Introduction to Gouache

Andrew Pena

This is a structured Gouache course guided by a curriculum broken down into four one-hour classes. Designed and taught by professional artist Andrew Peña (@dasdrew), it will cover the basics of gouache painting, including colour mixing, layering, blending techniques, and composition. By the end of the course, you will have the skills and confidence to create your own gouache paintings.

This course is suitable for absolute beginners.

COURSE CURRICULUM:

Session 1: Materials & How to Handle Gouache

Learn all about the necessary materials when painting with gouache, how to make the most out of your brushes, what makes gouache unique and how to "use" it. Andrew will also cover basic concepts such as colour theory and mixing, creating with a limited palette, understanding the 'ugly phase' in a painting, shapes and texture. All while painting rocks to solidify the concepts.

Session 2: First Read - Composition

First Read is all about making a statement with your paintings. When someone looks at your work, what do they see?

Learn about basic contrasting elements as the stepping stone to start a piece. Understand how to observe your reference photo/subject and how that understanding will impact your approach to painting, freeing you from the fear of the blank page.

Session 3: Second Read - Colour, Shapes & Texture

On a Second Read, we dig deeper as we realise what is inside the shapes.

Learn about the most challenging process in painting: 'sculpting' the shapes. In this class, you'll learn how to control colour, texture and saturation and convey the mood of the painting without adding any details.

Session 4: Third Read - Focusing Your Painting

For this final class, you will focus on details and defining the subject. Leverage your small brushes and learn how to use darks and saturated, vibrant colours; apply highlights and pops of colour; polish your edges; use texture effects; and do all those little things that bring the wow factor to any finished painting.

By the end of the course, you'll have the skills and confidence to create your gouache paintings.

REFERENCE PHOTOS