Question 1

What is gouache and how does it differ from watercolour?

Accepted Answer

Gouache is an opaque, water-based paint that dries to a flat, matt finish. Unlike watercolour, which relies on the white of the paper showing through transparent washes, gouache covers the surface it is applied to with an opaque layer of colour. It can be used to paint light colours over dark and to make corrections and adjustments, which watercolour cannot. When diluted with water it becomes progressively more transparent, allowing the two approaches to be combined in the same piece.

Question 2

Can Sennelier gouache be mixed with watercolour?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Sennelier gouache is water-soluble and fully compatible with watercolour and inks, allowing combinations of opacity and transparency in the same work. Over 40 of the colours in the Sennelier gouache range correspond directly to colours in their French Artists' Watercolour range, making the two particularly well suited for mixed use.

Question 3

Why are these five colours a good starting point for gouache?

Accepted Answer

Primary Yellow, Quinacridone Red, Phthalocyanine Blue, Titanium White, and Mars Black are all high-quality, largely single-pigment colours that mix cleanly. From these five colours it is possible to mix a very wide range of secondary and tertiary colours, and to lighten with white and deepen with black, giving a functional working palette before any additional colours are purchased.

Question 4

What surfaces does Sennelier gouache work on?

Accepted Answer

Sennelier gouache works on most types of thick paper and card. Watercolour paper, illustration board, and toned papers are all suitable surfaces. Very thin or lightweight paper is not recommended as the moisture in the paint can cause buckling.

Question 5

Is Sennelier Extra Fine La Gouache lightfast?

Accepted Answer

The five colours in this set are all highly lightfast — the pigments used are among the most stable available. Fluorescent colours in the range are the exception to this, but none of the colours in the Primary Set are fluorescent.

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