It has been getting progressively more difficult to find reference photos that inspire me. The more I paint, the more picky I’ve been getting about what makes a decent reference photo. Ideally, I want an interesting/exaggerated perspective, strong lighting and a close up on the face. That isn’t always available to me though so I…
Category: Gouache
Days of Gouache – Week 10
This week and the end of last week I as forced to slow down with my daily paintings. I was babysitting my niece for a few days and it is nearly impossible to paint while watching a toddler as I’m sure many of you with young kids understand. I still painted every day and took…
Days of Gouache – Week 9
This week I finished filling up my sketchbook. This is the first time I’ve ever filled up any sketchbook so I’m really proud of myself. The final painting in that sketchbook didn’t turn out as well as I would have hoped, but I was distracted that day and really not feeling my reference photo. I…
Days of Gouache – Week 8
I have some exciting news. I sold three paintings this week and dibs have been called on seven more. Instead of calling it a profit though I will have roughly broke even on all of the gouache supplies I’ve bought. I’m definitely still calling it a win. I’d much rather break even than go into…
Days of Gouache – Week 7
I’m still here, still painting. There are only nine pages left in my sketchbook, but I’m still not sure I’m finished with these daily paintings. I bought some toned paper that I’m dying to try out as well as some cotton paper. I’ve been using some cheap Canson paper and it has worked well for…
Days of Gouache – Week 6
This week I was going to do an overview of my 30 day gouache challenge with a bit of a review of gouache itself thrown in there. However, I feel like I’ve hit my stride with gouache. And instead of breaking stride, I’m keeping it going. I extended my challenge to filling my sketchbook which…
30 Days of Gouache – Week 5
My 30 day challenge to paint in gouache is complete. I think it is somewhat of a success too. There were certainly days that didn’t work out so well, but that is mainly because I didn’t have a very good reference, wasn’t in the mood to paint, or a combination of both. This last week,…
30 Days of Gouache – Week 4
Another week of gouache is done. This week went quite a bit better than last week. I’ve been working on being more patient while I paint and letting previous layers dry before continuing. This has to be, by far, by biggest hurdle with learning water medias. With oils, I just adjust the amount of medium…
30 Days of Gouache – Week 3
It was hard to stay on track this week, but I managed to somehow not miss a day. Not all of the paintings are my best work, but I’m posting everything, good or bad. It is easy to always put your best work on display. It is more difficult to put something out that you…
30 Days of Gouache – Week 2
Week two of my 30-day gouache challenge is complete. I’m still really liking the medium. My husband compared the look of these paintings to a paint by number kit. I like it though. I also like the subtle watercolor look I achieved on a few pieces. I think I may be starting to get the…
30 Days of Gouache – Week 1
Two days is hardly a week, but my arbitrary posting schedule demands a post every Thursday. I thrive under schedules and deadlines, even if they’re self imposed. There is a steep learning curve to any new medium, and gouache is no exception. While my first painting wasn’t a total flop, I over worked it and…
30 Days of Gouache
For the month of May I’ll be doing another 30-day challenge. As the third 30-day challenge I’ve done this year, I think it is becoming clear that I really love doing these challenges. Only this time will be slightly different since I’ll be using gouache instead of oils. If you’re unfamiliar with gouache, it is…