Watercolour vs Gouache

Watercolour and gouache are both water-based paints, but they behave very differently. Understanding their characteristics helps artists choose the right medium for their style and subject matter.

Watercolour Characteristics

Watercolour is transparent and relies on the white of the paper to create highlights. It is ideal for luminous washes, subtle transitions, and expressive spontaneity.

Mistakes are difficult to correct, which encourages planning and restraint.

Gouache Characteristics

Gouache is opaque due to added chalk or pigment density. It allows for solid colour blocks, corrections, and layering over dark areas.

Gouache combines qualities of watercolour and acrylic, making it popular for illustration and design work.

Key Differences

• Watercolour: transparent, light-driven, unpredictable
• Gouache: opaque, controllable, forgiving

Choosing the Right Medium

Choose watercolour for atmospheric and expressive work. Choose gouache for bold shapes, flat colour, and graphic clarity.

Both mediums reward practice and experimentation.