Author Topic: How to Mix Gouache  (Read 65222 times)

Offline Erica McPhee

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How to Mix Gouache
« on: January 09, 2014, 08:06:37 PM »
Quick video on how to mix gouache. As always, let us know if you have any questions! [NOTE: My apologies for the absolutely horrendous quality of this video. Had I known it would have 11,000+ views, I would have made it a lot better!]

« Last Edit: April 20, 2017, 09:42:05 PM by Erica McPhee »
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Erica
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Offline Roseann

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Re: How to Mix Gouache
« Reply #1 on: January 10, 2014, 12:04:33 AM »
Thank you Erica!
This is very helpful.  I've never been shown how to mix gouache before. 
Love,
Roseann
Roseann

“The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.”   R. L. Stevenson

Offline Erica McPhee

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Re: How to Mix Gouache
« Reply #2 on: January 10, 2014, 08:01:17 PM »
You are very welcome Roseann! There are entire workshops dedicated to using gouache (calligraphy & color). If you ever get a chance to take one, I highly recommend it!  I don't work a lot with color because most of my work is for reproduction. I forget how fun it is to work with gouache and water color! :D
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Erica
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Offline Sherry Lu

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Re: How to Mix Gouache
« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2014, 12:26:24 AM »
Would you recommend loading the nib with a brush? Because I made my mix in a small jar, and dipping it isn't working out so well for me. (But I'm not sure if that's a consistency issue or not...) :/

Offline Erica McPhee

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Re: How to Mix Gouache
« Reply #4 on: January 18, 2014, 12:31:44 AM »
Yes, Sherry, I do that in the video.  ;D I always load the nib with a brush.
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Erica
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Offline Sherry Lu

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Re: How to Mix Gouache
« Reply #5 on: January 18, 2014, 12:35:16 AM »
I saw in the video. I gotta try that! :) See if it works better. Haha. Because right now it's either too globby, or there's nothing adhered. I want to love gouache so much.

Offline Erica McPhee

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Re: How to Mix Gouache
« Reply #6 on: January 18, 2014, 12:40:06 AM »
It is tricky to figure out but once you learn the right consistency, it is the same as using a sumi ink or even Doc Marten's White. It is like the consistency of 1/2 and 1/2. Just a bit creamier than milk.

Ink is, of course, closer to water. So there is definitely a difference in texture/consistency.

If it is too lumpy, you either need to stir it more or add just a couple drops more of water.

If it makes you feel better, I hated gouache the first few times I used it. But once I got the hang of it, I loved it.
Warm Regards,
Erica
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Offline Selle.A

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Re: How to Mix Gouache
« Reply #7 on: January 22, 2014, 12:20:01 AM »
This video is very helpful. I finally tried using gouache for the first time but instead of water I used gum arabic but I can't seem to get the consistency right. You can't see the ink when I try to do upstrokes but flows ok with downstrokes. I guess I just have to play around with it more.

Offline Roseann

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Re: How to Mix Gouache
« Reply #8 on: January 22, 2014, 01:30:52 AM »
Hi,
I think you'll have much better results if you try it again, but this time try it with distilled water.  If you feel you must use gum arabic, just add a drop.  Hope this helps.

Love,
Roseann
Roseann

“The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.”   R. L. Stevenson

Offline Selle.A

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Re: How to Mix Gouache
« Reply #9 on: January 22, 2014, 01:08:29 PM »
Ok, I will-I just thought gum arabic is good because people swears by it. Distilled water it is...

Thanks =)

Offline Heebs

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Re: How to Mix Gouache
« Reply #10 on: April 06, 2014, 07:18:42 PM »
I don't know how I've never tried gouache considering the dozens of other mediums I've tried using to write with my broad-edge pens but this video helped a ton, thanks! I tried both with and without Gum Arabic, depending on the nib I tested, and it flowed well either way.

Offline Erica McPhee

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Re: How to Mix Gouache
« Reply #11 on: April 06, 2014, 09:21:38 PM »
Wonderful to hear that! Especially since I was just considering reshooting this video because the lighting is so bad!

This looks beautiful. Your consistency looks perfect. Great color and beautiful flourishes! Thanks for sharing!  :)
Warm Regards,
Erica
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Offline YokePenCo

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Re: How to Mix Gouache
« Reply #12 on: April 07, 2014, 12:22:21 AM »
You should change the title to "How to Mix and Properly Pronounce Gouache" lol. That word gets butchered so badly! Great video though :)
Christopher J. Yoke
www.yokepencompany.com

Offline AndyT

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Re: How to Mix Gouache
« Reply #13 on: April 07, 2014, 06:01:51 AM »
Yes, a very useful video :)

It's universally pronounced gōō'äsh here in UK, mangling French words being a national talent.

Offline Brad franklin

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Re: How to Mix Gouache
« Reply #14 on: April 07, 2014, 09:02:43 AM »
Is Gouache cheaper then dipping ink?