Goo What?

When I meet people and talk with them about my artwork there are generally two questions they puzzle over. How do you pronounce gouache? And what exactly is gouache? Most people are familiar with artworks painted with Oils, Acrylic and Watercolours but not Gouache.

 How do you Pronounce Gouache?

Gouache is pronounced, “gwash” or “goo-ash”. The word originally comes from the Italian word guazzo, which means “mud” or “puddle”, reflecting the thick and creamy consistency of the paint.  Popularity in Europe rose in the eighteenth century after the French started using the word gouache to describe the opaque water-based medium we use today.

 Then they ask, “What Exactly is Gouache Paint?”

Gouache paint is an opaque watercolour paint made by mixing pigments with a binding agent, typically gum arabic and the addition of a filler. Gum Arabic is a natural binder from the sap of the acacia tree. The pigments in gouache are ground into powder, but not as finely as watercolour pigments resulting in a paint that is thicker and more opaque than traditional watercolours.

With watercolour the tiny particles of pigment become enmeshed in the fibre of the paper; in gouache the colour lies on the surface of the paper, forming a continuous layer, or coating.

 History of Gouache 

Gouache has a rich history that can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians who valued gouache for its vibrancy when decorating paintings on tombs and temples. 

In medieval Europe, gouache gained popularity as an illuminator on manuscripts to add vibrant colour and detail to intricate illustrations.

Then during the Renaissance, there was a significant turning point as gouache emerged as a popular medium for creating detailed and realistic paintings. Gouache allowed artists to access bold and opaque colours for their artworks.

Choosing the Right Materials.

When selecting paints and papers for my works I only use the most high-quality materials. Professional Grade Winsor & Newton Designer Gouache and 100% Cotton Quality Watercolour Paper. Professional paints contain a higher pigment load, resulting in richer and more intense colours. Using quality paper also ensures the colours appear true and vibrant, and that the surface can handle the heavy pigment of gouache paint.