An Introduction to Gouache (Online Workshop) Summer 2025 w/ Rachel Patrick
June 3 to June 17 (Tuesdays), 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Eastern Time
**All sessions are live and will be recorded, students do not have to be present. All recordings will be available to students for 3 months after the final session, after 3 months the recording will be deleted.
Please check your email spam/junk folder for your Zoom invite.
Workshop Description
Gouache is an often-misunderstood painting medium, with qualities similar to both watercolour and acrylic. Its quick-drying nature allows for layering, making it perfect for both precise detailing and expressive brushwork. This course is ideal for anyone looking for an introduction on how to use gouache to create colourful, fun, contemporary still life paintings.
I will demonstrate how I select my subjects and photograph still life scenes. We will also learn about the fundamentals of colour theory and how to layer gouache to create paintings that pop off the page.
Throughout the workshop, we will develop our skills and understanding through a variety of assigned and open-ended exercises.
Workshop Outline
Week 1
Introduction to Gouache Presentation: We will gain an understanding of gouache as a medium, exploring its history and the characteristics and unique qualities that set it apart from other painting mediums.
Demonstration where Rachel will break down her approach to taking contemporary still life reference images and sketching.
Week 2
Introduction to colour theory using colour wheel.
Discussion on the impact of using complementary colours.
We will start to get familiar with our paint palette, mixing different values and hues.
Week 3
We will apply what we have learned to painting two different contemporary still life images, with a focus on using colour theory and layering methods to create a painting that stands out.
Workshop Materials List
Paper
I find watercolour paper best for painting with gouache as it holds form well even with heavy water application. This can be hot or cold pressed, depending on preference. I would recommend the paper be at least 300gsm / 140lb. I use the Arches Hot Pressed Aquarelle Watercolour Block.
Palette
This course will be taught using traditional gouache paints. I use Windsor & Newton Designers Gouache but also highly recommend Holbein Gouache.
Paint colours:
Permanent White
Permanent Alizarin Crimson
Primary Red
Ultramarine Blue
Cadmium Yellow
Spectrum Violet
Permanent Green Middle
Brushes
As we will be painting on a smaller scale, I would recommend using a selection of smaller watercolour brushes. I use Rosemary & Co Kolinsky Sable Series, size 10 and below, but anything similar will work.
Other materials
Pencil
Scotchblue Blue Masking Tape (or similar)
A ruler
Water for cleaning brushes
Paper towels or cloth
Clear or white paint palette
View of a colour wheel
June 3 to June 17 (Tuesdays), 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Eastern Time
**All sessions are live and will be recorded, students do not have to be present. All recordings will be available to students for 3 months after the final session, after 3 months the recording will be deleted.
Please check your email spam/junk folder for your Zoom invite.
Workshop Description
Gouache is an often-misunderstood painting medium, with qualities similar to both watercolour and acrylic. Its quick-drying nature allows for layering, making it perfect for both precise detailing and expressive brushwork. This course is ideal for anyone looking for an introduction on how to use gouache to create colourful, fun, contemporary still life paintings.
I will demonstrate how I select my subjects and photograph still life scenes. We will also learn about the fundamentals of colour theory and how to layer gouache to create paintings that pop off the page.
Throughout the workshop, we will develop our skills and understanding through a variety of assigned and open-ended exercises.
Workshop Outline
Week 1
Introduction to Gouache Presentation: We will gain an understanding of gouache as a medium, exploring its history and the characteristics and unique qualities that set it apart from other painting mediums.
Demonstration where Rachel will break down her approach to taking contemporary still life reference images and sketching.
Week 2
Introduction to colour theory using colour wheel.
Discussion on the impact of using complementary colours.
We will start to get familiar with our paint palette, mixing different values and hues.
Week 3
We will apply what we have learned to painting two different contemporary still life images, with a focus on using colour theory and layering methods to create a painting that stands out.
Workshop Materials List
Paper
I find watercolour paper best for painting with gouache as it holds form well even with heavy water application. This can be hot or cold pressed, depending on preference. I would recommend the paper be at least 300gsm / 140lb. I use the Arches Hot Pressed Aquarelle Watercolour Block.
Palette
This course will be taught using traditional gouache paints. I use Windsor & Newton Designers Gouache but also highly recommend Holbein Gouache.
Paint colours:
Permanent White
Permanent Alizarin Crimson
Primary Red
Ultramarine Blue
Cadmium Yellow
Spectrum Violet
Permanent Green Middle
Brushes
As we will be painting on a smaller scale, I would recommend using a selection of smaller watercolour brushes. I use Rosemary & Co Kolinsky Sable Series, size 10 and below, but anything similar will work.
Other materials
Pencil
Scotchblue Blue Masking Tape (or similar)
A ruler
Water for cleaning brushes
Paper towels or cloth
Clear or white paint palette
View of a colour wheel
June 3 to June 17 (Tuesdays), 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Eastern Time
**All sessions are live and will be recorded, students do not have to be present. All recordings will be available to students for 3 months after the final session, after 3 months the recording will be deleted.
Please check your email spam/junk folder for your Zoom invite.
Workshop Description
Gouache is an often-misunderstood painting medium, with qualities similar to both watercolour and acrylic. Its quick-drying nature allows for layering, making it perfect for both precise detailing and expressive brushwork. This course is ideal for anyone looking for an introduction on how to use gouache to create colourful, fun, contemporary still life paintings.
I will demonstrate how I select my subjects and photograph still life scenes. We will also learn about the fundamentals of colour theory and how to layer gouache to create paintings that pop off the page.
Throughout the workshop, we will develop our skills and understanding through a variety of assigned and open-ended exercises.
Workshop Outline
Week 1
Introduction to Gouache Presentation: We will gain an understanding of gouache as a medium, exploring its history and the characteristics and unique qualities that set it apart from other painting mediums.
Demonstration where Rachel will break down her approach to taking contemporary still life reference images and sketching.
Week 2
Introduction to colour theory using colour wheel.
Discussion on the impact of using complementary colours.
We will start to get familiar with our paint palette, mixing different values and hues.
Week 3
We will apply what we have learned to painting two different contemporary still life images, with a focus on using colour theory and layering methods to create a painting that stands out.
Workshop Materials List
Paper
I find watercolour paper best for painting with gouache as it holds form well even with heavy water application. This can be hot or cold pressed, depending on preference. I would recommend the paper be at least 300gsm / 140lb. I use the Arches Hot Pressed Aquarelle Watercolour Block.
Palette
This course will be taught using traditional gouache paints. I use Windsor & Newton Designers Gouache but also highly recommend Holbein Gouache.
Paint colours:
Permanent White
Permanent Alizarin Crimson
Primary Red
Ultramarine Blue
Cadmium Yellow
Spectrum Violet
Permanent Green Middle
Brushes
As we will be painting on a smaller scale, I would recommend using a selection of smaller watercolour brushes. I use Rosemary & Co Kolinsky Sable Series, size 10 and below, but anything similar will work.
Other materials
Pencil
Scotchblue Blue Masking Tape (or similar)
A ruler
Water for cleaning brushes
Paper towels or cloth
Clear or white paint palette
View of a colour wheel