Gouache for Beginners

Learn the basics of gouache painting through multiple fun, simple painting exercises that will help you improve your gouache skills. At the end of the class, you’ll feel comfortable and confident working with gouache!

  • "Great class. I enjoyed all the tips and clarity of the teacher when explaining the methods. It was also a fantastic approach to learning how to use gouache. I am ready to keep exploring the medium and creating some fun art in gouache."

    - Jasmine Goodwin

  • "This class is just amazing. I learned why some things I had been doing with gouache weren’t quite working. Every exercise is valuable and fun and truly enlightening. This is the absolute best way to begin learning how to paint with gouache or expand your skills. And no one is more engaging or easy to follow as Ann. Very pleased and you will be too."

    - Jennifer Orci

  • "I'm a watercolorist who has been wanting to learn gouache for a while and Ann's class is the perfect introduction to it! I appreciate how she explained the paint consistencies. And the projects are simple but dynamic so you feel really proud of what you've created. I can't wait to get started on my gouache journey."

    - Audrey Moon

  • "This was such a fantastic course! I had a lot of fun, which helped me learn about gouache painting. I had always wanted to learn how to paint with gouache and improve my art skills, and when I found out about this course, I thought it would be perfect. It is the ideal course for beginners using gouache, and I learned about different techniques and styles from famous artists that apply to painting with gouache. I highly recommend this course to anyone starting to paint with gouache because Ann Shen is a fantastic instructor and an amazing artist."

    - S Robles

 In this class you’ll learn:

  • All my best tips and tricks for working with gouache

  • The tea-to-butter method to help you master gouache consistency

  • How to work with different brushes

  • How to paint flat, smooth layers

  • Techniques for blending gouache and painting gradients

  • Color and paint techniques such as dry brush, wet-on-dry, and wet-on-wet

  • The best way to organize a painting for success

  • A step-by-step guide to painting a dreamy cloud skyscape

 

Why gouache?

Gouache is an opaque water-based paint that came into popularity in mid-century art. It's now seeing a resurgence due to its rich, matte colors and beautiful textures. I’ve spent over ten years painting with gouache, and I’m excited to share my best tips on how I use this tricky but rewarding medium to further my unique style influenced by great mid-century artists like Mary Blair and Alain Grée. 

What exercises are included in this class?

This class will walk you through five different exercises that will not only help you improve your gouache skills but will also result in some beautiful painting projects! You’ll learn how to paint abstract shapes, skyscapes, and more all while learning the fundamental techniques needed to get comfortable with gouache painting.

 
 

Ready to learn how to paint with gouache through approachable step-by-step projects?

This class is for you! Whether you’re brand new to art or are an experienced artist looking to try out a new medium, this fun class will help you level up your painting skills! Gouache for Beginners: Exploring Painting and Illustration Techniques is hosted on Skillshare. New members can get one month free to check out this class and thousands of others on Skillshare! Click any of the links on this page to start your free trial and dive into the class!

 

Student Projects

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