@sandihester]

So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@AutumnLeaf24]

I like your outfit!

[@bowiwibo3424]

Thank you Sandi😊😊

[@sandihester]

You’re welcome

[@quietlife7186]

❤❤❤

[@DeniseBrooks1955]

♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@1Letter23Numbers.]

Hello! I recently learned that Marilyn Monroe's iconic red lipstick was actually an orange/coral color that showed up as red on film and photographs. Goes to show that what we see in front of us isn't always what we see via different media types. You reminded me of this factoid when you said you prefer orangey reds to true reds. I hope you're enjoying the holiday season! I am so late to watching this video. I will be binging your content over the holidays and I'm so excited to see what all you have been up to. 🙂

[@MeghanStanford]

Hey Sandi! When you buy colors outside of the primaries, do you still follow the rule of mixing it with some other color, or do you use those colors straight out of the tube since they’re already pre-mixed? Thank you!

[@luciatremont6238]

I’d love if you could do a class on faces or people in Flashe!

[@irenegarcia7356]

Is gouache more thinner is it used to enhance the colors??

[@judithutter1924]

Really enjoyed the video. Would you mind if I ask where you found those amazing earrings ?

[@sandihester]

So glad you enjoyed it. I got them in Santa Fe

[@RumoHasIt]

Hello, Sandy! Holbine has 2 different Tubes that look very similar . The watercolor tubes are labeled With a W and the gouache tubes are labeled with a G. So that tube you showed would be their gouache Line, Color number 564. Holbine water color tubes look very similar to shinhan PWC tubes.

[@sandihester]

That makes sense!

[@irenegarcia7356]

Thks. That makes sense 😊

[@oddanneout]

Taking the Greek out of The Artist’s Chemistry! 🙏🏼

[@janeandclementine]

Sandi, can I do take the bird painting class on my iPad?

[@AnitasDreams]

Hi Sandy ---You made my day with a video. Thanks for the info on the Birds Class. I would like to ask you if following you on Substack is a paid subscription. I don't know much about it & I couldn't quiet tell when I went to the site. Again love the info you share & I recently ordered the Holbien gouache. I got the mixing set which is great & a good price at $25!!!!

[@sandihester]

My substack is FREE. I don’t charge for it.

[@ReensaraiArtbyReenaS]

woe burnt sienna liquitex guache acrylic wow

[@aekorfker]

So many yummie paints 😄 Holbein is my favorite brand as well, especially for gouache and acrylic gouache, it’s just so pigmented! I need that ultramarine light you showed though, that would be a great addition. I discovered liquitex soft body trough your channel (game changer!) and recently purchased some of their acrylic gouaches as well. It would have been more clear to me if they were named gouache acrylics, I find it most useful to think of them as matte acrylics as well. (Ps can’t help to share another fun fact the word ‘verf’ is ‘paint’ in Dutch so fitting 😂)

[@lightwavz]

What a hilarious coincidence! I am going to start adding "verf" into my vocabulary. Thank you for the language lesson 😊

[@aekorfker]

@@lightwavz 😄👌

[@sandihester]

What?!?!? I can’t believe verf means paint 😳😂🙌. I just LOVE that!

[@aekorfker]

@@sandihester So funny 🤣🤣🤣

[@OneDayArt]

You are so beautiful ❤

[@GekkeSiamees]

Never knew a brand called Utrecht… I was born in Utrecht in the Netherlands..and lived there for many years…

[@lightwavz]

Utrecht was a house brand paint for a US art supply store chain. That chain is now owned and operated by Dick Blick. I have seen photos of Utrecht and it looks lovely there!

[@SkywalkFPV]

Very interesting! So how safe am I too say that everything watercolor does Gouache can do too, but Gouache has capabilities that watercolor does not, making it more versatile and superior?!

[@artisthename3496]

@sandihester plakaatverf is dutch for poster paint. I believe poster paint is like a gouache

[@Skinnychelle48]

Where can I find a listing of your classes?

[@Anonymoi]

Sandi, have you ever used casein? I can’t remember seeing it in one of your videos. The main commercial brand is Shiva (owned by Richeson now.) I think you would love it EXCEPT for the odor. It’s sort of medicinal and perfumey at the same time, which I guess is a preservative and also a fragrance to cover the natural casein odor. I bought a whole wide variety of colors a few years ago and then got away from them, but I have been watching a KZbin artist who uses them for plein air landscape sketching - very much a watercolor/gouache style - and I dug them out and remembered what an interesting medium it is.

[@sandihester]

I’ve not tried that

[@quit4292]

No arguments here! Would you take your Art Toolkit palette with those colors to somewhere like the Bahamas?! Im going in October and am SO worried about what colors of watercolor/gouache, markers and colored pencils to take AND then have it streamlined enough to not weigh more than the luggage!!! I aost think about this more than I do everything else i have to take!! ❤ Courtney

[@sandihester]

I would totally take my art tool kit to the Bahamas!

[@Danari7]

Sandi, do you consider doing a figure/ portrait class? ❤

[@sandihester]

I will do one at some time in the future for sure

[@margaretf667]

White watercolour is NOT gouache. Gouache is determined by its larger pigment size. That is why there are some opaque watercolours, although most are transparent, and also there are some semi/transparent gouaches, although most are opaque. In general the larger pigment size of gouache makes it more opaque and the smaller pigment size of watercolour makes it more transparent but this it not all the time due to other characteristics of the pigment.

[@sandihester]

I agree in theory and that's what is in writing about these two mediums but in practice it's true what I share in this video. If I covered up the labels you would not be able to tell the difference between my gouache or watercolor ultramarine and the same goes with white - if I had a dried pan of white watercolor and a pan of white gouache on my palette you would be hard pressed to tell the difference. I've been painting with these mediums for years. I wanted to give information that helps people make the most of the supplies they have and the supplies they're going to purchase. Thanks for sharing Margaret

[@lightwavz]

I am sticking up for Sandi here by posting this well-accepted dictionary definition: gouache gwäsh, goo͞-äsh′ noun A method of painting with opaque watercolors mixed with a preparation of gum. An opaque pigment used when painting in this way. A painting executed in this manner. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the esoteric minutiae amongst ourselves that we lose the fun and the life of creativity. Let's just have the fun.

[@sandihester]

@@lightwavz thank you! And I totally agree!❤️

[@YayaBolender]

You are right, it’s not the same, gouaches have a supplemental agent which makes them opaque like chalk or Kaolin that the watercolors don’t have, that’s probably why watercolors are more expensive because the pigment only is very important. Also both have some Arabic gum, it’s much more concentrated in the gouache. I used to teach arts and crafts in a big arts and crafts store in Paris, that’s why I always had a lot of interest in the composition of each product we were selling. I don’t think that we can compare the quality of the gouaches with the quality of the watercolors, of course it depends on the colors and types of pigments, but still, watercolors are more delicate, less dull, less easy to use also. Gouaches are more appropriate for children or for beginners, or just to have some fun, or to do some art with gouache specifically.

[@Anonymoi]

Not all gouache has those additives - there is a big increase in use of gouache for fine arts (non-commercial) purposes, and there are some artist grade gouaches which have increased opacity solely through large pigment size and/or higher pigment load. It is with those that you’ll see variations in gouache opacity, with transparent pigments remaining somewhat transparent (as with the ultramarine Sandi mentioned.) In student gouache or “designer” gouache, opacifiers are typically added to ensure consistent opacity across colors, obscuring the natural variations of pigments. Artist grade gouache typically costs about the same as artist grade watercolors. But I do think that a lot of what Sandi said is not accurate, from a strictly technical standpoint, if we’re talking about artist grade paints. She has clarified in the comments that she is talking about her experience handling the paints, and I think it’s really important for the information to be presented that way right from the start, because beginners will pass on what she has to say verbatim and create misunderstanding. I don’t see why it would be that helpful to tell a watercolor user that they’ve been using gouache all along - but I can see that it would be helpful to say that gouache can be used very similarly to watercolor (which I think makes it seem more approachable, but which not everyone knows… I constantly see people claiming you can’t add much water even to traditional gouache or it will become “underbound.”) White watercolor paint, especially in sets, is often “Chinese White,” which is zinc white, a transparent white. It is not gouache just because it’s white paint and a paint is not necessarily gouache just because it’s more opaque than most Western watercolor paint colors. And in Daniel Smith artist grade watercolors, for example, very very few of the lighter colors have white added, anyway. I only noticed one, in looking through their whole catalog. There are light pinks and purples and turquoises which are single pigment colors. There are a few more in Holbein which have white added - Holbein are Japanese and more of the traditional Japanese watercolor style - more opaque and less luminous and delicate than Western watercolors, and with more mixes and “fashion” color names. I have noticed in practice that Holbein watercolors tend to be more opaque, with some very, very similar to their gouache of the same color. Earth colors in watercolor are also not gouache simply because they may be naturally more opaque (although they can be formulated to be transparent - Daniel Smith’s yellow ochre is transparent.) But I agree that in certain uses they can appear virtually identical. The binder in gouache is also formulated differently, because, although gouache can be used as thinly as watercolor, it is also intended to be used relatively thickly, and even with no water at all, which is not how watercolor is intended to be used. I think with increasing fine arts usage of gouache people forget about its use among designers before the computer age.

[@EMA-2424]

Hi Sandi-quick question-in your palate you only have the watercolor and gauche right ? The acrylic gouache is left out and you just carry the tubes with you ? Acrylic gouache can’t be put into a palate or it will dry out right ? Thanks Edie

[@sandihester]

Correct - the acrylic gouache will dry up if you put it in a palette like I have. There are other ways to store it where it won’t dry thiugh

[@maurahencker2364]

Thank you for the information. If your Painting Birds has closed captions or subtitles, I would be happy to sign for it.:)

[@annevai]

I know you probably use your gouache very regularly, but do you have any problems wiht your gouache cracking and then falling out if your art tool kit? I think that might be a good option for my gouache if it hasn't caused you any issues!

[@sandihester]

Once in a blue moon that happens but it rarely ever does. But I’ve had other people say they have had that too so I’m not sure why it’s happening to others but not to me

[@caroldrummond1389]

do you put an acrylic varnish on your Flashe paints? I tried a liquitex matte varnish on Flashe paints and i really did not like what it did. Maybe it needs to be watered down. Will try that next time maybe.

[@sandihester]

No, I don’t varnish them

[@caroldrummond1389]

thanks for the reply :-)

[@brendawhaley7094]

You are going to laugh sandi I thought behind you at the window was some one peeking in at you it scared me ,as I kept watching I realize it was you 😂

[@sandihester]

That is SO funny!!!

[@catherinemcnamara4986]

Me too !

[@antonioplaza1013]

Hi, Sandi! Thank you for this video, it is so generous and inspiring 😊 I just wanted to ask you, I believe there is a color from you palette missing in the final swatch, is it possible? I was making a list with the colors you use, and I think you missed one from the middle line, perhaps a green? Sorry to bother you, perhaps I am just not seeing it or miscounting your pans :-S

[@sandihester]

Hmmmm I’m not sure. It wouldn’t surprise me if I missed one though 🤪🤷‍♀️. I’ll take a look

[@antonioplaza1013]

​@@sandihester Hi, Sandi, I am sorry to bother you again with this, but I was wondering if you have had the time to give it a look 😇 perhaps I thought one of the pans in your palette was double but it is just a simple pan? 😅

[@YayaBolender]

If I remember correctly, at least for the ones that I have kept with me, the Flash colors are not water resistant, they don’t stay put, like gouaches.

[@riverAmazonNZ]

?? They should be

[@irenegarcia7356]

I like raw sienna..

[@sandihester]

Me too

[@mjpete27]

I thought you might say how Acryl-Gouache is truly just Flat acrylic paint. Like the newly marketed Golden's SoFlat paints. People are paying a premium for a flat paint or for a gouache paint that has an acrylic polymer added so it will not lift. I do not say this to say it is bad just wish these companies would be more transparent about their products. I rather feel it is more of a marketing "trick" than an actual paint choice. Thank you for sharing your color palette with everyone. I also enjoy working with Turners Design gouache, It has been around a long time and has a very good reputation. I believe that is also why they have so many colors too!

[@Anonymoi]

It’s sort of like acrylic “ink,” which is not ink, but a very low-viscosity fluid acrylic paint. But how are the companies not transparent? They don’t conceal the fact that the “gouache” is an acrylic paint. Some companies, like Holbein, even offer a matte acrylic paint AND acrylic gouache. Acrylic gouache is, of course, an acrylic paint, but in my experience with Holbein, it handles like no matte acrylic paint I have ever tried, including other premium brands like Golden SoFlat.

[@Anonymoi]

I’m coming back to this comment because I was just reading something which matches with my personal experience. Apparently both Holbein and Turner (the other brand of acrylic gouache with which most people are likely to be familiar) have dispersing agents which most matte acrylic paints do not. This explains how the Holbein acrylic gouache handles. Not only is it perfectly smooth with zero clumping, and great opacity, you can add pretty much any amount of water and the wash remains very even. On top of that, it is very highly pigmented, so these washes are just amazing. After watching Sandi’s Substack swatching video, I would say that Turner does not do this as well, and SoFlat, which is an exceptional matte acrylic, is maybe about like Turner in this regard (but more pigmented than Turner.) Other matte acrylics become much more streaky. That is not to say that other types of matte acrylics don’t work reasonably well… even Blick matte acrylics are more than adequate for sketchbook work and studies and you might even want the streakiness! But Holbein in particular is just amazing to work with, so versatile, from full-strength opaque passages, to very watery but even washes, and it has zero stickiness or clumping so you can render fine details. I also find that it doesn’t dry quite as quickly as regular matte acrylics. My understanding is that Liquitex acrylic gouache is a bit different than this and maybe even like a slightly more fluid version of their soft body acrylics - not entirely opaque and not always matte.

[@irenegarcia7356]

Do you ever use" Koi" brand. Seen these brand @ Hobby lobby. Just wondering?

[@sandihester]

I’ve not ever tried that brand

[@KittehNow]

I love this video... just like all your others, Sandi... but someone, ..anyone, please help me understand why someone would choose watercolor over gouache.. or vise versa price?, how it looks? Is it possibly because since gouache is mostly opaque, you don't have to layer as much? Thanks for any feedback. Congratulations on your growing library of classes, Sandi. I gifting myself the landscape class this fall for my birthday 😊😊 BTW, I have been painting with watercolor for a few years, but never used gouache.

[@sandihester]

I think it’s a preference thing. I remember Mary Fedden say she liked gouache over watercolor because watercolor was too delicate and you could not correct it as easy. With gouache you can go over things easier with it because so many of the colors are opaque and if they’re not opaque you can add white to it to make it more opaque.

[@KittehNow]

Ahhhh.. thank you! That really helped. I love your work, style, everything❤❤❤

[@SandiSchario]

I was looking for a way to contact you to let you know that Jerry's Artarama has the Stabilo Woodys on sale and I think the blue is the one you are looking for I was looking for a way to email you the info but can't find it

[@sandihester]

🙌

[@YayaBolender]

No, some paints are sold as watercolors because they are watercolors, they have less concentrated Arabic gum and more pigment, the gouaches contain some chalk or kaolin, which makes them opaque and mat, and they have more concentrated Arabic gum, this is why they are cheaper, it has nothing to do with the choice of the companies, some pigments are expensive and more you will have some real pigments, more expensive the product will be, also the watercolors are not as mat as the gouaches because of the chalk or kaolin in the gouache. There are some watercolors which are so extraordinary and vibrant, but they are also more difficult to use. If it happened that some colors looked similar for you, it comes maybe from the quality of the pigment in the paints. Personally, I can see the difference between my watercolors and my gouaches.

[@wonderfulmessylife852]

I knew gouache and watercolors weren't the same but i couldn't put it into the correct wording i'm so glad you are so well spoken I feel like saying they are the same will confuse beginners so much

[@YayaBolender]

@@wonderfulmessylife852 Thank you for the “well spoken”, I am French living in USA, so it is very flattering for me because English is not my first language, thank you! I’m also glad that I helped you to differentiate the two kinds of paints.

[@JenniferRoughOut]

I did a bit of a double-take 😅 at 12:11 in the video, after you changed the camera battery and sat back down, you said “verf”… which means “paint” in Dutch (the pronunciation is slightly different from what you said, but it’s def spelled “verf” just as you flashed on the screen) 😊🙏

[@sandihester]

That’s sooo funny!

[@IlseLeijten]

“Verf” means paint in Dutch 😅

[@sandihester]

I just LOVE that!!!!