ZOOM Class: Intro To Gouache With A Heart (4.28.21)

Event Phone: 813.704.0712

Come and join me, Laure, for an Introduction To Gouache! We’ll be painting this lovely heart design with a layered method. The heart designs shown are both painted on dark papers, but gouache can also be painted on white paper as well. Though I have to admit, I do love the drama of the dark backgrounds!

The heart design is based on an embroidery design and would make a lovely card for Mother’s Day, a birthday or just because.

Some questions I often hear about gouache are what is it and how do I use it. Gouache is opaque watercolor. It can be applied thickly so the paper does not show throw at all or it can be thinned with water so it can be layered and blended with other colors. Using gouache is different from transparent watercolor and quite simple to use. The biggest challenge will be learning to control the amount of water you use because it doesn’t take much!

If you’re just starting out and need to purchase the paint, I have seen sets of twelve at both Michael’s and Hobby Lobby stores for under ten dollars. For the purposes of painting a card to give to a friend or loved one, these sets would be more than sufficient. After trying the medium and discovering how much you like it, you can always upgrade to a higher level of product. I have listed two different sets in the supply list below for your convenience.

Have other questions? Send them to me by clicking here!

Other important things to know:

Do I Have To Know How To Draw?

No, you do not. You will be provided with step-by-step instructions along with the design and lettering to trace onto your paper.

Do I Need To Know How To Paint With Gouache Paint?

No, you do not. It would be helpful to have some experience with watercolors before taking this class, but beginners with adventurous and courageous attitudes are always most welcome!

Do I Have To Have Your Exact Supply List?

No, you don’t. I encourage you to use what you already have with the exception of specific requirements. Your results will vary from mine regardlesss of whether you’re using the exact same pigments as we all paint differently.

When Will Class Be Held?

Class will be held live and online on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. EDST and will last approximately two hours (but probably longer as I will try to answer as many questions as I can).

Can I Access The Class Later? 

Yes, the class will be recorded and posted on The Imaginary Realm and you will have access to the videos for one year from the date of the class or the date you sign up after April 28th.

How Long Will I Have The Materials?

You will have the class instructions handout (in pdf form) forever as they will be emailed to you. You will have access to the videos for one year from the date of the class or the date you sign up after April 28, 2021.

Can I Get A Refund For This Class?

Unfortunately, that’s not possible once access to the class materials has been given.

Have Another Question?

Ask away by sending this form to Laure!

Recommended Supply List

Black paper (https://amzn.to/3rtfOMl) OR Kraft paper card (https://amzn.to/3wbQvSw) and envelopes*  OR a 5″ x 7” white card appropriate for watercolor (https://amzn.to/2XGEQM8)** Alternatives: You may find a set of cards at your local craft store as well. If you have heavy cardstock in black or kraft brown, you can use those as well. Stonehenge (https://amzn.to/3u7hXyW) makes a black watercolor paper as well as a Kraft brown paper (https://amzn.to/2PH4izH) that would also work. You could also try heavyweight scrapbook paper, but I have not tried it myself. 

Fons & Porter mechanical pencil with white lead (https://amzn.to/3dkaBRU)** – this is my very favorite white pencil for working on dark surfaces. Alternatives: You can also use WAX-FREE white graphite paper (https://amzn.to/39qeio3) or a white charcoal pencil (https://amzn.to/3m1wQQI). Please Note: White colored pencils or watercolor pencils are not good choices as you must be able to lift the marks with an eraser rather than water. 

White Eraser
Kneaded Eraser**

#4 or 6 round brush with a good point** (https://amzn.to/39fMgu5)

Beginner’s Set: Royal & Langnickel Gouache Paint Set (https://amzn.to/3fuBS7f)** Alternatives: Check your local craft stores for paint alternative sets.

Advanced Set: M. Graham Gouache Paint Set (https://amzn.to/2O1FwKg)

Facial Tissues

Clean scrap paper (to rest your hand on)

Paper Towels

Secondary palette** – this can be a palette, a white glass plate or a plastic plate

**Be sure to have the supplies marked with a double asterisk as they will be key to the success of the project.

Optional Supplies

Graphite transfer paper (https://amzn.to/2WCYVCq) – If you purchase transfer paper, please make sure it is Wax Free). See further comments below.

Porcelain Palette with small wells (https://amzn.to/3czcKZF) – When working with small amounts of gouache, this palette is wonderful for short term painting. If you are going to doing a lot of work with gouache, you will want to invest in a self-sealing palette. Please see below:

Self-sealing palette (https://amzn.to/3u3RylH) OR a paint set with a self-sealing palette (https://amzn.to/2PI83VB) – These palettes and set are for someone who will be doing a lot of work with gouache paint. A self-sealing palette helps to keep the paint from drying out. Most gouaches will eventually dry out and most can be reconstituted with water, but I do not use gouache often enough to warrant putting a large amount of paint out at one time. For this reason, I use a smaller porcelain palette and store it in a plastic ziplock bag in the refrigerator with a piece of damp sponge.

#2 round watercolor brush (https://amzn.to/39fMgu5) is useful for some of the smaller details, but not strictly necessary if your larger brush comes to a sharp point.

Blow dryer

Transfer Papers

If you purchase graphite transfer paper please be sure it is Wax Free.

To transfer your project without graphite transfer paper, you can use a window or light box. You can also scribble graphite on the back of the paper to transfer the design.