Category: gouache

Poinsettias in a Blue Vase

I wanted to paint today, but I didn’t want to deal with acrylics and the bit of a mess they create. Gouache has been on my mind as I haven’t done it for a long time!

Starting this painting was a bit tough, just because I am out of practice. Still, I found all the painting I have been doing made it a bit more easy than I anticipated, but, once more I find myself stuck with problems of light and shadow. But here, it is play; the concept is there, and the plan, while not working out, did kind of get there. Certainly you can see where the light is coming from – but not sure how much it worked out.

Fun time, and that is what an easy afternoon is all about! I used bristol paper for this, and was rather pleased with the way the gouache went on. About 10×14 inches.

Fog Monster

Coastal fog swoops in during the months of May and June. “May Grey” and “June Gloom” to be specific! It can make for a very dreary summer – I know as I used to live on the beach. Move a half mile inland, and sunshine abounds. The eco system along parts of California depend on the fog.

Hot press Arches 140# paper makes for a lot of fun scumbling paint and blending it with a hard brush. The paper held up very well to all the abuse I heaped upon its smooth surface.

Spring in Hill Country

While we have not had much rain this year, the countryside still has fields of wildflowers, mostly lupines and poppies.

Today, I decided to just paint, not think too much, to see if I could get a good sense of value. I did a couple of paintings. I used hot press paper, whereas I normally use cold press when I paint. I tried two different brands, and the Arches won out.

Along the Fence Last Summer

I have been so busy these past few weeks with cleaning and rearranging my house, discarding this, donating that, setting up a sewing cabinet, having personal documents shredded, etc., etc., etc., that the idea of sitting down to paint is like craving that first cup of coffee in the morning – I need it!

Whew. When I opened my gouache box, the smell of mold was there. Gouache needs to be kept damp, and if not opened up and used on a regular (i.e. daily) basis, moldy it can become. It’s not my idea of a good time.

I just decided to paint, not caring what it smelled like – and an open window and a good breeze helps! I mixed up colors, mashed up this and that, and when I was done, took everything to the sink and ran the water as hot as I could. Now, all is soaking, and here is a painting based upon a photo I took awhile ago.