I’ve recently started using gouache. I’m still calling it experimental even though I’ve used it for client work. No matter what I do, I always end up using a variety of media. It’s usually some combination of paint, acrylic inks, Caran d’ache Supracolor pencils, and Photoshop or Manga Studio, with a side of collage of some sort. In other words, I use whatever works to get the job done.
In this first photo I first printed out a colorized sketch onto my Fabriano hot press watercolor paper (reddish sketch). Then I painted in the shadows with a mix of blue gouache and purple acrylic ink.
 |
| Underpainting of acrylic ink mixed with gouache. |
Here I’ve laid in the basic colors in gouache on the figures. There’s not much detail, yet.
 |
| Basic colors laid in. |
Now I’m starting to define details and add more modeling to the figures with color pencil. I use Caran d’ache Supracolor pencils.
 |
| Adding details with color pencil. |
I decided the yellow background wasn’t working so I took this old watercolor and salt painting into Photoshop to colorize and lighten it.
 |
| Watercolor with salt painting. |
 |
| Colorizing the background. |
I added a vignette border to the background for the final piece. At Renee’s suggestion, I also painted some glare on the ice in Photoshop.
 |
| The final piece. |
I hope you find this helpful. I’m still learning to use the gouache, but I’m loving it so far.
This piece came from my sketching while watching the Olympics. If you’re following me on Instagram, you’ll recognize them.
