10 Painting Mistakes and Misconceptions of Gouache Artists

Whether you've been painting for years or are just starting to explore a new medium or technique, you won’t be able to escape making mistakes from time to time. Some common mistakes can challenge even the most skilled artists, particularly when working with mediums like gouache paints.

But with some know-how and practice, you can steer clear of the pitfalls and blunders of gouache painting, and produce impressive artworks that will leave everyone amazed.

So, how about it? Grab your palette, and let's explore how to avoid common gouache painting mistakes.

What Are Gouache Paints?

Gouache paint is a water-based medium recognized for its opaque and matte appearance. In contrast to transparent watercolors that benefit from the white of the paper showing through, gouache provides full coverage on the surface it’s used on. This makes it ideal for producing vibrant and striking artwork.

Check Out This Ultimate Guide to Gouache Painting Techniques and Tips!

Gouache vs Other Painting Mediums

How does it measure up against its painting counterparts such as watercolor, acrylic, and oil? Let's analyze:

Remember that the comparison above is not to say that one medium is better than the other – it just means that depending on your style and needs, you can pick and choose which medium to go for and get equally stunning results, provided you use good quality materials and the best practices and techniques.

Speaking of best practices, we’re now going to jump right into the topic of today’s discussion: what are some of the misconceptions and mistakes that an artist can make with gouache paints?

10 Mistakes and Misconceptions of Gouache Painting

1. Using Low-Quality Supplies

It’s easy to go for the cheap, low-quality ones, especially when budget is an issue. However, remember that the quality of your gouache painting materials can significantly impact your artwork.

Choosing inexpensive, low-quality paints and paper might appear cost-effective in the beginning. But more often than not, you'll eventually experience more issues in the long run – paints cracking, artwork yellowing in just a short amount of time, or, in some cases, physical damage from rodents and insects.

2. Thinking You Don’t Need a Sketch/Guide

At some point, we've all done it, especially when deadlines are looming. However, sketching your composition beforehand can prevent a lot of headaches down the road.

Sketching assists in planning your design, proportions, and values, leading to a more refined final piece. While it's true that some artists can work without sketching, most of them have years of practice and experience under their belt. 

In any case, to ensure a smooth gouache painting process, we recommend taking a pencil and sketching at least a rough outline to help lay the foundation of your painting!

3. Not Using the Color Theory

It's tempting to get lost in the array of vibrant hues. However, you might find yourself with a muddy mess instead of the masterpiece you had in mind when you forget to consider harmonizing your colors.

An important tip: Dedicate some time to discover and grasp the basics of color theory. Use what you learn to explore blending various pigments and guide the way colors come alive on your piece.

Familiarizing yourself with complementary colors, warm versus cool tones, and color harmonies will elevate your gouache paintings to new heights.

4. Going Overboard with the Paint

In gouache painting, less is often more. One of the most common mistakes beginners make is going overboard with the paint, known as overworking. It's all too easy to keep adding layer upon layer of color, but eventually, you'll reach a tipping point and risk ruining your creation.

So, recognize when to step back and allow your masterpiece to breathe. Sometimes, a few carefully placed brushstrokes are all you need to convey your message effectively.

5. Ignoring Value and Contrast

Have you ever thought about why some paintings appear to leap off the page while others appear lackluster? It all boils down to value and contrast. 

Take note of the spectrum of light and dark in your artwork – this is what provides depth and dimension. Explore various techniques such as dry brushing and glazing to attain a broad range of values.

Check Out These Gouache Supplies and Must-Haves!

6. “Drowning” Your Artwork

Yes, it’s possible to “drown” your artwork. How? By using too much water on your gouache painting. 

Gouache paint needs water, but too much can lead to diluted colors, weak pigmentation, and a loss of vibrance. Remember to strive for a creamy consistency that is easy to work with yet still delivers a punch. Explore various water-to-paint ratios until you discover the ideal balance for your style.

7. Lacking Patience for the Drying Process

Now, don’t get us wrong: Nowadays, there are ways to hasten the drying times of various art mediums. Using a heat setting tool or a drying rack works like a charm, and they help you quicken your art processes safely.

However, if you don’t have such tools or techniques to safely speed up the drying process, that’s a whole other story. In gouache painting, patience is key. When air drying, it’s important to let each layer of paint dry thoroughly before applying the next one. Being impatient with the process can result in smudged colors, muddy mixes, and a great deal of frustration.

8. Avoiding White Spaces

The temptation to cover every inch of space with color is strong, but as mentioned before, less is almost often more. Embrace the white space in your paintings – it can be just as impactful as the colors themselves. Utilize it to establish balance, contrast, and visual intrigue. This approach will result in captivating and poignant masterpieces!

9. Neglecting Your Tools

Your brushes and painting tools are indispensable allies, so treat them with utmost care and consideration. Regularly clean your tools, reshape your brushes’ bristles as necessary, and store them properly to avoid damage.

Moreover, don't hesitate to invest in high-quality brushes. While some of them may be a little on the expensive side, it will prove to be a wise decision in the long run.

10. Slacking Off on Experimenting and Practicing

Finally, remember to practice and experiment! 

Gouache painting requires time to perfect and time to explore. Sometimes, it takes a little bit of experimenting with various techniques, subjects, and styles until you discover what suits you best. 

Don't hesitate to make a few mistakes along the way and treat them as learning opportunities to grow your craft. At the end of it, you will thank yourself!

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