Rediscovering Gouache

In this book, gouache, a classic technique—used by Turner, Toulouse-Lautrec, Bonnard, Picasso, Gris, Braque, Matisse and Miró, among many others often compared to watercolour, acquires a new dimension, as it offers a bolder approach to contemporary artists, illustrators and graphic designers. Gouache erases the boundaries between ‘proper painting’ and the spontaneous charm of watercolour, combining the advantages of both techniques. Diluted, gouache is almost like watercolour, but when used on its own, it can be applied in opaque layers with a matte surface reminiscent of pastels. Soluble in water, it is rather forgiving and allows for corrections and revisions, and finally, the fine grain of the pigment it contains makes detailed drawings possible. Award-winning illustrator Aljoscha Blau shares his many years of experience, offers material recommendations, tips for swift success, suggestions on composition, the use of colour, tools and processes. And he spices it all up with his own illustrations, which are both an incentive and a feast for the eyes...

In this book, gouache, a classic technique—used by Turner, Toulouse-Lautrec, Bonnard, Picasso, Gris, Braque, Matisse and Miró, among many others often compared to watercolour, acquires a new dimension, as it offers a bolder approach to contemporary artists, illustrators and graphic designers. Gouache erases the boundaries between ‘proper painting’ and the spontaneous charm of watercolour, combining the advantages of both techniques. Diluted, gouache is almost like watercolour, but when used on its own, it can be applied in opaque layers with a matte surface reminiscent of pastels. Soluble in water, it is rather forgiving and allows for corrections and revisions, and finally, the fine grain of the pigment it contains makes detailed drawings possible. Award-winning illustrator Aljoscha Blau shares his many years of experience, offers material recommendations, tips for swift success, suggestions on composition, the use of colour, tools and processes. And he spices it all up with his own illustrations, which are both an incentive and a feast for the eyes...