As a newbie watercolorist, who has probably watched 1000 tutorials by dozens of artists by now, yours are the most helpful, hands down. You share expertise in such a conversational way, super easy to understand (even if its not always easy to mimic). And every time I finish one of your videos I feel like I can actually succeed at becoming a halfway decent painter, whereas many youtube vids end up leaving me feeling overwhelmed and inept. Thank you so much!
Thanks a lot for listening to us and taking time to review this wonderful Gouache !! i was one of the viewers that suggested this Gouache and im really happy to see a video for it ! :D
You just said it plainly- They’re All Watercolor! I must say, the “permission” to underpaint with white, as needed, is a small gem. It makes me think of a keyboard player who has a number of keyboards in front of them, and selects what they need. This becomes a small, but mighty element involved in Mastery of a medium. As someone once wrote (I read it in a raucous novel about a USN sailor, back in the 60’s) “Rules are for people who don’t know what they’re doing.” I Always enjoy your explorations and investigations! Thanks much!
Hello, thanks for your very informative and entertaining videos! Just wanted to add another possibility of getting opaque effects with transparent watercolors: I use acrylic colors and pigment emulsions together with watercolors. Also you can make a super-opaque white yourself by mixing Titanium white pigment with water and acrylic binder (or acrylic varnish) or with watercolor binder (but that`s more expensive). I even used low fat milk last year as a binder. It works very well, but I don`t trust it completely up to now, even if after one year there is still no smell, no mold and no discoloration. Ready made Casein binder would probably be the better way than just the raw milk, but also more expensive. The acrylic and Casein binders have the advantage that the dry layer won`t move anymore (if that is what you want to have at all - it works very well for the backing method). With the raw pigments you can create almost any opacity of the white you want. If you use Kaolin or Zinc Sulfide pigment additionally, you can even change the brightness and the shade of the white to more grey or green-blueish. Additionally, the pigments are very cheap compared to buying the ready made white colors (1 kg Titanium White currently about 12 Euros from Kremer Pigments). Just some ideas that worked well for my purposes. I found these methods especially useful for creating abstract / spontaneous painting effects.
I have titanium white pigment and gum arabic. Can I mix these and essentially make my own white gouache? Would I need to mull the pigment and gum arabic before using? Thanks!
@@melissaaldosari8024 I use gum arabic for making watercolors. Not sure how to make the pastos gouache paint. I only use the liquid pigment emulsions. From my experience, with Titanium white and earth pigments it is enough to stir them for a while in the binder and additional water, using an old bristle brush. Then you get something like liquid gouache. For making watercolors, it is enough to mull those pigments for 1 minute or so in a porcelain mortar. I think the gum arabic will work for making the liquid gouache. No mulling necessary I think. But you need to stir this mix a bit every time before you want to use it. If you dont stir it, the color will be less opaque. I only make small portions in plastic shot glasses. Those stay good for one to two weeks, even uncovered. But you need to add water sometimes.
I loved this video, Steve. I appreciate the tips, especially about "backing" with white gouache, because I had not discovered that before. Always learning, learning, from you, my friend!
Thank you for covering "backing" I discovered it by accident trying to correct a mistake on geraniums. I used waterproof white and glazed over with red.... wow! It jumped right off the paper and I continued to use the method where I wanted that affect from then on. Never heard about "backing" and thought I was doing something unsavory all this time like cheating or something. Now my conscience is clear. lol.
People sometimes act like only certain ways of painting are valid somehow. Not true! If you discover something that makes your work easier, and your paintings pop, that is a good thing.
I’m transitioning from acrylics to watercolors. I want to stop contributing to plastics on the planet. I’ve been watching your videos, as you know, and so appreciate all the info. I get befuddled by so many options. I bought some really good watercolors and am happy about that purchase. And/but, I love the flexibility of Gouache-its opacity and it’s ability to be transparent. I only have white right now. My befuddled ness is because I’ve invested in the watercolors and think “I SHOULD USE THESE.” And, I think the ability to utilize the opaqueness is calling to me too. Just one of those conundrums that we have to be with. I’m not frustrated with watercolors and am really just beginning with them, so I don’t know yet what I’m capable of or what they are capable of. 🤷♀️I’m in it for the fun, so I’ll get back to the fun! Thanks Steve!!
Thanks for a great tip for an oil painter who’s trying to learn watercolor since quarantining at home. I had no idea that I could mix gouache with watercolor. Opens up another important option for me. Your videos have been most helpful in my learning process.
Hullo Steve, Oh my what a difference a few years makes! I have been feeling pressure to adopt opaque paints. From gouache to opaque watercolor paint and yes there is a difference between gouache and opaque watercolors! I was so impressed by Schminke Academy gouache and their Hordam gouache paints are some of the most expensive paint I have ever purchased! I am still reluctant to buy gouache, but after researching the difference in how gouache is “cooked” and ground up does matter as this effects opacity and lightfastness too! I am going to purchase a few mixing sets just to see if I truly need to buy actual gouache as I have been able to create flat fields of color with my watercolor paints, but they still look like watercolor to me. Turners design gouache is the brand I spoke about before and my aversion to painting with gouache, thank you for sharing this brand and leaving it online for those of us who have watched already but simply did not remember what you said! I am curious if you would equate DaVinci gouache with this Royal Talens gouache? Thank you.
Royal Talens gouache is better than DaVinci in my opinion. DaVinci is a great watercolor brand but I don't like their gouache. Since this video I've also done a Daniel Smith gouache review. One of the best and worthy of consideration.
Thank you so much for doing this video! I was one of the viewers suggesting Talens gouache since I like it so much. The backing technique is very useful. I hope you will involve more gouache in your video's.
Thank you! Great review and valuable information about not only gouache but paper choice, as well! I especially enjoyed the "backing" demonstration. The CC kept typing out "squash" instead of gouache so I'm having squash casserole tonight. Yum.
I have a bunch of fantastic Talens artists gouache from between ‘81 and ‘86, they handled great back then, seemed to go underground a bit around the mid 90’s and resurfaced around ten or fifteen years ago. When I bought them they were the finest and the best, they did two other ranges, a designers gouache and a student range. I decanted them all around five years ago and only one colour would not rewet, a very synthetic looking rose a bit like opera. The same colour has since grown whiskers, every other behaves very similarly to when they were in tubes. All the work I did then has stood up to time exceptionally well. I was very lucky at the time I purchased them that even when I briefly changed country they were still available. Having said that, whatever works best for an individual, mine at the time was it had to be suitable for hand painted pieces and fine enough to not clog up my airbrush. I could not use it for the latter now but I will not want to. I absolutely agree that it is watercolour. I have Shinhan Pass as a far more recent purchase and love them.
Gouache loves to be photographed. A lot of TH-cam teachers demonstrate it with cheapo paper & brushes. I tend to paint with it right out of the tube & I seem to have a hard time adding much water which is weird as I love watercolor. Lastly, my local little art store also has M. Graham available. But...as much as I LOVE M. Graham my various tubes of differing colors have plopped out a TON of binder. I mean a lot. Thanks!!
One of the best watercolor channels. A best guide especially for a beginner like me. Right from the paper to be used to the colours, mixing, the techniques which are sooo simple to understand , the way u make it simple gives me confidence to start painting. Although u don't get the specific brands here in India, I'm definitely gonna buy the right ones based on the specifications u mentioned. I'm gonna start slowly with the basics with much more confidence. All thanks to u Steve. ,😊
I conclude you get the most separation with brands that don't sell regularly around you, either because they sit a long time on the self or in transit. I had tons of separation from Holbein gouache (giving up on it eventually) but none from w&n and talens, both of which sell like crazy and are everywhere in my city (arguably on the entire country). Buying locally is a great tip many material guides/reviews fail to take into account.
Thanks for the fantastic review! I had only seen jelly qouache but noticed the other day you had qouache in a palette like water colours was very intrigued when you added in the qouache highlights to your beautiful art work, Will look for white like you recommend . Only found your channel the other day am loving how you explain things.
Beautiful review ! After using & testing many brands, I came back on using Royal Talens. Living in Belgium it’s easy to buy them in local art stores (and they are not that expensive). This is the kind of gouache I will use for the rest of my life. Thank you for the review !
GREAT video. I probably won't use Royal Talon, but the tips are excellent, especially the backing tip. It's been driving me crazy! I think I'll try that one out on Casein, too
Thank you for this demo! Will most certainly try out the backing technique! I use Royal Talens gouache because it's readily available where I live and it's great. I've used it to paint big posters, landscapes, people, etc. It allows for flat, opaque even colours and the colours are so vivid. It's not great for leaving it to dry on a pallet, that's my only complaint.
Thank you for this review! The only brand of gouache I could find in my local art supply stores was Talens so I was looking for reviews for them. I thought I was unlucky with the horrible separation in some W&N tubes, sounds like it happens often with blues. It made a huge mess in my gouache bag because the gum arabic was seeping out of the tube. I'm half way through that particular tube and the bottom half is really dry, kind of like the consistency of the last bit of nutella you have to scrape off the bottom. I had no problems with separation for my blue Holbein tubes and I can definitely see the difference of Talens and Holbein blues. The yellows don't look too bad so I might get one. I heard from other reviews and I was surprised to hear that Holbein gouache is pretty expensive in many countries? I should have bought more when I lived in Japan - I only bought Holbein over W&N there because they were slightly cheaper.
Thank you for the tips, they hopefully will help me with some of my gouache struggles. I usually use watercolor and so I need to think of it more in that way, instead of it as a completely different thing. It's in the family, a sibling!✌💙🎨
I just discovered you (I searched « how to avoid hard edges in watercolour « and your video came up), I really appreciate that you’re aware that all levels of painters watch you (I’m a beginner), thank you so much...and I love that you put a biblical verse at the end of each video, thank you 🙏 New subbie!
Thank you so very much for a wonderful video filled with great tips! I also want to thank you for the scripture at the end! They are really necessary in these days of unrest and also with the Covid problem! May God bless you and your family!!
Thank you for explaining gouache with the added demo. I, also, have never heard about "backing." A gouache set of 24 colors I ordered last year is coming out of the closet. Thank you so much, Steve!
You can do "backing" with light pink nail polish as well. Light pink nail polish is streaky by itself. To avoid this, apply a coat of white nail polish to your nails first. Allow to dry and then apply the pale pink nail polish over it.
Thank you Steve! These tips were so very useful. I did not know about the "backing" technique. That will come in so handy in the future. P.S. Thanks for not editing out the thunder. :)
When i was yonger and had only watercolor set i actually bought like some white tube from the store because i wanted some bright opaque details in my work. Then i noticed that i can actually mix it with paletwatercolor and get like really opaque look and i was like WOAHA this is what i have always wanted. At that point i had never even heard about gouache or didnt know what it is and hadnt a clue that i could actually buy these from store. Now i have and i still think that all you need is a lot of white!
Great tip to just get White Gouache if someone wants to try it and use watercolors you already have. That will save me some money. I'm embarrassed i didn't think of that. After reading the comments there are a few talking about your "backing" technique. I must have missed that so I need to watch again
Penman Direct, a UK calligraphers' supplier, used to sell Talens silver as the best you could get for use on white - I was sceptical because Schmincke Calligraphy gouache knocks everything else into a cocked hat. However ... turns out that it really is that good, and flows through a pen as well as you could hope. That's a sign of top notch gouache in my opinion, and I would now take the Talens brand as seriously as the others mentioned. That said, for general brush as opposed to pen use, it's still W&N Designers' for me on grounds of universal availability on this side of the pond.
The gouache set looks like a great one for a small travel palette. I would just want to add some earthy colors and a green....Too bad I hadn't seen this before I went shopping on Prime days.
Thanks for reviewing this color and giving so many great tips for gouache! Back about 30 years ago, I was an apparel designer and used a lot of gouache as it was the best for getting accurate colors (to match our product line colors) for boards and some attitude sketches. We only had 2 gouache choices then--Winsor & Newton and Royal Talens. I remember using both, but always though RT was very creamy and WN was kind of chalky (probably therefore more opaque)--but I used both together as needed. I recently found an old RT tube from that time--it still works great, and is a beautiful reddish orange, which I recall mixing for skintones. I always used 100% cotton Bristol paper or board, never thought about using a textured watercolor paper at the time. I would probably use M Graham gouache if I started painting with again, it's very affordable.
This was most helpful, thank you. I particularly appreciated the demonstration of "backing". I paint miniatures in gouache and that lesson will be a big help.
Be aware: M. Graham Titanium White is only made of PW6. Blick's pages have it listed as a mix of PW6 (titanium white) and PW4 (zinc white), and other forums have mentioned the confusion. But the label of the tube says only PW6, and M. Graham's website confirms this is a single pigment paint. I'm watching this video because I wanted a cheaper alternative to the other name brands and it seems like Royal Talens hits that mark. It's nice to see from your video description that other artists asked you to cover this brand, as it coincided with my search for an alternative that is high grade and cheaper, which is often hard to find. My watercolors are always top dollar because that's my primary medium, but I wanted to use gouache to throw on top or around my pieces for different effect. Thank you, Steve. Also, since gouache is a bit more opaque, with my goal being almost total coverage over my watercolor, would it make sense that a firmer synthetic brush (medium firm with some spring) would be better than the softer Neptunes? I just picked up some cheap Langnickel Zens just for the purpose of adding the gouache. I realize this may not be necessary, but I feel it's probably ideal for my purpose.
That's a great idea! I used a picture frame and put grey paper inside, but I would like to have something thicker, I've been trying to find a good deal on a cutting board without the dimples or grey tile.
@@noodlecatcountry microwave trays are smooth on top and dimples on bottom don't matter - I got mine at a thrift shop - I saw rectangular flat glass cutting boards also - I like the tray because it has a rim and I am messy :)
@@Shuvah2Him yeah that's why the picture frame seems to work well, but I'm sure paint gets down the inside edges. I was gunna use duct tape or something else along the edge, but I guess I could save for one of the new wave palettes, I just like having the size and shape I want because I'm limited on space. I like the idea of the microwave plate on a turn table because of that. I've seen smaller glass tiles that are already grey, and I was thinking about making a little plain air box with it, but at the moment I'm a little broke so I'm gunna have to stick with my picture frame.🤣 Covid darn it!😖
My reason for watching this video, is that my local Computer/stationery/art supplies shop (and when I say local I mean 2 minutes from my door) stocks this. However all the gouache reviews seem to exclude it completely.
Steve!!! What a wonderful review!! Thank you for sharing it with us! I saw your other gouache review! I was wondering... would you maybe do a more deep review on your Caran d'Ache 15 tablets set? I bought it and I love it, but I'm still trying to figure it out the specifics of this type of gouache because i think is very unique, you know? I wanted to know a more deep view of them from another artist but there are not a lot of videos about it here on TH-cam, and I would love to know your thoughts and how you use it! Thank you!!! 🖤
i was wondering about this as My dad used to use royal talons but i thought maybe it did not exist anymore . but that's the brand of water colors he used , thanks for reminding me =) nobody really talks about it
Good in-depth review! If I can have a question, is there a big difference between brands when it comes to the layerability? I work in a lot of layers and I'm wondering if Talens would be a fair fit for me, or if I should make the investment and get Holbein Acryla instead. So far I've been using a cheap set and I don't know if regular higher quality gouache would take layers better without reactivating what's underneath.
I did not see your other review video but I have never liked using gouache, I am sure it is from negative associations from a place I worked at and the difficulties I experienced there! I have seen the resurgence of gouache and acryl-gouache which I feel is just matt acrylic paint! I have since used my regualar watercolor paints and just added white to opacify my paints and "judged" them as a gouache! You show good mixing techniques, You seem to do add white to your watercolors as well, good advise for users, but not sellers!
Steve can your explain why deeper colors have decreased opacity? It sounds counter intuitive. Thanks for another great video. I recently bought myself a tube of Holbein white gouache to play with per your recommendation in the original gouache comparison. I have only used it to correct a watercolor mistake so far 😣 but look forward to having some fun mixing my own colors with it.
It depends on the brand somewhat, but lighter colors, especially white, use more opacifiers like calcium carbonate or titanium dioxide. Deep colors will darken light transmission from the underlying layers, its true, but thats not exactly the same as being completely opaque.
This surprised me too-definitely seems counterintuitive. I did notice it with the red and blue gouache I bought a while back from M. Graham and it puzzled me. In fact, other than how it flakes up on the palette when it dries, I couldn’t really see a difference compared to red/blue watercolors. I guess I need to do some experimenting now that I know a bit more about it.
Thank you for the video! I am just starting to experiment with gouache and these tips were very helpful. May I ask if there's a difference between zinc white gouache and titanium white gouache? Thanks!
He said, white is all you need. Of course, that's when you already have watercolors (then you just mix watercolors with white for opacity and/or use the backing technique). If you don't have any WC and want to jump into gouache straight: Aside from a LOT of white (Titanium white is the opaque one that you want), for starters the 3 primary colors (Magenta, Cyan and Yellow) are enough. Make sure it's a fairly neutral yellow, for Schmincke Horadam I always use Cadmium Yellow Light. Normal Cad Yellow is too dark and warm, Lemon yellow is too pale and cold. You can mix ANY color from there.
I was glad to see this video about gouache because I've never conceptually understood what gouache is and how its used. I still wonder how gouache is different from semi-transparent watercolor (ST). It sounds like it has to do with binding agents and pigment ratio, and I think the value aspect is different than ST's, although I am not certain. Also, since adding water to gouache makes it translucent, how is it than different than an ST? It seems once you even wet the brush that opaque gouache now becomes more like ST. So, I'm confused conceptually about that. Thanks again for the video -much appreciated.
Traditional transparent watercolor is ALL primarily and mostly transparent, even the colors they rate as opaque, semi opaque, or semi transparent. It's all relative. Gouache is usually more opaque overall than even the more opaque rated watercolors. Gouache may use either opacifiers like chalk or denser, courser ground pigments to increase opacity. It varies with brand but the opacity changes flow and painting techniques somewhat, even though you can still paint similarly to transparent watercolor. Best way to learn it is just to experiment, play and watch other gouache artists use it.
Thanks for doing a review of the Royal Talens. I only have a tube of white from that brand and I really like it, it has such a nice creamy consistency, especially compared to the Winsor & Newton which I find too chalky (I only have a white from that brand too so I don't know if that applies to the other colours). I really enjoyed all the useful tips, especially the backing technique.
Where i live talens is pretty much 90% of the gouache on the market , but for some reason is like 2-3x cheaper than the same product in another countries.
I just learned from another contributor to TH-cam that if you don't get comments on your posts that you don't get pushed forward for viewers. Who knew!?! So because I love your posts I am letting TH-cam know that you are important. I'm wondering if that is the problem with Marty's posts because I don't see much of him. I do source back to older videos for help. I have joined Skill Share so I hope you will be able to put your tutorials there. Praying you were safe from Isaias and there wasn't too much damage. Stay safe.
Hi Steve. Thank you for these demonstrations. I purchased some Holbein gouache yesterday. It will be my first experience with gouache. My order hasn’t arrived yet. Do you recommend using different brushes than I would for watercolor? I normally use squirrel or sable brushes for my watercolor, but am not opposed to synthetic. I don’t want to ruin what I have since I do not know this medium at all. I’m willing to buy more brushes specifically for gouache. I just don’t know what to get. I also noticed that you’re using a flat. Would that be better than other shapes, such as round for example? Can you make any recommendations? I’d like to start off on the right foot since gouache is very new to me.
Since the thickness you work with is creamier, I heard other TH-cam artists suggest synthetics. I personally use synthetic mimics for sable coz it has more spring. Acrylic brushes also fine if work thickly
I love the tip to try just buying white and using the watercolours I already have. Would it be ok to use a cheap white gouache, since it is just white? Otherwise, my only local choice is WN, which I obviously could do..
I've heard two different things about gouache. One, it shouldn't be left to dry on the palette and then woken up with water. Another says it's fine to do that. I've always left my watercolor palettes alone but I'm still not sure about gouache. I sometimes feel I'm giving my brushes a bit too much of a workout when re-wetting.
You can let it dry but put it in 4 sided wells if you do and let it touch all sides of the well. On a glass or flat palette it will just crack or fall off. It will crack in wells too but usually stays put. Some of that depends on brand. W&N cracks and falls off easier that some others.
Thank you for this vid. Very informative! I'm new to water coloring and watch a LOT of TH-cam vids on topic. Some artists mention Gouache but not in detail. One thing I noticed was that the Gouache seemed to leave a darker ring at the edge of the dried sample. Is that a something to be expected or is it application based? I've watched many of your vids and appreciate your calm and thorough presentation style.😊
Even on a small channel like mine, viewer opinions are still as vocal and passionate when it comes to their favorites. When I chose the Koi travel set as being the best for the money, I took heat from folks about their favorites, like the Daler-Rowney set, which I don't like at all. lol! Funny how that works. While I'm a die-hard fan of W&N gouache and M. Graham, I wonder about the Caran D'Ache brand. It doesn't get a lot of attention in the marketplace or in social media reviews, and I wonder why? Perhaps I'll look into it, myself. You might be interested in James Gurney's insights to the brand, here: gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2015/07/gouache-insights-from-caran-dache.html as he had a great write up on them, despite also never having tried them, either. As always, Steve, a terrific review and glad to learn more about this brand. Doubtful I'll ever stray from my favorites, but it's always good to know about what's on the market. I will say, that I've tried the less expensive "student grade" paints, like Reeves, Arteza, and the weird overseas "brands," and ended up giving them away to schools because they were dreadful in the hands of a professional. I should also do a video on "Top 5 Gouache Sets to Avoid with Your Life!" lol!! Thanks again and best wishes. Sorry for the novella! ~ Mark
W&N was a staple for me for years. For graphic type styles especially, it's practically a must. I am learning in recent years though, for the realist painter and the growth of artist's gouache varieties (vs designers gouache) there is more than one way to paint with gouache and the need for that smooth, flat, velvety opacity isn't always a must for me anymore. It's been fascinating. Still when you need it you need it. As for Caran d'Ache. I like their studio pan gouache set. It was actually better than expected for a value gouache. Agree completely on most mid grade varieties though. A waste in my opinion. Thanks for the professional input Mark. Appreciated as always.
New to gouache but bought and struggled with a set of Daler Rowney tubes! I’ve had binder oozing non stop from a couple of tubes! Just bought some RT tubes. So glad it’s considered good!
If you’re adding white gouache to watercolor, yes. More or less the same. You might get more brilliant color in some colored gouache than if you added watercolor but it can vary. Some watercolor whites are not as opaque as titanium white gouache, like Chinese white or zinc white.
@@mindofwatercolor thank you sir. You just saved me a great amount of money. I'm leaning toward buying, if they sell individual tubes, a tube of white gouache from that mimiami whatever place. The really opaque one on your tests; them just adding it to my already extensive amount of Daniel smith watercolors that I don't use. Funny how the more I paint the smaller palette I use but the more colors I seem to get lol. Maybe by adding an opaque white I can find a use for the tube I have not been using. Thank you.
@@dalehallmark9174 Acrylic gouache dries completely flat and matte. Golden, or any standard acrylic has a bit of a sheen to it when painted on thickly. Other than that no difference in the acrylic nature.
Which white should I get if I want to turn watercolors into gouache to try out? The zinc white or titanium/permanent white? Or do I just get both, one for mixing and the other (permanent white) for highlights? I remember reading that the recommendation was for the zinc white as some people referred to it as a "mixing white" but I'm not sure.
Yeah, from your demo of this gouache, it doesn't look impressive. I wouldn't get it. Actually, I bought the Carn D'Arche pan set of 12 and it is a creamy and beautiful color palette. If I were to get more serious about gouache paints, I would get the M. Graham ones. I recently bought an M Graham set of watercolor tubes -- the Desert Southwest colors and I love it! I just watched your video of the M. Graham watercolors with your name on it and I am considering buying them. My only hesitancy is that I have a lot of variety in watercolor already. I have some Daniel Smith small tubes and I actually enjoy the Van Gogh. It isn't a professional brand but it is very good and the paints are intense, which I love and the consistency is one I like. I am new to watercolor, though.
The interesting thing about percentages is that they can often hide some info. Winsor & Newton with 79% LF means that they have 70 LF colours, so in absolute terms only Holbein has more, at 77, from this list.
I WISHED I lived where I could just “go down town” and buy like that........nope! My downtown is online! LOL I think that’s why I’m not a gouache fan because of the mute color. Maybe I need to work with it a little more........I do have white so I’ll take your advice.
As a newbie watercolorist, who has probably watched 1000 tutorials by dozens of artists by now, yours are the most helpful, hands down. You share expertise in such a conversational way, super easy to understand (even if its not always easy to mimic). And every time I finish one of your videos I feel like I can actually succeed at becoming a halfway decent painter, whereas many youtube vids end up leaving me feeling overwhelmed and inept. Thank you so much!
Thanks a lot for listening to us and taking time to review this wonderful Gouache !! i was one of the viewers that suggested this Gouache and im really happy to see a video for it ! :D
Thanks for the idea!
One of, if not, the best gouache toots I've ever watched. And I have watched masssssive amounts. Thank you!
Wow, thank you!
I am a watercolourist. But not used gouache before. You have made me think about painting in gouache and watercolour. Thankyou
You just said it plainly- They’re All Watercolor! I must say, the “permission” to underpaint with white, as needed, is a small gem. It makes me think of a keyboard player who has a number of keyboards in front of them, and selects what they need. This becomes a small, but mighty element involved in Mastery of a medium. As someone once wrote (I read it in a raucous novel about a USN sailor, back in the 60’s) “Rules are for people who don’t know what they’re doing.” I Always enjoy your explorations and investigations! Thanks much!
18:00 "you just need white" saaay whaaat?! 😲 I'm so so so thankful for this tip! 😍
I gain more and more respect for this man every time I watch him,
Hello, thanks for your very informative and entertaining videos!
Just wanted to add another possibility of getting opaque effects with transparent watercolors: I use acrylic colors and pigment emulsions together with watercolors. Also you can make a super-opaque white yourself by mixing Titanium white pigment with water and acrylic binder (or acrylic varnish) or with watercolor binder (but that`s more expensive). I even used low fat milk last year as a binder. It works very well, but I don`t trust it completely up to now, even if after one year there is still no smell, no mold and no discoloration. Ready made Casein binder would probably be the better way than just the raw milk, but also more expensive.
The acrylic and Casein binders have the advantage that the dry layer won`t move anymore (if that is what you want to have at all - it works very well for the backing method).
With the raw pigments you can create almost any opacity of the white you want. If you use Kaolin or Zinc Sulfide pigment additionally, you can even change the brightness and the shade of the white to more grey or green-blueish. Additionally, the pigments are very cheap compared to buying the ready made white colors (1 kg Titanium White currently about 12 Euros from Kremer Pigments).
Just some ideas that worked well for my purposes. I found these methods especially useful for creating abstract / spontaneous painting effects.
I have titanium white pigment and gum arabic. Can I mix these and essentially make my own white gouache? Would I need to mull the pigment and gum arabic before using? Thanks!
@@melissaaldosari8024 I use gum arabic for making watercolors. Not sure how to make the pastos gouache paint. I only use the liquid pigment emulsions. From my experience, with Titanium white and earth pigments it is enough to stir them for a while in the binder and additional water, using an old bristle brush. Then you get something like liquid gouache. For making watercolors, it is enough to mull those pigments for 1 minute or so in a porcelain mortar. I think the gum arabic will work for making the liquid gouache. No mulling necessary I think.
But you need to stir this mix a bit every time before you want to use it. If you dont stir it, the color will be less opaque.
I only make small portions in plastic shot glasses. Those stay good for one to two weeks, even uncovered. But you need to add water sometimes.
@@WolfgangSchweizer Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with me! This is extremely helpful!
I loved this video, Steve. I appreciate the tips, especially about "backing" with white gouache, because I had not discovered that before. Always learning, learning, from you, my friend!
Thank you for covering "backing" I discovered it by accident trying to correct a mistake on geraniums. I used waterproof white and glazed over with red.... wow! It jumped right off the paper and I continued to use the method where I wanted that affect from then on. Never heard about "backing" and thought I was doing something unsavory all this time like cheating or something. Now my conscience is clear. lol.
People sometimes act like only certain ways of painting are valid somehow. Not true! If you discover something that makes your work easier, and your paintings pop, that is a good thing.
I’m transitioning from acrylics to watercolors. I want to stop contributing to plastics on the planet. I’ve been watching your videos, as you know, and so appreciate all the info. I get befuddled by so many options. I bought some really good watercolors and am happy about that purchase. And/but, I love the flexibility of Gouache-its opacity and it’s ability to be transparent. I only have white right now. My befuddled ness is because I’ve invested in the watercolors and think “I SHOULD USE THESE.” And, I think the ability to utilize the opaqueness is calling to me too. Just one of those conundrums that we have to be with. I’m not frustrated with watercolors and am really just beginning with them, so I don’t know yet what I’m capable of or what they are capable of. 🤷♀️I’m in it for the fun, so I’ll get back to the fun! Thanks Steve!!
Thanks for a great tip for an oil painter who’s trying to learn watercolor since quarantining at home. I had no idea that I could mix gouache with watercolor. Opens up another important option for me. Your videos have been most helpful in my learning process.
This is so helpful, I didn’t realise any of those tips, they open up a way bigger world.
Hullo Steve, Oh my what a difference a few years makes! I have been feeling pressure to adopt opaque paints. From gouache to opaque watercolor paint and yes there is a difference between gouache and opaque watercolors! I was so impressed by Schminke Academy gouache and their Hordam gouache paints are some of the most expensive paint I have ever purchased! I am still reluctant to buy gouache, but after researching the difference in how gouache is “cooked” and ground up does matter as this effects opacity and lightfastness too! I am going to purchase a few mixing sets just to see if I truly need to buy actual gouache as I have been able to create flat fields of color with my watercolor paints, but they still look like watercolor to me. Turners design gouache is the brand I spoke about before and my aversion to painting with gouache, thank you for sharing this brand and leaving it online for those of us who have watched already but simply did not remember what you said! I am curious if you would equate DaVinci gouache with this Royal Talens gouache? Thank you.
Royal Talens gouache is better than DaVinci in my opinion. DaVinci is a great watercolor brand but I don't like their gouache. Since this video I've also done a Daniel Smith gouache review. One of the best and worthy of consideration.
I love this gouache. I've been using it for years and they're amazing. Even the metallic colors are very nice.
Thank you so much for doing this video! I was one of the viewers suggesting Talens gouache since I like it so much.
The backing technique is very useful. I hope you will involve more gouache in your video's.
This was THE most helpful gouache tutorial I've come across, thankyou! Thankyou!
I love and use the aquarell colors since over 30 years and all other colors from Royal Talens!
Thank you! Great review and valuable information about not only gouache but paper choice, as well! I especially enjoyed the "backing" demonstration. The CC kept typing out "squash" instead of gouache so I'm having squash casserole tonight. Yum.
I've always liked most Talens products, especially for the prices they have
I have a bunch of fantastic Talens artists gouache from between ‘81 and ‘86, they handled great back then, seemed to go underground a bit around the mid 90’s and resurfaced around ten or fifteen years ago. When I bought them they were the finest and the best, they did two other ranges, a designers gouache and a student range. I decanted them all around five years ago and only one colour would not rewet, a very synthetic looking rose a bit like opera. The same colour has since grown whiskers, every other behaves very similarly to when they were in tubes. All the work I did then has stood up to time exceptionally well. I was very lucky at the time I purchased them that even when I briefly changed country they were still available. Having said that, whatever works best for an individual, mine at the time was it had to be suitable for hand painted pieces and fine enough to not clog up my airbrush. I could not use it for the latter now but I will not want to. I absolutely agree that it is watercolour. I have Shinhan Pass as a far more recent purchase and love them.
I love gouache for fashion illustration, & even portraits, sometimes! Thanks for your tips.
Thank you for a very informative video. I live in the Netherlands so Talens is easily available and not too pricey here.
Gouache loves to be photographed. A lot of TH-cam teachers demonstrate it with cheapo paper & brushes. I tend to paint with it right out of the tube & I seem to have a hard time adding much water which is weird as I love watercolor. Lastly, my local little art store also has M. Graham available. But...as much as I LOVE M. Graham my various tubes of differing colors have plopped out a TON of binder. I mean a lot. Thanks!!
One of the best watercolor channels. A best guide especially for a beginner like me. Right from the paper to be used to the colours, mixing, the techniques which are sooo simple to understand , the way u make it simple gives me confidence to start painting. Although u don't get the specific brands here in India, I'm definitely gonna buy the right ones based on the specifications u mentioned. I'm gonna start slowly with the basics with much more confidence. All thanks to u Steve. ,😊
I conclude you get the most separation with brands that don't sell regularly around you, either because they sit a long time on the self or in transit. I had tons of separation from Holbein gouache (giving up on it eventually) but none from w&n and talens, both of which sell like crazy and are everywhere in my city (arguably on the entire country). Buying locally is a great tip many material guides/reviews fail to take into account.
Thanks for the fantastic review! I had only seen jelly qouache but noticed the other day you had qouache in a palette like water colours was very intrigued when you added in the qouache highlights to your beautiful art work, Will look for white like you recommend . Only found your channel the other day am loving how you explain things.
Awesome video Steve!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beautiful review ! After using & testing many brands, I came back on using Royal Talens. Living in Belgium it’s easy to buy them in local art stores (and they are not that expensive). This is the kind of gouache I will use for the rest of my life. Thank you for the review !
GREAT video. I probably won't use Royal Talon, but the tips are excellent, especially the backing tip. It's been driving me crazy! I think I'll try that one out on Casein, too
Thank you for this video! I mostly use watercolors and was curious about gouache. Your vids have been very helpful
Wow! Thank you! Now I know! Time to experiment!
Thank you for this demo! Will most certainly try out the backing technique! I use Royal Talens gouache because it's readily available where I live and it's great. I've used it to paint big posters, landscapes, people, etc. It allows for flat, opaque even colours and the colours are so vivid. It's not great for leaving it to dry on a pallet, that's my only complaint.
Great video, very helpful. I have not ventured into gouache .. but I have friends who use it.. thanks Steve!
Thank you for this review! The only brand of gouache I could find in my local art supply stores was Talens so I was looking for reviews for them. I thought I was unlucky with the horrible separation in some W&N tubes, sounds like it happens often with blues. It made a huge mess in my gouache bag because the gum arabic was seeping out of the tube. I'm half way through that particular tube and the bottom half is really dry, kind of like the consistency of the last bit of nutella you have to scrape off the bottom. I had no problems with separation for my blue Holbein tubes and I can definitely see the difference of Talens and Holbein blues. The yellows don't look too bad so I might get one. I heard from other reviews and I was surprised to hear that Holbein gouache is pretty expensive in many countries? I should have bought more when I lived in Japan - I only bought Holbein over W&N there because they were slightly cheaper.
Thank you for the tips, they hopefully will help me with some of my gouache struggles. I usually use watercolor and so I need to think of it more in that way, instead of it as a completely different thing. It's in the family, a sibling!✌💙🎨
Holbein is at Blick's. I was down in Savannah last week and although I purchased watercolor, they had a great selection of gouache.
I just discovered you (I searched « how to avoid hard edges in watercolour « and your video came up), I really appreciate that you’re aware that all levels of painters watch you (I’m a beginner), thank you so much...and I love that you put a biblical verse at the end of each video, thank you 🙏 New subbie!
Thank you so very much for a wonderful video filled with great tips! I also want to thank you for the scripture at the end! They are really necessary in these days of unrest and also with the Covid problem! May God bless you and your family!!
Thank you for explaining gouache with the added demo. I, also, have never heard about "backing." A gouache set of 24 colors I ordered last year is coming out of the closet. Thank you so much, Steve!
You can do "backing" with light pink nail polish as well. Light pink nail polish is streaky by itself. To avoid this, apply a coat of white nail polish to your nails first. Allow to dry and then apply the pale pink nail polish over it.
Thank you Steve! These tips were so very useful. I did not know about the "backing" technique. That will come in so handy in the future. P.S. Thanks for not editing out the thunder. :)
When i was yonger and had only watercolor set i actually bought like some white tube from the store because i wanted some bright opaque details in my work. Then i noticed that i can actually mix it with paletwatercolor and get like really opaque look and i was like WOAHA this is what i have always wanted. At that point i had never even heard about gouache or didnt know what it is and hadnt a clue that i could actually buy these from store. Now i have and i still think that all you need is a lot of white!
Great tip to just get White Gouache if someone wants to try it and use watercolors you already have. That will save me some money. I'm embarrassed i didn't think of that.
After reading the comments there are a few talking about your "backing" technique. I must have missed that so I need to watch again
Excellent explanation, thank you very much for this video!
Holbein and Turner are also Japanese-owned, though in their case the were both founded in Japan in the forties.
Penman Direct, a UK calligraphers' supplier, used to sell Talens silver as the best you could get for use on white - I was sceptical because Schmincke Calligraphy gouache knocks everything else into a cocked hat. However ... turns out that it really is that good, and flows through a pen as well as you could hope. That's a sign of top notch gouache in my opinion, and I would now take the Talens brand as seriously as the others mentioned. That said, for general brush as opposed to pen use, it's still W&N Designers' for me on grounds of universal availability on this side of the pond.
This was great information; thank you!
Great tips! Thanks!
The gouache set looks like a great one for a small travel palette. I would just want to add some earthy colors and a green....Too bad I hadn't seen this before I went shopping on Prime days.
Thanks for reviewing this color and giving so many great tips for gouache! Back about 30 years ago, I was an apparel designer and used a lot of gouache as it was the best for getting accurate colors (to match our product line colors) for boards and some attitude sketches. We only had 2 gouache choices then--Winsor & Newton and Royal Talens. I remember using both, but always though RT was very creamy and WN was kind of chalky (probably therefore more opaque)--but I used both together as needed. I recently found an old RT tube from that time--it still works great, and is a beautiful reddish orange, which I recall mixing for skintones. I always used 100% cotton Bristol paper or board, never thought about using a textured watercolor paper at the time.
I would probably use M Graham gouache if I started painting with again, it's very affordable.
Thanks. You've got a great channel. 👍
I've never really liked RT gouache. I love Holbein and Sui. One day I hope to get my hands on some gouache from Schminke
This was most helpful, thank you. I particularly appreciated the demonstration of "backing". I paint miniatures in gouache and that lesson will be a big help.
Very helpful presentation, thank you
Be aware: M. Graham Titanium White is only made of PW6. Blick's pages have it listed as a mix of PW6 (titanium white) and PW4 (zinc white), and other forums have mentioned the confusion. But the label of the tube says only PW6, and M. Graham's website confirms this is a single pigment paint.
I'm watching this video because I wanted a cheaper alternative to the other name brands and it seems like Royal Talens hits that mark. It's nice to see from your video description that other artists asked you to cover this brand, as it coincided with my search for an alternative that is high grade and cheaper, which is often hard to find. My watercolors are always top dollar because that's my primary medium, but I wanted to use gouache to throw on top or around my pieces for different effect. Thank you, Steve.
Also, since gouache is a bit more opaque, with my goal being almost total coverage over my watercolor, would it make sense that a firmer synthetic brush (medium firm with some spring) would be better than the softer Neptunes? I just picked up some cheap Langnickel Zens just for the purpose of adding the gouache. I realize this may not be necessary, but I feel it's probably ideal for my purpose.
Zen's are great for gouache. Good choice.
@@mindofwatercolor thank you, Steve. Really appreciate that you're continuing to produce material for people. 🙏🏻 God bless, sir!
I used a microwave glass tray - painted the bottom side with mid-grey glass paint that bakes on in the oven - put it on a turn table
That's a great idea! I used a picture frame and put grey paper inside, but I would like to have something thicker, I've been trying to find a good deal on a cutting board without the dimples or grey tile.
@@noodlecatcountry microwave trays are smooth on top and dimples on bottom don't matter - I got mine at a thrift shop - I saw rectangular flat glass cutting boards also - I like the tray because it has a rim and I am messy :)
@@Shuvah2Him yeah that's why the picture frame seems to work well, but I'm sure paint gets down the inside edges. I was gunna use duct tape or something else along the edge, but I guess I could save for one of the new wave palettes, I just like having the size and shape I want because I'm limited on space. I like the idea of the microwave plate on a turn table because of that. I've seen smaller glass tiles that are already grey, and I was thinking about making a little plain air box with it, but at the moment I'm a little broke so I'm gunna have to stick with my picture frame.🤣 Covid darn it!😖
Thank you Steve,that was great 🤗
Thank you for mentioning rule #1!! So many people give me flak.
Really? Sorry to hear that.
@@mindofwatercolor From the watercolor and gouache communities alike...but I don't really care! I have fun anyhow =)
Thanks Steve 👍
Thank you!!!!! This was a fantastic video!!
My reason for watching this video, is that my local Computer/stationery/art supplies shop (and when I say local I mean 2 minutes from my door) stocks this. However all the gouache reviews seem to exclude it completely.
Steve!!! What a wonderful review!! Thank you for sharing it with us! I saw your other gouache review! I was wondering... would you maybe do a more deep review on your Caran d'Ache 15 tablets set? I bought it and I love it, but I'm still trying to figure it out the specifics of this type of gouache because i think is very unique, you know? I wanted to know a more deep view of them from another artist but there are not a lot of videos about it here on TH-cam, and I would love to know your thoughts and how you use it! Thank you!!! 🖤
I just purchased this set and found it to be like honey too. It dries so quickly!
Very comprehensive, thank you!
i was wondering about this as My dad used to use royal talons but i thought maybe it did not exist anymore . but that's the brand of water colors he used , thanks for reminding me =) nobody really talks about it
Thanks for sharing this this other brand.
“Backing” is a very common technique used in acrylics as well since acrylic prints are very transparent
Good in-depth review! If I can have a question, is there a big difference between brands when it comes to the layerability? I work in a lot of layers and I'm wondering if Talens would be a fair fit for me, or if I should make the investment and get Holbein Acryla instead. So far I've been using a cheap set and I don't know if regular higher quality gouache would take layers better without reactivating what's underneath.
Not much difference in the paint for layering. The paper makes a bigger difference there.
Great info - thank you for sharing :)
I did not see your other review video but I have never liked using gouache, I am sure it is from negative associations from a place I worked at and the difficulties I experienced there! I have seen the resurgence of gouache and acryl-gouache which I feel is just matt acrylic paint! I have since used my regualar watercolor paints and just added white to opacify my paints and "judged" them as a gouache! You show good mixing techniques, You seem to do add white to your watercolors as well, good advise for users, but not sellers!
Blasphemy 😉
Using white in watercolor was good enough for Turner, and Sargent, it's probably good enough for you.
Steve can your explain why deeper colors have decreased opacity? It sounds counter intuitive.
Thanks for another great video. I recently bought myself a tube of Holbein white gouache to play with per your recommendation in the original gouache comparison. I have only used it to correct a watercolor mistake so far 😣 but look forward to having some fun mixing my own colors with it.
It depends on the brand somewhat, but lighter colors, especially white, use more opacifiers like calcium carbonate or titanium dioxide. Deep colors will darken light transmission from the underlying layers, its true, but thats not exactly the same as being completely opaque.
This surprised me too-definitely seems counterintuitive. I did notice it with the red and blue gouache I bought a while back from M. Graham and it puzzled me. In fact, other than how it flakes up on the palette when it dries, I couldn’t really see a difference compared to red/blue watercolors. I guess I need to do some experimenting now that I know a bit more about it.
Thank you for the video! I am just starting to experiment with gouache and these tips were very helpful. May I ask if there's a difference between zinc white gouache and titanium white gouache? Thanks!
Yes, zinc white is generally considered a mixing white and not as opaque. Titanium is the go to for opacity.
@@mindofwatercolor Got it, thanks much!
What would you suggest for a “Starter” set of gouache? Just to cover...
I doubt he'll answer as he did mention it this set was great to begin with...
He said, white is all you need. Of course, that's when you already have watercolors (then you just mix watercolors with white for opacity and/or use the backing technique). If you don't have any WC and want to jump into gouache straight:
Aside from a LOT of white (Titanium white is the opaque one that you want), for starters the 3 primary colors (Magenta, Cyan and Yellow) are enough. Make sure it's a fairly neutral yellow, for Schmincke Horadam I always use Cadmium Yellow Light. Normal Cad Yellow is too dark and warm, Lemon yellow is too pale and cold.
You can mix ANY color from there.
I was glad to see this video about gouache because I've never conceptually understood what gouache is and how its used. I still wonder how gouache is different from semi-transparent watercolor (ST). It sounds like it has to do with binding agents and pigment ratio, and I think the value aspect is different than ST's, although I am not certain. Also, since adding water to gouache makes it translucent, how is it than different than an ST? It seems once you even wet the brush that opaque gouache now becomes more like ST. So, I'm confused conceptually about that. Thanks again for the video -much appreciated.
Traditional transparent watercolor is ALL primarily and mostly transparent, even the colors they rate as opaque, semi opaque, or semi transparent. It's all relative. Gouache is usually more opaque overall than even the more opaque rated watercolors. Gouache may use either opacifiers like chalk or denser, courser ground pigments to increase opacity. It varies with brand but the opacity changes flow and painting techniques somewhat, even though you can still paint similarly to transparent watercolor. Best way to learn it is just to experiment, play and watch other gouache artists use it.
Yes coarser ground pigments
Thanks! I always learn so much from you. Where does acrylic gouache come into play?
Its acrylic. So it would be used where and if you wanted acrylic. Its called gouache because of its flat matte finish.
I think I'm leaning towards Graham. Also by any chance do you know what brand of gouache Syd Mead used to create his paintings ?
No, but I'm betting it's Winsor & Newton. Thats been the go-to standard in commercial illustration for many years.
@@mindofwatercolor Thanks!
Thanks for doing a review of the Royal Talens. I only have a tube of white from that brand and I really like it, it has such a nice creamy consistency, especially compared to the Winsor & Newton which I find too chalky (I only have a white from that brand too so I don't know if that applies to the other colours). I really enjoyed all the useful tips, especially the backing technique.
Where i live talens is pretty much 90% of the gouache on the market , but for some reason is like 2-3x cheaper than the same product in another countries.
Thanks!
I just learned from another contributor to TH-cam that if you don't get comments on your posts that you don't get pushed forward for viewers. Who knew!?! So because I love your posts I am letting TH-cam know that you are important. I'm wondering if that is the problem with Marty's posts because I don't see much of him. I do source back to older videos for help. I have joined Skill Share so I hope you will be able to put your tutorials there. Praying you were safe from Isaias and there wasn't too much damage. Stay safe.
Aww thanks so much Tammy. We’re safe and doing great!
I never considered using a glass palette for gouache, but now I want to.
Not a good palette for letting it dry but good for putting out fresh gouache each time.
Hi Steve. Thank you for these demonstrations. I purchased some Holbein gouache yesterday. It will be my first experience with gouache. My order hasn’t arrived yet. Do you recommend using different brushes than I would for watercolor? I normally use squirrel or sable brushes for my watercolor, but am not opposed to synthetic. I don’t want to ruin what I have since I do not know this medium at all. I’m willing to buy more brushes specifically for gouache. I just don’t know what to get. I also noticed that you’re using a flat. Would that be better than other shapes, such as round for example? Can you make any recommendations? I’d like to start off on the right foot since gouache is very new to me.
It.s just watercolor. Same brushes are totally fine. I used a flat because its easiest to swatch with. Use whatever you usually like to paint with.
Since the thickness you work with is creamier, I heard other TH-cam artists suggest synthetics. I personally use synthetic mimics for sable coz it has more spring. Acrylic brushes also fine if work thickly
Very Helpful 👍👍
I love the tip to try just buying white and using the watercolours I already have. Would it be ok to use a cheap white gouache, since it is just white? Otherwise, my only local choice is WN, which I obviously could do..
Cheaper gouaches are usually not very opaque.
@@mindofwatercolor T
@@mindofwatercolor Thanks.
I've heard two different things about gouache. One, it shouldn't be left to dry on the palette and then woken up with water. Another says it's fine to do that. I've always left my watercolor palettes alone but I'm still not sure about gouache. I sometimes feel I'm giving my brushes a bit too much of a workout when re-wetting.
You can let it dry but put it in 4 sided wells if you do and let it touch all sides of the well. On a glass or flat palette it will just crack or fall off. It will crack in wells too but usually stays put. Some of that depends on brand. W&N cracks and falls off easier that some others.
Thank you for this vid. Very informative! I'm new to water coloring and watch a LOT of TH-cam vids on topic. Some artists mention Gouache but not in detail. One thing I noticed was that the Gouache seemed to leave a darker ring at the edge of the dried sample. Is that a something to be expected or is it application based?
I've watched many of your vids and appreciate your calm and thorough presentation style.😊
Hmm, not sure on the dark ring. That could be a water ratio issue.
Even on a small channel like mine, viewer opinions are still as vocal and passionate when it comes to their favorites. When I chose the Koi travel set as being the best for the money, I took heat from folks about their favorites, like the Daler-Rowney set, which I don't like at all. lol! Funny how that works. While I'm a die-hard fan of W&N gouache and M. Graham, I wonder about the Caran D'Ache brand. It doesn't get a lot of attention in the marketplace or in social media reviews, and I wonder why? Perhaps I'll look into it, myself. You might be interested in James Gurney's insights to the brand, here: gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2015/07/gouache-insights-from-caran-dache.html as he had a great write up on them, despite also never having tried them, either. As always, Steve, a terrific review and glad to learn more about this brand. Doubtful I'll ever stray from my favorites, but it's always good to know about what's on the market. I will say, that I've tried the less expensive "student grade" paints, like Reeves, Arteza, and the weird overseas "brands," and ended up giving them away to schools because they were dreadful in the hands of a professional. I should also do a video on "Top 5 Gouache Sets to Avoid with Your Life!" lol!! Thanks again and best wishes. Sorry for the novella! ~ Mark
W&N was a staple for me for years. For graphic type styles especially, it's practically a must. I am learning in recent years though, for the realist painter and the growth of artist's gouache varieties (vs designers gouache) there is more than one way to paint with gouache and the need for that smooth, flat, velvety opacity isn't always a must for me anymore. It's been fascinating. Still when you need it you need it. As for Caran d'Ache. I like their studio pan gouache set. It was actually better than expected for a value gouache. Agree completely on most mid grade varieties though. A waste in my opinion. Thanks for the professional input Mark. Appreciated as always.
+1 on M. Graham. Dreamy to use. WN is great but not *as* great 😉
New to gouache but bought and struggled with a set of Daler Rowney tubes! I’ve had binder oozing non stop from a couple of tubes! Just bought some RT tubes. So glad it’s considered good!
Have you ever used an airbrush and if so could you do a video on it?
I have, but not interested in reviving that medium. I used one a lot in the 90's but just not really into it anymore.
Could you explain to me the difference between gouache and adding white to watercolor? Are they not the same thing?
If you’re adding white gouache to watercolor, yes. More or less the same. You might get more brilliant color in some colored gouache than if you added watercolor but it can vary. Some watercolor whites are not as opaque as titanium white gouache, like Chinese white or zinc white.
@@mindofwatercolor thank you sir. You just saved me a great amount of money. I'm leaning toward buying, if they sell individual tubes, a tube of white gouache from that mimiami whatever place. The really opaque one on your tests; them just adding it to my already extensive amount of Daniel smith watercolors that I don't use. Funny how the more I paint the smaller palette I use but the more colors I seem to get lol. Maybe by adding an opaque white I can find a use for the tube I have not been using. Thank you.
I have a bunch of Turner Acryl Gouache (19 tubes I haven't even used)....So is that a true gouache or is it an acrylic?
Acrylic
@@mindofwatercolor So, if I bought Golden Acrylics, I really wouldn't notice much difference?
@@dalehallmark9174 Acrylic gouache dries completely flat and matte. Golden, or any standard acrylic has a bit of a sheen to it when painted on thickly. Other than that no difference in the acrylic nature.
Which white should I get if I want to turn watercolors into gouache to try out? The zinc white or titanium/permanent white? Or do I just get both, one for mixing and the other (permanent white) for highlights? I remember reading that the recommendation was for the zinc white as some people referred to it as a "mixing white" but I'm not sure.
Titanium white. Zinc is fine too but not as opaque.
@@mindofwatercolor Thank you so much Steve, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply! I hope you're having a lovely Sunday :)
Have you ever used casein?
No
Where is your ceramic palette from?!
(Thunder in background)
“Mommy!”
Bahaha!
Couldn’t stop chuckling....
😆
Don't know what you're talking about . Where did I miss that? 🙄
Show that grey glass palette!
can u tell me if royal talens gouache has a strong odor? i have bad lungs and can not deal with strong odors.
A little yes. Don't know if it would bother you or not. Doesn't bother me.
@@mindofwatercolor ty so much 4 answering me I have some coming today and I will have my answer. I really enjoy watching u on TH-cam
Yeah, from your demo of this gouache, it doesn't look impressive. I wouldn't get it. Actually, I bought the Carn D'Arche pan set of 12 and it is a creamy and beautiful color palette. If I were to get more serious about gouache paints, I would get the M. Graham ones. I recently bought an M Graham set of watercolor tubes -- the Desert Southwest colors and I love it! I just watched your video of the M. Graham watercolors with your name on it and I am considering buying them. My only hesitancy is that I have a lot of variety in watercolor already. I have some Daniel Smith small tubes and I actually enjoy the Van Gogh. It isn't a professional brand but it is very good and the paints are intense, which I love and the consistency is one I like. I am new to watercolor, though.
The interesting thing about percentages is that they can often hide some info. Winsor & Newton with 79% LF means that they have 70 LF colours, so in absolute terms only Holbein has more, at 77, from this list.
True and the point was made in my comments that there is plenty enough of all brands to make colorfast palettes.
I WISHED I lived where I could just “go down town” and buy like that........nope! My downtown is online! LOL I think that’s why I’m not a gouache fan because of the mute color. Maybe I need to work with it a little more........I do have white so I’ll take your advice.
Gouache is actually very vibrant. It's only when you mix a lot of white with it that it turns muted.