Dive into the vibrant and versatile world of gouache in this immersive four-hour workshop, perfect for beginners and intermediate artists alike. We’ll start with the basics—understanding materials, mixing techniques, and brush handling—before moving into layering, opacity control, and how to harness gouache’s unique ability to reconstitute after it is fully dry. Students work from their reference or from photos supplied by the instructor.

Recommended Gouache Paints: (DO NOT use ‘Acrylic Gouache’ for this workshop!) I prefer Winsor & Newton Designer Gouache but there are many brands available. The ShinHan Gouache Set of 12 is a professional paint at a budget-friendly price available on Amazon. Utrecht Gouache at DickBlick.com is also a great professional paint option that I use often.
Colors: 12 Colors you might find on my palette. You are free to use your favorite colors!
Permanent White (Big Tube – 37 ml 1.25 fl oz)
Primary Yellow, Brilliant Yellow, or Spectrum Yellow
Permanent Yellow Deep, or Orange
Yellow Ocher
Flame Red, Primary Red, or Windsor Red
Permanent Alizarin Crimson
Burnt Sienna
Ultramarine Blue
Windsor Blue, Primary Blue, or Phthalo Blue
Windsor Violet, Deep Violet, or Dioxazine Purple
Brilliant Green, Yellow Green, or Linden Green
Perm. Sap Green, Medium Green, or Olive Green

Palette: Butcher Tray 7.5 x 11 inches
Surfaces: There are plenty of surface options for gouache painting.
Strathmore Mixed Media 184 lb. Paper pads 6×8 or 9×12 in White, Gray, or Tan.
Fluid 100 Cold Press Watercolor Block 300 lb. sizes 5×7 up to 9×12.
Or, any cold press watercolor paper or pad will be suitable.
Brushes: I like Princeton and Robert Simmons brushes but any brand synthetic brush will work.
Princeton Velvet Touch Short Handle Wash 1”, ¾”, ½”
Princeton Long Round Size #10
Simply Simmons #0 Liner.
Pencils: BiColor pencil, or a simple #2 HB pencil.
Water Mister: Chroma Atelier Water Sprayer.
Water Container
Paper Towels or Rags