Introduction to Gouache with Ellen Jean Diederich
About this Event
Discover the beauty and versatility of gouache (pronounced "guwash") in this engaging three-day workshop designed for beginners and artists looking to explore a new medium! Led by award-winning master artist Ellen Jean Diederich, this workshop offers a hands-on opportunity to practice and understand this centuries-old, opaque watercolor medium that dries to a lovely, velvety matte surface.
Gouache is a favorite among Plein Air painters and studio artists alike because it blends beautifully with traditional watercolors. It allows you to create soft pastels, layer light colors over dark values, and seamlessly shift from transparent washes to rich, opaque layers.
Key Concepts You Will Explore:
The Unique Qualities of Gouache: Understanding its behavior, coverage, and matte finish.
Traditional vs. Acrylic Gouache: Learning the structural differences (the instructor will be working in traditional gouache).
The Layering Process: Master the importance of an underpainting, working dark to light, and painting thin to thick.
Practical Tips & Tricks: Essential techniques that make handling gouache easy and stress-free.
Each day, you will paint along with Ellen, exploring vibrant subjects like flowers and landscapes. Rather than focusing on drawing skills, this workshop is pure painting practice! The instructor will provide reference photos and sketches you can easily trace, though you are always welcome to bring and sketch your own.
Expect to embrace the process, practice your new skills, and finish the workshop with a beautiful painting or two!
Materials to bring:
Student Supply List: Start with what you have! Feel free to bring your favorite brushes and tools already on hand. Because gouache dries quickly, an airtight palette and a small spray bottle are highly recommended.
Required Materials:
Paint: A set of 18 traditional gouache colors (such as Holbein or Winsor & Newton). Note: Please do not purchase acrylic gouache for this class.
Paper: 140lb. professional watercolor paper.
Palette: An airtight palette to keep paints moist, such as the Mijello Fusion 18 (a plastic jewel box palette also works well).
Reference Materials: An iPad, smartphone, or your own printed photographs to use as painting references. (The instructor will also email photos and sketches ahead of time for you to print and trace).
Studio Tools & Essentials:
Supportive painting board (Gatorboard or a sturdy drawing board)
Frog Tape (highly recommended) or masking tape
Cup-sized water container & paper towels
18” ruler or straight edge
HB or #2 drawing pencils
Jet eraser and yellow gum eraser
Sharpie marker
2 ½” house brush (black bristle) and your favorite watercolor brushes
Optional / Alternative Approach:
If you do not wish to buy a full gouache set, you can use your traditional watercolors and mix in specific opaque paints. If you choose this route, or want to supplement a smaller set, the following neutral gouache colors are highly recommended (use staining watercolors for the base if you have them):
Winsor & Newton: Permanent White, Pale Rose Blush, Neutral Gray, Jet Black, Naples Yellow, and Ivory Black
Holbein: Myosotis Blue
Photos and sketches will be emailed to students to print out and trace in a window onto watercolor paper.
Additional gouache paints, paper, brushes, and airtight palettes will be available for purchase from the instructor during the workshop. * She also will have palettes and Holbein color sets she’s purchased at a discount and may be purchased from her.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 182.47 to USD 443.16
