Introduction to Gouache, Noosaville, June
21 - 22 June
9:00am - 4:00pm
Noosa Arts and Crafts Association
Wallace House
1 Wallace Drive. Noosaville QLD 4566
Air-conditioned studio. Kitchen and bathroom in the same building. Parking directly outside.
This gouache painting workshop for beginners offers an exciting opportunity to explore the medium’s rich, vibrant colours and unique properties. While similar to watercolour paints, gouache has its own distinct qualities that require different techniques in its application. Gouache's opaque finish allows for vibrant, flat colours and smooth transitions, making it ideal for creating bold illustrations, poster-style artwork, designs, and highly detailed subjects.
Throughout this workshop, you'll learn how to use gouache with confidence, mastering key techniques such as layering, blending, and creating texture. We’ll explore both the practical aspects of handling gouache and the creative process of incorporating it into your artwork. Whether you're working on illustrations, landscape paintings, or detailed portraits, this workshop will guide you in unlocking the full potential of gouache, enabling you to create eye-catching pieces full of depth and richness. By the end, you'll be well-equipped to confidently tackle any project with this versatile medium.
Bookings: Book through NACA HERE.
$150 for NACA members or $180 for non-members
What To Bring:
Paints –You will need tubes of traditional gouache (not acryla gouache) of a professional quality brand as they will certainly yield better results than cheap versions. Holbein are the best! The three primary colours of Cyan, Magenta and Yellow, plus black and white, will suffice. Otherwise, bring a set or whatever you may already own. Extra white is essential as you will need more of that than other colours.
Paper –You will require 300gsm watercolour paper in Medium or Hot Pressed (smooth). My recommendation is to buy a watercolour block as the paper is already stretched. ¼ or ½ sheet size is fine. Quality brands are Arches, Saunders Waterford, Fabriano Artistico (no other Fabriano), or Baohong. Student quality paper just doesn’t work well. Make sure the paper is 100% Cotton.
Optional: Illustration board or Claybord, but no need to go and buy.
Brushes - Bring whatever watercolour brushes you already own but include at least two ‘rounds’ with a sharp point (one small and one larger), plus ‘flats’ in a range of sizes. There are so many good brushes on the market I won’t specify any particular brand, but just make sure they are designated watercolour brushes. (Not acrylic or oil brushes with long handles!). Either natural or synthetic hair are fine.
Palette – Any clean plastic palettes with lots of wells will suit. Otherwise, white ceramic small dishes or plates will also work. Make sure they have a large enough mixing area.
Board –Larger than your paper and something to prop up under one end for working at an angle.
Other Necessities – Drawing equipment (pencils, eraser, ruler etc, plus pen and paper for taking notes), 1 sheet of graphite transfer paper (not carbon paper), tracing paper (1 or 2 A4 size), an old towel or hand towel, tissues, 2 plastic containers for water, and masking tape. A plastic pipette for squirting small amounts of water would also be handy. Optional: Gum Arabic & Ox Gall if you already have either.
I will supply the reference material for this workshop, but you are welcome to bring any favourite copyright free images of subjects of your choice. I suggest you also have an A4 photocopy of your chosen image to use for transferring.
Please book through NACA. Don't use the shopping cart below. Thanks!