Painting 33

Ref 875 Gouache .-  (gwash), also called opaque watercolor,

Is heavier than traditional transparent watercolors, with a higher pigment to water ratio.  It has unique properties and peculiarities, among them an extremely fast drying time, and the fact that colors dry to a different value than when they were originally applied.  (In general, lights dry lighter; darks dry darker.)  This provides an interesting challenge to the painter, especially if work is being done over several sessions
Because gouache remains “live”, unless it is fixed in some way, wet paint – or a wet brush – stroked over it will activate the existing paint, and the existing paint can mix with the fresh paint.  Referred to as “lifting”, this characteristic is frustrating to many people who don’t use gouache very often.  Because of my own painting method, I embrace this characteristic and make use of it extensively.
Will the gouache crack? They say it will if applied too thickly. The problem is, I can’t find a definition of “too thick”. It might if done on paper, or any flexible support. 
Gouache dries to a matte, suede-like finish.  It’s pretty tough paint, and unless the surface is scratched, it holds up well to being handled.  Because it dries immediately, I did over cardboard previously covered with wáter-colored modeling paste,  framed with tape fig 875A and from there I apply gouache color accordingly

                                                Fig 875A

 

 

 Like acrylics, gouache dries quickly, even more quickly than acrylics.  However, unlike acrylics, it can be reworked months, even years later.  A wet brush will reactivate gouache, and new color can be blended into existing paint, directly on the painting.  No medium is required other than wáter.
As my work continues to evolve, I find myself continually exploring a wider variation of color, softening edges, and experimenting with brushwork. now I´ll be working with gouache and probably mixed media in more tan one ocassion


                                                  Fig 875B
                                    "Color speak all languajes"
To complement this painting I added iridiscent médium mixed with the brillant red, ultramarine,violet and leaf Green to make and additional glowing on the paint