If you like bold, graphic illustrations with lots of appeal and want to incorporate that into your own style but you’re not sure where to start – this is the class for you! In this class, you’ll learn how to paint graphic stylized illustrations in gouache.

Gouache is an opaque water-based paint that came into popularity in mid-century art. It's now seeing a resurgence due to its rich, matte colors and beautiful textures. I’ve spent over ten years painting with gouache, and I’m excited to share my best tips on how I use this tricky but rewarding medium to further my unique style influenced by great mid-century artists like Mary Blair and Alain Grée.

Graphic illustration is a term I use to describe artwork that is more design based – featuring bold flat shapes, limited color, and minimal rendering, resulting in a style that is both fresh and nostalgic at the same time.

In this class, you’ll learn:

All my best tips and tricks for working with gouache
Three elements of design that are key to a graphic illustration style
How to gather and use photo reference to design your art
Designing interesting shapes that still read as your subject
Creating sophisticated illustrations with limited color palettes
Using negative space to help design a better composition

This class is perfect for beginner to more experienced artists who are interested in drawing and painting graphic illustrations in gouache. I’ll go over step by step on how to simplify a subject in your sketches all the way to a finished painting that’s ready for scanning.

Even if you’ve never drawn a fruit or painted with gouache before, you’ll find simple and effective tips for improving wherever you are!

Here’s a link to the art supplies I recommend.

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Check out my blog for more art tutorials.

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Ann Shen

Illustrator & Author

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