Gouache Experiments

I don’t often get art block but when I do it is usually due to grief. With this latest wave I found myself unable to finish current projects or start new ones. After some brainstorming, I unearthed my gouache tubes from college (10 years old at this point) and decided that it was time I learned to use this medium. I had bought these paints during a color theory class and had only used them to paint flat colors on a color wheel. It was an expensive way to learn and had been a big waste of money. I looked forward to trying these out and experimenting. I knew that whatever the results were I’d be happy with the opportunity to take chances, make mistakes, and play with a new medium.

Below are the results.

Test 1 - Bear

I first experimented with a bear. When I suffer from art block I usually find technically difficult subjects to be easier to focus on. For this experiment I decided something with fur would be a good start. The shape came out easily but I found the fur almost impossible to shade or blend. I settled for some light tonality for the fur before adding highlights and shadows through lines and dots. I liked the overall graphic style of this piece but was disappointed by its lack of depth.

I’d love to use this style in a future project for a graphic novel/comic but otherwise I’m not sure I will be gravitating toward this style for my usual work.

Test 2 - Voldemort in a beret?

I tried a simple composition and found once again that shading was a real challenge (I wouldn’t find out until weeks after my last experiment that you aren’t supposed to shade with gouache and that it is indeed supposed to look flat!). I opted for a more flat look to play with opacity and layering for this piece.

Hare Moon

This piece was one where I really pushed the medium to blend. It didn’t blend much but I still enjoyed the subtle red shading around the cheeks and shoulders. I also liked how the blended portions magnified the contrast with the detailing in the hair and fur. This piece is what I see leaning toward if I continue working with gouache.

In all honesty, I see myself focusing more on layering it with watercolor to add a pop of color or using it to highlight/course correct.