Watercolor and gouache are both water-based painting techniques, but they have some key differences that make them unique.
Watercolor is a transparent medium, meaning that the paint is applied in thin layers, allowing the white of the paper to show through. This creates a delicate, ethereal quality in the finished piece. Watercolors are often used for landscapes, florals, and other subjects that benefit from the translucency of the medium.
Gouache, on the other hand, is an opaque medium. The paint is more heavily pigmented, resulting in a more solid, matte finish. This makes gouache a great option for subjects that require more coverage, such as portraits, illustrations, and design work.
Another key difference between watercolor and gouache is the way they are applied. Watercolor is typically applied in a wet-on-wet technique, where the paint is applied to a wet surface. This allows for more blending and movement in the paint, creating a more fluid look. Gouache, on the other hand, is often applied in a wet-on-dry technique, where the paint is applied to a dry surface. This results in a more controlled, precise application of the paint.
Another difference is that gouache is more versatile than watercolor, you can use it in a similar way to watercolor, but you can also use it as an opaque medium to paint over other colors, and it can be used to create a wide range of textures and effects.
In summary, watercolor and gouache are both water-based painting techniques, but they have distinct differences in terms of transparency, finish, and application. Watercolor is a transparent medium that is often used for landscapes and florals, while gouache is an opaque medium that is great for portraits, illustrations, and design work. Both mediums have their own unique characteristics and can be used to create beautiful works of art.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Irish Artmart.
