I first used the medium for a school plate way back in high school, around 2002 or 2003. I recently bought a few sets as the result of watching James Gurney’s YouTube lessons.
I made three gouache studies on postcard-sized arches watercolor paper. I used Rembrandt pure red sable pointed brushes and Royal & Langnickel Aqualon synthetic flats. For the sketches I used Caran d’Ache technograph and Supracolor 2 pencils (from a sampler box). I used only a limited palette for all studies, with up to eight colors at most. James Gurney always used gouache outdoors and relied on a limited palette; thought thay maybe I should try it too.
I used three different brands of gouache in attempt to study and compare their characteristics. For the first one (bottom to top) I used Caran d’Ache studio, for the second one Shinhan Pass with Royal Talens extra fine white, and for the third one I used Royal Talens Extra Fine.
Of the three brands, Caran d’ache seemed to be very chalky and dried with the least intensity. The other two on the other hand had greater color saturation and covering strength. Shinhan Pass seemed to be the most versatile of the three, with some colors having some slight sheen when dry. All brands also seemed to have good opaqueness and rewetting capabilities.
Gouache seems to be a versatile medium: quick drying, rewettable; ideal for plein air paintings and studies. It can be combined with watercolors too for greater versatility. The matte finish gives gouache artworks a distinct look and makes them a lot easier to photograph.
Sining ni Sing 