The South African Artist – July 2019

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ARTIST: RENTIA COETZEE

PREFERRED MEDIUM: OILS, WATERCOLOURS AND PASTELS

EXPERIMENTING WITH: GOUACHE

Gouache is designed to be used
with opaque methods of painting
and has a considerable history going
back over 600 years. It is used most
consistently by commercial artists
for posters, illustrations, comics and
other design work. This medium is
similar to watercolour in that it can be re-wetted, it dries to a matte
finish, and the paint can become infused with its paper support. It is

similar to acrylic or oil paints in that it is usually used in an opaque

painting style and can form a superficial layer. Many manufacturers

of watercolour paints also produce gouache, and the two can easily

be used together. We asked artist Rentia Coetzee review a medium

by Reeves that she doesn’t often use. “I decided to try gouache,

and Reeves supplied me with a beautiful set of paints, brushes and

watercolour boards (new to me). I think Reeves gouache is a good

choice for beginners, and great value for money because the colours

are strong and I was impressed with the consistency of the paints.”

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STEP 1:

I lightly draw the outlines of my subject on the

watercolour board. I try not to erase as it damages

the board’s surface. I keep in mind the focal point,

keeping details away from the edge of the canvas and

making sure that the negative space is asymmetrical.

STEP 2:

A limited palette (red, yellow and blue) is always best

to avoid muddy colours. I start blocking in colours.

Try to be adventurous with your colour choices and

always use a bigger brush so that you don’t fiddle.

Gouache can be lightened with white paint. Try to use

less water than with watercolour. I keep tissue paper

handy for blotting my brush.