A Life of Color

After doing the watercolor and ink florals in February, I wanted to continue exploring pen and ink . 

With Spring coming, I was ready for flowers and lots of color

I got out my gouache!

Gouache is an Opaque watercolor paint. With traditional watercolor, the paint is transparent allowing the paper or paint underneath to be seen.  After drying, both will reactivate when water is added.  Gouache can be transparent like watercolors with enough water added so it gives you a lot of flexibility!

Here is a quick comparison 

Traditional watercolor is on the left, with Gouache on the right in similar colorways.  The Gouache can be transparent like the watercolor but is much more vibrant and opaque in the top of the swatch at full strength. 

I am really trying to take time this year to take classes and learning new things.  While some are stand alone paid courses and others are quick online free tutorials, I am finding my Skillshare membership has the most value for money for art and tech courses. (And I have no affiliation with them).  

Back in February, I saw Ohn Mar Win's course "Organic Expressive Florals with Watercolor and Ink" and put it in my queue.  I love following her Instagram feed with fresh illustrations and unique sketchbooks while using all sorts mixed media.  I received a Winsor & Newton Calligraphy set and a Phaidon Flower Color Guide for my Birthday in January; I was ready!