*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :)
Do you need fancy supplies to progress your drawing skills and create the artwork you'd like to share with the world? How does one go about drawing a believable face? Why is keeping a sketching habit important for artists of all kinds? In the time lapse video included within this blog post I share my entire face drawing process, starting with creating the head shape, moving onto laying down guidelines to help with the effective placement of facial features, sketching in individual elements and finishing up by adding quick shading using a combination of hatching and crosshatching. Drawing believable portraits (and any part of the human figure) is challenging, as it requires us to not only have decent drawing skills to be able to render form/three-dimensionality as well as different textures like hair and skin, but it also entails having a good amount of knowledge on proportion. You see, faces are probably what we see most as human beings. Due to this, even non-artists are usually able to tell when something looks off, even though they may not know exactly where the error is. In this YouTube video, I take you step-by-step, through drawing a simple, forwards-facing portrait and explain basic facial proportions. *This is, in my opinion, an essential place for beginners to start. In my blog post, How to Draw Faces at a 3/4's Angle-My 4 Step Process, I get into starting to understand the head shape as a three-dimensional form, why it's useful to understand the underlying structure of the face (the human skull), and take you through drawing a portrait at an angle. Though I primarily sell my paintings, I'm a huge sketching fan. I consider drawing to be the basis for all kinds of art and really believe in keeping a sketchbook habit. Even quicker sketches created consistently will help keep your observation sharp and continue progressing your artistic skills. Not to mention, sketching is also incredibly practical as we don't really need much besides drawing paper, a few different pencil grades and an eraser. There's no need to take out your painting supplies and go through your whole set-up if you're short on time.
If you enjoyed this video and found it helpful, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel. I share a brand new video every week with art tips, drawing and painting tutorials and mindset/productivity tips for artists. *Subscribe HERE*
If you're not new to my blog posts or videos, you're probably already aware that I'm a huge fan of keeping it simple when it comes to art supplies. I'm a big fan of artists who are able to create amazing work using basic, and even limited, tools. There's no need for anything fancy in order to make immense progress in your drawing skills. The supplies below are what I usually have on hand when I'm drawing or sketching. *I'm not a big fan of kneaded erasers and have replaced them entirely with my Mono Zero eraser that I acquire via Amazon. I use blending stumps only when I'm creating more realistic drawings such as the one in this video.
I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new, or got inspired to go and create a sketch for yourself.
I wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your artistic journey! :)
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*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :) Wondering what the difference between acrylic and oil paint is? How do they compare in regards to required supplies, painting process and overall finish? Which one of these two painting mediums is best for you, your artistic goals and your current life situation? In today's blog post (and the YouTube video included), I'll be explaining the key similarities and differences between acrylic and oil paint. I'll also be clearing up common misconceptions so that you can make an informed decision about which supplies to invest in and, most importantly, start moving forward in your artistic journey right away. When I was first starting to look into painting, I was very confused about the similarities and differences between these two mediums. Not only did the examples of artwork I found created with each vary immensely, but there were also tons of contradictions between one article/book to the next in terms of the required supplies, the preparation phase, and the painting process itself. It was honestly overwhelming and I didn't have time to make sense of it all. Quite often, I held myself back from buying any supplies and moving forward due to this. Eventually, there came a point at which I could no longer ignore my desire to improve artistically, highly-demanding full-time job and all. I had already wasted too much time and knew that the best way to learn and to make sense of it all would be through actually doing. I visited my local art supply store, and with the information I had learned from my research (as well as with the help graciously provided by the lady at the store), bought a few items to explore. Suffice to say, a lot of supplies were wasted or left completely unused. And not only were a lot of bad paintings created, but several of them literally fell apart after a couple of months (don't ask). I don't regret it though, because I learned so much through this first-hand exploration, both about different painting mediums, as well as about myself as an artist. What I like, don't like, what techniques suit the style I'm going for best, etc. After years of practice and exploration I've been able to learn a lot about acrylics, oils and even watercolors. I love them all, use them all on a month-to-month basis, and have come to know the pros and cons of each throughout this time. If you're just as confused and overwhelmed as I was all those years ago, but still feel that nagging inside telling you to get painting (it never goes away by the way), the following information will definitely help you make faster progress. However, as with all artistic mediums and supplies, it's going to be up to you to commit to this journey and the exploration it entails, in order to get to know yourself artistically and the specific supplies you personally enjoy. In this page, you'll find a list of my favorite oil and acrylic painting supplies. Let's get into today's topic!
If you enjoyed this video and found it helpful, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel. I share a brand new video every week with art tips, drawing and painting tutorials and mindset/productivity tips for artists. *Subscribe HERE*
Introduction
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5. Overall Look and Finish
Because oil paint contains more pigment than acrylic paint, colors in oil paintings usually look a lot richer, more vibrant and glossy.
This said, even though oil paintings can last a very long time if they have been created using quality supplies and proper methods, they do tend to fade and/or yellow over time.
It'll be years and years before this happens though.
Acrylic paintings, on the other hand, usually look a lot more matte and flat when compared to oil paintings. Colors also tend to darken during the drying phase.
However, once this drying process is completed and this color change happens, they don't change after that as long as they are kept in an optimum environment (away from direct sunlight and humidity).
As far as texture goes, we can find both acrylic and oil paintings that are very smooth, as well as highly-textured. Oil paint lends itself to very easily be placed thickly on the canvas, leading to beautiful, palpable textures, if that's what the artist is intending to create.
However, texture mediums can be added to acrylic paint and impasto-like effects can also be created by placing it heavily on the substrate using different tools like painting knives. The artist can also create a textured surface prior to starting to paint.
The overall finish of both acrylic and oil paintings can also be altered by using different types of varnishes, depending on whether you'd like your painting to appear more matte or glossy.
There aredifferent varnishes available in both spray and liquid form that offer a variety of finishes.
Because oil paint contains more pigment than acrylic paint, colors in oil paintings usually look a lot richer, more vibrant and glossy.
This said, even though oil paintings can last a very long time if they have been created using quality supplies and proper methods, they do tend to fade and/or yellow over time.
It'll be years and years before this happens though.
Acrylic paintings, on the other hand, usually look a lot more matte and flat when compared to oil paintings. Colors also tend to darken during the drying phase.
However, once this drying process is completed and this color change happens, they don't change after that as long as they are kept in an optimum environment (away from direct sunlight and humidity).
As far as texture goes, we can find both acrylic and oil paintings that are very smooth, as well as highly-textured. Oil paint lends itself to very easily be placed thickly on the canvas, leading to beautiful, palpable textures, if that's what the artist is intending to create.
However, texture mediums can be added to acrylic paint and impasto-like effects can also be created by placing it heavily on the substrate using different tools like painting knives. The artist can also create a textured surface prior to starting to paint.
The overall finish of both acrylic and oil paintings can also be altered by using different types of varnishes, depending on whether you'd like your painting to appear more matte or glossy.
There aredifferent varnishes available in both spray and liquid form that offer a variety of finishes.
So, which medium is best for you?
This is going to depend on your personal circumstances, as well as your tastes and what you're looking to improve upon.
If you usually don't have much time for your art, don't have a designated space to work in, or you have kids or pets running around, acrylics are probably the best option for you (at least for now).
On the other hand, if you do have a space you can work in for hours-on-end, you aren't too sensitive to strong smells, you're interested in learning classical techniques, and/or you really care about the depth/color/richness of your paintings, then I'd definitely explore oils!
Whatever medium you choose to go for, make sure you exercise safety measures.
I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new, or got inspired to go and create a sketch for yourself. I wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your artistic journey! :)
This is going to depend on your personal circumstances, as well as your tastes and what you're looking to improve upon.
If you usually don't have much time for your art, don't have a designated space to work in, or you have kids or pets running around, acrylics are probably the best option for you (at least for now).
On the other hand, if you do have a space you can work in for hours-on-end, you aren't too sensitive to strong smells, you're interested in learning classical techniques, and/or you really care about the depth/color/richness of your paintings, then I'd definitely explore oils!
Whatever medium you choose to go for, make sure you exercise safety measures.
I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new, or got inspired to go and create a sketch for yourself. I wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your artistic journey! :)
*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :)
Are expensive, super-high quality supplies really necessary to progress your watercolor painting skills? What can you do as a beginner just starting out to ensure that you're spending your money wisely and not on cheap materials that are going to make the learning process more difficult than it needs to be?
In my Watercolor Supplies 101 class I explain about the common types of watercolor paint, paper and paintbrushes that you'll be able to find in art supply stores, a well as what I'd recommend for beginners.
Today, I'll be sharing the exact products that I finally came across at the beginning of my watercolor painting journey that really allowed me to make substantial progress without breaking the bank.
In the video included within this post, I'll be talking about these items. I'll also be sharing a time lapse of an illustration I created using a combination of these.
When I was first getting started, I didn't have money to spend on the high-end paper, paintbrushes and paint sets that I saw professional artists using and recommending on Instagram and/or YouTube.
As I tried to learn what I could from the pros, I heard them saying time and time again, that the higher the quality of the supplies, the better results will be. Especially, it seemed, when painting with this very volatile medium.
Though you should definitely avoid the super-cheap watercolor paint/paper varieties because they will not really help you understand the medium's characteristics and will probably make the learning process much more frustrating, there are brands that offer excellent quality products at affordable prices that are perfect for those starting out.
Rest assured that you can progress your skills far with accessibly priced products. I also think there's a lot to say for artists who're able to create amazing looking artwork with what they have on hand and that don't rely on only the best-of-the-best supplies.
I still use several of these items, to-the-day.
Not only for teaching and filming tutorials, but also whenever I'm not creating a painting or illustration I'm intending to sell or when the art will be scanned for prints or uploading onto shops online.
Let's get to the video!
If you enjoyed this video and found it helpful, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel. I share a brand new video every week with art tips, drawing and painting tutorials and mindset/productivity tips for artists. *Subscribe HERE*
After almost four years of painting with watercolors I can honestly say that, while it's true that artists selling their work must be able to offer high-quality, durable artwork to their customers, beginners shouldn't feel the pressure to spend $40 dollars on sable brushes or $50 dollars on watercolor paper.
Beginners should be exploring, trying different techniques, learning the do's and don'ts of the medium on hand, and thinking about what subjects and styles they'd love to become better at.
They shouldn't stop themselves from creating because they're afraid of wasting expensive supplies.
Awesome Watercolor Paint Sets for Beginners
Watercolor Paper
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Watercolor Paintbrushes
I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new, or got inspired to go and create a sketch for yourself. I wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your artistic journey! :)
*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :)
Welcome back, fellow artists and art lovers!
I’m unbelievably excited to be sharing another segment of my Artists from Around the World interview series!
This is one of the many exciting projects I’ve been working on behind the curtain, and I hope these interviews inspire aspiring artists out there to keep pursuing their passions, as well as help get amazing artwork in front of people looking to buy from or hire amazing creatives.
One of the things I love about being active in the online world, is that it enables me to connect with other art lovers and passionate creatives around the world. In the short amount time I’ve been working on this site,my YouTube channel, and sharing my work on social media, I’ve been able to get to know amazingly talented people that I would have otherwise never met.
Haydn Symons is one of the people I've had the fortune of getting to know.
He's an incredibly talented illustrator and designer based in the U.K. that has not only developed a unique and appealing art style, but has been able to gain experience working with world-wide clients in a variety of fields. Haydn designs logos and branding work for clients, as well as editorial and book cover illustrations.
Something I admire about Haydn is that he's constantly pushing himself to explore new subjects and techniques, and that his style and personality is palpable in everything he does.
A few months ago, he wrote an incredibly helpful blog post for us titled 3 Tips to Combine Watercolor and Gouache Like a Pro, in which he shares the similarities and differences between these two painting mediums, as well as useful tips to help us combine them effectively.
Haydn was very kind to answer a few questions I sent over and will be sharing with us how his artistic journey started, how he arrived at his art style, insights into what it's like to make a living as an artist, and much more.
So grab a cup of coffee, tea or your beverage of choice, and join me for this interview! :)
Welcome back, fellow artists and art lovers!
I’m unbelievably excited to be sharing another segment of my Artists from Around the World interview series!
This is one of the many exciting projects I’ve been working on behind the curtain, and I hope these interviews inspire aspiring artists out there to keep pursuing their passions, as well as help get amazing artwork in front of people looking to buy from or hire amazing creatives.
One of the things I love about being active in the online world, is that it enables me to connect with other art lovers and passionate creatives around the world. In the short amount time I’ve been working on this site,my YouTube channel, and sharing my work on social media, I’ve been able to get to know amazingly talented people that I would have otherwise never met.
Haydn Symons is one of the people I've had the fortune of getting to know.
He's an incredibly talented illustrator and designer based in the U.K. that has not only developed a unique and appealing art style, but has been able to gain experience working with world-wide clients in a variety of fields. Haydn designs logos and branding work for clients, as well as editorial and book cover illustrations.
Something I admire about Haydn is that he's constantly pushing himself to explore new subjects and techniques, and that his style and personality is palpable in everything he does.
A few months ago, he wrote an incredibly helpful blog post for us titled 3 Tips to Combine Watercolor and Gouache Like a Pro, in which he shares the similarities and differences between these two painting mediums, as well as useful tips to help us combine them effectively.
Haydn was very kind to answer a few questions I sent over and will be sharing with us how his artistic journey started, how he arrived at his art style, insights into what it's like to make a living as an artist, and much more.
So grab a cup of coffee, tea or your beverage of choice, and join me for this interview! :)
Interview with Illustrator/Designer Haydn Symons
1. What made you want to become an artist/illustrator?
I’ve been interested in art and design for a long time and have been drawing since I was around three years old. I’ve always loved to create new drawings and paintings, as well as learn about art. I studied Art and Design at Secondary School, took an Illustration course at college, and finally studied Illustration at Falmouth University, which I absolutely loved.
Illustration covers a lot of industries, from publishing, advertising to editorial, which makes it such a exciting discipline!
Throughout the years I've developed my craft and style, and have learned what it takes to become a successful freelance illustrator. I'm very passionate about the field and am 100% committed to what I do. I believe this dedication is what has allowed me to evolve my skill to what it is today.
2. You have a very distinguishable art style! Can you tell us a bit about how you arrived at it?
I started developing my illustration style during my years at Falmouth University. Throughout this time, I experimented with different mediums and materials, and pushed the boundaries of what I could produce.
My style is a mixture of traditional and contemporary elements. I consider it to be eye-catching and friendly. The artistic mediums I use most are gouache and watercolor, but I love constantly challenging myself with new techniques.
After finishing a new piece, I scan it into Adobe Photoshop in order to tidy it up a bit and do any necessary editing.
My illustration style has changed a lot from graduating back in 2013, and has evolved through a lot of practice, into what it is today.
3. What would you consider to be the most challenging aspect about being a working artist?
The most difficult part about being an artist is the unsteady income. It can really fluctuate from month to month and those bills need to get paid. This makes people hesitant about becoming freelance illustrators, designers or fine artists.
It can be scary and stressful when you don’t get commissions or money coming in. However, it’s an amazing feeling when you're asked to work on a new project and get paid for doing what you love. Being creative and using your artistic talent is extremely rewarding and there's nothing like being able to make a living by doing what you're most passionate about.
I've found it's incredibly important to know about marketing, sales, networking and business in general, to become successful as an artist.
4. What are your main sources of inspiration?
My sources of inspiration change from day-to-day. I’m inspired by the things around me - everything from landscapes and portraits, to news articles and popular culture.
I’m also very inspired by fine artists like David Hockney, who has become well-known figure in the art world. I really admire his use of color. I also love more traditional artists like Caravaggio, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Edward Hopper. Alongside them, I’m also inspired by well-known illustrators like Oliver Jeffers, Mr. Bingo and Sam Webber.
Lastly, I gain a lot of inspiration from reading and writing on a daily basis. I feel these practices really impact my work positively.
5. What are your must-have art supplies?
Paint
My go-to art supplies include gouache and watercolor. As I shared here at Erika's blog, I really enjoy combining both painting mediums. The paint sets I'm currently using are both by Winsor and Newton.
I usually like painting the background/base of my illustrations using watercolors, and using gouache for elements in the middleground/foreground.
I usually like painting the background/base of my illustrations using watercolors, and using gouache for elements in the middleground/foreground.
Paper
I highly recommend using thick, strong watercolor paper if you’re using water-soluble painting mediums. Having to deal with buckling during the painting process is very frustrating and so is damaging our paper! I really enjoy using Seawhite Heavy Watercolor Paper in 350gsm.
Paintbrushes
Lately, I've been using a set of paintbrushes by HeartyBay that I acquired through Amazon. It's affordable and perfect for use with both watercolor and gouache.
Software applications that I use on a daily basis which are very common in the creative industry include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign to Adobe Illustrator. These are paramount for any creative.
6. Do you have any tips on how to stay motivated/productive as an artist?
To stay motivated you need to commit to creating the work that you love producing. Set goals for yourself based on your passions, and actually see them through.
Read Erika's blog post titled Time Management for Artists: My Secrets for Staying Consistently Productive to learn how to define life goals and set objectives to ensure you're progressing towards them every week.
As an artist, you'll discover the specific subjects and styles you like creating, whether they are portraits, landscapes, abstract paintings, etc. If you continue focusing on getting better at what you want to be producing, and sharing your work with the world, people will start knowing you for that kind of work. But you have to stay consistent!
It's normal to have to do work to pay the bills that we're not necessarily passionate about doing, especially when we're starting out, but it's essential to keep making time for self-initiated projects that light us up.
Whenever I'm struggling or feeling unmotivated, I always think back to my why.
Why am I a freelancer?
Why am I an artist?
What will I gain (professionally and personally) if I keep pushing towards my dreams, and what will I have to give up if I stop?
7. Do you have any projects you'd like to make happen in the near future?
I traveled a lot last year and am super pumped about creating a series of illustrated maps, soon! I visited some amazing places that I really want to document in my own way. My illustrations will help me remember those amazing moments, and will be awesome additions to my portfolio.
It's so important to include the kind of work you actually want to be doing in your portfolio, whether these projects are ones you're actually getting paid for, or self-initiated ones!
I’m currently working on a couple of illustrations for magazines, and would love to do more of this kind of work in the near future, along with publishing and advertising projects.
Aside from this, it's very important for me to keep developing my illustration and artistic style, and just keep producing and creating new things consistently.
8. If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring artists, what would it be?
My one piece of advice for aspiring artists is to not give up. Even if you keep receiving knock back after knock back, keep going. Learn from your mistakes, get better, and improve.
If you’re constantly creating, improving and putting yourself out there, nothing will stop you.
Keep going and never give up on your dreams!
9. Lastly, could you share where we can find more of your work and news from you?
You can find my portfolio and personal blog over at www.haydnsymons.com.
You can also find me on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haydnsymons/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/haydnsym
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haydnsymonsillustration
A huge thanks to Haydn, for taking time to answer my questions, sharing his experience with us and, most importantly, for inspiring us to pursue our passions.
Hope you enjoyed this interview and make sure to follow Haydn's work. I personally can't wait to see what he'll be producing in the future!
Cheers!
*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :)
Confused as to what the similarities and differences are between watercolor and gouache? What are the main things to have in mind when combining these two painting mediums in one same piece in order to achieve the best outcome?
It's no secret that watercolor and gouache can work amazingly well together. This said, it can be difficult to get the most out of their combination if we're unaware of the differences between them, as well as how we can combine their distinctive characteristics to create balanced pieces that allow both of them to shine simultaneously.
Learning tips and tricks from experienced artists can definitely open up our horizons to make our ideas come to life more successfully, and this is why I've asked the amazingly talented Haydn Symons to write a post for us!
In today’s blog post, U.K.-based artist Haydn Symons helps us understand the similarities and differences between watercolor and gouache, and why they are so compatible. He'll also be sharing some of his expert tips that will help us successfully integrate both mediums into one great-looking piece.
Haydn is a skilled freelance illustrator and designer with a vast experience working with watercolor and gouache. Throughout the years, he has developed a very striking art style and currently works with clients worldwide within the editorial, publishing and advertising spaces.
Though watercolor and gouache are his favorite painting mediums, Haydn is a multi-passionate artist that constantly explores different drawing and painting techniques, which is something I really believe in myself.
Without any further ado, let’s get into Haydn’s blog post!
Make sure to visit his website to check out more of his amazing work and follow him on social media. Links will be provided at the end.
Confused as to what the similarities and differences are between watercolor and gouache? What are the main things to have in mind when combining these two painting mediums in one same piece in order to achieve the best outcome?
It's no secret that watercolor and gouache can work amazingly well together. This said, it can be difficult to get the most out of their combination if we're unaware of the differences between them, as well as how we can combine their distinctive characteristics to create balanced pieces that allow both of them to shine simultaneously.
Learning tips and tricks from experienced artists can definitely open up our horizons to make our ideas come to life more successfully, and this is why I've asked the amazingly talented Haydn Symons to write a post for us!
In today’s blog post, U.K.-based artist Haydn Symons helps us understand the similarities and differences between watercolor and gouache, and why they are so compatible. He'll also be sharing some of his expert tips that will help us successfully integrate both mediums into one great-looking piece.
Haydn is a skilled freelance illustrator and designer with a vast experience working with watercolor and gouache. Throughout the years, he has developed a very striking art style and currently works with clients worldwide within the editorial, publishing and advertising spaces.
Though watercolor and gouache are his favorite painting mediums, Haydn is a multi-passionate artist that constantly explores different drawing and painting techniques, which is something I really believe in myself.
Without any further ado, let’s get into Haydn’s blog post!
Make sure to visit his website to check out more of his amazing work and follow him on social media. Links will be provided at the end.
3 Tips to Create Amazing Artwork Combining Watercolor and Gouache
by Haydn Symons
Combining watercolor and gouache can be a hard nut to crack, especially if you’re new to either of these painting mediums or to the world of art. In this post, I'll be sharing the main similarities and differences between them, as well as why they are perfect for each other. I'll also be providing three pro tips to keep in mind when using both of these painting mediums in one same piece.
If you want to level up your use of gouache and watercolor, look no further than this blog post!
Combining watercolor and gouache can be a hard nut to crack, especially if you’re new to either of these painting mediums or to the world of art. In this post, I'll be sharing the main similarities and differences between them, as well as why they are perfect for each other. I'll also be providing three pro tips to keep in mind when using both of these painting mediums in one same piece.
If you want to level up your use of gouache and watercolor, look no further than this blog post!
Similarities and Differences Between Watercolor and Gouache
The main similarity between watercolor and gouache is that they are both water-soluble. Both of these painting mediums can be reactivated with water once they've dried. On the other hand, when we work with acrylics or oils, we can certainly lay down subsequent layers of paint to add to or further enhance the look of previous layers, but it will be impossible to modify the layers in and of themselves once they've dried.
In terms of differences, watercolor is transparent, while gouache is opaque. Most of the time (depending on the thickness of the paint layer), when watercolor is placed on paper, we're able to see the underlying paper through the paint. Conversely, when gouache is placed on paper, its thickness and opaqueness covers up the surface fully unless it's been heavily diluted with water.
Check out Erika's Watercolor vs. Gouache blog post to see examples of the same subject painted with both mediums.
Many famous artists have used gouache to produce ground-breaking work, from Edward Hopper and Henri Matisse to Paul Klee. Famous watercolor artists include J. M. W. Turner, John Singer Sargent to Vincent Van Gogh, just to name a few.
Matisse’s famous paper cut outs were created using gouache!
I love painting all kinds of subjects (portraits, landscapes, etc.) integrating both of these mediums, as they mesh together so well. I’ve become quite addicted to combining them!
Check out this book cover illustration of mine, as an example.
Combine These Two Painting Mediums Effectively By Doing the Following
Even though watercolor and gouache can work very well together, to create balanced and visually striking artworks, it's essential to have in mind a few things that will ensure we're playing to each of their strengths.
We want the two mediums to complement and enhance the other harmoniously, and develop a sense of contrast that will create visual interest.
Tip 1. Use watercolor first and gouache second
As previously explained, gouache is the opaque sister of watercolor. Because gouache will easily cover up watercolor, but not the other way around, it's essential to plan out which areas to paint in with each medium. Gouache is the most dominant of the two and you want to make sure that it doesn't overtake the areas painted with watercolor.
Watercolor is delicate and provides a transparent glow, while gouache is punchy and solid. By giving thought to how you'll combine them, you'll allow each to shine in its own way and create a more interesting, balanced piece.
Give thought to how you can complement them, depending on the subject you'll be painting.
It’s a good idea to start your painting with a watercolor base, which is particularly helpful if you've created a preliminary sketch underneath as you'll still be able to see it through the watercolor layer(s).
Another idea is to use watercolor to create a warm or cool underpainting for your gouache to build upon. You can also create a background using watercolors that will then be added to with gouache. Finally, you can start with a wash of watercolor to simply break up the dreaded white space.
Tip 2. Create depth by using a higher color saturation and level of detail in the foreground
The characteristics of these painting mediums can be combined to create an amazing sense of depth in a piece!
If you’re painting a landscape, for example, you can create depth by painting the sky using watercolor and your foreground elements in gouache. Because gouache is thicker and more opaque than watercolor, it will add a bold, sharp punch to closer elements, creating the illusion of these being closer to the viewer.
Because elements further away from us are usually blurry and less saturated in color, adding further details to our foreground elements using gouache can really enhance the sense of depth in a piece.
Tip 3. Use thick watercolor paper or canvas
Because you’ll be using water throughout the painting process, working on thick watercolor paper or watercolor canvas is essential. Using thin, non-suitable paper will make the painting process difficult, as it will warp easily.
I enjoy using Seawhite’s Watercolor Paper in 350 gsm to create my illustrations, whether that be for commissioned work or personal work. Whether you choose to go for this brand or others, I highly recommend using paper that is at least 300 gsm in thickness.
Another alternative is painting directly onto watercolor canvas, as this paper is already pre-stretched and will not result in warping and buckling.
Because you’ll be using water throughout the painting process, working on thick watercolor paper or watercolor canvas is essential. Using thin, non-suitable paper will make the painting process difficult, as it will warp easily.
I enjoy using Seawhite’s Watercolor Paper in 350 gsm to create my illustrations, whether that be for commissioned work or personal work. Whether you choose to go for this brand or others, I highly recommend using paper that is at least 300 gsm in thickness.
Another alternative is painting directly onto watercolor canvas, as this paper is already pre-stretched and will not result in warping and buckling.
*Bonus Tip: Use plenty of water when creating watercolor paint mixtures, but leave gouache mixtures thick and undiluted
One of the major errors that I have come across when combining these two mediums is making them fight against each other by adding too much water to both.
To ensure we're creating a balanced outcome (and to make the painting process go much smoothly), use plenty of water within the watercolor mixtures and only a bit in the gouache mixtures. This will allow the two mediums' contrasting characteristics of translucency vs. opaqueness to really stand out and contrast with each other, creating a ton of visual interest.
Finally, make sure to have fun!
I hope you've enjoyed this blog post to help you create stunning artworks combining watercolor and gouache, and encourage you to give it a go!
Remember to have fun! When creating art we can get bogged down with advice and technicalities, and loose the whole essence of what makes art so enjoyable.
Keep practicing and you'll be onto a winner!
Cheers!
For a list of my favorite art supplies and books, go here.
How have you tried combining these two painting mediums yourself? Are there any tips you’d like to share?
Haydn and I would love to hear from you in the comments section below.
A huge thanks to Haydn, for being so generous and sharing all of this useful information with us! He’s definitely inspired me to combine these two painting mediums more in my own work!
To find out more about more about Haydn and his work, visit his website/portfolio at www.haydnsymons.com
Also, follow Haydn on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haydnsymons/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/haydnsym
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haydnsymonsillustration
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is a participant in the Shareasale.com Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Shareasale.com partner companies.