What is Gouache?

Gouache (gwash) has been around for centuries.    The word comes from the Italian word for mud – guazzo.  It is thought the technique of adding zinc white to watercolour was discovered by a monk, in Italy,  in the eleventh century.  He used the technique while working on manuscript illustrations. 

The artists over the centuries who used the medium to great effect include the likes of Durer, Rubens, Van Dyck, Turner, Degas, Vuillard and Matisse.  I have been told that using gouache is cheating, not real painting.  Who would argue that these great artists were using a lesser medium. 

Gouache seems to be showing a resurgence recently.  The brilliance of the colours and its wonderful covering capacity lends itself to a range of styles including fine illustrative work and abstract works.

I use it in layers with very little water to add depth to the colours in trees and animal coverings.  It is a great paint to take out plein air painting as oil techniques can be used and the work dries quickly.  A great way to compile a travel diary.

I prefer designers’ gouache but acrylic gouache is also gaining  popularity.  

It is certainly worth a try if you have not already done so.