Welcome to WATERCOLOR, GOUACHE AND ACRYLIC, a class focused on different mediums and ways to layer and blend using various techniques. Although watercolor is my current personal main medium of choice, I have enjoyed using these three mediums throughout the years.

One of the most recurrent questions I get on Instagram is concerning layer order when using watercolors… these questions really got me thinking about how each medium has its own set of rules when it comes to layering and blending. Opaque acrylic is considered to be most forgiving when layering while watercolor must be carefully thought out before laying down paint. Then we have gouache, which is like a cousin to both mediums but with characteristics all its own.

My goal is for you to try using a transparent and an opaque medium for the different activities in this class, you might just discover that your style is destined to be tested out in another medium! Or even mixed medium!

This class is best taken if you have at least two of the three mediums being used in the demonstrations, although having all three is ideal. Use this chart as an example of how to use your paints:

Translucent medium: Watercolor
Translucent/Opaque medium: Gouache (this medium can go both ways)
Opaque medium: Acrylic

So, if you currently own a set of watercolors and acrylics, watercolors and gouache or gouache and acrylics, you’re good to go! The idea is that you use one translucent and one opaque medium to enjoy this class fully.

Here is a quick look at the class syllabus:

1. Supplies

Demonstration of supplies needed in class

2. Medium Basics

Differences between mediums with chart and demonstrations.

The chart I created for this class will also be available for download in this course.

3. Transluscent vs Opaque

Differences between building up color and color mixing with each medium.

4. Color Blending

Learn how to paint gradients with each medium.

5. Wet Over Dry Paint

Observe how each medium reacts to wet paint over dry paint individually. (This is super important when layering paint!)

6. Layering

Different ways to layer paint depending on each medium.

7. Background order

How to create dark and light backgrounds depending on the medium.

8. Final Project

Create the same painting using two different mediums of your choice. (This is super fun!!!)

This class is recommended for artists at an intermediate level. If you are new to painting, head over the “Modern Watercolor Techniques for Beginners” which is my first Skillshare class that will help you feel comfortable with watercolors before we dive deep into the world of layering and blending.

I’m so happy you’re here! Please always feel free to posting any questions in the discussion board and I will do my best to help out! I can't wait to see what you make :)

Hope you enjoy this course!

-Ana

Credits:

Film and edit:

The Stills

Openers and animation:

Old Magic Design

Music:

Chapeau by Panda Transport

Like the music?

Listen to more Panda Transport on Spotify, iTunes & Youtube

Susan Farmer

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