Gouache Workshop by Marian Hirsch

Gouache (pronounced gwäsh) is an opaque water-based paint. It is an extremely versatile medium that bridges working methods similar with watercolor, acrylic and oil. That flexibility to work either transparently or opaquely is one of this medium’s key attributes. The soft matte finish is quite appealing and the applied paint can be manipulated and altered long after original paint applications, unlike acrylic. Because the paint has a higher pigment load and the particles are not as finely ground as watercolor, means paint can be applied with an ala-prima impasto technique. I have spent years exploring the many ways this paint can be used and will share tips and working techniques that will enhance your own exploration of the medium. From strong and bright to subtle and layered – gouache offers many possibilities.

Marian Hirsch is a full-time professional artist. The artist is a signature member of Southwestern Watercolor Society, Texas and Neighbors, Associated Creative Artists, Pastel Society of America and Pastel Society of the Southwest. Her work is included in numerous corporate collections such as Ford Motor Company, AT&T, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Merrill Lynch, Lucent Technologies, Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, and Verizon Wireless. Her paintings have been published in Artist's Magazine, American Artist, International Artist Magazine and the Pastel Journal. She is included in the book 200 Great Painting Ideas for Artists by North Light Books. The illustrations she creates can be found on numerous consumer goods including greeting cards, giftwrap, calendars and puzzles. Major retailers who have carried her designs include Target, Pottery Barn, American Greetings and Carlton Cards. More about the artist can be found on her website: www.MARIANHIRSCH.com