For our projects you'll need a few inexpensive supplies.

The type of gouache we're using is water-soluble gouache (that's the kind most commonly found in stores). If you only have acrylic gouache - no problem, you can join us and follow along with the paint you have, your end result might be a different look but that's ok!

Supplies:

Gouache paints. You'll want at least 2 different colours and white. I used a neutral grey, naples yellow, sky blue, mauve and white.
Palette: An old plate or even piece of parchment paper will do in a pinch
Paintbrushes: I use watercolour brushes sizes 5, 2, 00 - but use whatever you have, a smaller brush is helpful with the details.
Watercolour paper: Nothing special required here, I am using cold pressed paper. Having an additional scrap piece for practice will be handy.
Water for cleaning brushes, and paper towel
Paper for sketching your characters (Optional - I will supply my sketches you can use if you wish)
Pencil & eraser
Fineliner and white gel pen for details (this is optional too, you can do without)
Tracing paper (optional) - I just use this to show you a technique for testing out where to put facial features. If you have it great - if not, don't worry.

Project 1 - Beginning with Gouache

Weinerdog in a Sweater: This covers the basics for painting. It is a quick project that will give you some experience how the paint feels and applies to the paper. We'll make a flat 2-D illustration and once done, add outlines and details.

Trace your image onto your watercolour paper.
Use gouache with a little bit of water to make a gel-like consistency.
Apply your first layer. If it looks like it needs a little more, that's ok, let it dry and then do a second layer.
Continue with the sweater in the same manner.
Once completely dry you can outline with either a fine-liner marker or a thin brush with more gouache. Add back in the ear outline.
Add any details to the sweater, draw an eye and nose.
Tip! If you really dislike your details, wait for it to dry and go over with gouache again. It might take a couple of layers (let them dry in between) but then you can re-do your details.

Project 2 - Adding Texture, Light & Shadow

Kitty in a Photo Frame: This project takes what we learned in project 1, and expands the details. We'll add in a bit of fur texture and some light and shadow areas.

Transfer your character to watercolour paper
Paint the kitty in the same way as the dog in project 1.
Start adding texture and depth! Work on one section at a time, either head or dress, you can go back and forth with lighter and darker paints even when the paint is still wet. Use a finer brush here.
Continue with the remainder of the painting.
When you're happy with the shadows, light and texture, let the piece dry completely before adding final details.
Outline piece with either a fine-liner or a thin line of gouache to clean up the edges and refine the outline.
Draw back in the facial features that were lost during the painting process.
Enjoy your new art pieces, drink tea, have a cookie and pet your cat to celebrate.

Josephine Hong

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