What is Gouache?
Gouache is a form of watercolour. Pronounced goo-arshe or gwarsh, it is not by any means a new style of paint, having been around in some form for many hundreds of years. It is going through a period of popularity, at present. While watercolour is water thin, gouache can be used in a slightly creamier consistency. This allows for just a slightly more textured appearance. Another contrast to watercolour is that as the paper may be more thickly covered, the glow of the paper can be eliminated. Ultra fine granules of a white pigment remain in the paint which reflect light and so a glow may still be attained. It is easy to use in the field and wonderful for detailed work. The paint does remain soluble and so the surface must be protected by framing under glass. As with watercolour the finished work should not be subjected to sunshine or overbright light for long periods. However, if painted on good paper and cared for correctly it will last even longer than watercolour.
Working with Gouache