I learnt so much abut this class, this is my first time painting with gouache and it took a bit of time trying to get my head around the fact that I could paint light over dark, being more used to watercolours. I meant to paint the purple flower separately but forgot so the contrast was too similar and I couldn't fix it. Then my hand went wiggly when I painted the stems and I tried to hide the mistakes but of course it didn't work!

The brooch is one my Mum gave me, the pipi and paua shells I found as I was walking along Takapuna Beach when I was back in Auckland last year and the plants were from my morning walk this morning...March 21, 2026!

Even though the patterned squares are a mish mash, I realised how much I could work with a limited palette. I didn't like what I painted but I actually liked using the base colours again to create continuity and cohesion within the patterns. 

Such a great class thank you Kate.