More gouache learning

Lake Shapes   quick gouache sketch on mdf  6x12

I continue to work in gouache, both in-studio and plein air. I am really enjoying the simplicity of it for small sketches and think that the small plein air kit I have put together is going to be my go-to kit for travel.  Also, the medium seems suited to my growing interest towards more stylized work with bold brushstrokes.  It also suits my apparent need to work quickly .

I have been working on watercolour paper, on Canson Illustration Board, on MDF board and on Multi-Media Board. Each brings a unique working experience.  I am also applying Liquatex Clear Gesso on many of the boards to add tooth.  I am experimenting with thin transparent first layers then adding the whites and other opaques for second layers. As a thin layer it feels and looks like the transparency of watercolours.

I still want to be able to frame without glass and so continue to experiment with different finishes looking for those that do no re-activate the paint. The hair spray, two to three layers, does a reasonably good job, but if I am aggressive with water I can reactivate areas. The acrylic polymer also creates a secure finish but if I over-brush the application it will blur some edges.

The best spray fixative so far has been Krylons Kaymar Varnish which is not as difficult to work with as others tried and has done a good job sealing the surface.

Using Kamar Varnish out of doors 

My Saskatchewan friend and artist, Delee Grant, recommended I try cold wax medium. Have some in BC but did not want to buy more in Ontario. So wondered what else might be like wax, thick with a low moisture content. I looked up and was staring right at a jar of  acrylic heavy body matt gel. I tried it and if applied carefully it works great to secure the paint while still leaving a mat finish associated with gouache.

Another change is I replaced my StayWet palette box with 9x12 disposable palette paper. An added move to simplicity.

I have been asked about the palette box I am using and purchased on Amazon. I am working with dried gouache that reactivates as needed - so no worry about drying out and I have been working some in full sun.

Lipstick  Box 

Using fine Sharpie pen for sketch   on water colour paper

8x10 on illustration board

Quick sketches on water colour paper

Taking a run at GOUACHE

Red Evening  Gouache  on mdf 8x10

Working in gouache for plein air sketches has become more popular in recent years.  There is some great work done by Scott Christensen , Kathleen Dunphy  and Carol Marine to name a few. In this time of Covid, with no workshops and little gallery activity, I am finding time to play and try new things. So why not try gouache.


I worked in gouache at the Watts Atelier in California a decade ago. A gouache class was recommended before working in oils - as the gouache can be reactivated and blended making a good first step in portraiture etc. I can remember enjoying the medium. Today my interest would be in plein air landscape, working with a fast drying medium requiring a limited amount of equipment.

My grand daughter using gouache at the Watts Atelier a decade ago

So I explored what others were using for supplies and equipment. I tried a variety of approaches. I still had a selection of tubes from my Watts days that felt OK. In the end I settled on working with gouache in dried form in a small watercolour palette. I dug out my 9x12 Gorilla box which I had not used in a decade and found I could carry everything I needed - paint tubes, paint palette , mixing surface, brushes, drawing needs, water mister and water bottle and a mix of 6x8 and 8x10 painting surfaces. If I could make the medium work I had the makings of a small, light, self-contained system with only a tripod to add. Great for easy carry and quick set up.

My next issue was the surface and the general need to frame the pieces behind glass. Most would be simple sketches on watercolour paper but hoped that I could work on surfaces and seal them to avoid the need for glass. I worked on mdf board, illustration board and terra skin ( stone paper). Each was a unique experience with a unique result. The paint reactivates immediately on contact with water. I first tried lightly brushing an isolation coat (a sealing coat used on acylic paintings) with a soft brush. Seals well but cannot avoid activating some of the paint. Also results in a semi gloss finish which is not what a lot of gouche painters want - they like it flat. I , on the other hand , I like some degree of finish.  So then I tried hair spray ( what I use to secure a graphite or charcoal sketch).  One spray reduced the activation but two or three make the paint more secure. With that I could apply an isolation coat without difficulty - so I had an option for hanging without glass.  I also tried an acrylic based varnish spray wich worked well - but even in an open garage was difficult to cope with. But at least I know that I have choices if I wish to hang without glass.

Sketch with acrylic marker  working on illustration board 8x10

What really pleased me was how well it worked on mdf board coated with gesso. So I had an archival cheap surface with the possibility of securing the finish - but accepting that it would be semi gloss - not the "true" flatness of the medium.

I also tried adding "tooth' to each of the surfaces using a layer of Liquatex Clear Gesso - which leaves a grainy finish I quite like.

So now to paint. Had the box out a few times and also tried a few pieces in the studio.  It is a mark-making layering medium, much like how I paint with acrylics - so I think I might like it. It is very fast to work with - less than half an hour on each quick sketch. Great for travelling.

Gorilla box, water colour palett with dried gouache, carried by bike trailer 

Plein air sketch 6x8 on Terra Skin paper - drawing with Sharpie - Gouache did not cover it

So what have I got.  A small light plein air kit that contains all I need and using dried gouache to be reactivated on use. Simple, cheap, easy.  I think I like it. Will see how it goes.