To put your new gouache skills to work, we’re going to build a mini portfolio with three gouache seascapes. Everyone needs a little piece of the unruly ocean in their lives!

(By the way, for my full supplies guide for this class, head to the "Resources" section and download "Gouache Seascapes Supplies List.pdf")

Because gouache is so versatile, each mini painting will focus on a specific technique, using characteristics found in watercolor, acrylic, and oil paint. By the end of the class, you’ll have a firm grasp on gouache AND three beautiful mini paintings to give away or keep for yourself.

Project One: Lapping Ocean Waves

The first project emphasizes using gouache like watercolor to create soft, subtle blends and glimmers in the water to mimic the effect of lapping waves.

Start by using the wet-on-wet technique to create luminous blends in the sky, then the water, then the sand.
Practice glazing and using thicker gouache to add details to the waves and shadows to the sand

Project Two: Sparkling Seas

The second project emphasizes using gouache more like acrylic, in its paste form right out the tube. In this project, we'll practice blending with thicker paste, using water strategically to keep the opacity while still allowing for movement, and utilizing the dry brush technique to create dazzling sparkles on the surface of the ocean.

Blend the gouache paste using a flat or filbert brush and a little bit of water to achieve smooth, opaque glimmers in the sunset sky, and then again for the blues of the ocean.
Wait to dry, then add the sun
Next, paint the mountains in a layered gradient, from light to dark
Finally, use the dry-brush technique in a zig-zag motion to add sparkles on the surface of the sea

Project Three: Crashing Wave

For our final project, we'll combine all of the techniques we've used + practice reactivating gouache on the paper for increased versatility, a similar characteristic to oil paint. By combining all of the stunning qualities of gouache into one project, we'll create a crashing ocean wave with bursting sun rays in the background and hints of sunlight glimmering in its waters.

Sketch out your project, creating a space for the wave and some mountains
Start with the background, using watercolor techniques to paint the sky, the sun, and the mountains
Use the dry brush technique with white gouache to paint sun rays across the sky and over the mountains
Build up the wave in layers, starting with blends of blues to cover the whole wave and then adding sections of light and shadow on top of the first layer to create the illusion of movement and ripples
Reactivate the gouache to blend in some of the strokes while still maintaining their shape
Finally, use white gouache to add foam to the end of the wave

For additional feedback and support from me and your fellow students, please share your progress any step of the way in the Project Gallery! You can share works-in-progress and your finished portfolio pieces.

If there’s a topic you think everyone in the class may benefit from, please utilize the Discussions forum in the class! I check the discussion board fairly regularly to answer any questions you may have.

Finally, if you want to, feel free to share your projects on Instagram -- and make sure to tag me (@thiswritingdesk) and use the hashtag #kb_skillshare for a chance to be featured in my stories.

I’ll see you inside!

Sabine Stro

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