Artwork – Da Vinci Gouache over Holbein Acrylic Gouache on Fabriano Artistico in a Mary Roff handmade sketchbook .
Yesterday’s post discussed the difference between watercolor-based gouache and acrylic-based gouache, and I showed you a background that I did using the acyrlic gouache. Which I’ll show you again …
Why so many streaks? The brush used was really cheap (like 25 cents on a bargain table). I knew that most of it would be covered over.
The watercolor sketchbook I’m painting in is devoted to sheep (more about that later this week). When, I saw this reference photo, I knew I wanted to do a stylized version of it, and decided to use the acrylic gouache background for it.
This was the first time that I painted over acrylic gouache.
What did I like about it most?
- I was able to get some fabulous textures! The surface is especially good for dry brushing.
What did I like about it least?
- It was hard to get good detail because the brush drags on the surface and the paint didn’t want to move.
So, in essence, what I liked the most about this medium is also what I disliked the most. The acrylic medium creates a surface that is rough enough to create interesting textures, but also makes it hard to get detail.
Most of that background above was covered over, because I kept trying to fix things (kind of like the hair-stylist who keeps clipping your hair to even things out). However, the background colors did subtly enhance the finished painting.
I wish I hadn’t chosen to do this painting in my Mary Roff sketchbook. It is filled with Fabriano Artistico, which has beautiful properties for a watercolor paper. Those properties were wasted because the acrylic gouache.
Will I use this method again?
Oh yes. Now that I know how it reacts, I’ll plan accordingly. The acrylic gouache replaces whatever surface a paper naturally has – so I’ll choose a cheaper paper (or wood or cardboard or whatever) to paint on. When I paint over it – whether with either kind of gouache or watercolor, I’ll use paint fresh from the tube that will spread more easily.
So now you know what I know when it comes to acrylic gouache. I’m looking forward to learning more!
Life Imitates Doodles 
Though WP wouldn’t let me “Like” this, I LOVE it. Thanks for showing the difference between these media. Can’t wait to try acrylic gouache, now that I know what to expect.
Many thanks, Kathy! I kind of wasted the background this time, but I’m looking forward to playing with this more now that I know what I need to do.
Love these sheep!!!
Thank you, Mary! They really did need to be painted – such expressions!
I can nearly run my fingers through all that thick, soft fur. Wonderful painting of two wooly friends.
Many thanks, Sharon! While I didn’t exactly enjoy painting over the acrylic gouache, it did give a wonderful texture for painting sheep.