I’ve run into quite a few problems working with gouache in the many years I’ve been using it. Some are entirely avoidable while others are part of the creative process. As you paint, you’re introduced to challenges that couldn’t have been predicted. Not every painting will go smoothly and sometimes you just mess up! So if that happens to be the case, what should you do? First and foremost, don’t panic. There’s plenty you can do.
In this article, we’ll go over some mistakes you might run into and cover how to fix them. We’ll start with the ones that are easily avoidable and gradually move to more technically challenging issues.
MISTAKE YOU’RE NOT WORKING WITH THE RIGHT PAPER
Choosing the right paper for your gouache project will save you a lot of heartache. It’s not emphasised very often, but the paper you choose can make or break your painting so it’s worth giving it a fair amount of consideration. The wrong paper can be hard to work with, give mediocre results, and leave you feeling unsatisfied or frustrated. Best to avoid these scenarios altogether by choosing optimal materials from the start.
For example, if your paper is too thin, you risk