I'm so excited to share that my class is now live!! :)

Watch it here : https://www.skillshare.com/classes/Gouache-101-Tools-Tips-Techniques-Create-a-Boho-Abstract-Painting/1292410661

Intro Video : https://youtu.be/rtptaENZEeI

Title : Gouache 101 | Tools, Techniques and Everything you need to know

Class Description :

Welcome to Gouache 101! Gouache can seem a bit tricky to beginners, but once you get the hang of it, it could just be one of the best materials you’ve ever worked with. I am here to break down everything you need to know in order to get started with your gouache journey - including the paints, tools and materials, basic techniques and colour mixing.

This class is for anyone who is curious about gouache or wants to get started with the medium and isn’t sure where to begin. It’s ideal for all skill levels, and will be simple even for beginners to follow along. Artists who are already proficient with media like watercolour or acrylic and are looking to expand into gouache will also find a lot of value in this class.

When I started working with gouache, I absolutely fell in love with the medium. It can be so versatile and such a pleasure to work with. I want to share that joy with you all. Through this class, you will be ready to start creating your own art with this wonderful medium.

Gouache art can be applied to illustrations of any kind, and their opacity makes them perfect for scanning. Scanned art can be used for prints, pattern design, graphic design and so much more. The possibilities are endless.

Materials you’d need :
- Gouache (I recommend Winsor and Newton, but any beginner gouache is perfectly fine to get started. Arteza is known to be very good.)
- Hot or cold pressed watercolor paper
- Round brushes in mixed sizes - I’ll be using size 2, 4, and 6
- A medium sized flat brush

Who am I?
My name is Shivani and I am an artist, art educator, accessory designer and creative entrepreneur. I am the founder of a lifestyle accessories brand called Arture.
I’ve had a paintbrush in my hand since I was a kid, and over the last few years I have been consistently developing my art practice, with watercolor and gouache being my favourite media to work with! I’ve learned so much about gouache through my own practice, that I can’t wait to share with you. My favourite subjects to paint include all things nature, and traditional Indian art styles. My art is at the intersection of nature and culture.

You can check me out on the below links :
- My Instagram page
- My Youtube channel
- My Etsy Store
- My personal website

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Class Project : Create a beautiful boho abstract painting with gouache

To complete this project we will be incorporating everything that was taught in this class. Below are the steps we’ll be taking to complete the painting :

Collecting inspiration from Pinterest
Creating a rough composition or layout
Deciding a color palette
Mixing the colors
Painting base coats of opaque gouache
Shading some of the shapes using the blending technique
Using the layering technique to have elements overlap one another
Using the dry brushing technique to create texture on some of our shapes

I will be detailing it out for you step-by-step so it’s simple and fun.

Once you complete this project, you will have your very first gouache illustration ready, along with loads of confidence to continue on your gouache journey. :)

Don’t forget to upload a picture or scanned image of your painting in the Class Project gallery.

I am so excited to see what you create. :)

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Class Outline :

Welcome!

Talking Head

Samples of my work to establish authority on the subject, add my name.

2 min

Who I am
What the class is about (basics of gouache)
Topics I’ll be covering (materials, tools, techniques)
Why this class will help kickstart their gouache journey

Here’s what you’ll create

Talking Head

Images of what the complete project will look like

2 min

The project will be to create 3 simple paintings
We will be mixing colours from scratch
Each painting will utilise one of the 3 techniques that I will be teaching
It will give the students confidence with the medium, colour mixing and techniques
Any skill level
The projects will all utilise basic shapes so you do not need artist level drawing skills.
Ask them to upload in the project gallery

What is gouache?

Talking Head, Physical demonstration

Show different types and brands of gouache

3 min

A brief intro to the medium
Types of gouache to be aware of - acrylic and water based + differences between them
Mention a few different brands
Most of this course is applicable to both acrylic and water based, but a few points might just apply to water based.

Materials

Physical demonstration

Add text of brand names, etc of whatever I show

2 min

Materials needed including the following:

Paints
Brushes
Paper
Water cup
Paper Towel

Consistency

Physical demonstration

3 min

Show the different possible consistencies of gouache and explain applications to each
Encourage students to do this activity with their own paints to get comfortable with it, and upload in project gallery.

Colour Swatching

Physical demonstration

Swatch a set of paints to show how its done

4 min

Encourage students to swatch their paint set to understand the colors better. I will show them how to do this
Create hues and values of the 3 primary colours

Colour Mixing

Physical demonstration

Show colour wheel, text on screen pointing out warm and cool colours

7 min

Activity : Create a simple color wheel along with me and share in project gallery

Blending Technique

Physical demonstration

Text on screen - Blending

4 min

Explain what the blending technique is with a simple example.
Show examples of applications
Show students how to blend a light blue into a dark blue and encourage them to do the activity

Dry Brushing Technique

Physical demonstration

Text on screen - Dry Brushing

4 min

Explain what the dry brushing technique is with a simple example.
Show examples of applications
Show students how to dry brush dark blue over light blue and encourage them to do the activity

Layering Technique

Physical demonstration

Text on screen - Layering

4 min

Explain what the layering technique is with a simple example.
Show examples of applications
Show students how to layer dark blue over light blue and encourage them to do the activity

Gouache Tips and Tricks

Physical demonstration and Talking head

5 min

My top tips when working with gouache :
- Light colours dry darker

Dark colours dry lighter
Always swatch your colours before painting
Always mix more paint than you need
Reactivating on the palette or paper
Correcting mistakes
Picking the right white

Project : Abstract Painting

Physical demonstration

10 min

Paint an absract artwork in real time using colour mixing and all techniques that were taught. Explain in detail so students can follow along.

Encourage sharing in project gallery

Conclusion and FAQs

Talking Head

4 min

Recap what we covered :

How to pick the right gouache for you
All the materials you need to get started
The 3 key techniques to master

Gouache can be a wonderful medium to explore, so don’t be afraid to just dive in
Share your projects because I would love to see them and share my feedback!
Connect with me via Instagram and follow me on Skillshare

Shivani Patel

Gouache Artist | Creative Entrepreneur

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