The Complete Beginner's Guide to Gouache

Welcome to the Complete Beginner's Guide to Gouache! In this tutorial, I will show you what gouache paints I use, different techniques, water to pigment ratios, layering, and more!
DON'T MISS: SIMPLE Gouache Practice to Improve Quickly: • SIMPLE Gouache Practic...
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SUI Gouache Paint Set: www.amazon.com/dp/B08GXBKJX5?...
Daler-Rowney Gouache (set that I love): www.amazon.com/dp/B00GHQQHP8?...
Cute glass jar (similar to mine, I couldn't find exact): www.amazon.com/dp/B073TH6B4Y?...
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MUSIC: paid for and licenses acquired from Artlist.
00:00 - Intro
00:23 - Gouache set I’m using. Artist VS. Student grade.
01:43 - What is gouache?
02:04 - Painting a gouache wash.
03:30 - Feature: bold, matte finish.
04:13 - Discussing layering with gouache.
05:10 - Water to gouache consistency practice.
11:36 - What paper to use for gouache?
13:25 - Now practicing layering with gouache.
18:59 - Color mixing with gouache.
22:40 - How to lighten gouache.
24:46 - Brushes I use for gouache…

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

DON'T MISS: SIMPLE Gouache Practice to Improve Quickly: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5bbk2WJoLCHkLc // Don't miss my course The Art Within! We cover sketching and watercolor fundamentals, discover creative style, and how to get into "flow state" for optimal creative mindset. Check it out: www.jennarainey.com/the-art-within // If you want more monthly watercolor tutorials, I offer ad-free Patreon-exclusive tutorials and live art classes on my Patreon. www.jennarainey.com/patreon

[@MusingsFromTheDen]

I find using a dropper for adding water helps to get the consistency I want with gouache because you can add the water more gradually. 😊

[@AFAskygoddess]

Great idea!

[@TitansFan92]

I bet this would work great with watercolor too, what a good idea!

[@charlyburch7440]

Yay! I was hoping you would make a Gouache 101 video. I love the opacity of the medium. I’ve been doing a lot of journaling-writing out my experiences and emotions, as suggested by my therapist, but because of a pretty traumatic, diary-related incident as an 8-year-old child, I have trust/privacy issues. I’m 40, and I just started journaling, because I realized that I can write whatever I want, then use the gouache to paint over journal entries. Plus, I love the way it dries. The finish is beautiful, and I love the way it feels to run my hands over my paintings in my journals.

[@eagercrafter_9014]

I am sorry you went through this, but I love your idea. Making something wonderful out of something traumatic.

[@tonisumblin2719]

You sound happy painting in your journal. 👍🏼. That’s wonderful and it sounds like fun. I’m sorry for your past bad experiences. Keep doing things that make you happy because it brings out the best in us.

[@AshB_Watercolors]

I understand what it can feel like to have some past trauma and ptsd with journaling…. Thanks for your thoughts on what you are doing to get over that…

[@doyourememberanna]

I started several beginners gouache videos and kept clicking away because I didn’t vibe with them and instantly when I clicked on this one, I was like… “yes.”

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Glad to hear you vibe with this! 💕

[@hatthawattha]

Thank you Jenna! I love gouache and there really isn't enough free gouache tutorials online that are free. Also since I have now painted with gouache for little over a year (not all the time though) and my other medium is watercolour, I have noticed that there's a lot of beginner tutorials out there. However, I once heard an artist say on a podcast that if you look at beginner tutorials, you will forever be on the beginner area. So I have now looked for intermediate and pro tutorials but there's not many on gouache. Watercolour, yes a lot more but gouache no. So please do also intermediate videos and pro and it would be great if the differences were explained for people to understand the differences.

[@inkydrink]

I've watched a handful of beginner's gouache videos and this is the first I've found that thouroughly covers everything I wanted to know AND it's explained in a way that makes a lot of sense to me (ie; tea, coffee, milk with consistency). You are a fantastic teacher and thank you so much for posting this. I subscribed right away.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Aw thanks for sharing! Glad to hear that! 💕

[@conniejackson7913]

I was in a “cheap” shop a few weeks back to buy a plastic shower curtain to put under the mulberry tree to catch the fruit and walked by their art section and spotted boxes (12 tubes) of Gouache for $5, so bought one. I’ve done a swatch of all the colours, incl black and white, and I did a colour wheel using just three colours, and I’m keen to get better quality ones. I’ve previously used all the other mediums except Acrylics and Gouache... Thanks so much for the tutorial

[@happy2bgrandmabroome599]

I’m doing the ocean painting of yours and my husband got me some gouache for an anniversary present yesterday so I got on KZbin this morning and bam! Found Miss Jenna showing me how to use it too🎉, girl you are awesome!!! Thank you for a wealth of knowledge. God bless you ❤

[@michalina3474]

I haven't started yet with my new set of gouache paint (it's a present from my sister) bc first I need some theory. Your video is excellent. I got all info that I needed and now I'm ready to start. Thank you ❤️

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

I love how patiently you've explained the various stages of water to gouache ratio. I think this medium could be my new favourite for layering

[@celestedejesus]

Jenna, you are just so wonderful, awesome, talented, and generous with sharing your knowledge, tips, and more. Thank you for inspiring me and other art lovers: )

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

💕💕

[@loriannferraioli2698]

Been wanting to try this medium. Thank you for the information.

[@Emmachrist]

Thank you so much for this video Jenna! 🥰

[@carolyndaughton3373]

Thank you Jenna. This is a very informative video. I've been wanting to paint the gouache vases tutorial you shared a while back. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@jumanas4012]

Thank you for the detailed steps, I was not introduced to gouache in school, and gained interest in my 40s ❤

[@leonormartinez6378]

Love the tea to butter consistency. Great video!! Thank you!

[@boyjrr]

Thank you for this wonderful video. Soooo informative!!!

[@gillyslikejillysart7458]

Great info Jenna. Thank you so much!

[@sayusayme7729]

Learning so much on your channel, thank you. So grateful for your amazing free content. Love it all.

[@cynthiagiven8258]

Thank you so much for the extremely helpful hints and tips.

[@hugodevotion]

Thanks for sharing this, I'm gona try experimenting different mediums more confidently from now on! ✌️

[@catherinepridmore5076]

That was great, so informative, thank you! I just got the Artful gouache box and was looking for basic information so I could understand the paint better and have a good play before actually trying to produce something and your video was perfect!

[@annamortimer]

Thank you! I’ve only used white gouache before. Now I’m excited to get a set and experiment!

[@zachtbd5585]

Such a helpful video, thanks!

[@susanbarney5897]

Hold my coffee…orders gouache set because now, thanks to you, I know how to start! ☕️🎨👩‍🎨

[@stinar37]

This is so great. Thank you.

[@KR-tr9fl]

Perfect timing! I just bought a set of gouache paints last weekend!

[@ts-eu6mp]

Great tutorial, well explained and helpful. thanks. TS

[@ritahayes6407]

Just started painting with qouache. So helpful

[@marlenebauman9130]

I enjoyed this video very much by the way. You were so good to explain things so clearly. Thank you!

[@DeniseBrooks1955]

Thank you Jenna! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@imrobie5758]

Great instructions!

[@LaLa_ArtGal]

This video is very helpful as I come from a watercolor practice and am wanting to learn gouache. I appreciate how often you made the distinction about how each medium will perform. Thank you for making this.

[@codiuart]

Your instructions are very detailed, the steps are very well said by you. For those who are new to following and learning to draw can all do the same. But I need to follow up many times to learn your basic drawing techniques. Thank you for sharing, a great video.

[@lindazorich6734]

Wonderful tips for using gouache. Love the "Tea to Butter"

[@desireeross9651]

This has been the most informative gouache video . I’m a newbie and you’ve answered many questions. Thank you

[@deeman524]

Good lesson, thanks

[@sui9471]

Thank you for introducing Sui Gouache. I only found out about your video today, but it was a great help in the hard times. Thank you very much.❤❤

[@dragonflysilver711]

Thank you this is a very informative video and keep up the good work. I found out this video. I’ve learned so much in a short amount of time.

[@jasminhembrow9400]

Your vlog was very helpful.

[@alisondukeart]

Excellent video I have just started teaching somone who uses quoache and this was very informative. Lots of good hints on how much to use etc. Thank you.

[@patdurand665]

Great info

[@wanderingcreativity]

Thanks so much friend how cool

[@bonniesears4901]

I just bought gouche thank you for the wonderful tips!

[@Byugytctrc]

This was such an informative video. Even though I never considered myself to be an artist type, I’m feeling inspired and moved towards gouache as an entry into that world. Thank you so much for making and posting your videos. 🙏🏼💖

[@lilymarie626]

I can’t wait to see some tutorials with gouache!!

[@brendayarborough1271]

VERY helpful -- wonderful video. I adore painting with watercolor on Yupo and frequently mix to a heavy cream consistency, so this tidbit from your video struck a chord with me and now I am ready to open up my brand new WN gouache tubes!! Thank you.

[@priscillareads]

OH SHIT! A gouache video from Jennaaaaaa??? YES PLEASE

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

😂😂😂

[@hugodevotion]

lols

[@dawnaskey4975]

Thank you for covering so much in a single video. I think the hardest thing for me to grasp was how it behaves like watercolors in some ways but like acrylic in other ways. Now I understand! I'm going to try it now!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

You're so welcome! 💕

[@brightonrosie]

I’ve been painting with watercolour now for just over 2 years. My style is very illustrative and I feel Gouache would be a good way to progress. Thank you for your excellent clear tutorial x

[@yeliah311]

i have a little bit of trouble getting the right consistency with gouache, but the tea to butter guide really gives me a visual idea of what i need!! thanks so much for this video :)

[@freakinkim]

I absolutely love your channel! You are helping me so much in my art journey💛

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

❤️❤️

[@stacys447]

I love painting trees with gouache, especially the trunks.

[@jillbalsam2507]

I JUST tried that, myself, a couple of weeks ago. Also added ink to white gouache. Fun! Now I'm into gouache.

[@diannedupuis2960]

Great video!

[@dolly5224]

I am a rank beginner to watercolour, and have been struggling with negative space in my paintings. You have just given me an avenue to explore and now I am very excited to get started. Thank you for all your instructive videos.

[@besthobbit]

Gouache is such a fun word

[@kathytincler2446]

Most helpful and will try this this week. The 4 or so watercolor paintings (paintings? haha) I've tried are just kind of tiring to work on and seeing as how I can't even draw a leaf with practice I think I will continue my journey with this gouache and set the wc on the back burner for a bit. I learned a lot in this vid thanks much!

[@juliab.8200]

Thank you! 💓💓💓

[@veronicasalfi1149]

Love this video. Its very instructive and easy to follow. What is the difference between gouache and acrylic gouache?

[@reneekh3599]

Thanks!

[@barbarastephens2890]

Bless you! I recently purchased your wonderful book Every day Watercolor. It finally dawned on me that there may be tutorials that go with the book lesson by lesson. I do better if I can see what I read.

[@Laura_________]

Loads of info packed into this video. Thanks! ... One question, since the goal is to not add too much water so as to keep the opacity, does it reason to say that it is best to use gouache straight out of the tube and not so good to put it into a pan/palette and let dry 🖌

[@muskadobbit]

Excellent, Jenna. Just what I needed to know to get started. I love watercolour but the look of gouache really fascinates me.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Gouache is so fun to play with!

[@sonjajackson6273]

About to finally try out gouache for myself for the first time. Been doing water for a year or two now and also adding gouache as I have quite an illustrative style.. will add the richness i struggle to get wit watercolours alone.

[@janierimer7371]

Gawd. Not another medium! More paint to buy! Yay! Seriously… great video. I’ve only used white to date for highlights and things like adding ocean foam. So i will have fun trying other colours. I am not sure, however, if I could ever leave the wonderous, transparent, granulating world of watercolor, Jenna. For me, gouache will only be to accent/highlight.

[@billcaso9540]

Thanks Jenna! Wonderful tutorial! I see on your pallet that you mix colors over "dirty" dry paint in the tray, does any of the old dry paint seep into the paint your mixing? Thanks again!

[@mapr0876]

Great instructions, Quick question: after the painting is done, do you use a fixative pls? TFS X

[@betsyulbrich7362]

I guess I watched this too late! Amazon sold out of the paint set you recommended….says don’t know when or if…you know the drill….had to read tons of reviews to pick an alternative….hoping I chose well. Thanks for the info Jenna…been wanting to try adding these to my supplies…❤️🐝

[@amybush9066]

Thank you Jenna, I've been very curious about qouache. Question wouldn't it be easier to go from butter to tea?

[@leojablonski2309]

Smokin....did not know you did Goache. I'm on board.. liked ur book...Trenton, N.J

[@user-tpf62]

Я приобрел книгу Джереми Форда о гуаши! Он мне рюповедал о тонкостях работы с этим материалом, по сути это ведь темпера, на водной основе как и другие, но клей - гуммиарабик, и значит можно очень аккуратно и осторожно работать с ней послойно, прозрачными лессировками. И всего добиваться, если что не понравилось легко исправлять, вообще все смыть с листа если надо! Я в восхищении. Также можно применять гуашь в технике предложенной выдающей русской мастера акварели Елены Базановой! Все отлично получается!

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

TFS!

[@nicolemartin6590]

Hey Jenna, could you do a non floral tutorial that mixes the use of both mediums please?

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Jenna, I was taught to use gouache for advertising imagery! The Matt finish was so good for photography. I was also told that gouache was an impermanent medium! I cannot even remember how many times the pictures I worked on ended up in the trash! I know that many of the pigments are the same so it should be a permanent medium, right? I even remember a lady getting her painting removed from a watercolor painting show because she had used an opaque white for her highlights! Rigid rules that are much more lenient in today’s world of paintings! I recall the first time I saw a video that the artist just plopped their highlights on top of that watercolor painting! I was a bit taken aback but so glad attitudes have relaxed in this area! Now I have not been entered into an art show in years but I have seen paintings entered and have seen quite an acceptance of this technique for highlights. So much for gouache being a temporary art medium! Eh? Thank you for sharing your lovely painting techniques and your delightful opinions on how to create a painting with gouache! Very informative and a delight too! Please take care, be safe and enjoy your day!

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

oh WOW.. i didn't know the matte finish of gouache is \ good for photographing..lol yeah the watercolour shows are judged by "watercolour purists" ...great tips thank you for sharing Pete

[@fionabromby4546]

Gouache IS. Watercolour. The amount of chalk added to pigment and binder is percentage wise more giving gouache the opacity. The chalklike flat colour result gives it a unique look. Only oil paint is the completely different medium so any use of pigment with water is watercolour

[@kate9316]

thank you so much for this video :) im just starting with gouache after using watercolors and i was wondering how long those tubes of gouache last you? watercolors can last very long even if you paint a lot but i guess with gouache thats not the case?

[@dorianadesanto4158]

Can you tell me where to find the palette your using to the left of your paper? Thank you!

[@Ms1lonewolf]

I just bought a gouache set of 36 colors. I got so I could use it for highlights with my watercolor paintings. It's fall and Xmas cards so I thought I'd use some gouache this year. Thank you for this video. I was worried about my nice brushes whether or not the gouache would wash out good or not. Also didn't know if I should have a pallet of gouache like I do watercolor???? I don't think I'll put my gouache in a plastic pallet?? I don't know? 😊. Thank you JK FLORIDA 🇺🇸 USA

[@esayeniem]

Thank you for the video including the basics of gouache. Just one correction: acrylic is a water based medium as well :)

[@ralphherrick596]

Do you make a pallet like your watercolor pallet for guouch or loose the paint when finished

[@lindazorich6734]

Talk about putting Gouache on your palette. When the gouache is dried out in the pan how do you reconstitute?

[@lagunera53]

Jenna, gouache could be put in the pallette as watercolor to let them dry? Or is better to have them in the tubes.

[@sueallen952]

When you squeeze gouache on your palette do you clean it off after or leave it as I've heard it cracks badly

[@Zar2244]

So do you re activate gouache in the pallet like watercolours

[@sharpemh]

recovering from stroke usedto do watercolour but whole new horizonb mike

[@heatherwonder8267]

Hi Jenna! I've never tried gouache before. I just ordered my first tube - white gouache. I'm just wondering if you can re-activate gouache once it's dried on your pallet? Or should I try to be more sparing with it when squeezing it out of the tube because it's a one time use paint once it's dried, like acrylic? Thanks so much for all of your great videos! I've learned so much and am super inspired! Keep up the good work girlfriend!

[@MarySparkle]

Heather, from my experience it’s more like watercolor in that you can re-activate it with water. I find it may not be as fresh as from the tube, but you can still use it. Just my thoughts.

[@stas61690]

@@MarySparkle I’m new to gouache so maybe this isn’t a thing, but does the reactivation with water depend on whether it’s gouache or acrylic gouache. I see that advertised and wonder about the difference. Like the difference between inks, acrylic inks, and liquid watercolor. The form factor looks the same but the attributes and utility are different.

[@zeldacheri]

@@stas61690 You can't reactivate acrylic gouache, whether on the palette or your painting.

[@stas61690]

@@zeldacheri That's what I had assumed. I have tried to avoid it because that isn't the effect or clean up hassle I'm looking for.

[@janettwhite2069]

I’m trying to get back into painting after not doing art for five years. Your video is very informative but I feel defeated when I can’t get even a different consistency to come out with my gouache. Could this be because of the type I bought? I started with artist grade to get started into it until I got the hang of it.

[@JGSewell]

I went to amazon to see about checking out the gouache see you have and can’t find it anywhere. ☹️ it says it’s out of stock.

[@marlenebauman9130]

Are there benefits of gouache over acrylic, other than you can re-wet gouache. I don't like how gouache is not readily available at stores in my area. Do you recommend a particular brand name of gouache?

[@veronicasalfi1149]

How about using gouache on top of 1. gesso, 2. acrylic paint?

[@karyngarland9414]

Can you store gouache in a paint tray or do you keep it in the tubes?

[@hugodevotion]

depends on speed you're comfortable with

[@susancanevari5696]

Great demo ! So can you reuse the dried gouache in your pallets? Or do you just try and only use fresh from tube every time ?

[@paulatharp5457]

I have heard other KZbin watercolor artists (Emma LeFebvre & Lindsey Weirich The Frugal Crafter) both say that you can rewet dried gouache just like watercolor paint.

[@annamortimer]

I have put some in a pan and just rewet when I want to use, BUT it’s hard to get the creamy, thicker texture and consistency if you do that. It’s more the watery mix because you just can’t get it wet all the way through. I don’t know if that’s making sense or not, but I would recommend using fresh from the tube as much as possible.

[@AnArtistsView]

FIRST VIEW , FIRST LIKE, FIRST COMMENT!!❤❤🖤

[@englishatheart]

I suuuck at watercolor but am decent with gouache. I prefer it to watercolors and acrylics.

[@robynwhite5662]

I discovered I love gouache because I keep messing up my watercolour paintings. I have some shinhan pass but not sure it’s artists quality. I also have shinhan gouache. Not sure about it either so yesterday went all in and bought Holbein gouache. Do you have any gouache brand review videos? The first time I bought gouache I bought acrylic gouache. I didn’t understand the difference. Now I know I don’t see the point of it. Why not just paint with acrylic paint?

[@sarahkokura6349]

Just got gouache! It’s been a thing. After watercolour. 🤣

[@rayemartineau8644]

😍❤👍👀 7/11/22

[@cherylbormann3429]

Does gouache wash off pallets like watercolor?

[@stas61690]

Apparently, it depends on whether it is acrylic gouache or not. Acrylic gouache doesn't wash off the palette and the clean up for brushes is different than watercolor or standard artists gouache.

[@cherylbormann3429]

@@stas61690 so if it is acrylic gouache I treat it similar to acrylic paint. And if it is not I treat it like watercolor paint?

[@stas61690]

@@cherylbormann3429 I believe so. Hopefully, someone with more experience with Acrylic gouache will chime in. Can't hurt to tread carefully and be cautious with brushes and palettes with acrylics of any kind.

[@bonniegarson80]

When my gouache dries in pallet how do u get it to buttery? Thanks

[@karenalexander6645]

I first lightly mist my paints with water while getting setup to paint so after several minutes then I use a pallet knife to work the water in. If the paint is still not smooth enough I add a drop of glycerin to mix in that works. You can get it in the baking and candy making areas of crafts and hobbies stores for a few dollars.

[@carolgehman6036]

At 52 seconds you said artist grade is cheaper. I’m confused…..