What is a Gouache?
Definition: Gouache is an opaque water-based paint made with pigment, gum arabic, and a white filler such as chalk to give it body and matte finish. It is favored by illustrators, designers, and fine artists for its vibrant color, solid coverage, and ability to layer without reactivating the underlying surface.
Unlike watercolor, gouache does not allow light to pass through, resulting in flatter, more graphic effects. It can be applied thickly or diluted for semi-transparent washes. Gouache is often used for works on paper, especially where crisp edges and bold contrasts are desired.
Artists such as Henri Matisse and Ellsworth Kelly incorporated gouache into their practices, and it remains a popular medium for print studies, preparatory work, and finished compositions alike.
